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Miss Universe Turks & Caicos among the Top Beauties to Watch in upcoming Pageant, shares her platform on Gun Violence Prevention

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Deandrea Hamilton
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Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – She is steadily among the Top contestants in three different polls, namely Official Photos, which puts Miss Universe TCI at No. 8; Hot Picks, which positions her at No. 16 and most notably, the Miss Universe Team Predictions Pre-Arrival, which showcases Raynae Meyers at No. 27.

The 23-year old has penned that she is excited about representing the islands at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition set for Mexico in a matter of days, clearly aware that going into the pageant she is already a favourite.

“A dash of sophistication with a sprinkle of charm. Are you ready? The countdown begins. Turks and Caicos is BACK, stronger than ever.”

The hundreds of people following her progress on Facebook are also lavishing her with praises as she posts images from her photoshoots, her practice sessions and shares tidbits about herself.

“It feels good to see the international community showing love to @simply.raynae! Her journey has been remarkable and watching her growth throughout her preparation is so inspiring,” said Miss Universe TCI organisers.

Raynae Meyers, who has made no secret of the impact of crime on her life by starting a movement against gun violence in honour of her brother, killed in October 2020, has blossomed as an advocate and as a contestant.

“My message transcends the crown… unfortunately, life has shown me just how fragile it can be. My Family and I were forever changed when we tragically lost our eldest brother – Raykwon Morris – to gun violence. Arriving at the scene at just 19-years old, I saw my brother’s lifeless body on the ground. Hearing the cries of his father and feeling my mother’s body as it trembled as she held on to me, my heart shattered into a million pieces. It was true, he was gone. The person I knew to be my protector, my guardian, the person who came to me and said to me – every night – that ‘hey, you are my little sister and I love you’ was taken away by the senseless pull of a trigger. It has left a permanent pain in my heart and this is something that too many families, around the world, have had to endure and that is why I refuse to let my brother’s death be in vain. I refuse to stand by as more lives are lost, more families shattered and more dreams extinguished by the senseless pull of a trigger,” said Miss Universe TCI 2024 in a sobering reveal of her platform meant to soothe families at home and abroad.

With just days to go, Miss Universe TCI leaves for the show which attracted 2.4 million viewers in 2023, on Tuesday.

The Miss Universe pageant will be held in Mexico City, Mexico on November 16, 2024 where Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, the reigning title holder will crown her successor at Arena CDMX. Other Caribbean region countries to be represented at the competition are: Aruba, The Bahamas, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Martinique, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands.

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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