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Minister Saunders: Building a “Tech Forward” Government for a Global Turks and Caicos

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, June 20, 2025 – Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. E. Jay Saunders, says the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) must embrace a future where digital tools, innovation, and technology shape the way government and society function; he was speaking to a packed room at the recently held, Turks & Caicos Islands Business Outlook.

In those remarks, Saunders laid out his bold vision for transforming TCI into a “tech forward” government — one that uses cutting-edge solutions to make life better for its citizens, while positioning the country as a global player in the digital economy.

“The most influential people in the world today are the ones driving innovation and creating technology that impacts billions,” Saunders said. “We in the Turks and Caicos must think globally — and act with ambition — if we want to shape our own future.”

Saunders stressed that building a smarter, more efficient government is not just about convenience — it’s about national competitiveness, economic growth, and sovereignty. “If we lag behind in technology, we risk being left behind altogether. But if we lead, we can become a beacon in the region and beyond.”

As part of his ministry’s growing Innovation Agenda, Saunders outlined several priority projects:

  • Digitizing Government: Ongoing work to move key government services online, reducing red tape and improving transparency and accountability.
  • Digital National ID: The creation of a secure, modern ID system to streamline services and enhance both convenience and national security.
  • Broadband Expansion: A major push to provide affordable, high-speed internet across the islands — with a strong focus on making access universal in public schools.
  • Growing the Tech Ecosystem: Encouraging the development of a local tech sector by fostering education, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships.

“The world we live in today is shaped by the ideas of people like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the late Steve Jobs,” Saunders observed. “Why can’t we inspire our own innovators here in TCI? Why can’t the next global tech idea come from a young person on these islands?”

Saunders believes that by embracing innovation at every level of government and society, the Turks and Caicos can foster a culture of creativity and opportunity. His goal is not only to deliver better services — but to build a nation that competes and collaborates on the global stage.

“This is about creating an environment where our young people, our entrepreneurs, and our citizens can thrive in the digital age,” he said. “I want to see Turks and Caicos as a small country with a big influence — powered by the talent of its people and the possibilities of technology.”

Turks & Caicos Business Outlook, in its second year was staged at the Messel Ballroom of the Palms Resort, Providenciales.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

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