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Turks and Caicos Islands undertakes Seabed Mapping Survey using Aircrafts

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#Providenciales, July 30, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The UK Hydrographic Office is undertaking a 4-year UK Government funded seabed mapping programme, which is helping to improve the safety of navigation in the waters of the Overseas Territories and ensure that they are fulfilling their international maritime safety obligations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.

In January 2018, the UK Hydrographic Office undertook a technical visit to assess the current situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The visit looked at the legislation currently in place and what support can be provided to the TCI through the seabed mapping programme to ensure that international obligations are met as well as identifying potential areas for surveying and future capacity building through training and technical support.  In July 2018, UK Hydrographic Office will undertake a survey of the waters around the Turks and Caicos Islands using a specially adapted aircraft.

These surveys are being conducted as a result of the data on the current charts being outdated and does not meet modern standards for safety of navigation.  Undertaking new surveys with modern equipment ensures we capture the features on the seabed and identify dangers.  The data from this survey will also enable scientists to carry out research based on the information, and enable government departments to use this data for planning for the future.

The survey will take place daily for approximately 7 weeks from late July and will consist of a small aircraft flying twice daily for up to 4 hours at a time over the Caicos Bank and Grand Turk areas.  The aircraft will be flying at a height of around 300 meters and will be operating survey equipment to capture the depth of water, height of land as well as high resolution images of both the land and sea.

A good understanding of the ocean is fundamental in efforts to help island territories realize their economic potential within their marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and manage their marine resources sustainably.  The data taken from this type of survey has many applications and can be used at every level – from the government departments, agencies and port authorities, to cargo ship captains and local skippers.  Fundamentally, this exercise is grounded in helping the Turks and Caicos to realize its economic potential and unlock the benefits of the blue economy.

Aside from economic benefits, the navigational benefits for captains of any sized vessel are clear – a greater understanding of the ocean surrounding the islands will directly support safer navigation.  What’s more, as Primary Charting Authority for the islands, the UK Hydrographic Office has a commitment to helping ensure the territory is fulfilling its mandatory international maritime obligations under IMO’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

Data collected during surveys is used to produce updated navigational charts, in digital and print format, for mariners who transit the territory’s waters or call at its port and berths. Finally, all of the findings of the survey will be provided to the government to help inform their decisions for maritime policy in the Overseas Territory.

 

 

 

 

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NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT THREATS MADE AGAINST TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AIRPORTS AND SCHOOLS

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May 6th, 2024 – As co-chairs of the National Security Council, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier condemn strongly recent threats made against Turks and Caicos Islands airports and schools.

We have zero tolerance for these disruptions and the alarm that they cause. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continues to work closely with partner agencies and will keep the public updated as we manage the situation.

The National Security Council wishes to reassure residents, travellers and parents that the safety and security of our Islands is its highest priority.

All appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats and all required security protocols are being followed.

The Airports Authority and the Ministry of Education, with school principals are collaborating with the RTCIPF  investigations.

We encourage the public to be extra vigilant against phishing and malicious emails and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our airports, schools and communities.

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TCI News

Bomb Threat No 6. In TEN days

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

“Our daughter is on the plane and they took them off the plane and we don’t know where the people are—she called— and we haven’t been able to get a hold of her since” the words of a panicked parent and one example of the chaos that criminals making malicious bomb threats on the Turks and Caicos’ airports are causing.

That parent was one of many residents waiting anxiously outside the Providenciales International Airport on Sunday, May 5th after Bomb threats were yet again filed against it; simultaneously threats were also made against the JAGS McCartney Airport in Grand Turk.

The couple, speaking to Wilkie  Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent,  were sitting in their car, the mother in tears, watching as travelers were made to disembark and leave the airport for their own safety.

The TCIAA confirms that it quickly evacuated travellers who were on board the aircraft on the runway at the time, via gates in airport fencing.

Arthur spoke to pilots who were frustrated at the delay.

”From our perspective, this flight is canceled.“ One of them told Arthur.

They expressed the same concern that other residents had shared with Magnetic Media, that it was time for the police to find the culprits behind the repeated threats which have turned out in all cases so far to be hoaxes.

Magnetic Media observed dozens of resident travelers mowing about on the tarmac and outside of the airport just waiting for police to finish their bomb threat protocol for the sixth time in 10 days.

The other threats came on Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27, and Monday, April 29 (2) all via email.

Eventually, passengers were observed going back through security to reboard their  flights.

It’s the first time in six encounters that no word has come from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority about the bomb threat, and when Arthur tried to approach the airport to film, he was told not to.

Based on eyewitness reports, several flights were delayed, including at least one international flight to Texas.

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RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos 

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RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.

King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.

King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “

Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.

“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.

 

 

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