Connect with us

TCI News

Nigel, the abnormal; New TCI governor is a trail blazer

Published

on

#Providenciales, August 2, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The new governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is already defying the status quo as far as what residents of these islands have come to expect of Her Majesty’s representative within the territory.

While it is true, Governor Nigel Dakin, has embraced the traditions of becoming governor and has studied what it requires in his constitutional role of governor; His Excellency is more the exception than the rule when it comes to how he will actually execute.

We are told stories of a man who is, after only two and a half weeks on the job, considered legendary in his approach to nagging pressure points within the Turks and Caicos.  Yet there is nothing cavalier about his dealings.  Governor Dakin is described as sincere.

Some are cautiously optimistic as they begin to speak about the man but the kudos become less and less guarded and from the commentary emerges something quite uncommon for many islanders… hope.

A governor who invites a soon-to-be, ex-inmate to pay him a visit at his office for a ‘heart to heart’ talk about a future free of a life of crime tends to make a strong impression.

You could see it was captivating; the conversation being had between the governor and several inmates at the prison as they sat around a table.  The group of men appeared to be taking notes and were seemingly engrossed in a talk, which Magnetic Media is told, was ‘real and productive’. 

There was a true desire to know the challenges, to get to the bottom of the problems and an honesty about what is expected of everyone who lives and works at the beleaguered correctional facility. 

Even the former ‘hunger-strike’ protestor was invited and heard.

Never has a governor or recent leader of the country held this sort of forum with inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison, we are informed.  But if the letters, authored by inmates to country leaders and given to Governor Nigel Dakin arrive safely at their destination and if the messages contained within those letters are given consideration, then perhaps there will be a change in that trend and a change at the HMP.

The Governor is married to an island girl and media, in a candid conference with His Excellency, had a chance to meet Barbados-born, Amanda Dakin.  Already, Mrs. Dakin is assiduously working as an environmental volunteer and she has now visited four islands within the TCI archipelago since her husband took office.     

The meeting, held at the Governor’s Office in Providenciales on Wednesday July 31, 2019 went overtime and was excellent. Attendees, representing six media enterprises embraced the idea of there being more sessions to come and regularly.

Magnetic Media learned a lot including that His Excellency is a man who wants to set a positive tone during his time in Turks and Caicos.  Mr. Dakin is also a man who is not fearful of possible failure or fallout as he believes his big picture story will leave a lasting impression.  The new governor, from what we gathered in that meeting, believes in data driven decisions; strategy on areas of the most importance, is firm that one must go toward problems in order to solve them and is methodical in his understanding of how to work with the people, connect with the people and to celebrate people. 

Nigel, the abnormal is already making history in his story as the new governor and from where I sit as an enthusiastic citizen and resident of the Turks and Caicos Islands; I look forward to the next chapter and a happy ending.

#magneticmedianews

#nigeltheabnormal

#newtcigovernoratrailblazer

Photo Credit: Governor’s Office

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

Government

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DELEGATION VISITS WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM, UK

Published

on

Providenciales, Tuesday 30 April, 2024 – A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently undertook a pivotal visit to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The visit, which took place from April 21st to April 23rd, 2024, was held under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of Health of the British Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming.

Led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE, the delegation included Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services. This strategic meeting was an integral part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the visit, representatives from the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided comprehensive insights into their operations, sharing valuable expertise and offering collaborative initiatives for the development of the TCIs emergency services. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including training and mentoring programs tailored to empower emergency personnel within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The visit marked a significant step forward in our strategy for the advancement of emergency services,” stated Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support extended by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we look forward to implementing the insights gained to further enhance emergency care within our country. Permanent Secretary Lewis also expressed the Ministry of Health’s gratitude to Professor Ian Cumming for his assistance by way of arranging the visit.”

Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored the importance of the discussions, emphasizing the poignant exchange of ideas and the potential for meaningful collaborations which signifies a commitment to improving emergency services and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services expresses its sincere appreciation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their warm hospitality and invaluable contributions during the visit.

For additional information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

TCI Court

Eight Months facing Police Accusations and Court, now Pedro Grant Exonerated

Published

on

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

With no evidence to support their claim, the prosecution has dropped their case against Pedro Jose Alfredo Grant Gallon, the Dominican Republic citizen who was accused of impersonating an officer in September 2023.

The Police, who publicized the arrest and charge, have not yet commented on the matter despite Magnetic Media queries.

Grant, for his part, has always vehemently denied the accusations that he was impersonating an officer and described the circumstances surrounding his arrest as unfair.

He contends that on the evening of July 13, 2023, he was being followed by a strange driver, concerned, he waited until the man pulled off at a bar, then took his license plate number and called the police, but police never came to help Grant. He alleges that the next time he saw them, they came with handcuffs to arrest him. In a search, police found his IDs which included his documentation for humanitarian work with the International Diplomatic Alliance (IDA) and police lights attached to his vehicle. In explaining the possession of those lights, Grant said he told officers that they had been in his car from his time in the Dominican Republic where he was involved in law enforcement.

Since that time, Grant has maintained several facts:

  • The Police did not have a warrant to search his home and car;
  • The Police took his documents including passports and IDs, one of which was issued by the IDA, and to date have not returned them despite being court-ordered to do so;
  • The Police intimidated his wife with threats of deportation;
  • He never showed any ID, flashing lights at the man following him, or claimed to be an officer.

Police have steadfastly refused to comment on the case despite numerous queries into the bizarre circumstances, even with serious allegations like intimidation against them. Grant was officially charged with Impersonating an Officer in September but IDA Head Jerrod Crockett told Magnetic Media despite seizing documents from Grant to support their case, no one even called the organization to see if they were real or fake.

Now, when called to provide evidence to the court as to why they arrested and charged the resident, the police and DPPs office drew a complete blank as Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, confirmed it was a lack of evidence that got the case dropped.

Despite this win serious damage has been done Grant claims, describing his life as a ‘living hell’ and ‘miserable’ since the accusations were publicized.

The IDA says it has been affected as well.

“That really put a hurt on us for the last six to eight months now because of accusations of fraudulent documents that everybody else has seen. We’re trying to prove our legitimacy now because you guys can’t verify any documents— before you put everything out there as public information,” Crockett said of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF)

The president also told our news team they had lost thousands of dollars in funding.

Following the closure of the case we reached out again to police to find out on what grounds Grant had been arrested and charged but no response was issued.

 

 

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING