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RTC FM — Afternoon News - March 27, 2026. Machine-transcribed; use the interactive transcript above to jump the player to any line.
Music A leader of the opposition talks staff issues and canceled projects. Miss Universe Jamaica released from hospital after four months. Costa Rica to accept 25 deportees every week. A look at sports on the weekend whether forecast tune in for those stories and more.
Listeners, we are at the end of another work week. The weekend is here again. It's Friday, February 27th, 2026. You've tuned into the nation station RTC 89.1 FM. I'm Zoya Fasler. Thanks for joining me. Leader of the opposition honorable Edwin Ostwood during the last sitting of parliament expressed concerns about staffing issues and canceled projects. During the recent parliament sitting held on March 23rd, the leader of the opposition honorable Edwin Ostwood spoke to some of the staffing issues facing the TCI. And looking at and going through the supplementaries, Mr. Speaker, some things jump out. Mr. Speaker, there is a serious issue that I'm seeing and government in terms of staffing. Mr. Speaker, this was highlighted before, staffing recruitment. If you can look, you see human resource savings.
And I think that that words savings sometimes can be misleading. It is positions that were not high at Mr. Speaker. Positions that last year at this time was said was we were told were greatly needed. Positions that we challenge inside of this honorable chamber, where we had accounting officers before them. Oxen about their staff complement. Mr. Speaker, but yet this year again, we have some $8.5 million of funds that were supposed to be spent on human resources, but sadly never came to fruition. Mr. Speaker, we have to do much more than just simply look at what is going on in terms of human resources. We have heard persons come before us talk about the height on over of staff, Mr. Speaker.
People employed by government and then they leave, employed leave, employed leave, Mr. Speaker. We have to take a holistic look on what is going on, Mr. Speaker. It is troubling. And we're going to have next week, during the appropriations, we're going to have the officers radio again and saying, look, we need the staff. And any of us doing our job and trying to account for the people money, we're going to have to ask to be responsible. You say you need the staff, you need these five staff, but you existed five a whole year before these five staff. Help me understand why you need these five staff. And how will they answer that, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, some departments may come and say, well, you heard about complaining about efficiency and government. I may argue that this is the reason why there's so much claim, inefficiency, and government.
Because we ask for the manpower, we ask for the capabilities and knowledge skills and abilities in our department, but you have not given it to us. And now you want to talk about my performance. I'm a general. And I said, in order to fight this army, I need at least 10,000 men, because they have 20,000 men. Each of my men, we can kill about two, or we can take down two, I don't want to use to what kill. We can take out about two. And then you say, I'm not going to give you 10,000, I'm going to give you 1,000. So when the army defeat me and I don't accomplish my goal, you can't blame me. I told you what I need in order to accomplish the task that you put before me. Bringing that to the civil servants. Many of them come before us and say, we need this. This is what we need. But sadly, we do not do not have it, Mr. Speaker. Something must give, Mr. Speaker. And the money was there, Mr. Speaker.
So you're not giving them the staff, but you're holding them highly accountable. Why you're not performing, why this ministry is not performing, why your department is behind on this, why this hasn't happened, Mr. Speaker. He then went on to talk about the cancellation of projects. And then I believe that directly correlates with the amount of projects that we see canceled. This is our third supplementary. And each one of those supplementary, we had projects being canceled or deferred. Or the nice fancy term they like to use, we sculpt. This project is being re-scoped, Mr. Speaker. But sadly, many of those projects we do not see return to the budget. Mr. Speaker, in my question, in my questions, if we get to question time today, you're going to see right point out some 20, 20 projects went out for tender and the last three weeks of the financial year.
Mr. Speaker, think about that. 20 of the projects that have been left after all the Chappen Black survived, Chappen Black supplementary number one, Chappen Black supplementary number two, Chappen Black supplementary number three. Of those projects that had survived, six in the making, Mr. Speaker, six. Honourable ask would also went on to list some of the canceled projects and highlighted how important each one is to the community. And express that he hopes that they are brought back. Thank you so much, tonight. And Human Resource Professionals from the Turks and Kegos Islands Financial Services Commission attended Transform 2026, the premier annual conference for people professionals and work tech innovators. Held at the win resort, Las Vegas from the 23rd to the 25th of March under the theme lead the transformation in the age of AI. The event brought together global HR and business leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping people strategy and future ready organizational design.
Transform 2026, convened visionary speakers and practitioners to explore how new intelligence can be harnessed to enhance productivity, creativity and trust within people centered organizations. Session topics included the AI revolution, talent strategy, workplace health and well-being, leadership and practical frameworks for implementing AI enabled HR solutions. Representing the Financial Services Commission was office manager, floor mullings and HR officer, Kendri Skippings. They joined a strong contingent of Turks and Kegos Islands HR and administrative professionals from experienced Turks and Kegos, the board's authority, KB Home, a Turks and Kegos collection, the Ritzgarten Resort and Tears a Whole of impactful imprints. The FSC's attendance underscores its commitment to professional development, cross-sector collaboration and the adoption of innovative practices to strengthen local institutions and communities. And the Ministry of Health and Human Services is closely monitoring an outbreak of men in China in the United Kingdom, which was first reported on the 13th of March 2026.
Today to 20 cases have been laboratory confirmed and a further 9 cases are under investigation by the UK Health Security Agency with epidemiological links to Canterbury, Kent as of March 23rd. All cases have been hospitalized unfortunately, two people have died. The outbreak is centered in Kent and has been confirmed in students at four academic institutions, as well as one student at a higher education institution in London. The response has included public education, contact tracing, targeted antibiotic and then be vaccine administration to students at the affected institutions and close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases. Preliminary information for the Ministry of Education suggests that the TCI has one student studying at one of the affected institutions. Contact has been made with the individual to check on their well-being and to ensure that they are in contact with local health authorities, in Kent to obtain the relevant guidance, including receiving antibiotic, prophylaxis and vaccination where deemed appropriate.
The Turks and Kegos islands does not have any confirmed cases of meningitis. And the informal settlements unit of the Turks and Kegos islands continued with its outreach initiative last weekend in the five keys community. Our Denny Denny has more. The informal settlements unit ISU successfully hosted its community outreach caravan on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Messenger Baptist Church in five keys, delivering a range of essential services to residents of the Granny Hill North informal settlement and surrounding communities. Our latest engagement marched the fifth community caravan executed by the ISU and the fourth held in Providence Yolles, with one caravan being conducted in Grand Turk. The initiative forms part of the units ongoing commitment to strengthen and community relationships, while improving access to vital support services within informal settlements. Residents who attended the event benefited from a range of services provided through a collaborative effort with key partners, including the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, the Turks and Kegos Islands Red Cross, Menzies Optometry, the Rotary Club of Providence Yolles, and the TCI Diabetic Association.
Services delivered included health screenings and checks, oral health education and products, and the distribution of essential home supplies such as bedding and fabric blinds. In addition, residents received vital eye health and diet and exercise education to help improve health outcomes. The ISU extends sincere appreciation to the clergy and congregants of Messenger Baptist Church for their exceptional hospitality and unweavering support in facilitating the event. The ISU says their contributions, both prior to and during the exercise, played a critical role in ensuring its success. Gratitude is also extended to the residents of Granny Hill North, and all participating partners whose collaboration and engagement contributed to a meaningful and impactful outreach effort. The Community Caravan Initiative is closely aligned with the ISU's broader social needs assessment survey, which continues to serve as a key mechanism for understanding the realities faced by residents in informal communities.
The survey is designed to capture detailed information on living conditions, access to essential services, public health concerns, and infrastructure needs, ensuring that future interventions are data driven and responsive to community priorities. Trained social surveyors have been deployed within the Granny Hill North community to conduct household level assessments as part of this ongoing initiative. Residents are encouraged to participate as their input will directly inform future planning, policy development, and targeted support programs, aim that building safer and more sustainable communities. The ISU remains committed to working alongside communities and partners to deliver impactful initiatives that improve quality of life and support long-term development across the Turks and Caites Islands. Thank you so much, Dene. And listeners tomorrow Saturday, March 28th, the Qtown Farmers Market is back from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This week's items feature local eggs, bok choy, carrot, celery, cilantro, parsley, cucumber, lettuce, eggplant, coconut, hot and sweet peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, and so much more.
The Qtown Farmers Market tomorrow Saturday, March 28th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go on down and support local production. That was your local news regional is up next. Police are investigating after a sealed package containing suspected cocaine was discovered on a beach in San Salvador of the Bahamas on Thursday afternoon. According to reports shortly before 3 p.m., a concerned citizen found the package secured it and alerted authorities. Officers responded and confirmed the package contained approximately 3.4 pounds of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $30,000. A search of the surrounding area revealed no additional drugs, investigations are ongoing. And Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica has been released from the hospital nearly 4 months after suffering serious injuries following a fall during the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand.
Pageant organizers Mark McDermoth and Carl Williams confirmed the development in a statement to the gleaner noting that Henry is continuing her recovery under the care of her medical team. Henry was hospitalized in November of 2025 after falling from the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition at the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe organization later confirmed that she sustained a fracture and an intracranial hemorrhage among other injuries. Following the incident, Henry was initially treated in Thailand before being medically escorted back to Jamaica for continued treatment and rehabilitation. In February, Henry shared one of her most detailed recovery updates via Instagram, posting images of herself resting in a hospital bed and using a stationary bike as part of her rehabilitation. Despite the challenges, Henry said the experience revealed her resilience. Legal representatives also confirmed that Henry, an opt-almology resident, has not yet resumed her medical duties due to the injuries sustained in the fall.
Following the November incident, the Miss Universe organization said that it covered hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, as well as accommodation costs for Henry's mother and sister who remained by her side. The organization also funded her medically escorted return to Jamaica and committed to covering future medical expenses related to the incident. Henry had earlier expressed gratitude after returning home in December, saying that she was thankful to be surrounded by the familiar strength of Jamaica as she focused on healing. And the senior Bahemian police officer appeared in court when stage-charge with murder and connection with the fatal off-duty shooting of the United States citizen over the weekend in the Bahamas. Superintendent Bernal Pinder appeared before the magistrate's court in Nassau, but was not required to enter or plea according to his attorney Ian Cargill senior. Police alleged that Pinder shot and killed 31-year-old US citizen Cody Castillo outside the plantation bar and grill on Saturday following an altercation.
According to police, the dispute began inside the popular restaurant before escalating outside. Authorities said Castillo entered a vehicle and allegedly drove it in a threatening manner toward Pinder who was off-duty at the time. Police said Pinder, fearing for his life, discharged his service weapon, firing a single shot that killed Castillo. However, government officials later confirmed that investigators obtained video footage of the incident that media outlets and family members say contradicts the officer's account. According to local media reports, Pinder was denied bail and ordered to return to court on July 23rd for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment. The arrest came four days after Castillo was gunned down outside the Nassau beachside establishment on the island of New Providence. That was your regional news world news is up next. Costa Rica announced Thursday that it will accept up to 25 migrants per week who are deported from the United States under a new agreement tied to policies promoted by US President Donald Trump.
The arrangement is part of a broader strategy to send migrants to so-called third countries rather than allowing them to remain in or return to the United States. With this move, Costa Rica joins a growing list of nations across Africa and the Americas that have entered into controversial and often opaque deals with Washington to take in deportees from other countries. Critics say these arrangements leave many migrants stranded in unfamiliar places, unable to speak the language and with little clarity about their legal status, effectively placing them in a kind of legal limbo. Other countries that have agreed to similar arrangements include South Sudan, Honduras, Rwanda, Guyana, as well as Caribbean nations like Dominica and St. Kitson-Nivas. The agreement with Costa Rica was signed earlier this week during a visit from Kristi Noem who was serving as a special envoy for the initiative known as the Shield of the Americas. Noem recently dismissed from her position as US Secretary of Homeland Security has been traveling through the region including stops in Guyana and Ecuador to promote the policy.
Costa Rican officials described the arrangement as a non-binding migration agreement. Under its terms, the United States may propose that transfer of non-Costa-Rican migrants but Costa Rica retains the authority to accept or refuse each case. Those who are accepted will be processed under Costa Rican immigration law and given a special migration status. The government also emphasized that it will not send individuals back to countries where they could face persecution or danger. That was World New Sports is up next. The NFL or National Football League will open the season on a Wednesday night for the second time ever with the defending champions the Seattle Seahawks set to host the first game of the 2026 season.
The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Seahawks will play the traditional opener as Super Bowl champions on September 9th, a day earlier than usual with the league also having a week one game in Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. The opponent for Seattle will be determined later. The only other time the first game of the NFL season was played on a Wednesday came in 2012 when the Dallas Cowboys visited the New York Giants. The NFL had played week one games in Brazil the past two seasons on the first Friday night in September. With Labor Day being later this year, the opening Friday for the 2026 season is the second one in September, making the NFL unable to play games that night on television because of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. And keeping with the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons signed running back Brian Robinson Jr. on Thursday giving starter B. Jan Robinson a new backup. The Falcons added more depth at running back by also signing Tyler Goodson.
Brian Robinson at third round picked by the Washington commanders in 2022 ran for 400 yards with two touchdowns for the San Francisco 49ers last season. Robinson started 37 games in three seasons with Washington rushing for more than 700 yards each season. He ran for a combined 50 and touchdowns in the three seasons with Washington. Robinson also has 73 receptions for 612 yards and five touchdowns in his career. Goodson, a native of Sueany, Georgia, has rushed for 264 yards with one touchdown in three seasons with Indianapolis. That was Sports Let's Take a Look at the Weather. The Turks and Kegel's Islands National Weather Service will bring us the weekend weather forecast. For the general situation, surface region will dominate across the Turks and Kegel's islands through late-to-date, supporting breezy conditions and slight-to-modered seas. A few passing showers remain possible as an upper-level trough, just south of the area.
For the special warnings, there are no public warnings currently in effect. However, there remains a light to moderate risk of recurrence affecting all Atlantic exposed beaches through Saturday afternoon. The weather for all areas partly sunny with ICHR's possible this afternoon, then partly cloudy with a low chance of ICHR's tonight. The winds will be not east to east at 10-29s. Seas will be slight-to-modered with wave heights of 2-4 feet in the Kegel's bank and Atlantic near shore, putting up to 6 feet off shore. The daytime high temperatures 84 degrees Fahrenheit with an overnight low temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunset will be at 7.02 pm. The next high tide will be at 4.28 pm and the next low tide will be at 10.38 pm. For the attendant forecast, the high pressure ridge will shift eastward through the weekend as a cold front approaches and moves through detecting Kegel's island Sunday night. This will bring a brief period of unsettled weather before conditions improve early next week. Behind the front, strong high pressure will build, leading to windy conditions and rough seas through midweek.
The forecast for Saturday, a low chance of ICHR's in the morning. A mix of sunny clouds with a high near 84 degrees. Saturday night partly cloudy with a low around 73 degrees. Winds will be not east to east at 10-15 knots. Seas will be smooth-to-slide with wave heights of 1-2-3 feet in the Kegel's bank and Atlantic near shore, putting up to 5 feet off shore. Sunrise will be at 6.45 am and sunset will be at 7.02 pm. The forecast for Sunday, a low chance of ICHR's, cloudy with a high near 82 degrees. Sunday night, a low chance of widely scattered showers, cloudy with a low around 75 degrees. Winds will be not east to east at 10-20 knots with gusts up to 25-30 knots. Seas will be slight to moderate with wave heights of 2-4 feet in the Kegel's bank and Atlantic near shore, putting up to 67 feet off shore. Sunrise will be at 6.44 am and sunset will be at 7.02 pm.
That is the 3-day public weather forecast issued on Friday, March 27, 2026 by Detects and Kickers Islands National Weather Service. And so listeners, that brings us to the end of our newscast today. If you missed today's presentation, any other newscast, or any of your favorite shows for the week, you can always visit our website at www.ww.org. If you want any other newscast, or any of your favorite shows for the week, you can always visit our website at www.rtc89fm.com or download the Radio Turks & Kekos app in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Turks & Kekos, this is Radio Turks & Kekos, 50 years of being one people, one voice. It's been a pleasure, stay safe, have a wonderful weekend, God's willing, I'll be back on Monday, I'm Soyah Fasler. Your afternoon news major is sponsored by CG Insurance. Nothing is more important than keeping you and your family protected. With CG's home insurance, motor insurance and health insurance, we provide the right coverage for you, your family, or your business.
CG Insurance, good, like that.
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