Afternoon News - September 9th, 2026

0:00Music New Parliament sitting opens with speech from the throne. Haiti registers just 500,000 voters falling far short of 4 million target. Canada hits United States with new retaliatory tariffs as trade tensions escalate. We'll take a look at sports and the weather tune in for those stories and more on the nation's station. Music

1:08Listeners, we're already at the middle of the work week. It's Wednesday, September 9th, 2026. Thank you so much for tuning into RTC 89.1 FM. Amzoia Fassler. At approximately 233 AM Tuesday, September 8th, the Turks and Kegos Islands fire and rescue service responded to a reported fire inside a one-bedroom apartment on Blue Hills Bay Road near the Harris residence. Upon arrival, firefighters wearing self-contained, breathing apparatus entered the apartment and conducted a systematic search. The apartment was confirmed to be unoccupied at the time of the incident. Firefighters carried out suppression and cooling operations, bringing the fire under control and preventing it from spreading beyond the affected unit. The most significant fire damage was observed in the closet area, however the precise origin and cause of the fire have not yet been officially determined. Approximately 200 gallons of water were used during the operation.

2:08The water tanker was subsequently refilled at a nearby fire hydrant and departed the scene at approximately 310 AM. There were no reported injuries. The Royal Turks and Kegos Islands police force and emergency medical services were also present and provided support throughout the incident. Honorable Sean David Malcolm, Minister with Responsibility for Public Safety, in which the fire services falls under, commended the emergency personnel involved. Stating quote, I extend my sincere appreciation to the officers of the Turks and Kegos Islands fire and rescue service for their swift and professional response to this early morning fire. Their coordinated efforts supported by the police and emergency medical services helped to contain the incident and protect the surrounding community. We are particularly thankful that the apartments unoccupied and that no injuries were reported. This incident serves as an important reminder to ensure that homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms and that residents have a clear emergency evacuation plan.

3:10End quote, members of the public are reminded to avoid entering a burning or smoke-filled building to evacuate immediately and to contact 911. Residents should also regularly test their smoke alarms and avoid overloading electrical outlets or leaving potential ignition sources unattended. The Turks and Kegos Islands fire and rescue service remains committed to protecting life and property and safeguarding communities throughout the Turks and Kegos Islands. Now we'll turn over to our Dene Denny who has highlights from the speech from the Throne delivered yesterday at the official reopening of the Parliament of the Turks and Kegos Islands and the commencement of the second session of the 13th legislature. On September 8th, 2026, the Parliament of the Turks and Kegos Islands was reopened. The ceremonial opening of Parliament marked the commencement of the second session of the 13th legislature of Parliament of the Turks and Kegos Islands. As part of the formal proceedings for Excellency the Governor, Delini Daniel Selberatnam delivered the Throne speech, outlining the government's legislative priorities and policy programs for the new parliamentary session.

4:19The ceremony also featured a formal parade by members of the uniform services, reflecting the dignity, tradition and constitutional significance of the occasion. 50 years on, the transformation is undeniable. We are one of the world's most coveted luxury destinations. Our institutions are stronger. The standard of living of our people has risen significantly. Together we built this. The figures tell the story of our journey and success. Once the pomp and pageantry are over, the hard work continues. Our goal remains to transform the Turks and Kegos Islands into a prosperous and developed country by 2040. Our Excellency the Governor, Delini Daniel Selberatnam, went on to discuss some of the government's recent achievements and hopes for the future. The act to create a statutory body, the tourism authority, has passed and the board appointed. New airlift will support the brand including Porter Airlines from Toronto, Bermuda Air from Tfort Lauderdale and other cities and United from Denver.

5:32The Carren Capacity Assessment Report will help us grow without damaging the beaches and environment that sustains us. The goal of these islands is not infinite. We will protect it. My government has taken ownership of the redevelopment of Howard Hamilton International Airport so that aviation revenue stays and is reinvested here. The path is practical and faced. An estimated and anticipated of investment of up to $30 million this year would deliver a new arrivals hall of 30 to 40,000 square feet. The conversion of the existing terminal to departures, additional trekking and security lanes and critical airside capacity with supporting land side works. The Turks and Kekos Islands are much safer today. The turnaround did not come by accident. The results by the Royal Turks and Kekos Islands police force have been remarkable. In the calendar year to date, there have been three murders compared to 25 in the same period of 2025.

6:38Mr Speaker, gangs have been disrupted. Flar arms and ammunition have been seized. Highway patrols have made the road safer and with less gridlock. Community programs are rebuilding trust. The results now being achieved by the Royal Turks and Kekos Islands police force and our wider law enforcement agencies demonstrate the impact of sustained investment in crime reduction, capability development and workforce capacity. The governor ended all her speech with a push for sustainability and progression for the benefit of future generations. Mr Speaker, honourable members, islanders and residents, we have so many reasons to be optimistic about the future. There is so much hope and promise in every corner of these islands. 50 years is a short time in the life of a people. In 50 years we have changed political leadership many times and we have proven that we can successfully govern ourselves.

7:44Our challenge is to ensure that those not yet born will one day say our ancestors did well. The political, economic, social, cultural and physical foundation is strong. The golden inheritance is not just a slogan for this sitting. It is a charge. We are the current keepers of the golden inheritance. Let us strengthen and protect it. Thank you so much, Zine. 5 women have been appointed or promoted to senior positions across the Turks and Kekos Islands public service, taking on leadership roles in culture, education, land administration, professional development and home affairs. The appointments announced by the Office of the Deputy Governor include Latanya Gardner-Risa, Francine Dorville, Shervita Williams, Erica Green and Tamara Jolly. Gardner-Risa has been appointed as Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Heritage within the Ministry of Education, Youth Sports and Culture.

8:45She holds a Master of Science and Hospitality Management from Florida International Universities, Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science and Hospitality Management and an Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism Management from Johnson & Wales University. Gardner-Risa previously worked as Office Manager for the Financial Services Commission in both Grand Turk and Providencialis from June of 2021 through November of 2023, overseeing administrative and operational functions supporting approximately 80 employees. Before her latest appointment, she served as Senior Product Development Officer at Experienced Turks and Kekos in Grand Turk, where she supervised teams across Grand Turk, Salt Key and South Kekos. Her responsibilities included developing partnerships with businesses, community organizations and cultural practitioners, and helping to deliver tourism and culturally initiatives across the islands. Francine Dorville has been appointed Learning and Development Officer in the Learning and Development Directorate within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

9:50She is completing a Master of Education and Educational Leadership and Management through the University of the West, Indies and holds a Bachelor of Education and Primary Education and an Associate's Degree in Primary Education. Dorville moves into the position following several years in the classroom. She taught at Precious Treasures International School from January of 2020 through August of 2021, before joining Selma Lightroom Primary, where she taught from September 2021 through August of 2026. Her new role will focus on supporting learning and professional development initiatives across the Turks and Kekos Islands, Public Service. Shervita Williams, meanwhile, has been appointed Assistant Education Policy and Planning Officer in the Department of Education. Her appointment marks a transition from classroom teaching to education policy following a 16-year career as an educator. Williams holds a Master of Science in Education, Specializing in Learning, Technology and Society from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. She also holds Degrees in Business Administration and Primary Education from the Turks and Kekos Islands Community College.

10:56Her teaching career included positions at the IAMTHI Pratt Primary School, Eliza Simon's Primary, and most recently, Ona Glinton Primary in Grand Turk. Williams has also participated in National Curriculum Training and previously assisted with the development of the Primary School syllabus for early childhood education. Erica Green has been appointed Head of Secretariat within the National Land Secretariat. She joined the Turks and Kekos Islands Government in June of 2018, as an Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, before moving to the National Land Secretariat as Senior Admin Officer in September of 2022. Green holds an Associate's degree in Social Work from the Turks and Kekos Islands Community College, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ashworth College. She has also completed Professional Training and Leadership, Team Development and Organizational Change. As Head of Secretariat, Green will oversee key administrative operations and manage cabinet submissions, parliamentary responses, and policy tracking involving government officials and other stakeholders.

12:02Tamara Jolly has been appointed Executive Administrator within the Ministry of Home Affairs. She brings experience and administration, payroll and financial management, and previously served as a Senior Administrative Officer within the Turks and Kekos Islands Government. Jolly also spent a decade at paychecks working in positions, including payroll specialist, implementation specialist, and human resources, payroll specialist. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Finance through Divirie University and a supervisory management certificate through the University of the West Indies. Her professional training also includes payroll administration, human resources, and implementation management. The five appointments place the women in key positions across several areas of government, as the public service continues to strengthen its leadership and administrative capacity. That was Local News Regional, as up next. Your Local News segment is being brought to you by Lobster Fest 2026, happening in the nation's capital on October 16th and 17th.

13:04It's the Lobster Fest Cultural Extravaganza 2026. Two days, one epic experience, all happening at the library in Grand Tour on Friday, October 16th, and Saturday, October 17th. Kick things off on Friday night from 9pm on tip with TCI's most-wording DJ J, DJ PUN, and select a red zip. Can't forget about DJ Skanka and the Dazzle Bank. General admission to $60 per person, then on Saturday, it's the Cultural Extravaganza, with the entertainment line up that you don't want to miss. DJ R.D. Boyd, DJ Taylor Hyde, DJ Puppey, the provision back, mission the boys, and also cultural activity, cultural displays, cultural motorcade. Cultural motorcade, represent your country, offer $2,500 cash, prize, come dressed in your country's cut, bring your flag, showcase your culture, and represent your nation with prize. Saturday's admission is $5 per kid, $10 for adults. That's two days of celebration with live music, cultural entertainment, food, drinks, music, good vibes.

14:07Best of last of best cultural Extravaganza, 2026, happening in Grand Turf, October 16th, and 17th. A.D. has registered just over half a million voters, since launching its nationwide voter registration campaign in July of 2026, leaving election authorities, far short of their 4 million target, with little more than a month before the deadline. Figures from the Provisional Electoral Council, or CEP, show that 506,953 people had registered as of September 6th, representing about 12.6% of the target authorities hope to reach ahead of the country's planned elections.

15:08The registration process began on July 20th, and it scheduled to end on October 13th, giving the CEP just 37 days from the date of the latest figures to enroll millions of additional voters. The campaign is a key part of preparations for Haiti's long delayed return to elected government, after years without national elections. To support the effort, the CEP has deployed 2761 registration operators, and established 1418 centers nationwide. Of those centers, 1271 are currently operational. Registration numbers have varied sharply since the campaign began. After a slow start in late July when only a few hundred applications were recorded each day, enrollment accelerated in early August, with daily registrations generally ranging between 50,000 and 20,000. The campaign recorded its highest single day total on August 17th, when 24,775 people had registered.

16:16The latest data show a nearly even gender split, many account for about 50.8% of registered voters, with 257,447 enrolled, while 248,769 women or roughly 49.2% have registered. By age, Haitians between 39 and 48 years old make up the largest group, with 114,177 registrations, followed by those aged 29 to 38, with 110,028. The slow pace adds to the challenges facing Haiti as it attempts to organize elections, a metaprolonged political and security crisis. The country has not held national elections since 2016 and has been without elected national officials since January of 2023, when the terms of its last remaining senators had expired. With the October 13 deadline approaching election authorities face an increasingly difficult task, registering millions more eligible Haitians in a matter of weeks if they are to reach the ZEP's 4 million voter goal.

17:26That was Regional News World News, is up next. Canada imposed a new round of retaliatory tariffs on the United States imports early Tuesday escalating the trade dispute between the longtime allies and raising the possibility of further action. The US President Donald Trump, the tariffs which took effect just after midnight eastern time on Tuesday, September 8th, reaches highest 50% on hundreds of American products, including aluminium foil, raincoats and cheese. US lawmakers in states along the Canadian border, including Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine, have warned that the growing trade conflict could increase costs for consumers and hurt local businesses. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the tariffs in a video message Tuesday while acknowledging that the measures could also create financial challenges for Canadians.

18:34He stated, quote, I don't believe in escalating the conflict. That's not constructive, but our tariffs are necessary to protect our workers, protect our companies and our communities. We can't let American goods into Canada tariff free while they charge our companies to export. Carney acknowledged that retaliation would carry economic consequences, but argued that failing to respond would be more damaging. The latest measures are part of a growing tit for tat trade dispute that began last month after negotiations between the two countries broke down and new US tariffs took effect. In the first half of 2026, the US exported 175.8 billion dollars in goods to Canada, the second biggest export trading partner after Mexico, accounting for 14% of all US exports according to the Census Bureau. For now, levees apply to a sliver of goods that travel between the US and Canada limiting the impact of the trade dispute, but a potential escalation threatens to deepen the pain for both economies.

19:40And the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust has awarded $225,000 in grants to 36 small businesses and non-profit organizations across Miami-Dade County through its 2026 Business Empowerment Blueprint Grant Cycle. The funding was distributed through two programs designed to support businesses at different stages of development, helping recipients strengthen their operations, build capacity and position themselves for long-term growth. Through the small business capitalization grant, AT&N established businesses received $10,000 each. The funding is intended to help those businesses improve operations, expand infrastructure and increase workforce capacity. An additional AT&N emerging businesses received $2,500 each through the business resource grant. Those awards are designed to help newer businesses establish a stronger operational foundation and improve their prospects for long-term stability.

20:40According to the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, commonly known as MDET, the grant recipients are spread across North, Central and South Miami-Dade and represent 10 County Commission districts. The businesses and organizations selected for funding span a variety of industries including healthcare, childcare, consulting, food services, media and retail. Beyond the financial awards, MDET plans to continue supporting grant recipients through technical assistance, networking opportunities and access to future funding initiatives offered under its broader Business Empowerment Blueprint Framework. That was World New Sports, is up next. The Republic Bank, Caribbean Premier League or CPL, has announced that the drill presented to each year's player inducted into its Hall of Fame.

21:56The CPL will officially be named the Sir Gary Sobers Award, and will be recognized as the greatest, all-rounder West Indies Cricket has ever produced. The naming follows the recent launch of the CPL Hall of Fame, which will honor two inductees annually, one player and one off field contributor. Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were confirmed as the inaugural class, and the CPL has now secured the Sobers family's blessing to attach Sir Gary's name to the award, marking one of the most significant moments in the league's history. As one of the finest cricketers the game has ever seen, and a defining figure of West Indies Cricket, Sir Gary's name lends the award await and a history befitting the Hall of Fame it represents. The Sir Gary Sobers Award will be presented for the first time at the CPL Hall of Fame College Dinner on Tuesday 15 September at the Hilton in Barbados. And in NBA News, Los Angeles Lakers officially announced that they will honor legendary head coach Phil Jackson with a bronze statue outside crypto.com arena.

23:05The statue is scheduled to be unveiled on April 9, 2027, prior to the Lakers home game against the Minnesota Timber Wolves. Known of action at Lee as the Zen Master, Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest strategists in basketball history. Over 11 seasons across two separate stints with the franchise, 1999 to 2004 and 2005 to 2011, he established an era of dominance, fueled by his signature triangle offense. Jackson led LATA 5 NBA titles, including a 3-peat 2000 to 2002 with Kobe Bryant and Shakilo Neal and Back-to-Back Rings 2009 to 2010 with Kobe Bryant and Paul Gassol. He holds the Lakers coaching record with 610 regular season victories. Guided the team to the playoffs in every single year of his tenure, holds 11 total NBA coaching championships, including 6 with the Chicago Bulls, the most in league history.

24:08Jackson will become the ninth franchise icon immortalized at Star Plaza, joining a legendary lineup that includes Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Karim Abdul-Jabbar, Shakilo Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Pat Riley and Bordcaster, Chick Herne. The piece is being designed by the renowned Henri R. Mrony from the Rock Black Ammony studio, the same sculptor behind many of the Plaza's existing statues. That was Sports Let's Take a Look at the Weather. The TCI National Weather Service will provide us with a 3-day weather forecast. With a general situation, a high pressure ridge is maintained in gentle to fresh breezes across the Texas and Fick's island today. However, abundant, atmospheric moisture could trigger ICHR's to-date. For the special warnings, members of the public are advised to wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. as UV indices are expected to be in the high range.

25:12The weather for all areas, partly cloudy with a low chance of ICHR's may possible, ICHR thunderstorm through tonight. The winds will be easterly at 10 to 20 knots, gusting at times. The seas will be smooth to sight, would wave at 3 feet or less, building up to 4 feet offshore. The daytime high temperature will be 93 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heat index of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and overnight low temperature will be 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunset will be at 6.57 p.m., then next low tide will be at 1.31 p.m., then next high tide will be at 755 p.m. For daily extended forecasts, tropical moisture will continue to bring the chance of occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms across the Texas and Texas Islands through Friday. The forecast for Thursday, a low chance of ICHR's, partly cloudy with a high near 93 degrees. Thursday night, a low chance of ICHR's, partly cloudy with a low around 82 degrees. The winds will be easterly at 10 to 20 knots, and the seas will be slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet, building up to 5 feet offshore.

26:17Sunrise will be at 6.34 a.m., and sunset will be at 6.57 p.m. The forecast for Friday, a low chance of ICHR's, partly cloudy with a high near 93 degrees. Friday night, a low chance of ICHR's and ICHR's thunderstorms, partly cloudy with a low around 82 degrees. The winds will be easterly at 10 to 20 knots, and the seas will be slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet, building up to 5 feet offshore. Sunrise will be at 6.34 a.m., and sunset will be at 6.56 p.m. For the tropical weather outlook, tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days. In the last 3 days, public weather forecast issued on Wednesday, the 9th of September, 2026, by the Turxman Cakers Islands National Weather Service. The weather forecast issued on Wednesday, the 9th of September, 2026, by the Turxman Cakers Islands National Weather Service. The weather forecast issued on Wednesday, the 9th of September, 2026, by the Turxman Cakers Islands National Weather Service.

27:21And so listeners, that was a look at the news today. If you missed today's presentation or any other, you can always visit our website at www.rtc89fm.com or download the Radio Turxman Cakers app in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. And if you have a story or an event you'd like us to cover, please email us at news at rtc89fm.com. Thank you so much for tuning into the nation's station, 50 years of being one people, one voice. Stay safe Turxman Cakers, I am Zoya Fasler.