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October 15, 2026

Robotics and Reading Bring Learning to Life at Ianthe Pratt Primary School

www.newslinetci.com (Opens in new tab) | Author: Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor | Published: 10/15/2026

Students at Ianthe Pratt Primary School in the Bight explored science and literacy during the Week of the Young Child on October 5 and October 6. The two-day event integrated robotics, drone demonstrations, and creative reading sessions to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world discovery for young learners. Principal Neekimo King and Early Childhood Education Officer Heidi Williams organized the initiative to boost engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Monday featured a robotics competition using Lego toys and a drone flight demonstration by the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources. On Tuesday, students participated in a “Reading a Trunk” event, where older pupils read to younger peers. Math Specialist Renae Reed, who helped coordinate the activities, stated, “We decided to give the kids an adventure.” The school intentionally selected female presenters for the STEM sessions to encourage young girls to envision themselves in careers like marine biology and civil engineering. These efforts aim to address ongoing concerns regarding literacy and numeracy performance across the Turks and Caicos Islands. By blending hands-on technology with shared reading, the school hopes to foster a lasting enthusiasm for education. This strategy encourages students to look beyond traditional expectations and consider a broader range of future professional paths.


October 14, 2026

A proposed nationwide class action lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court on October 9, 2026, accuses McDonald’s of illegally coordinating menu prices across its restaurants. The litigation claims the fast-food company uses AI-powered algorithms to fix prices, potentially impacting millions of customers across the United States. The complaint alleges McDonald’s conspired with independent franchisees to set prices using nonpublic transaction data from nearly 14,000 locations. McDonald’s rejected the claims on October 12, 2026, stating that "AI does not set the price of a Big Mac or any other menu item." The company maintains that franchisees make their own pricing decisions using standard analytics. This lawsuit joins similar antitrust actions filed in recent years regarding the use of algorithms to coordinate prices for various consumer goods.

On October 9, 2026, Amazon Web Services announced a $1 billion investment to be distributed over the next five years across United States communities hosting its data centers. The initiative aims to address local concerns regarding electricity and water usage while supporting education, job training, and energy affordability programs. The company faces political pressure ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with over 100 data center moratoriums currently under consideration nationwide. Amazon Web Services Chief Executive Officer Matt Garman noted the urgency of this development to secure national security and economic benefits. The firm also committed to becoming water positive across its facilities by 2030, reporting it is currently 75 percent of the way toward that goal.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) earned international recognition on October 14, 2026, by receiving the 2026 Educational Engagement Firebrand Award. The honour was presented at the Ignition Community Conference, where the college showcased its innovative Island Smart Utility Platform to a global audience of technology experts and system integrators. Dr. P. Vijay Daniel, a lecturer in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, presented the project, which utilizes Ignition software and affordable ESP32 microcontrollers to support sustainable agriculture. The work was featured in the conference’s Discover Gallery, providing exposure to approximately 1,900 attendees from the industrial automation sector. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Rachel Marshall Taylor remarked that the achievement demonstrates the "talent, innovation and potential that exist within our education system." This recognition underscores the institution's ongoing focus on providing students with practical, technology-driven education. Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, stated the award reflects the college's commitment to giving students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning. The project continues to prepare students for an increasingly digital workforce through hands-on experience in the Internet of Things, automation, and system integration.


October 13, 2026

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) secured international acclaim by winning the 2026 Educational Engagement Firebrand Award at the Ignition Community Conference. This prestigious honor recognizes the institution’s innovative Island Smart Utility Platform, a project developed to advance sustainable agriculture while fostering essential technical skills among local students. Represented by Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics lecturer Dr. P. Vijay Daniel, the college showcased its initiative to global industry experts and researchers. The platform integrates Ignition software with affordable ESP32 microcontrollers, offering students practical experience in industrial automation and the Internet of Things. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Rachel Marshall Taylor praised the achievement, stating the award is “evidence of the innovation and technical expertise emerging from the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The project gained exposure to approximately 1,900 attendees within the conference’s Discover Gallery. This recognition serves as a milestone in the institution’s ongoing strategy to modernize its curriculum and increase applied learning opportunities. TCICC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Candice Williams noted that the success validates the college's dedication to preparing graduates for a technology-driven workforce. The institution plans to continue building on this international momentum to strengthen its technology-based education programs for future students.

Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders will travel to South Korea during the week of October 19, 2026, to attend the Global AI & Digital Summit. Invited by the World Bank, the Minister plans to explore artificial intelligence applications to modernize public services and weather forecasting across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Saunders will tour technological facilities including the Anyang Smart City Integrated Control Center to observe AI-powered public safety and robotics. He has also consulted with Director of Meteorology Dr. Holly Hamilton regarding AI-driven weather models to enhance early warning capabilities. Regarding potential benefits, the Minister stated, “The low hanging fruits for AI in TCIG are improved customer service including 24x7 government services.” He identified tourism and healthcare as additional sectors where digital efficiency could be improved through new technology. While the World Bank covers the visit, no specific AI projects have been authorized for implementation. Any initiatives identified during the trip must first be presented to the Cabinet for review. If the Cabinet supports a proposal, the Ministry must then secure the necessary budgetary approval before any local introduction can proceed.


October 9, 2026

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) received the 2026 Educational Engagement Firebrand Award at the Ignition Community Conference 2026. Dr. P. Vijay Daniel, a lecturer in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, accepted the honor on behalf of the college on 9 October 2026. The college earned the accolade for its Island Smart Utility Platform, a project that integrates the Ignition software platform with affordable ESP32 microcontrollers. This initiative supports sustainable agriculture while offering students practical experience in the Internet of Things, automation, and industrial systems. The project was featured in the conference's Discover Gallery, where it was showcased to approximately 1,900 industry professionals, researchers, and technology experts from around the globe. The award highlights the institution’s focus on applied, technology-driven education designed to prepare students for a digital workforce. Dr. Candice Williams, President/CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, stated the achievement demonstrates that local innovation can reach international standards and contribute to the territory's development. The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, noted that such initiatives prove the talent and potential existing within the local education system.


October 5, 2026

The Cleveland Clinic has become the first hospital in Ohio to perform a robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, a milestone reached following recent clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This minimally invasive option is now available to patients at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital for both breast cancer treatment and risk-reduction surgeries. Dr. Stephanie Valente, director of the Cleveland Clinic Breast Surgery Fellowship Program, led the team that performed the inaugural procedure. Surgeons utilize the da Vinci SP Surgical System, which features a 3D camera and robotic instruments inserted through a one-inch incision typically hidden on the side of the breast. This method replaces the traditional five-inch open incision, offering improved precision, enhanced visualization, and reduced blood loss. Dr. Valente noted that the approach aims to improve cosmetic outcomes, preserve the nipple and skin, and support faster recovery times for patients. For those eligible, breast reconstruction can be completed during the same operation. This development expands the hospital's existing minimally invasive options, such as endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy, and provides a new alternative for patients seeking to address both the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer surgery.


September 28, 2026

The British Caribbean Bank (BCB) provided a boost to local special education by donating 18 new tablets to the Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP Center) on September 18. This contribution aims to enhance the educational resources available to students at the TCI facility while supporting teachers in their daily instruction. BCB Managing Director Marcus Moxey stated the donation reflects the company’s dedication to supporting communities that are often overlooked. He noted that the bank believes in the power of education and wants to ensure the next generation is prepared for the rapid evolution of technology. SNAP Center Principal Michelle Tardieu welcomed the gift, explaining that the devices will help foster independence and provide valuable opportunities for communication, functional academics, and the development of essential digital skills. The SNAP Center provides tailored learning activities for children with special needs across various age groups. Tardieu expressed gratitude to the financial institution for its commitment to inclusive education, emphasizing that the tablets will have a meaningful impact on the students' learning experiences. As part of the Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited group, BCB operates as a leading commercial bank in the Turks and Caicos Islands, providing banking products alongside its community investments.


September 25, 2026

Liberty Says It Can Assist TCI With Border Security

www.newslinetci.com (Opens in new tab) | Author: Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor | Published: 9/25/2026

Liberty Caribbean proposed a digital border security system for the Turks and Caicos Islands during the launch of its Liberty Business service on September 17, 2026. The company suggests its technology could improve border control, visitor processing, and public safety while integrating into broader, digitally enabled government services. Carol Robertson, a representative for Liberty Caribbean, outlined a vision where secure networks, biometric tools, and automated scanners streamline entry and departure for travelers. While the company offers to manage implementation from start to finish, Robertson confirmed there is currently no contract or formal agreement with the TCI Government. Liberty aims to transition authorities from reacting to incidents toward predicting congestion through real-time data analysis. As the Turks and Caicos Islands addresses challenges involving irregular migration, Liberty emphasizes that any digital transformation must prioritize cybersecurity. The provider, operating through Cable and Wireless, intends to build upon its infrastructure to support these government initiatives. Robertson encouraged TCI officials to prioritize desired outcomes for residents and visitors, stating that the company will assist in determining the technical path to achieve those goals. Liberty’s broader vision involves technology that quietly improves public services and everyday life for the community.


September 23, 2026

Between August 17 and October 21, 2026, the Universal Postal Union trained staff at the George Brown Post Office Building in Providenciales. This initiative upgraded the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Service to advanced digitalisation by implementing three new electronic systems for mail processing, customs declarations, and package tracking. Postal Consultant Carlos Carballada facilitated instruction on the IPS Post, Advance Customs Declaration, and TrackIT systems. Minister responsible for the Postal Service Hon. Shaun D. Malcolm praised Postmaster General Elizabeth James, stating the training is an "important step towards strengthening the capacity of the Postal Service." Participants received certificates, marking a transition toward a modern, efficient and reliable 21st-century postal network.


September 22, 2026

Liberty Business officially launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands on September 22, 2026, to provide digital transformation services for enterprise clients. The company aims to strengthen its role as a technology partner, helping local organizations across various sectors navigate digital change and improve their operational resilience and growth. At a stakeholder event, executives introduced the new brand, which consolidates an integrated portfolio of enterprise solutions including cybersecurity, cloud services, and managed services. Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President General Manager of Flow North Caribbean at Liberty Caribbean, stated the move reflects their evolution as a "trusted technology partner for organisations navigating an increasingly digital economy." Joanne Missick, Country Manager for Flow Turks and Caicos Islands, noted that the launch demonstrates a commitment to evolving alongside the local business community. The parent company, Liberty Caribbean, currently manages an extensive communications network supported by 50,000 kilometres of subsea and terrestrial fibre infrastructure.


September 21, 2026

Liberty Business officially launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands on September 21, 2026, marking a strategic shift in the company’s regional operations. The brand aims to support local enterprises by providing digital transformation tools, cybersecurity, and cloud services, strengthening its long-standing commitment to the territory's business infrastructure. During a stakeholder event, Liberty Caribbean representatives announced that the new brand will consolidate enterprise solutions—including managed services, data centre solutions, and unified communications—under one umbrella. Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President General Manager of Flow North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, stated the company aims to be a "trusted technology partner for organisations navigating an increasingly digital economy." Joanne Missick, Country Manager of Flow Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized that the initiative will cater to local sectors such as tourism, financial services, and construction. The company currently manages 50,000 kilometres of subsea and terrestrial fibre infrastructure across the region. This transition builds upon the company’s existing presence in the islands as it seeks to address the evolving technological demands of local firms. By focusing on cybersecurity and business continuity, the firm intends to help organizations improve efficiency. This move represents a strategic pivot toward providing integrated enterprise solutions rather than relying solely on standard connectivity, preparing the local business community for a more connected future.


September 17, 2026

Liberty Business launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands on September 17, 2026, at a stakeholder event in Providenciales attended by government representatives, business leaders, industry partners, customers and media. The new brand offers enterprise technology services to local companies. Susanna O'Sullivan, Vice President General Manager, Flow North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, said the launch "represents far more than the introduction of a new name." Liberty Business brings together advanced connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud services, data centre solutions, managed services, enterprise mobility and unified communications. Liberty Caribbean operates Flow, Liberty Business and BTC across more than twenty markets, supported by approximately 50,000 kilometres of subsea and terrestrial fibre. Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands, said local businesses are embracing technology as an enabler of growth. She named tourism and hospitality, financial services, real estate, construction, professional services and entrepreneurship among sectors seeking to become more efficient, secure and resilient. Missick said the approach centres on lasting relationships and solutions for real-world challenges.


September 16, 2026

Digicel to Assess Changing Digital Landscape

www.newslinetci.com (Opens in new tab) | Author: Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor | Published: 9/16/2026

Digicel will review its position in the Turks and Caicos Islands telecommunications market after Starlink's entry, while pressing ahead with its five-year technology plan. Kern Gardiner, Digicel TCI's Country Operations Manager, said the company will keep investing in its network and adjusting strategy as the market evolves. Gardiner, speaking at Starlink's launch event on August 27, 2026, said Digicel sees the arrival as an opportunity and will weigh how to position itself in densely populated areas. Starlink delivers internet through low-Earth-orbit satellites, adding an option for residents and businesses in areas difficult to serve conventionally. He said customers will see more of the company's work: "We're not doing the work in the background anymore."