The neighbouring Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) continues to strengthen relations with its regional partners, in particular Jamaica, in the area of disaster response.

Both countries recently discussed opportunities for future training for the TCI Regiment at the Caribbean Military Academy (CMA) and other institutions in Jamaica. The TCI administration recently hosted a delegation from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), where disaster response was the central point of discussion with the start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season less than a month away. 

The JDF delegation comprised Brigadier Markland Lloyd, Colonel Rohan Johnson and Lieutenant Colonel Eldon Morgan. 

Joining TCI’s acting governor Anya Williams for the meeting were deputy premier Erwin Jay Saunders, along with ranks of the TCI Regiment comprising Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant; Regimental Sergeant, Major Collin Da Silva; Captain Dixie Smith; Captain Francis Glinton; Lieutenant Zachery Rigby and Lieutenant Earl Henry. 

Top of the discussion was areas of cooperation between the Jamaica Defence Force and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment to strengthen regional response in relation to the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). This includes exploring opportunities for future training for the TCI Regiment. 

The acting governor said she looks forward to building a strong partnership with Jamaica in this area of cooperation.