News

AN ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY

Published

11 years ago

October 8, 2014

Shanice Williams - Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014

Providenciales, 08 Oct 2014 – Culture is the soul of a nation; the finest expression of humanity and a record of a people’s evolution and advancement. From Salt Ponds, to the Conch Farm; from “going-in-the-field” to billion dollars luxury resorts; from the peaceful donkeys in Grand Turk to the Private Jets in Providenciales; from potato bread to Lobster in reduction sauce; Pepper Joy to Bambara Rum, as a people our cultural story demonstrates a culture in evolution and advancement and that my fellow countrymen is our Heritage.

This is what has and will distinguish us from every other nation in the world. It is our unique marker, our signature across history and it is what follows us into the world even as it brings the world to us. And so, I call on you, as your Queen, with pride and affection for all that we are throughout our National Heritage Month, on October 13th; National Heritage Day and beyond, to embrace it.

Let me tell you why our heritage means so much to me, and why in this wide, vast world, as we let our imaginations soar across our borders; we must keep our minds rooted firmly in our own historical truth:

There are many ways to enter what is beautiful about us, what is humane and what gives us grace, but for me it is the music. We seem to breathe and live by a certain rhythm and melody. I feel it when I do not hear it. But as soon as I hear that Rake n’ Scrape, I feel like a bundle of smiles, and I see the humour, the practicality, the simplicity and the sense of dignity that is in our national character. You see, Rake n’ Scrape to me means a people who have little, but are content to make beauty even with the little they possess. There is something magical, warm and honourable about that.

That is our heritage.

Who can fail to see and feel something special about our people? We are all Sister and Brother. At every turn we are Cousin… “cuz” so and so. Speaking to us about family is like speaking about the elements of chemistry: we say: “She is my grandmother’s aunt’s husband’s second daughter, but she is my third cousin”. We are “Titter” this and “Babba” that. It is charming and funny, but underneath it reflects and confirms a tradition of respect amongst us, amongst generations of brothers and sisters that is dying in other places around the world. And yet, when the world comes to our shores, we welcome then into this culture of family.

This too is our heritage.

I love the land, our land – Beautiful by Nature, (Bountiful by Skill), as God intended and the angels obliged. And while I love the fresh mornings, or the Sweet Salinas at Salt Cay, the old world charm and gentility of Grand Turk, and as I am seduced by ambition by Provo’s luxurious race into the future, and made tender by North Caicos’ tending of the soil or Middle Caicos’ calm, where time seems still, and of course, the historical “swag’ of the “Big South”, it is the Flamingoes for me: They seem ancient and delicate. I love the fact that their colour comes from the interaction between what they eat and what the sea provides… because the sea is how we survived.

This is also our blessed heritage.

In some countries they have monuments and we have our little share. But ours is a remembered culture and a heritage to be acknowledged, remembered and celebrated. I am your honoured Queen and unlike other Queens, I am empowered by you only to issue decrees of love. Let us love what we are through what we have been as the path to what we must become. Let us live with the grace of our national story… and let us gain from and give to our heritage all that gives love, and so gives life to life.

Shanice Williams
Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014

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News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

1 week ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.