MEDIA RELEASE

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC), recently announced its sponsorship of the 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association’s (TCIFA) Providenciales Premier League, set to kick off in late September.

The family resort remains dedicated to supporting TCI’s future champions and this year’s partnership is another winning goal for BTC as the brand continues to fuel the passion and potential of TCI’s young footballers.

“We’re thrilled to be back on board for this journey with our young and talented athletes in what promises to be a season filled with standout performances and memorable moments,” said BTC Managing Director James McAnally.

“Local football provides a platform for our young men and women to realise their full potential and even plot a path for their future. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills — not only on the field but in becoming upstanding young men and women — and we see this competition as the perfect opportunity to help prepare them for success and to give back to our community.”

The Provo Premier League (PPL) is a league that is played in the island of Providenciales between club teams that have players from the islands of North Caicos, South Caicos and Grand Turk participating.

This sponsorship will assist the TCIFA and the league to provide prize monies, special awards and cover match official expenses.

President of the PPL Patrick Baptiste, while commending the partnership with Beaches highlighted the long term benefits that this sponsorship will provide. “This league provides an outlet for our youth to participate in top quality competition that will prepare them to vie for professional football contracts going forward. This type of youth development will provide a high quality platform benefitting the future of our young people. This partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos is a win win for the youth and sporting development at large,” Baptiste shared.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services Rachel Taylor was elated with the sponsorship from the resort. “Beaches Turks and Caicos remains one of our major supporters for youth development throughout the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. Whether it is through the Sandals Foundation or community support, the leadership of this organisation stands ready to help in providing for our youth. This sponsorship will undoubtedly help to offset the financial demands of the government as it relates to the positive impact of our youth. This kind of partnership will provide a stable platform for the sports, entertainment and overall youth development,” Taylor noted.

An elated senior men’s coach, Aaron Lawrence shared “this funding will encourage greater participation from players, coaches, administrators and supporters of the teams within the league. There is currently an urgent need for public and private partnership for sports, which will allow the national coaching staff to identify talents from the different islands to increase the cadre of quality players vying to represent the national teams at the different levels,” Lawrence shared.

Photo Captions:

Header: TCIFA PPL President presents a TCIFA token to BTC’s MD

Insert: BTC MD James McAnally signs

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: Each year on 10^th September we come together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on the critical issue of suicide and the extensive impact it has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Suicide remains a significant global concern, being one of the top 20 leading causes of death and resulting in over 800,000 lives lost annually—one life every 40 seconds.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, recent clinic-level data from the Department of Behavioural Health Services has brought to light a troubling increase in suicide attempts, with a noticeable impact on females aged 18-35. This growing concern highlights the urgent need for empathy, understanding, and support. While certain risk factors such as gender, ages 35-60, unemployment, living alone, depression, and financial difficulties are commonly associated with suicide, it is essential to recognise that the roots of these struggles are often deeply intertwined with a complex mix of genetic, psychological, social, and cultural influences. These challenges are frequently compounded by personal experiences of trauma and loss.

We want to emphasise that help is available and that reaching out for support can make a profound difference. In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day this year, the Department of Behavioural Health Services, under the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is introducing two crucial initiatives aimed at providing assistance and fostering understanding:

1. Online Mental Health Check-Ups

Depression and intense emotional pain are significant risk factors for suicide and self-harming behaviors. To support those navigating these difficult feelings, we are offering an online mental health screener. By completing this screener, individuals will receive a confidential assessment from a qualified clinician, who will then arrange either an in-person or virtual follow-up session. For further details, please refer to the attached flyer.

2. Mental Health Stigma Survey “Shifting Minds”

Stigma surrounding mental health remains a major obstacle for many seeking help. To address this, we are launching the “Shifting Minds” survey on 10th September as part of our Anti-Stigma Campaign. This nationwide initiative aims to challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma, and enhance the well-being of those experiencing mental health challenges. Your participation will help us better understand public attitudes and will contribute to shaping a compassionate and effective national anti-stigma campaign in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commenting on World Suicide Prevention Day, Honourable Shaun D Malcolm, Minister for Health and Human Services, stated, “suicide prevention efforts remain a priority for the Turks and Caicos Islands. With the implementation of several new initiatives being undertaken by the Department of Behavioural Health Services, we anticipate positive outcomes such as an increase in public education, reduction in stigma and reduction in incidence rates.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with intense feelings or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help. There is no shame in reaching out; doing so can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenging times. Offering compassion, understanding, and support to those in distress is crucial. Your experiences and actions can help create a more supportive community for everyone.

Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.

And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.

Our world is unequal and divided.

Hunger and poverty are rife.

The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.

These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.

We can choose to eradicate poverty.

We can choose to end inequality.

We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.

We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.

Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.

I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.

Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.