News

Jamaicans Attend Independence Service In Washington

Published

11 years ago

August 5, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 4 (JIS): Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica turned out in large numbers on Sunday,
August 2, at Howard University’s Dumbarton Chapel for a service of Thanksgiving, in celebration of Jamaica’s 53rd anniversary of independence.

The annual church service, which is the centrepiece of the Embassy of Jamaica’s commemorative activities, was attended by a capacity audience, which included members of the Jamaican community in the Washington metropolitan area, Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia.

Also in attendance were several members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps, along with a strong contingent of CARICOM Ambassadors as well as representatives of international organisations in Washington.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, in her message read by Charge d’Affaires at the Jamaican Embassy, Marsha Coore-Lobban, said that independence 53 provides for Jamaica and Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, a timely moment for reflection.

“At this juncture in our history and development, as a nation and people, we reflect on the road we have travelled, the significant social, economic and political advances we have made and the challenges we have encountered and overcome,” she said.

The Prime Minister said that amidst the celebrations, “we should ponder the developmental challenges that remain and fashion strategies and approaches to mobilize the nation to surmount them.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller pointed out that the nation’s resolve to face the future with confidence, is strengthened by the many successes in the past, and that one of the proudest and most enduring achievements has been the country’s exemplary democratic tradition that has stand the test of time.

She said that Jamaica’s mature democracy continues to guarantee the people important social, economic, political and religious freedoms that have now been enshrined in a charter of fundamental rights and freedom anchored in the Constitution of Jamaica.

“It is on this time-honoured achievement that we stand today to proclaim our independence theme this year, ‘Proud and Free, Jamaica 53’, said the Prime Minister.

Delivering the sermon, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance,
Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, recalled that after 131 years, without a gun being fired, the Jamaican people were emancipated.

“Today, we strive to live into the reality of our emancipation and independence by continuing the fight for freedom from mental slavery and other deleterious consequences of negative developments in our history,” proclaimed the General Secretary.

He said that in spite of the many challenges the people of Jamaica face, “we are encouraged by the signs of hope that dot the landscape of Jamaica’s contemporary history.”

The former pastor of the Tarrant Baptist church said “we should also consider the way we have preserved a liberal democratic ethos in Jamaica,” noting that people of many nations could learn much from the way “our elections are conducted.”

He listed some of the country’s achievements to include the exploits of the sporting stars – Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Brigitte Foster-Hylton.

Rev. Callam also recalled the performances of the Sunshine Girls and the Reggae Boys on the netball and football fields, respectively; and the amazing developments in the arts and in medical research.

Lessons were read by Senator Shirley Natham-Pulliam of the Maryland Senate; Jacob Phillips, who represented the young in the Diaspora, and Colonel Jacqueline Payne Borden, President of the Washington based Jamaica Nationals Association. The gospel reading was done by Dr. Milton Morris.

The service was officiated by Jamaican Theologian and Dean of the School of Divinity at Howard University, Dr. Bertram Melbourne, assisted by Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, one of the Pastors at the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.

The offering at the service will benefit the Portland Infirmary and Bellevue Hospital.

Following the church service, a reception was hosted by Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Jamaica, Marsha Coore-Lobban.

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Press Statement By The Hon. D. Shane Gibson, MP Minister of Labour & National Insurance

Deandrea S Hamilton

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

4 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

4 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

7 days 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.