News
PDM on its Kick Off Campaign
Providenciales, TCI, November 15, 2016 – The Caribbean as a tourist destination took centre stage at the World Travel Market, the largest gathering of global tourism stakeholders. Highlighting the work of its Tourism and Health Programme, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), became the first regional health institution to be represented at this forum.
The PDM is excited about the reception of its message rolled out around the Turks and Caicos Islands in its Kick Off Rallies and other events. Last week, we were more than pleased with the attendance, spirit and responses at and to our 3 major Kick Off Rallies on Providenciales, North Caicos and Grand Turk.
“Our people are ready for change and it is evident that they are committed to achieving that on December 15, 2016. They have also welcomed the PDM’s effort to lift the campaign from the doldrums and to keep their content issues related and centered. We promised the people of this country that we will share how we intend to uplift their spirits and to show them how we will improve their lives from day one. We are excited about our Team and our Message and Plans and this excitement has been buzzing up and down the length and breadth of the Turks and Caics Islands. There is more to come and our people are listening to the plans and listening to the agents for change because we are the superior team with superior plans. We will continue to keep issues centered and will condemn any other actions,” says Party Leader, Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.
Party Leader continued, “Tomorrow on November 16, 2016, a Press Statement will be delivered at our Party’s Headquarters in Providenciales at 11am. We will announce the remainder of our Campaign Schedule and will invite you the people of these Islands to follow us and listen to real change presented by real change agents. Once our candidates are officially nominated on Friday, November 18, 2016, we will continue on the delivery of our message around the Islands with our constituency rallies.”
She continued, “We are equally pleased with our first debate participant Hon Keno Forbes who last evening strongly articulated his and our Party’s platform and vision very well. We are excited that young people are coming forward to share in the leadership of their country and are standing shoulder to shoulder and even above those who are senior. We are pleased with the reviews and the unprecedented excitement around this Debate.
We must however chide the PNP Chairman on his Release following the debate on which he made an issue of the fact that Hon Forbes does not reside in South Caicos and that this should be a prominent thought for consideration. Our response is simply that this is a desperate attempt to deflect voters from his vision and ability to bring real change to South Caicos and to discount the fact that though persons are not resident on a particular Island that they are not aware of the issues nor feel the pain of the people they continue to keep connected to. There are many persons who for lack of opportunities had to leave their Island home be it South Caicos or any of the Islands outside of Providenciales and to discount their ability to contribute because of the failure of his Party’s Government in South Caicos over the past 40 years is nothing short of desperate. South Caicos has not fared off better for having representatives living on the Island and the record will reflect that. It is our Party’s collective vision to reverse this so that there will be more persons who can remain at home be it in South Caicos, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, Grand Turk and yes even Salt Cay. ”
Deputy Party Leader, Hon Sean Astwood stated, “We promised the people a campaign that they have never before experienced and I am pleased that the responses are positive to our brand and our message. We will not disappoint you the people and while others will resort to lies and personal attacks, we will continue to focus on what matters to you. We will focus on those bread and butter, around the table issues that will impact your life.”
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.
“Sometimes I look at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like there would be a red flashing light that tells you that
there’s something wrong with a car and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the same thing. It gives you warning signs to look into that symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak said self-checks are going to be a little different for everyone.
However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such as unexplained weight loss, blood in your urine, bumps and bruises that won’t heal, and changes in bowel habits.
For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could be a sign of something more serious.
He also suggests doing regular skin checks and documenting any moles or spots that start to look different.
“Realize that you are your own person. There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you. You’ve got your own set of ideas, your own family history and your own genetics. Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing that we would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak notes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with.
Press Release: Cleveland Clinic
