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International Day for Biological Diversity

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Turks and Caicos, May 19, 2017 – ProvidencialesThis upcoming week, the Turks & Caicos National Trust is having a FREE ADMISSION to visit heritage sites on Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos.   This initiative is geared towards residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands and is in line with the weeklong celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity this year which will run from May 22nd to 26th, 2017.

Under the global theme “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”, the Trust aims to enhance people’s awareness at protecting our cultural, historic and natural heritage by encouraging locals and residents to take a tour, free of charge, to Little Water Cay, more popularly known as “Iguana Island”, Cheshire Hall Plantation and Bird Rock Point on Providenciales, Wade’s Green Plantation on North Caicos, and Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos.

Biodiversity provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. Recognition of the great importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. The Turks & Caicos National Trust supports contributing significantly to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.

Furthermore, establishing the free admission week shows the high importance the National Trust attaches to the protection of TCI’s heritage for its people and its future generation.

To book a free tour to TCNT-managed sites during Biodiversity Week, please call (649) 941-5710 or send an e-mail to info@tcnationaltrust.org. Prior arrangement will help us handle tour times more efficiently and ensure availability of our staff to assist you.

Below are some information about our sites:

Little Water Cay: This beautiful island is the easiest place in the world to see the endemic Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana – found only in these islands. Little Water Cay is a Nature Reserve and Protected Area. Visitors must follow our “Iguana etiquette”.  Follow the trails and signs on site. No dogs or cats are allowed, and there must be no disturbing or feeding of the iguanas and please keep noise to a minimum.  Please reduce the risk of fire by not smoking. Litter attracts rats which destroy iguana eggs so there are no litter facilities on the island – please take your garbage away with you. The visitor center has a small shop where you can buy local crafts.

Cheshire Hall Plantation: The best preserved set of plantation-era ruins on Providenciales and thus the most important site for cultural heritage on the island. A tour with a National Trust guide lasts 30 – 40 minutes. You can buy locally made craft items on this site.

Wades Green Plantation: Located in Kew, North Caicos, it is recognized by UNESCO as one of the best preserved Loyalist sites in the Caribbean. The trail starts from the King’s Road and we ask that visitors tread lightly – keep on the track/ trail path.

Conch Bar Caves: Part of a National Park, it is the largest cave system open to visitors in the islands and one of the largest in the Caribbean. It is home to colonies of four species of bats. Important notice: it is illegal to break or remove broken formations; disturb harm or remove cave creatures; disturb or remove historic artifacts; and deface the cave by leaving litter or marking on the cave walls.

Bird Rock Point: An attractive area of coastal coppice woodland. A simple trail leads from the car park to the sea and a great view. It is home to a great variety of wildlife.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  The United Nations proclaimed May 22 – The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.   The theme for 2017 is “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”, which has been chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Press Release: TCIG

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

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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.

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

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(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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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