Culture Department Successfully Hosts James E. Simmons Model Sail Boat Races

Turks and Caicos, June 7, 2017 – Grand Turk –  The Nation’s capital came alive on Saturday afternoon when the Department of Culture, under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming hosted the James E. Simmons Model Sail Boat Races.   Persons of all walks of life could be seen enjoying the activities of the afternoon.   Students from the Ona Glinton Primary School opened with the singing of the National Anthem and the National Song while students from the Eliza Simons Primary School serenaded the crowd with the singing of local folk songs and the poem Mr. Ripsaw written by Miss Angela Freites, Cultural Officer. Entertainment for the event was provided by Full Force Ripsaw Band.

In attendance were members of the Simmons family who expressed their profound gratitude to the Department of Culture for seeing it fit to reintroduce the event.   Remarks were delivered by the Department’s Director, Miss Ludwina Fulford, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, Junior Ministry of Tourism and Great Grand Daughter of the late James E. Simmons, Zahria Ingham and Carl Simmons, son of Mr. Simmons.

Capturing the first, second and third prizes in each category were:

Category 1:

1. Curtis Simmons
2. Delphine Simmons
3. Mac Smith

Category 2:

1. Curtis Simmons
2. Jason Francis
3. Delphine Simmons

Slow Bicycle Race:

1. Taioma Taylor
2. Trevez Taylor
3. Romarl Benjamin

Kayaking:

1. Josh & Jarrett
2. Omari & Nevard
3. T-Jay & Teylen

RC Boat Race

1. Gordon Wilson

Anything that floats but a boat:

1. Herbert Adams
2. Mahki Wilson
3. Lion James

Minister of Culture, Hon. Ralph Higgs commented on the event; “I wish to commend the Department of Culture for revitalizing this event as it forms a part of our rich cultural heritage. It gives our youth a glimpse into the things we enjoyed as children and it highlights the boating history of Grand Turk and the other islands. Next year we are looking forward to having more participants involved and hope to host some boat building workshops leading up to the event.”

Director Fulford and her team wish to express profound thanks to the community and sponsors for their support and encourages everyone to stay tuned for other activities of the department.

Press Release: TCIG