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STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM ON RECENT SHOOTING OF VISITOR

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Turks and Caicos, June 24, 2017 – Providenciales –  Detectives of The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the shooting of an American visitor that occurred on Friday, June 23. The report indicates that around 1:43 a.m., police responded to a report of a shooting in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales. On arrival, police established that a male victim had been shot. The male, identified as Keven Newman of Alabama, was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center where he received treatment for a wound in the abdominal area. Contrary to reports, Mr. Newman sustained one shot about his body.

Every effort was made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board to support the Newman family throughout this unfortunate ordeal. The Government sought medical evacuation for Mr. Newman; however, quick-thinking family and friends made emergency arrangements beforehand with funds raised via a Go Fund Me page. Nonetheless, tourism officials met with the medical team and Mrs. Newman to receive progress report on Mr. Newman’s condition and offer additional care to the family while on island. A member of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board stayed by Mrs. Newman side until her husband was successfully evacuated.

Angela Aquino, CLB/United States Warden for the Turks and Caicos Islands was also on hand to give the Newman’s emotional support and lend travel assistance. Travel arrangements were made for the Newman’s son, who was also visiting the Islands, to return to the United States earlier today. He was personally escorted to the airport and through airport check-in by a member of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. Personnel from the Ministry of Tourism and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board remain in constant contact with the Newman family, and will provide updates to the media as they become available.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is treating this incident as a robbery and is aggressively pursuing this matter. Whilst at this stage no arrest has been made in connection with this offence, active enquiries are being followed up to identify those responsible.

The Ministry of Tourism wishes to acknowledge the gravity of this situation, and to condemn this heinous crime. The safety of our residents and visitors remains paramount.

Although the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be one of the safest countries in the region, if not the world, a single attack against any innocent person is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The Ministry of Tourism encourages persons, in the strongest way possible, to cooperate with law enforcement to report crimes which will aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We would especially like to appeal to anyone with information of crime against our visitors to report it to the local authorities or to crime stoppers.

Our residents and visitors should continue to enjoy all of the attributes of our Islands. We will not be intimidated by acts of cowardice.

We would like to remind Turks and Caicos Islanders, residents and visitors alike, legal or illegal, that any crime against our citizens can negatively affect our image as a low crime destination. Any crime against our tourists is an attack on our very livelihood which can contribute to the decline of our tourism sector.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is known worldwide for our pristine beaches, exquisite under water sites, and friendly people. We all have a part to play in maintaining this reputation.

The Ministry of Tourism encourages all persons to exercise vigilance as we seek to restore the Turks and Caicos Islands that you have come to know and love.

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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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Health

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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