News
Five Cays athlete and scholar gets a boost from Bugaloo’s
#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2017 – Providenciales – La’Shano Pierre of Five Cays, Providenciales is doing the kinds of things we want to see more and more young men of this country or of any country doing. Pierre, at just 17 is investing in and taking responsibility for his personal development through sports and tertiary level education.
The former member of the Rising Stars basketball club and first year student at Manchester College in the UK, where he is studying Business Management, is a stand out athlete and earned high grades and was therefore shocked when he was not among the 2017 Government scholarship winners. Perplexed and gravely distressed, young #La’ShanoPierre was like Nehemiah of the Bible who appeared so downcast that the king was forced to ask his usually diligent server, what was wrong.
Mike Stolow, owner and manager at Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl in Five Cays, similarly noticed the depressed demeanor of Pierre and he too asked his noble employee, what was wrong. The discouraging news moved Mr. Stolow in a way that moved mountains for young La’Shano and what just moments before had seemed an insurmountable obstacle was erased by a caring heart, a kind question and a benevolent gift.
“The owner always encouraged me to keep my head up and push forward to achieve my goals. As we approached the beginning of the school year, I was certain that I would be selected to return to England, since my grades were very high. However, I received the list of students chosen, and my name was not on it. Needless to say, I was so despondent and it showed on my face when I arrived at work. That’s when the owner pulled me aside and told me that Bugaloo’s would cover the cost of my next academic year. He said he was proud of my academic achievements and my work ethics at #Bugaloo’s and I deserved to go. This uplifted me in a way I will always remember,” said La’Shano, who had worked at the restaurant over his summer breaks.
In a heartfelt story to #MagneticMedia, the young man sets the stage. Pierre was born and raised in Five Cays and like so many others of his generation and community, loves the sport of basketball.
Bugaloo’s was already an appreciated entity because it supported youth programs and sports development.
“From a very young age my friends and I could always count on Bugaloo’s support and sponsorship at various basketball tournaments locally and abroad. When I was unable to go to the YBOA basketball nationals, because of a lack of funds, Bugaloo’s stepped forward and sponsored me. Throughout the years they have always kept in touch with us to make sure we were heading along the right path. When I came home from studying abroad for the summer, they offered me a job so I could save money for my upcoming school year.”
It turns out that this amazing report from La’shano was more than a story of a student who got a scholarship from a kind company, but a beacon of an example of how corporate TCI can be and has been actively involved in cultivating fine citizens by ensuring they are there to pick them up, even when they are let down.
“Throughout my time at Bugaloos one of the things I valued the most was the positive mentoring sessions on life and business management, which really enhanced my knowledge helping me to reach my goal of becoming a future entrepreneur. I went from despair to joy because someone believed in a young man from Five Cays. I hope to be a role model for all the young men of Five Cays who are so often forgotten.”
When the king helped Nehemiah, who was downcast and broken to fulfill his dream of leading the men of his nation in the rebuilding the wall of Israel, which was the heritage of their forefathers, it lead to a rebuilt people pulled from degradation and shame.
Mike Stolow may not be a royalty as modern times would define it, but his king sized heart and his king sized gift to a young man on a mission to build his life as an example of what is possible, even out of Five Cays, is as regal and resplendent as it gets.
“First of all, I would like to Thank God for his blessings upon my life, also I would like to thank my Family and friends and every member of the community for their support. The opportunity that Bugaloos has brought before me goes to show that no matter who you are once you are focused and determined opportunities will come your way.”
La’Shano Pierre of Five Cays was sad because he had gotten some terrible news; but he cleaned himself up and mustered the courage to face the day. Young La’Shano went to work, and through his grit, earned much more than a day’s pay, he earned the respect of this journalist, our organization and even more significantly at the time… the admiration of his mentor, employer and sponsor: #MichaelStolow who gave the kind of gift only a king could give.
“I would once again like to thank the owner and the team at Bugaloos as well as the members of my community. Thank you for your support and the opportunity you have given me. I assure you that I won’t disappoint.”
And as we pray for La’Shano, a budding Business Manager, to continue to do well at university in the United Kingdom, we are certain that just as he has promised, he will not disappoint.
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.
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.
(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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