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NEWS RELEASE: DEPARTMEMT OF CULTURE – CARIFESTA XIII

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#TurksandCaicos, August 31, 2017 – Providenciales – Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming, Director of Culture, Miss Ludwina Fulford and Senior Cultural Officer, Miss Alishia Duncanson return to the islands after attending Carifesta XIII held in Barbados 17-27th August, 2017.   Carifesta XIII’s theme was “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Our Selves”, and welcomed over 23 Caribbean and Latin America nations showcasing a wide array of disciplines including film; folk traditions; several genres of music, theatre and dance; traditional culinary cuisine inclusive of national dishes and beverages at the largest gathering for Artistic expressions.

Picture 4The Culture Department participated in the “Country Booth” segment held in the “Grand Market” during which the culture team displayed many local products including music by a number of our local artists, Bambara Rum, Caicos Tea and promoted a variety of local products and souvenirs. The team met directors from around the region and sat in on a cultural policy workshop that included approximately 100 cultural practitioners, policy makers and academics from around the Caribbean in support of the development of the draft Turks and Caicos Islands Cultural Policy.

In addition, the Turks and Caicos Junior Chef team, comprising Team Leader Edwin Gallardo, Chaperon Mrs. Nicholette Thomas and Junior Chefs Kentisha Hall and Christian Green entered the Caribbean Junior Dueling Challenge which commenced on the 24th August and were victorious in capturing the first position for the competition.

Reacting to their success, Mrs. Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, commented “I am so elated to congratulate our team for successfully capturing first place in the National Dish preparation and the gold medal for the overall competition. Their hard work and dedication really paid off. They left the island with one goal in mind, and were determined to get it. Kudos to Team TCI!! You’ve made us all proud.”

Hon. Higgs remarked “having travelled with the team and observing the various activities that took place during Carifesta XIII I am happy that we were able to participate in such an activity.   This mega cultural festival has given the Department of Culture exposure but by extension it gave the Turks and Caicos Islands maximum exposure.   I wish to extend hearty congratulations to the Junior Culinary Arts Team for their victories they achieved in their competition. This is just the beginning of success for you! We are extremely proud of you!”

Director of Culture, Ms. Fulford stated that “Carifesta XIII was an amazing experience from start to finish. We were able to not only promote our country, but were also able to sample cuisine, view crafts, observe demonstrations of various art form productions, and build stronger relationships with regional counterparts.   It is our hope that as we work towards Carifesta XIV we will be able to expose a larger contingent to this rich cultural experience.   I too wish to register congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Department of Culture to the Culinary Team for a job well done! There is no doubt that talent exists in the Turks and Caicos Islands, from your efforts the world has been reminded of this.   Congratulations again.”

Overall we are pleased with the outcome and look forward to participating in more events in the next Carifesta”.

 LABELS:

Picture 1 Label: Ludwina Fulford, Director of Culture, Hon Ralph Higgs, Minister of  Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming, Alishia Duncanson, Senior Cultural Officer, TCI

Picture 4 Label: Team Leader Edwin GallardoLudwina Fulford, Director of Culture Chaperon Mrs. Nicholette Thomas and Junior Chefs Kentisha Hall and Christian Green.

Picture 5 Label: Ludwina Fulford, Director of Culture, TCIG, The Honourable Stephen Lashley, Minister of Culture, Sports & Youth, Barbados, Alishia Duncanson, Senior Cultural Officer, TCIG, and Mrs. Andrea Wells, Chief Cultural Office of the National Cultural Foundation and Festival Director Carifesta XIII

Press Release: TCIG

 

 

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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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

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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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.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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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 Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat 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 bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat 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 ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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