News
Nutrition in Demand and Move-a-thonTCI attracts International Runners
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2018 – Providenciales – A crisp, cool morning; a brisk breeze is blowing and the moon is high and shining bright before it gives way to a beautiful sunrise! This was the backdrop of Move-a-thonTCI 2018. This event was held this past Saturday on January 13th and from everyone present, was 
another smashing success! This 5k, 10k and half marathon fundraising event is in its seventh year and is the first local athletic event in each New Year. It is held every second weekend in January and is seen as a way to help participants kick start their new Year’s Resolutions of living a healthier lifestyle.
For the first time in Turks & Caicos Island history, international runners came in to run a full marathon. Organizer of the event and Registered Dietitian, Mrs. Tamika Handfield said, “Adding the full marathon was daunting yet very exciting! We are pleased to show that Sports Tourism can be a reality in our Beautiful by Nature country.” Runners in the full marathon, took to the streets at 5:00am; while participants in the 5k, 10k and half marathon distances began at 6:00am.
As in previous years, Move-a-thonTCI was held at the Children’s Park in the Lower Bight. Before the participants left to walk, run or cycle the various distances, personal trainer from Graceway Sports Center, Adina Ciurar, provided a stretching/warm-up session for everyone. Once they returned from the route, health professionals from various medical disciplines were set up and ready to disseminate free medical information.
This year, with the help of our corporate sponsors and participants, we were able to raise quite a bit of funds. It is still too early to give a figure, but we will do so as soon as we can. All of the funds raised during this event, goes to help Nutrition in Demand continue its mandate of raising awareness to the importance of health and healthy eating. This is done through a variety of projects: workshops, nutrition education and culinary classes, KidFit—an exercise program geared toward children, summer camps and writing informative articles and blogs for newspapers and magazines.
Mrs. Handfield said, “We believe knowledge is power. So, these much needed funds will help us to teach others how to make better, informed food choices.” She also added, “I am thrilled at the turn out!! Our records show that well over 200 persons registered and participated in this year’s Move-a-thon! I am always humbled at the support this event gets every year. I must say thank you to all of our corporate sponsors because this event would not be as successful as it was without their support.”
Corporate sponsors to the event included: Colonial Insurance, Long Bay Storage, Grace Bay Pharmacy, Graceway Supermarkets, Ports of Call Resorts, Grace Bay Car Rental, Provo Water, People’s Television (PTV), Spotlight Communications, The Hartling Group, Magnetic Media, The Sun Newspaper, Miller & Simons, Turks & Caicos Banking, Seven Stars, J S Johnson, Scotia Bank, FLOW, Dolmen Construction, GK Insurance, Blue Loos, Sun Oil, Sunny Foods, Prime DJ’s, Isle Help, Fortis TCI, ACCU Diagnostics and Coca Cola. We must also say a huge thanks to the community of Providenciales, all of the volunteers who gave of their time, the staff of EMS, The Red Cross, Mr. Kevin Clarke and the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force. Until next year, January 12, 2019.
Release:
Tamika Handfield MS, RD
Nutrition in Demand
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.
