News
TCI: World Cancer Day
#TurksandCaicos, February 5, 2018 – Providenciales – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services in collaboration with the Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society observes World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is observed globally every year on the 4th of February. This is a day when the entire world can unite in the fight against cancer. The day aims to save millions of lives attributed to preventable deaths worldwide through awareness initiatives and programs. The theme for World Cancer Day is “We can, I can”. It moves us to the understanding that everyone – as a collective or individually, can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer.
“Cancer affects people in different ways but we all have the power to make various changes to reduce the impact on ourselves as individuals, our families and our communities,” stated Mrs. Robinson, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit. Observing World Cancer Day presents another avenue to inform, educate and make persons more aware of the risk factors for cancer such as tobacco use, being overweight or obese, low fruit or vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, alcohol use, sexual transmission such as HPV-infection.
The Hon. Edwin Astwood Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services encourages persons to get screened early. “I would like to focus on the importance of persons making it a habit to go for regular screening for breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers. There is good evidence that these cancers with early detection and treatment will be able to save lives, when there is detection and treatment in the early stages, there are better outcomes,” stated Hon Astwood.
There has been an alarming increase in the diagnosis of cancer within our country and the risk factors must be addressed at the national and local level. With physical inactivity and nutrition being two of the risk factors that we seek to address, we invite you to join us this February 3rd at the Ministry of Health Office, Grand Turk at 6am where we will commence a walk for Cancer.
Following the walk there will be an information booth outside of the office where persons can seek information on various forms of cancer. There will also be a health screening booth and a Soca aerobics session and a bouncing castle for young children.
A nutritious breakfast will be served showing various ways one can eat healthy and economically.
On Monday February 5th a Health Screening and Information booth will be located at the front of Town Centre Mall from 8am- 12noon on Providenciales. Join us as we fight back to reduce the incidence of cancer in our country.
Steps that the Ministry of Health has taken to address cancer in the TCI includes the following;
- Development and implementation of a Non-communicable disease action plan;
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through various media and activities to educate the general public about steps they can take to live healthier lives;
- Development of National Cancer Screening Guidelines;
- Developed the Tobacco Control Bill which was approved in 2016;
- Developed a Nutrition Policy which will address risk factors associated with diet;
- Recent Assessment by Oncologist Dr. Sardi to inform strategies.
For more information, please contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382272.
Press Release: TCIG
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.
