Connect with us

TCI News

Mosquito Awareness Month in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2018 – Providenciales – There has been a significant amount of rain within the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past few weeks. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning residents within the Caribbean region to “gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2018.”

Latin America reported that they have had increases in the number of reported Dengue cases in recent months.  The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is taking a proactive approach by advising the general public to take precautions to safeguard against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding in their communities.

Additionally, persons are being advised to reduce the risk of mosquito bites through using air conditioning or window and door screens in order to reduce the risk of mosquitoes coming indoors.  Proper application of mosquito repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing also decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

The week of the 7th-13th was observed as Mosquito Week under the theme “Fight the bite, destroy all mosquito breeding sites”. Turks and Caicos Islands has gone further by dedicating the month of May to vector borne disease awareness.

Efforts to stop mosquitoes breeding have been increased and the general public is being encouraged to work with the Environmental Health Department in reducing mosquito breeding sites throughout the TCI.

Research by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) shows that drums and tires are the main mosquito breeding sources in Caribbean countries. Therefore, we need to keep our surroundings clean.

The Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood urges the public to take action by covering drums and tanks, checking the guttering, removing stagnant water sources and protecting one’s self and family from bites.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that can become severe and may cause death if prompt treatment is not received.  Symptoms normally begin four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

There is no cure or specific treatment for dengue. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. It is advisable that you use Panadol to relieve pain and fever and avoid taking aspirin or Ibuprofen. Drink plenty of water and consult your doctor. Symptoms may last for a week.

For more information, contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772 or contact the Environmental Health Department on 3382143.

 

Release: Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services

 

Continue Reading

News

Guilty Verdict Announced

Published

on

 

***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 13th June 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) confirms that a guilty verdict was delivered yesterday (12th June) in the firearm-related case involving SHAQUAZE FORBES of Over Back, Grand Turk.

Forbes, aged 22, was found guilty of:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
  • One Count Discharging a Firearm

His co-accused, JERREAL MISSICK, also aged 22 and from Over Back, was found not guilty following the judge’s directions to the jury.

Forbes has been remanded in custody at H.M. Prison, Home of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, and will be sentenced on 18th July, 2025.

On 13th February 2024, reports of a firearm discharge were made to the police. Following a thorough investigation and subsequent consultation with the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office, both individuals were formally charged.

The RT&CIPF is requesting the public to notify the nearest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and provide any information anonymously regarding illegal activity.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and share information anonymously.

Continue Reading

News

BEACHES TCI EMPOWERS STUDENTS WITH HANDS-ON WASTE MANAGEMENT TOUR

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.

The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.

Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”

17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”

The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.

“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”

Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”

BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.

Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.

Continue Reading

News

Annual Taste of Tapas Takes Culinary Showcase to the Next Level

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.

Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:

Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.

The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.

In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.

TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”

The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.

This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.”                                                                                                                                                                                                    The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:

  • Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
  • Spa Adventure: July 14–18
  • Lit’l Chef: July 21–26

Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.

The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.

Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING