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Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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#Providenciales, October 13, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands joins countries worldwide in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month during the month of October to help increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health is an important part of our public health approach. Most deaths occur due to late diagnosis.

Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/breast_cancer_young_women/) About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. Approximately 90 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed at the end of 2017 in the Turks and Caicos this includes 8 new cases.

According to Mrs. Rosemary Jolly, President of the Cancer Society, the walk to bring more awareness to breast cancer was a huge success with over 500 persons walking for various reasons. A significant number of young people walked. Events planned by the Cancer Society continue throughout the month of October. Mrs. Jolly stated; “We need to educate our young people and young men need to realize that not only women get breast cancer.”  Mrs. Jolly also represents the Cancer Society on the National Non- Communicable Disease Committee attached to the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services.  The Ministry continues to support and collaborate with the Cancer Society and congratulate the society on their efforts to bring awareness of Cancer to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for breast cancer screening and have also increased its awareness activities as it relates to prevention and early detection.  The Ministry of Health is also seeking to develop a National Cancer Registry as well as embark on the STEPS survey which will evidence based information to develop more targeted interventions.

 

Things you should know: –

  • If you are over 40, consider getting a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer has the best chance for a cure.
  • Don’t put off screening because of discomfort or fear of the results, a mammogram should never be painful. To lessen discomfort, try to plan the exam after your monthly period, when breast tissue is less sensitive.
  • Know your risk, if you have family members who have had breast cancer, especially a mother or sister, tell your doctor, because your own risk of cancer may be higher than average. High risk women may be recommended for annual MRI in addition to a screening mammogram.
  • For all women, follow a healthy lifestyle and keep your weight in normal range.
  • For young women, breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
  • For postmenopausal women, avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years.
  • Know the symptoms– They are different and some people have no symptoms at all.

Symptoms can include—

Ø  Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Ø  Pain in any area of the breast.

Ø  Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).

Ø  A new lump in the breast or underarm.

Ø  If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.

 

The Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services encourages all women to be proactive and not reactive when it comes to their health.  For more information, contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 338 2772.

 

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Beaches Turks and Caicos sets the Benchmark for Biodiversity in the TCI

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Volunteers from the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape 1000 Smiles dental programme complete an oral health presentation at the Ashley Learning Centre took time out to share in a photo opportunity with some students and teachers

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality.                                                                                                                                                                  As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.

At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”

The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.

Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership.                                                                                                                                                                                 Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”

With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.


2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief

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Some members of the local media fraternity who were present to share in the experience

Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort.  The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.

“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.

“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”

The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.

Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally

2nd insert:  Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event

3rd insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance

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Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season  

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Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.

“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.”                                                                                                                                                                                  Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.

 

“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.

Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.

Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”

Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.

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