TCI News
Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
#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.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
