TCI News
TCI Cycling Federation hosts its first Annual Youth Championship
#Providenciales, October 1, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – In honour of National Youth Day the Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation hosted its 
first event dedicated solely to youth cyclists. The day saw 15 children and teens compete over three categories. Category one for the most advanced, category two for intermediary level and the open category for novice cyclists.
The event started with the highly anticipated category one race which featured Ethan Gardiner, who until recently was the undefeated kids champ and Sean Walters, who bested him in the kids category at the recent Glory of the Green Championship. The two duked it out over 12.5 miles. Though a close finish, Sean once again emerged the winner and this time claimed the title of 2018 Youth Champion. Clayton Thomas came in third, with a great showing despite experiencing technical difficulties with his bike.
Category two saw the most participants with seven young men, all excited to get a chance to show off their growing skills. They started strong over their 8.6-mile journey, each trying his best to stay ahead of the pack. Kymani Ewing captured first place followed by Emory James in second and Ethan Lightbourne placing third. All three credited their performances to the weekly Kids ride and the mentorship from adult cyclists in the federation.
The open category was all girl. The five who are regulars at the weekly Kids ride, were all a little nervous as it was the first race for most. But they did not allow that to slow them down over their 4-mile ride. Hayley Williams took first place followed by Jewel Thomas in second and Alyssa Gardiner in third. All three are considering joining category two in the next race.
This first annual event in apart the federation’s youth focus; which includes the weekly Kids ride and mentorship program. President Shanwell Gardiner stressed the fact that the future of cycling lays in the hands of our youth. He went on to say that the current initiatives are just the foundation of the federation’s youth focus and will be built upon as time goes on. Vice President Sean Rodgers encouraged parents to get their 
children involved in cycling, stating the federation offers a safe and fun environment which allows them to hone their riding skills while learning valuable life lessons such as discipline and sportsmanship through the mentorship program.
Next for the federation is the Tour De Turks and Caicos Championship. This is a four-stage race that will take place over two weekends. October 7th in North and Middle Caicos is an 8-mile individual time trial, followed by a 73-mile road race on October 8th. October 13th in Providenciales is an 11-mile time trial followed by a 77-mile road race. The entire event will conclude with a banquet and prize giving ceremony on the evening of the 14th.
The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank our sponsors; the parents for allowing their children to participate not only in the youth championship but the weekly Kids rides. A special thank you also to all of our volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.
Release: TCI Cycling Federation
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.
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