TCI News
TCI: Picnic en Blanc – Food for Thought Fundraiser Wows Supporters
#Providenciales, October 31, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – On Saturday 27 October 2018 Long Bay High 
School was transformed into a romantic, opulent setting to host scores of Picnic en Blanc party-goers who helped raise more than $11,500 for Food for Thought’s breakfast programmes at the government schools.
The stylish Picnic guests, all of whom dressed in white from head to toe, added to the spectacular atmosphere. They enjoyed their stunning surroundings while sipping on champagne and dining on a feast of delicious offerings – charcuterie and cheese boards, vegetarian canapes, and mouth-watering, bite-sized desserts. The DJ’s playlist enhanced the light and laid-back ambiance, while a slideshow of the charity’s achievements was displayed in the background.
Food for Thought was very pleased to have in attendance H.E. the Governor and Mrs Freeman, H.E. Deputy Governor Hon. Anya Williams, Hon. Akierra Missick, MP for Long Bay, Director of Education Mr Edgar Howell, and Long Bay High School Principal Ms Whiskey-John.
The charity’s founders Jeanne and Karen Savory are extremely thankful to everyone who attended, donated, supported and helped make the fundraiser come to life.
“Our deepest thanks to the awesome Picnic en Blanc Committee, especially Pavan Uttamchandani, Leisha MacDonald, and Tara Bywater for all their hard work and support in putting this big undertaking together! Huge thanks also to the Principal Whiskey-John, her staff, and the Department of Education for their assistance. They trusted their school in our hands and we think they were pleasantly surprised with the results on the night!
The amazing transformation of the venue was thanks to the expertise of the brilliant Stacie Steensland, with beautiful table settings donated by Flowers by EA, and lighting and music donated by Subtronic Sound, as well as a small army of volunteers including Kirk, Matt, Orane, JF, and Meelike.
A special thank you to Gilley’s Enterprises for their generous sponsorship of our first Picnic en Blanc, including gift bags for all attendees! They have been great supporters of Food for Thought since our very first event. We would like to recognise Le Bouchon du Village for their great work in preparing and filling the picnic baskets, and fabulous VIP platter. We are also immensely grateful to the following kindhearted people who donated delectable canapes and desserts, which really topped off the fabulous affair – Mango Reef, Griffen Wall, From Scratch, Retreat Kitchen, and The Cake Studio 649.
Thanks must also go to the event’s corporate sponsors, who had faith that we could make a success out of our first upscale benefit. We are indebted to Turkberry, GP Group, KB Home Center, ERA Real Estate, Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Chartered Trust, Misick & Stanbrook, Turks & Caicos Banking Company, Tip of the Tail Villa, Savory & Co., Temple Financial Group, Sailrock, Wine Cellar and JohnnyLegend!
In addition to all of the people already mentioned, we also have to thank Sean Brady of Kaieri Photography for 
donating his excellent services, and our attentive volunteers Sandy, Carol, Rori, Mae, Lindsay, and especially Laura who made sure everything ran smoothly. Thanks also to Ernst, Auriol, Tanya, Ana-Alicia, Max, Lucid Illumination, Caicos Catering, Lovin Turks & Caicos, Pioneers Cleaners, Dove Security, Mr Walker, and Got U Covered.
Last but definitely not least we would like to express huge appreciation to all of the generous companies and individuals who donated wonderful prizes to our silent auction and raffle, helping us to raise further funds for our breakfast programmes. These caring corporate citizens were: Sailrock, Panopoly, Wake to Wake, Beaches, Brilliant Studios, Kalooki’s, Gansevoort, Goldsmith, Crossfit Gym, Physiologic, FOTTAC, Solana, West Indie, Konk, Royal Jewels, West Bay Club, Rejouvenance Spa.
As you can see, it takes many, many kind people to put together a grand fundraiser like this and we are so appreciative for the enormous support we received. We really enjoyed the event and we hope our guests did too. 
Now it’s time for a well-deserved rest for our whole team. But not really, because we still have breakfast programmes to run!
The funds raised at Picnic en Blanc will go towards our Breakfast Programme in five government schools, and our Food Bank Programme in the remaining ten government schools. We have sufficient funds to expand our Breakfast Programme to a further two schools (which have been identified), and will do so once hurricane repairs are completed next year. Our programmes run smoothly thanks to the wonderful Quality Food Centre, Lew 1 Shipping and our Operations Manager Tara. Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Real Estate’s ongoing support as a Partner Sponsor means the world to us as it provides security for the longevity of our work. Food for Thought sure is a team effort.”
Press Release: Food for Thought
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.
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