TCI News
TCI: ‘Reno’ work to NJS Francis to top $3 million, Premier explains
#Providenciales, November 29, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The NJS Francis Building cost The Turks and Caicos Islands Government over $6 million to acquire and the structure is now severely run down and in dire need of refurbishment; that ‘reno’ work will reportedly top $3 million and force all occupants out according to Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson.
The Premier agreed to a one on one interview with Magnetic Media on Wednesday (November 28) to address some of the burning issues and among them is the state of disrepair of the building bearing the name of a Turks and Caicos former Public Works minister and home to Parliament, Finance and the Office of the Premier – the NJS Francis Building located in Grand Turk.
“That project is included in this budget to the tune of $3 million; the majority of the damage to that building – he is correct – is not Irma and Maria it is an old problem and it is now our responsibility but at the end of the day it is very disingenuous to behave as if that building was just now falling apart.”
Premier Robinson was responding, in part, to a statement from the Opposition Leader, Washington Misick who slammed the PDM Administration for not, more quickly getting repairs done on the NJS Francis Building.
“Last year there was a project to the tune of $1.8m, when we were informed that there was a contract…and that we had to move from the building (NJS Francis)…” the Premier said this move would have included all tenants and shared that it had to be postponed because of a lack of foresight by the former PNP Administration.
“There was absolutely no funding in place for the relocation of these offices so at the end of financial year, pretty much, you had no funding available and you could not move forward with that project because you had no re-location, no new rents (budgeted) for the Ministry of Finance, for the Premier’s Office and that is the reason that project was cancelled at the time,” she explained during the interview conducted at her office in Providenciales.
For years, reports on the crumbling state of the building have made headlines and drawn criticism. For the second time in just over two years, the occupants of the NJS Francis are required to move out for renovation work. The House of Assembly has already been dismantled and reassembled at the HJ Robinson High school auditorium.
“Even before the hurricanes my government worked on a maintenance policy; and as with all governments but worse in the Turks and Caicos, we build buildings and we do not maintain. The situation with the NJS Francis building is that it is on the water. The salt air, the salt water, the thumping from ferocious waves at times will require more maintenance and zero maintenance was happening since the government bought that building to the tune of $6.1m from National Insurance.
The Premier said the National Insurance Board did have a maintenance contract in place when it was the owner of the NJS Francis, but that contract was discontinued by TCIG.
While the vistas surrounding the NJS Francis Building are stunning with the hues of blue of the Atlantic Ocean on the west side and the historic Pond Street salinas opposite its eastern side; it comes at a price. The extreme exposure to extreme elements has caused much of the extreme damage and the extremely hefty repair bill.
“I was Leader of the Opposition for four years and there was no air conditioning on the side where I was. We had House Meetings where members of the House of Assembly on the government side could not sit there when the building was leaking because there were shortages in the microphones.”
Last week, Leader of the Opposition, Washington Misick slammed the Premier for allowing the dilapidation on her watch. Misick recommended she resign and the Premier has now officially hit back.
“Now I notice that the Leader of the Opposition has woken from his slumber again to come out and say that I should resign or call snap elections for a building that has been falling apart from the time we purchased it many years ago.”
The difference explained the Premier between this move and the one under the Rufus Ewing administration in 2016, is that it is planned, comprehensive and fully budgeted.
“Under the former administration we did some quick patchwork. Persons would remember we did relocate to the HJ Robinson for a few months; we should have done the complete work then. But at the end of the day things happen for the best and I would say that because that contract would have been frustrated after the storms and we would have had to gone back to square one. The truth is it is poor planning on the part of the former administration, in that a contract may have been awarded but there was no relocation expenses budgeted. ”
Meanwhile, Premier Robinson said there will be no ‘snap elections’ because she is not dissolving parliament. Her advice to the elder statesman is for his party, the Progressive National Party, to wait its turn.
#MagneticMediaNews
#renoworkatNJSFrancisbuilding
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
-
News1 week agoNew Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission
-
News1 week agoMulti-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
-
News3 days agoPolice Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards
-
Health5 days agoTCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month
-
News2 days agoFlow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships