TCI News
TCI: Cocoa Lumps, Fish & Grits, Stew conch & dough, Oxtail and Tropical conch salad to be prepared in Singapore by MasterChef Nik
#Providenciales, April 14, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – When the World Gourmet Summit officially opens in Singapore next week, a team from the Turks and Caicos Islands will be there… and a listed as among the MasterChefs is the TCI’s own, Nikita Skippings, aka Chef Nik.
The World Gourmet Summit website says this about Chef Nik: “Chef Nikita O’Neil Skippings, a talented native of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is always bursting with enthusiasm and energy for cooking. He’s the star of the Crackpot Kitchen Cooking Show, with Season 3 expected to air in the summer of 2019. Possessing a passion for food and cooking, Chef Skippings began his cooking career years ago starting his apprenticeship with his father, a well-known chef and the owner of “Smokey’s Restaurant” in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Wow.
Chef Nik is also the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Culinary Ambassador and will be joined by other shining stars: the 2017 Junior Chef of the Year for the Caribbean, RobinAngel Simons and TCI Community College stand-out student, Kevin Misick.
Chef Chris Meredith of Grace Bay Resorts and Chef Lorraine Kenlock, owner of Frenz Deck (the only farm to table dining experience in Providenciales) are also a part of the culinary team.
And this team will not forsake the Turks and Caicos just because they are travelling all the way to Asia; the menu is as indigenous as they are…
First Course: Tropical Scorch Conch Shooters
Second Course: Stew Oxtail with Butterbeans
Third Course: Bahamian/Turks Island Conch Stew with Dough
Fourth Course: Turks Island Fish & Grits
Floater: Caicos Island National Fritters (Fish, Conch & Lobster)
And for Dessert: Cocoa Lumps.
The Gourmet Summit opens on April 22, 2019; the Turks and Caicos team and supporters leaves two days before.
The World Gourmet Summit is promoting Chef Nik as an international MasterChef, who is being hosted with his ‘International Twist to Authentic Turks Island and Caribbean Dishes’ menu at the elegant Blue Lotus Kitchen Bar at the Alexandra; and this is not the Grace Bay Alexandra. Instead, you can find the Blue Lotus restaurant at 991B Alexandra Road, #01-10, in Singapore.
On Monday, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, the TCI Tourist Board and the organizers of the Caribbean Wine and Food Festival (Wine Cellar and Grace Bay Resorts) endorsed the team, touted the prestige of the TCI’s invitation to showcase at the world largest fine food event and pre-tasted the menu of the MasterChef candidate, at his restaurant, Crack Pot Kitchen at Ports of Call, Grace Bay.
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Photo Credit: TCHTA
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.
