TCI News
Fish ‘n’ Grits was a hit in Singapore; TCI Culinary Ambassadors return from Singapore
#Providenciales, May 5, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Turks and Caicos is the first Caribbean culinary team to have participated in the globally renowned World Gourmet Summit, which was held in Singapore last month. Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Executive Director, Stacy Cox says it was great for the TCI and the region and expressed gratitude to the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival.
“We have to look at it as a Caribbean experience as Turks and Caicos was the first Caribbean island to be able to showcase at World Gourmet Summit so this does not only recognize Turks and Caicos but it recognizes the Caribbean at large. Many people were like, ‘where is Turks and Caicos’ and you had to say ‘the Caribbean’ and then you had to express the distance between Florida and the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
With Nikita ‘Chef Nik’ Skippings debuting as Master Chef at the Lotus Restaurant in Singapore, all agreed that the exposure and the experience was immeasurable.
“Because of my love and passion for cooking and food and being the culinary Ambassador of the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is my national duty to promote the culinary culture thereof, and through this gateway, we got the opportunity to introduce the flavours of the Turks and Caicos Islands to Asia. It was an exciting experience, I was honoured to have been awarded this opportunity and I am grateful to people like Nikheel Advani, Turks and Caicos Hotel Association, Food and Wine Festival, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, of course Crackpot Kitchen for making this all possible… an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
Performances by all who represented the flavours of the Turks and Caicos were rated high, so was the favorite dish from #TeamTCI.
“The peas and grits was one of my favourites and the Asians they absolutely loved that! To the where we had a guy, you know where we say ‘lick ya plate and lick ya spoon’ he was that close to doing that. But that was the favorite dish along with the ox-tail and the (tropical) conch salad,” said Mrs. Cox.
A delegation representing the TCHTA, the TCI Tourist Board, the culinary community and the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, which were sponsors of the expedition was greeted by media at the Providenciales International Airport on Monday. Returning home with the team, was its youngest member, TCI Community College student and former Lil Chef, Kevin Missick.
“This is great exposure for our national ambassador and also for the youths. I think as we aspire as Turks and Caicos Islands to be the culinary capital of the Caribbean that it is important for us to take our youth to these international events so that we can showcase our local dishes and that they can see it and we can sustain our heritage and culture in our cuisine,” said Mary Lightbourne, Deputy Director of the TCI Tourist Board.
Murad Mahamad of the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival and Grace Bay Resorts is already touting another major impact in 2020; “We managed to take Turks and Caicos to Asia, to the world. We are already talking about next year, how we can be bigger, better and you guys will have to wait and maybe join us next year.”
All members of TeamTCI were presented keepsake flatware from the World Gourmet Summit, which was held over weeks in April 2019 in Singapore; recognized as the food capital of their region.
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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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