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TCI: The First Annual Long Bay Express Classic

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#Providenciales, May 3, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Express Classic saw the newest racing event in the TCCF’s lineup. A criterium race sponsored by Long Bay Express. The event saw more than 20 adult and child cyclists compete over six categories.

The 2019 cycling season which officially began in March, saw the introduction of the UCI standard categories. Elite Male (Men age 18 -39), Masters Male (men 40 and up), and for the first time this season, a female category. There were also three separate children’s categories reflecting the experience levels of our young cyclists; novice, intermediary and advanced. The Masters and Elite categories did 6 laps (36 miles) between Hevan Down Rock and Tropicana Roundabout, female 5 laps (30 miles) and all three kids cats did one lap (6 miles)

The Winner in the Masters Category was the 2018 Tour champion Friedise Registre, followed closely by his main rivals Shanwell Gardiner and Sean Rodgers in second and third respectively. Young sprinter, Tyrone Bishop took first place in the Elite, in second was Earldarrel Basden and Anthony Plunkett came in third. Gabriella Hegedus placed first in the female category, and Kate van der Bank came in second. Both women were pleased to see a female category and encourage women in the islands to get more involved in cycling.

Sean Walters and Ethan Gardiner continued their fierce but friendly rivalry in Kids Cat1 with Sean besting Ethan for the win. Both star junior cyclists are looking forward to taking their talents to regional and international meets in the upcoming months. Kymani Ewing held on tightly to his Kids Cat. 2 title, though first time racer Renardo Palmer made him work for it. Ethan Bubaker stayed in hot pursuit coming in third place.

Kids Cat 3 was all about the little ladies. Hayley Williams placed first with Danielle Gardiner in second place. The girls expressed their excitement on winning and are looking forward to competing during the rest of the season.

Federation President Shanwell Gardiner expressed his pleasure in the way the season and cycling in general is progressing in the Turks and Caicos. Mr. Jermaine LaPorte, proprietor of the Long Bay Express Gas Station stated that it was his pleasure to partner with the Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation in its work to expand cycling as a sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He pledged his support to the TCCF going forward.

The first two month of the 2019 cycling season were abuzz with action. Starting with the first race of the season on March 3rd, the aptly named Hell of the West. A grueling 40-mile road race focused on all the hills throughout Providenciales. The Masters Winners were Shanwell Gardiner, Dan Redmond and Sean Rodgers respectively.  Elite Winners were Anthony Plunket, Chevron Bishop and Tyrone Bishop.

Second in March was The Commowealth Day race. A 30-mile criterium between Hevan Down Rock and Tropicana Roundabout.  Masters winners were Fred Registre, Shanwell Gardiner and Kavin Ewing. Elite Winners were Tyrone Bishop, Chevron Bishop and Anthony Plunket. In Kids Cat 1 Sean Walters came in first and Clayton Thomas second. Kids Cat 2 Kymani Ewing in first, Elizario Clarke in second and Ethan Bubaker in third.

On April 6th the first annual century took place on North and Middle Caicos. The 110-mile race was a test of endurance. Shortly after the start of the race, there was a blistering solo attack by Sean Rodgers, which he managed to hold of the pack of the chase riders for almost 40 miles. At the end of the 110 miles, Sean Rodgers emerged victorious with, Fred Registre and Shanwell Gardiner placing second and third respectively. Elite winner Omard Gardiner was the only survivor of his category and was pleased to receive his first podium for the season.

Next up for the TCCF is the 3rd Annual IGA National Heroes Day Classic, a 50-mile road race where participants will compete for the coveted Clive Stanbrook Floating trophy.

The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank our sponsor Long Bay Express, the public who came out to support the event, and our volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.

Release: TCI Cycling Federation

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HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

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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

      • 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

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.

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Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

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Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to NassauSt. MaartenPuerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

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Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

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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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