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The Championship of Grand Turk Cycling Race

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Grand Turk, June 19, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –  The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation hosted it’s first race in the Nation’s Capital.

Fifteen cyclists (13 adults and 2 children) along with support staff travelled from Providenciales to Grand Turk on Saturday for the first cycling race held in the National’s Capital. The cyclists in Grand Turk had a strong showing with 9 adults and 11 teens.

The excitement was in the air as the cyclists from both islands became acquainted with each or and began to warm up. The first categories of cyclists to leave the starting line were Masters, Elite, Female and Open.  With Masters and Elite embarking on a 33-mile trek that took them onto some of Grand Turk’s most challenging hills. Persons in the open category rode a 10-mile route. Spectators gathered at the Clock tower, along the sides of the roads and in front of their homes to watch the races.

What was probably the most anticipated race was that of the cadet racers. There were two cadet categories 13 and over and 12 and under. Both categories rode a six-mile route from the clock tower to the Cruise Port and back. Seasoned Junior Rider Ethan Gardiner won in his category (12 and under) and overall.

The Winner of the Cadets Category 1(13 and up) was Michael Lightbourne, followed by Renalson Pervil in second and Josnayder Cineus in third, all Grand Turk boys. All three young men were excited for their wins and are looking forward to honing their skills for upcoming TCCF events.

Cadets category 2 (12 and under) was bested by Ethan Gardiner, in second place was Kymani Ewing and Grand Turk’s own Jodis Cineus in third

Gabriella Hedegus was once again the lone cyclist in her category, but she admitted that the route was a challenge.

First cyclist to cross the finish in the Masters or Elite category was named The Champion of Grand Turk. The end came down to a nail-biting sprint finish. Receiving this honour was Mr. Fred Registre winner of the master’s category close on his heels were Shanwell Gardiner and Sean Rodgers. Tyrone Bishop continued his winning streak in the Elite category with Anthony Plunkett second and Omard Gardiner third.

TCCF President Shanwell Gardiner, was very pleased with the rider turnout. He stated that there is clearly tons of potential in the young people in Grand Turk and the TCCF will support the development of the individuals and cycling as a whole in Grand Turks and throughout the Turks and Caicos.

Championship season continues with the Coca Cola Classic Championship of Providenciales on July 7th. Following the Coca Cola Classic, a team will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands for the third year at the 20th annual John T Memorial Classic in Anguilla. The Glory of the Green Championship of North and Middle Caicos, leading up to the ultimate championship The Tour of the Turks and Caicos in October. The tour will include 5 stages over 4 islands.

The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank our sponsors: Caicos Express, Epic Ltd, the community of Grand Turk for supporting the event, TCI Images for photography during the event, Mr Tony Lightbourne who provided entertainment, and the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force who kept us safe during the event. An extra special thank you also to the race committee and volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.

Release: The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation

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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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ISU SUPPORTS SUCCESSFUL MULTIAGENCY ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE IN FIVE CAYS AND BLUE HILLS

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.

During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.

The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.

Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.

The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.

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