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Editorial: Listen to your Mama

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#Providenciales, August 23, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – I won’t pretend I know why, but people often fall victim to the thought that ‘bad things, terrible things will not happen to me’ and yet, bad things, terrible things tend to always prove that theory wrong.  Things happen – good and bad – to everyone.

When it comes to how, perhaps as younger people, we tend to underestimate the gravity of the way we are behaving and the choices we are making.  Then, in steps this wonderful and wise woman; Momma.

Gatta love those Mommas.  They are amazing.  Doggedly determined to care for us and to see us make choices and behave in a way that ensures we are also caring for ourselves.

They wiped our little butts when we were babes and would still wipe our butts if we couldn’t do it ourselves as grown-ups.

More often than not, Mamas are amazing.

Still, when it comes to what we want to do, when and how we want to do it we shirk their training, ignore their beckoning for us to do better and actually see them as annoying, nagging, overbearing, overreaching and down-right dictators.

But hear me now; it is so often proven that Mama knows best and that her experiences have taught her how to guide her children to right living and a successful life.

I recently learned of a young man who in trying to help a friend or two, got himself into unbelievably major trouble.  It was so bad that every road pointed to a painful, grueling experience for him and his family including his Mama.

A path was chosen and that path has put this young man in a place that is certainly not home.  It is so unlike the loving home from which he came that it is making him physically sick.  It has put his entire family in a state of shock and depression, it has turned his world upside down and it has broken the heart of his beloved Mama.

No one is exempt when it comes to treachery reaching our doors steps.  As someone said, ‘we all live in glass houses’.

I didn’t listen to my Momma too.

In my case, I married a man who was possessive and abusive and the marriage lasted just a couple of years.  I am mentally and emotionally fine now, but my world financially and physically was rocked. 

I believe because my Mama never gave up on me, despite my sometimes, rude defiance, I am alive today.  I mustered the sense and courage to exit that dangerous stage and take a hold of my life and latch onto the potential she has always told me I have… ‘Sky is the Limit DeeDee’ she would say.

Nowadays, I call my mother for her advice.  I seek her out to hear her opinion on any major decision and I even like her perspective on the minor matters of my life.

I now listen to my Mama.

The young man, who inspired my musings is incarcerated today at Her Majesty’s Prison.  And I am told that above all the regrets and emotions with which he is dealing – top of his mind are thoughts about his Mama.

He is sorry that he did not heed her advice and most of all sorry that his indiscretion, that is his lack of good judgement is causing his Mama, great pain.

Still, I believe the man was spared.  I believe it would have been a worse outcome for him and I believe that our good God stepped in for him as he did for me, to bring a dramatic end to disregard for his Mama’s loving counsel.

There is always potential for a Phoenix experience; many do rise from the ashes and get a second chance to value the advice of their amazing Mama.

This man will too.  It is what I pray for and what I believe.  To Mamas everywhere.  I salute you… you are amazing!

You will find the latest TCI News right here on Magnetic Media fanpage, including August 23, 2019 edition of Turks and Caicos News Daily.  Our social media newspaper which today features crime news, tropics update and consumer news from FortisTCI and NCS Financial Group with their new product VIGO.  Read it. Love it. Share it. 

#tcipolice, #magneticmedianews, #caribbeannews #fortistci #deandreahamilton #turksandcaicos #whyiloveturksandcaicos #tciunitedway #tcig #editorial #2019hurricaneseaon

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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Platinum Sponsor Role at Premier Hotel Investment Summit  

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.

Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.

ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.

The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.

Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.

CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.

In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.

The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.

The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a privately-owned parcel of land.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy.  Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation Champion Early Childhood Literacy with Star-Studded Reading Road Trip

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The grand opening of the Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos brought more than just high-energy celebrations to the shores of Providenciales as the Sandals Foundation led a star-studded Reading Road Trip at four local primary schools.

Dozens of celebrities, global media representatives, resort guests, and hospitality executives took a purposeful break from the weekend’s festivities to connect directly with the island’s youngest learners. The initiative transformed standard kindergarten classrooms at Enid Capron Primary, Thema Lightbourne Primary, Ianthe Pratt Primary and Oseta Jolly Primary into dynamic literacy hubs as visitors including American Actor and Playwright Jesse Eisebberg, and Real Housewives of New York City and author Kelly Bensimon read books and engaged in fun literacy games and activities.

The carefully designed activities aimed to strengthen students’ foundational reading comprehension skills and saw visitors actively animating characters, reading aloud, playing interactive literacy games, doing phonetic exercises and collaborative arts and crafts.

For local educators, the initiative represented a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ horizons. Through meaningful interaction with media representatives, students learned firsthand about exciting careers in writing, photography, and broadcasting.

Nelene Swann, Vice Principal of Enid Capron Primary, highlighted the profound impact of the unique global connection. “The experience for the children was good as they interacted and shared in a cultural blend while learning about new cultures and different career options,” Swann shared.

For American actor and playwright Jesse Eisenberg, who spent his afternoon volunteering at Oseta Jolly Primary School, his visit coincided with a special occasion on the school’s calendar, creating an even more memorable atmosphere for the youngsters.

“Our school was celebrating Boys Day which allowed [Eisenberg] to share in the experience and even provide great mentorship advice. Lessons such as the importance of consistency were well received by students in this developmental phase,” says Handsfield.

The Sandals Foundation has long championed early childhood education as a fundamental pillar of its philanthropic mission across the region.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, expressed her pride in the weekend’s grand opening educational outreach noting, “The Reading Road Trips provided a one-of-a-kind experience to guests and students as they shared in the power of play, imagination and life – all through the wonders of books. At the heart of our mission is to facilitate the creation of fun and dynamic learning environments that inspire students. We are proud to be a partner in TCI’s education tapestry and will continue to support initiatives that enable students’ holistic development.”

While the grand opening festivities brought a special influx of international participants to the classrooms, the commitment to local schools remains a consistent, year-round priority for the local resort staff. Employees regularly dedicate their personal time to mentor, tutor, and read with primary school students, fostering an incredibly strong bond between the hospitality sector and the local education system.

General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the immense joy these initiatives bring to his dedicated staff. “This was a blast for the resort team members. The heart of the hospitality industry extends far beyond the resort’s doors and through the Reading Road Trip and other team member volunteer initiatives, we are proud to share our time, resources and expertise to the school community.”

Even as the official grand opening celebrations conclude, the positive impact of these classroom interactions will continue to resonate deeply throughout the Providenciales community and the world – example of a powerful model for community-integrated tourism.

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