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Carnival cancels cruises to Grand Turk

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#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2020 — Carnival Cruise lines today said it is not true that there are plans to cancel all of its branded dockings into Grand Turk until May 2020; but this week three of its ships have been re-routed to another destination due to ongoing discussions about COVID-19 protocols with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Magnetic Media was informed  that the cruise line company and government are working through issues arising from COVID-19 public health measures which, on March 6, resulted in a tense standoff between the cruise company and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, TCIG. 

In a media statement, Carnival Cruise Line said: “While Carnival Cruise Line has elevated our screening and onboard protocols, we remain uncertain about Grand Turk policies pertaining to cruise ship visits. Consequently, we have decided to cancel the three calls at the island that were scheduled this week and calls for Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Breeze are being replaced by a visit to Nassau. We are continuing our dialogue with Grand Turk officials and hope to have a resolution soon.”

Carnival Magic was denied permission to dock and two passengers described as being in need of emergency medical evacuation were also denied entry by TCI Health officials. 

A media statement on Friday explained,  “…it was immediately issued an official notice of refusal for docking by the EHD, and no passengers or crew were allowed to disembark. This refusal was as a result of the mandatory Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) document, issued by the ship to health officials in TCI, which showed cases of influenza-like symptoms on board.”

 Still, the medivacs did eventually did take place and two passengers disembarked the ship in Grand Turk and were “placed on an aircraft”.  

“This matter is now under investigation by all relevant government agencies and the public will be updated as soon as full details of this matter become cleared,” informed TCIG.

Our media company understands that neither party was pleased with the chain of events and handling of the situation; it resulted in immediate changes to the Carnival cruise calls to Grand Turk.

Carnival Magic, which was due to dock on Sunday March 8, did not and it will be the same for the Carnival Breeze and the Carnival Horizon which will replace their calls to Grand Turk this week with Nassau in The Bahamas.

Carnival said, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our guests and appreciate their continued patience and understanding.   Our onboard teams are dedicated to delivering a great vacation.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government this morning held a COVID-19 press conference where it was explained legislation has been amended to encompass the new coronavirus.  Mandatory reporting of the disease by medical centres and government has broader powers of quarantine – forcibly if necessary – of people exhibiting signs, symptoms or confirmed to have the highly contagious virus.

However, there was noticeably no mention of the controversy which erupted on Friday with Carnival Cruise Line despite the presence of the HE Anya Williams, Acting Governor; Hon Sharlene Robinson, the Premier and Finance Minister; Hon Edwin Astwood, the Health & Human Services Minister and Hon Ralph Higgs, the Tourism Minister all being present  at the high-level news conference.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

  • Community-based education initiatives
  • Preventative screening and early detection programs
  • Lifestyle and wellness promotion
  • Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.  “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

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