TCI News
Horses dropping dead in Grand Turk; Police and Agriculture open investigation
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 6, 2020 — The Agriculture Department and TCI Police today announced that they have teamed up to determine what has led to the deaths of horses in Grand Turk and the Department, which falls under the Ministry of Health says these recent equine death reports are new to them.
“From preliminary reports, this is a new occurrence and is not related to any other event involving horses recently in Grand Turk. Several of the horses exhibiting signs of ill health and succumbing are privately owned. We are therefore appealing to all horse owners to confine or enclose their horses particularly in light of the incumbent weather conditions being experienced presently. Do not allow your horse (or animals) to roam in pursuit of food, as they can consume items that can be detrimental and result in fatalities.”
However, other reports indicate this claim by the Agriculture Department to be far from true. The Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or TCSPCA informed followers of popular social media talk show host, Robert Hall, that their organization had reported on the peculiar deaths and neglect of horses since May.
“This is a tragic and very upsetting situation. On behalf of the Board of Directors we would like to state the following: Firstly, we have been involved with the Chukka situation since the first week of May when we received alarming videos from Grand Turk residents about the physical condition of the Chukka horses. We contacted Chukka’s representatives on numerous occasions as well as alerting the Department of Agriculture, who has 2 Veterinarians on staff. On June 23rd, 2020, The Department of Agriculture demanded that we cease any further communication with Chukka representatives, as they would be conducting an investigation and would be issuing a report on their findings.
Chukka, which operates a number of tourist adventures, primarily for cruise line passengers is believed to have abandoned the animals once cruises stopped docking in Grand Turk due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Facebook, Magnetic Media also found images of a couple feeding a small group of horses; the horses appeared to be severely malnourished. The images were posed on June 16, 2020.
Still, the Department of Agriculture pointedly distances itself from the statement by the TCSPA and said it only learned of the deaths on August 1, 2020.
Robert Hall, a former government minister and former Speaker of the House of Assembly posted cell phone video on Facebook; that video has been viewed over 1,800 times.
In his background, a horse is visible and barely able to stand. Eventually, the apparently weakened animal collapses to the ground and wallows in the dirt.
Mr. Hall addressed potential viewers; informing that as many as six horses had already died over two days. It was his belief, the two in his video and photos on that day (August 1) would be added to to the casualties.
It is widely believed that the animals had consumed rat poison.
In the statement, the Department of Agriculture advised: “We are kindly asking the public, to contact the Department of Agriculture (See contact information below) if animals (not only horses) appear to be ill, lying down or dead. Please do not attempt to touch any animal seen in this state. Do refrain from feeding roaming horses at this time as their digestive system are very sensitive to sudden changes in diet.
It must also be noted that there are no confirmed reports that COVID-19 was found or can affect horses,” said the statement.
Officials ruled out that COVID-19 was killing the animals and that intentionally or maliciously harming the horses is a serious crime included in Section 48 of the Animal Health Ordinance 2012.
“Any person who commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction for a first offence to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both fine and imprisonment, and, for a subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both fine and imprisonment.”
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.
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.
(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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News2 days agoFlow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships