TCI News
Governor promotes health and economic advantage of Covid vaccine coming from UK in January
#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 23, 2020 – Turks and Caicos is hoping the batch of free vaccines which will arrive in the territory early in the New Year will run out so quickly that the TCI would be in line for more, enough even doses to inoculate the entire population.
A first batch of Covid-19 vaccines for Turks and Caicos can immunize ten percent of residents and strong support for the voluntary shot could lead to enough vaccines for everyone.
“If we can’t demonstrate there is demand for the vaccine on the island or if we fail to use those vaccines to deliver the best possible effect it will be hard for myself, the premier and others assembled around me today to make the case that more should be set to us. If we get this collectively wrong, we will end up with a very small and I daresay a very privileged group while the majority are not. We want to avoid that outcome,” explained the Governor in a midday press conference held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, TCI.
When British Airways touches down at the Providenciales International Airport on January 7, it will have more than sun-seeking passengers on board; there will be precisely 9,750 doses of the Covid-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on board.
It is one of four such dispatches of the coveted CoVax fanning out to UK Overseas territories in a demonstration of support from mother England.
Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Nigel Dakin on Wednesday on national radio and live social media stream made the announcement.
“In the first delivery, we will receive 9,750 doses. Since each person requires two doses, administered 21 days a part, this is enough to vaccinate 4,875 people around ten percent of our population, if we get this right, more will follow.”
While senior residents, medically vulnerable and health care workers have long been touted as first in line for the vaccine once it was available, the territory’s governor will lead the pack by getting the first jab along with his wife.
“Having discussed with the CMO myself and Mandy will be the first to take it, we feel privileged to be in this position. We go into Christmas as a family therefore looking forward to the first weeks of January when we will be able to protect our health and most importantly we both want to take the first step which benefits every resident of these islands.”
The governor said the goal is to get the Turks and Caicos as quickly as possible to herd immunity and he hopes for a rush of residents who will see the vaccine as the way to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“To do that, all of us have to think not only of ourselves but also of the contribution we’re making or not to the these islands. If we get this right, we will give a huge economic boost to TCI. We’ll steal business from others as we increasingly become known as one of the safest destinations in the world. We are not just securing health, we are generating employment and future prosperity and we can get there long before others.”
In considering the fear mongering which has for months been linked to vaccine and the skepticism which exists in the marketplace, he aimed to quell concerns by labelling the act of taking the CoVax as the smartest approach; he also did some myth busting.
“The vaccine we are receiving is the Pfizer vaccine,” he added, “the vaccine does not inject Covid-19 into you. It instead uses RNA to trick the body into producing viral proteins, which then delivers immunity.”
The RNA, scientists have confirmed, cannot alter one’s DNA.
“We have been chosen because we have direct flights in from the UK. Important because the vaccine has to be transported as minus 70° and there is a belief we are ready and prepared to use the vaccine to good effect. This should be seen as another vote of confidence in TCI. Work has already begun on the complex logistics and we are confident we can roll this out across the islands.”
Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Gibraltar will also receive the vaccine from the UK in January.
“This is an enormously generous offer from the UK and a quite extraordinary opportunity for the TCI. Given this is a voluntary program, it’s a moment for us to individually but also collectively seize or to lose. Our destiny is in our hands, we can never say we were not given the opportunity.”
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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News5 days agoPolice Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards
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Health7 days agoTCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month