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National Heritage Month 2021 Address by Hon. Josephine Connolly

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Theme:  Foundations of the future fueled by our forbearers
#TurksandCaicos, October 13, 2021 – Each year, in the month of October, the Turks and Caicos celebrates Heritage Month.  It is an event that seeks to bring to the forefront what makes this beautiful by nature country an idyllic place to live, work and do business. It further quickens us to become cognizant of our traditions, or the values that are passed down from preceding generations through families or through institutional memory.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, MY PEOPLE IN RADIO LANDS OR THOSE FOLLOWING THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIA CONNECTIONS, WELCOME!
As we celebrate National Heritage Month 2021, we do so with pride and the collective responsibility that we all have in celebrating who we are as a people, forged through hard work and industry, determined wills and the unbreakable spirit of our forefathers and mothers who have so firmly laid the foundation on which today we can enjoy.
It is the vision of my Ministry and by extension — the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to indelibly etch into the minds of our people, the treasure we have inherited. The recognition of National Heritage Month seeks to impress upon the hearts of our people the significance of working together to achieve greatness for these small but beautiful islands today and beyond.  And so, as we celebrate National Heritage Month, I encourage you to become more aware of our past whilst preparing ourselves to embrace a solid, secure and sustainable future.
During this year’s heritage month, we pause to pay tribute to the pioneers who have stood proudly, represented and contributed to the establishment of our identity and embedded the foundations of a proud culture to these beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands.
The theme chosen for these celebrations: Foundations of the future, fueled by our Forbearers, seeks to bring a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and movements that are not individually reflective, but collectively impactful. Everyone can identify with various elements of the culture and give special significance to each showcase our heritage from the indigenous local dishes to historical practices such as fishing, boat building and our various crafts. The TCI continues to build up and re-vitalize these historical practices developed by our forefathers.
I rise on this platform, on this day, not only in recognition of our past but also to pledge my commitment to you my people, to build this nation, to launch a campaign of nationhood, a campaign to protect our culture and promote national pride for our country, our symbols and our people. There are many nations and many cultures living in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While we welcome and embrace all, we must not permit our culture and our symbols to be overshadowed by any other culture. It is my Government’s intention to strengthen culture within the Turks and Caicos Islands by ensuring that our culture is at the forefront by providing a platform to showcase, recognize and implement policies to protect and maintain our culture. We must ensure that our culture is instituted within our school’s curriculum. We must promote the transmission of culture and heritage through formal and non-formal education as a safeguarding measure. My Government will increase promotion of local visual arts in public spaces, especially at ports of entry and exit, engage planning committees on each Island to support structure planning and cultural events and increased community engagement of cultural activities.
Today I am filled with pride as a Turks and Caicos Islander as I witnessed the patriotism displayed by many Turks and Caicos Islanders, who in recognition of the honour of this month, are proudly flying our national colours. Today I declare that this symbol of our people and our nation must not wait until National Cultural and Heritage Month to be displayed, but that our flag should be flown in front of every building, every school and every medical facility as a national symbol.
Considering the impact that COVID 19 has on our lives, we have been forced to change the mode of our presentations. But we must remember, that our forefathers were men and women of adjustment. Not only did they adjust to the vagaries of the weather, they also had to adjust to the various types of treatment that was levied on them as in the salt industry. Thus fueled the determination to create a culture that is unique for us.
We invite you to join in the activities that have been planned for all of our enjoyment via the Department of Culture and Heritage’s Facebook page.
If you are not following us, now is the perfect time to begin. All events will be streamed live.  More information about the specific activities for each island will be shared on Facebook and other media outlets so stay tuned and we look forward to celebrating with you.
It is my pleasure as Minister of Culture & Heritage to officially declare this 2021 National Heritage Month open!!

May God bless us all!!!!

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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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