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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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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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Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

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The Rick Fox Political Timeline

 

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

  • youth development,
  • healthcare access,
  • infrastructure upgrades,
  • environmental restoration,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

  • 20 community clean-ups,
  • 16 streets and locations served,
  • and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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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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