News
South Caicos residents condemn tearing down historic buildings, work stopped for now
#TurksandCaicos, October 8, 2021 – South Caicos residents are counting it a big win and a respectful response to their outcry about demolition of historic buildings, when government on Tuesday pressed at least the pause button on plans to tear down the relics. Of particular concern to the people of south – for both historical and sentimental reasons – is the Old School building.
It has been rotting for decades now but the islanders want to see it restored as its treasured significance though dating back to the 1890s remains relevant, even visible in every South Caicos native. Every child received their formative education there up until the 1970s and those linked to the island are appalled at the idea that it was nearly torn down.
Gutting of the structure had already started but now it is saved, due to the intervention of the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Akierra Missick. Informed of the concerns of residents, she worked quickly to stop the demolition.
A town meeting was on Monday night held between the residents of South Caicos and the Government as the island is poised for significant take off with the coming of its new airport and increased tourism activity due to continuing resort developments.
On July 30, the TCI Government including Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier Washington Misick and DP E Jay Saunders signed a development agreement with JEM TCI Holdings Ltd for the expansion of the East Bay Resort on South Caicos.
The Office of the Premier in early August informed the expansion would include: outfitting the addition of forty-seven (47) room units, two (2) additional pools, a restaurant and bar, wedding facilities and brand enhancement. The government said of the investment, “This development is expected to increase stay-overs on the island of South Caicos and will enhance current offerings for visitors interested in dive and watersports activities.”
However, for some descendants of South Caicos looking on, there is concern that in an effort to modernise the tourism offering of the fishing capital, historic buildings are under threat.
Concern was expressed for the old library which was once a salt shed and the old school building, which dates back to the 1890s. The now derelict school was where children of South Caicos were educated right into the 1970s.
Comments from those who hail from the country’s ‘fishing capital’ revealed a readiness to challenge any idea of knocking these treasured relics down.
But the buildings will have to come down, explained the Minister of PPID in her own statement on Thursday.
“We have to acknowledge that whilst emotions may run high, the amenities in South Caicos should not remain stagnant. This Government is now guided by the National Physical Development Plan and part of the Plan requires the development of sites that are usable and beneficial to all users. The Old School in its present state was a building that was closed and unsafe for anyone to enter into or use. It was not serving the needs of the Community,” said Minister Missick.
There is hope the zealous residents will agree after a plan for the structure is presented. The Minister explaining the building is beyond salvaging.
“Based upon a structural assessment and visits by the Public Works Department, as well as independent contractors; all agree that the present state of the building cannot be rehabilitated or renovated. Further, the Ministry of PPID will work with the Ministry of Heritage to honor the history of the building to the Community of South Caicos in the new design, which will be a Youth and Heritage Centre,” she added, “This pause in the demolition will allow the Ministry of PPID to present the new design to the South Caicos Community and fence off the area properly to allow for the demolition to be done in a safe and secured manner.”
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.
