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Are we Truly Thankful or just saying Thanks?  

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By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, November 30, 2021 – “God has given to us much: beaches, sun, rain, food, freedom. But we have become so used to them, we take them for granted, and we forget to make use – good use, to what God has given us,” said the new rector of the St. Monica’s Anglican Church, Reverend Father Lynden Douglas.

In an address to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands at the National Day of Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service, Rev’d Douglas shared a message from Luke 17 verses 11 to 19, with an emphasis on verse 15.

The bible lesson spoke to ten lepers who had asked Jesus for healing. After Jesus instructed them, one of the nine men, who perceived he was healed, went back to thank the Lord. The message Rev’d Douglas focused on was that only one of all the men healed expressed thanks.

In his address, he emphasised the concept of gratitude and thanksgiving. He said many have thanksgiving voices but not thanksgiving hearts. Rev’d Douglas asked, “are we among those who pray or give thanks for our meals, and shortly after we say amen, we say everything that is wrong with our meal?”

He referred to the effects of the COVID-19 virus: quarantine, closure of churches, beaches, and the illness itself. By referring to these, he compared pre-Covid attitudes when some things were taken for granted, and there were complaints than thanksgiving. “We have gotten so used to the stars that we have lost wonder for God’s handiwork,” he said.

In a similar way, he referred to how people are during and after hurricane seasons. He said that people express thanks after the season has passed but complain about damages that have happened. “Ingratitude and thanklessness seem to be rather a common human problem,” he added.

Rev’d Douglas said that among all, Christians should be the most grateful because regardless of daily obstacles, God has given “the most wonderful gift – his son, Jesus Christ.”

Relating to a question asked by Jesus in the bible lesson, he said, “I wonder if Jesus was to look into our churches and our communities today if he would be asking us … Where are those whom I have showered my blessings on every day? Where are those who have prayed for a miracle, have asked their pastors and fellow church people to pray for them, and when they have received, where are those?” He added that people feel entitled to God’s blessing. Hence, the expression of forgetfulness and ingratitude.

In the same service, the Premier, Hon. Washington Misick, made a remark encouraging the people to be thankful. He said, “I think we have enjoyed prosperity, we have enjoyed peace and continue to do so. It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination; we strive, we argue, we fight. But generally speaking, this is a beautiful country that God has blessed us with, and I think it is only appropriate that we acknowledge that.”

He added that even as stewards of the earth, the people of TCI are stewards of the county. Meanwhile, Rev’d Douglas asked, “are we looking after being good stewards of the nature of this beautiful country that God has given us or are we too taking it for granted?”

The National Day of Thanksgiving is a public holiday in Turks and Caicos, declared in 2014. This Thanksgiving Service was held at the Church of St. Monica on Friday, November 26. Members of the church, the government and clergy were in attendance.

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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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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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