News
‘Consumer is King’, a first effort by the TCI Department of Trade launched on Monday
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 7, 2021 – To a room of retailers and commercial business owners, the government minister with responsibility for Finance, Investment and Trade made a bullish statement and it forecasts the potential future of Turks and Caicos consumerism.
“I don’t want to see where people say uhhh it’s pretty good for the Caribbean, I want them to say it’s pretty good
period. The service that you get here shouldn’t be watered down because you’re in the Caribbean.”
The charge came from Finance Minister. E.Jay Saunders at the launch of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s ‘Consumer is King’ campaign on Monday.
The campaign which is now in full swing with a visit to Grand Turk planned for today (December 7) and visits to North and Middle Caicos planned for Wednesday aims to educate TCI citizens about their rights under the Consumer Protection Ordinance.
Deputy Premier, E. Jay Saunders said one of his goals for the TCI was to get consumer standards on the islands on par with those in North America and the UK. During his address, he expressed how difficult it was to do something as simple as buying a laptop online.
He said. “There is a distinct gap between the ‘haves’ in North America and ‘have-nots’, us in the Caribbean but as consumers, we want the same things …That is why consumer protection is important…this is the step towards getting our standards to where they [North America] are.”
He says it was his hope that through the Department of Trade, Turks and Caicos consumers would experience ‘no difference’ in the quality of service available to them in stores on the island in comparison to those worldwide.
He cited the Department as ‘instrumental in educating Turks and Caicos consumers about their rights.
Lisandra Colley, the Director of the Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition also spoke at the event. Ms. Colley debuted the campaign’s new tagline ‘Consumer Protection is Everybody’s business’ and reminded islanders that this was more than a tagline.
“The campaign aims to promote dialogue on the impact and application of the Ordinance, prevent unfair and misleading practices in the marketplace and to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable members of our community,” she stated at the opening, which was held at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The director said the launch was not a one-off event, telling the attendees that, “This is a continuous campaign until every resident in the TCI is aware.”
Following the declaration, Colley announced the next phase in the government’s bid to make Turks and Caicos residents more aware, is a cross-country awareness initiative.
The initiative which is in Grand Turk today will run from December 7th to 10th and aims to impart information about the ordinance to consumers one on one. She announced North and Middle Caicos as the next stop on December 8th, South Caicos on December 9th, and the Providenciales on December 10th.
The Department’s efforts did not end there.
They also hope to reach their goal by educating a ‘large majority of islanders’ by distributing small bites of information about the ordinance using ‘Did you Know’ across different types of media.
A jingle competition for TCI high school students will also be held early next year in a bid to make the information as accessible as possible and further engage parents noting that, “When students have access to information, parents by default have to learn something from it.”
Director Colley expressed the hope that attendees would have been enlightened by the launch and charged them to share what was learned with their customers, staff and constituents across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In attendance and helping to open the Consumer is King campaign, were Washington Misick, TCI Premier; Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor and executive members of the Turks and Caicos Chamber of Commerce.
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.
