News
URGENT : Injured Turtle Press Release
#TurksandCaicos, January 7, 2022 – The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) is saddened to report on the fate of an adult hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata – both a charismatic marine creature and globally listed as Critically Endangered. On Wednesday, 6 January 2022, DECR officers responded to a report made of a “severely injured sea turtle” observed on Long Bay Beach area of Providenciales. With the help of concerned citizens, the turtle was located and brought to shore. The individual was a large adult hawksbill turtle, found with physical injuries including the loss of both front flippers, damage to both back flippers, damage to one eye, and scratches across its body & shell. It was determined that such injuries were likely the result of both natural and human impacts.
The turtle was immediately taken for veterinary care, where emergency surgery was performed in attempt to enable
recovery and potential return to the wild. Unfortunately, following communication with several experts on marine turtle biology, conservation and veterinary care; the DECR came to the very difficult decision that the most humane action was euthanasia. These experts unanimously agreed that with such injuries, the turtle would not be able to survive in the wild, with its capacity to dive, surface to breathe, forage for food, rest, reproduce, and avoid predators being significantly impeded. While the turtle may have been able to survive in human care, it was deemed that such a life was less than an ideal for such a naturally mobile and long-lived species; and there is no suitable purpose-built facility in which the turtle could be kept long-term. The DECR in this instance chose to end the turtle’s suffering.
The DECR sincerely thanks all persons who assisted with the care of this animal. We will continue to strive to conserve the natural world and promote sustainable use. We understand that the decision made is not agreeable to some. While the DECR and many of the world’s environmentalists do what we can to promote conservation (particularly for our threatened species), keeping severely injured and impaired individual animals in a situation where reproduction is impossible and suffering is prolonged may not be in the best interest of those animals. DECR regularly supports efforts to rehabilitate and return injured wildlife to the wild when individuals are deemed capable of surviving and reproducing.
The DECR encourages all watercraft operators to please be vigilant when on the water, to reduce the potential collision of our abundant marine wildlife.
Note: This individual turtle was beyond the legal harvest size for human use or consumption.
REGULATION AMENDMENTS 2014 UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE:
- Only green and hawksbill turtles between 18 and 24 inches shell length can be captured;
- No capture of hawksbill turtles (closed season) from 1 August to 31 March, each year;
- No capture of loggerhead, leatherback, olive and Kemp’s ridley turtles;
- No capture of nesting turtles, or collection of turtle eggs;
- Captured turtles must be landed live and uninjured;
- No export of sea turtle products; Turtles cannot be kept in captivity unless for rehabilitation and release;
Photo credit: wildlifeact.com
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.
