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Black History Month Tributes

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Zoe Saldana, Caribbean Latina sizzles whether brown, green or blue skinned

She was known as the blue lady from the highest grossing movie of all time from the release of Avatar in 2009. Until 2019 when she became known as the green lady in the movie that beat Avatar as the highest grossing movie of all time, Avengers Endgame.   From Avatar Neytiri to Alien Gamora Zoe Saldana has brought some of the most iconic and recognizable characters in the world to life.

But as you might be surprised to see the face that lies underneath that blue or green paint you might also be surprised to know that the actress is actually Dominican-American.  While Saldana is officially American having been born in New Jersey her father was Dominican and her mother Puerto Rican.

After the death of her father at age 9, her mother moved her back to the Dominican Republic which is where Zoe grew up.

Zoe Saldana has previously described herself as 3/4 Dominican and ¼ Puerto Rican.

Saldana has dominated in some of the most well-known franchises of all time including Star Trek, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and of course Avatar, a stellar example of the Black Caribbean woman in Hollywood.

 

Harry Belefonte, Daylight Come!

In 19 the world was treated to something it had surely never heard before. The sound of DAY O! now fondly called

Harry Belafonte’s new memoir is titled My Song. An HBO documentary about the singer-songwriter and activist, Sing My Song, is scheduled to air Oct. 17.

the Banana Boat song, belted out by Jamaican-American superstar Harry Belafonte.

Born to Jamaican parents, Belafonte was one of the most successful celebrities of his time, a motion picture leading man and his album ‘Calypso’ a mashup of Caribbean genres was the first million selling LP by a single artist.

His successful musical career did not stop him from advocating for black empowerment.

Belafonte was a staunch activist and dear friend of Sir Sydney Poitier and Martin Luther King Jr. and has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1987.

Belafonte who will turn 95 on March 1st is a decorated artist in his own right, with three Grammy Awards, an Emmy and a Tony Award.

In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s 6th Annual Governors Awards.

 

Lenny Kravitz:  “I Belong to You”

Millennials know him as a rock superstar and Lisa-Bonets’s electric ex-husband, Gen Z knows him for his portrayal of the lovable   and talented designer Cinna in the Hunger Games movie trilogy (and as Zoe Kravitz’s dad) whatever age group you fall into there’s no denying that Lenny Kravitz’s star appeal has stood the test of time.

The singer turned actor has a star studded upbringing being the godson of Cicely Tyson, rubbing ears with Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald who were his father’s friends and attending school with Nicholas Cage and Slash. His mother, Bahamian Roxy Roker, who was gone way too soon, was a ceiling shattering actress.  Roker, portrayed an elegant black woman, married to a well-off white man in the popular sitcom, The Jefferson’s; inter-racially matched on the small screen and in her personal life.

Roker was from the islands and there are accounts of her son clambering into mango trees on his summers with his cousins in the sun soaked Bahamas. Kravitz proudly claims the islands as home and says it is the place he can hear and feel himself best.

The country has inspired a few hits from the rocker including his single ‘Fly Away”.  Kravitz won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the island inspired single and proceeded to win it again three times in a row after that from 1999 to 2002, breaking the record for most wins in that category and setting the record for most consecutive wins in one category by a male.

Kravitz has been serving as The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s brand ambassador since 2019, generating even more interest in the destination with high profile video campaigns like Fly Away.

Kravitz has also lent his eclectic style to décor; you will find his designs in The Bahamas’ newest luxury resort, Baha Mar.

 

Voila! Nouveau Soeurs on the Writing Block

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine, One of the Good ones, the titles may not mean much to you but these two young adult books are two of the most celebrated in the last two years.

Penned by Haitian sister Writing duo Maika and Maritza Moulite both books tackle issues of racism, immigration and a deep love for the country that birthed them, Haiti.

Born to Haitian parents in America, the girls grew up with an intimate knowledge of what it meant to be black and different in the US.

Now they are bestselling authors with another book on the way.

Maika is a Howard University PhD student whose research focuses on representation in media and its impact on marginalized groups.

Maritza is now a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania exploring ways to improve literacy through children’s media.

Both sisters are social activists, invested in the treatment of Black people specifically across the world.

In an interview with diverse books, Maika says “A person’s life shouldn’t matter more because they “speak well,” have lots of money, or anything along those lines. Being a human being should be more than enough to be able to live your life with dignity.”

 

Maika and Maritza Moulite

 

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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