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Island Fish Fry will be here

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 7, 2022 – When she set out, the mission was to hunt down the ideal new location for the Island Fish Fry which had become the financial blessing responsible for enabling some of her family’s most fantastic endeavours. She told me what she noticed, was the Turks and Caicos’ economic revival in the midst of Covid-19 was steadily gaining momentum, but it appeared the cultural extravaganza which drew thousands of residents and guests to one spot for a three hour cultural explosion was left behind and left out of the post-Covid scene.

There were promises to get it back on stream, but assertive action was missing in action.  The hold up, Island Fish Fry needed a new home, a venue which could allow people the space to physically distance, the freedom to dance, the room to dine and the chance to delight in the culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

That is when her go-getter instinct kicked into overdrive and drive she did, all over Providenciales in search of the ideal spot and she found it.

Now, Island Fish Fry is slated for a Thursday April 21, 2022 return at a new location, the PTV parking lot in The Bight.

It is three times the size of the Bight Park where Island Fish Fry struggled to survive, even before the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The site masterfully filled the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION criteria and the owners – thank God – were willing.

One of the most expansive parking lots in the Turks and Caicos, People’s Television or PTV became an instant front-runner.  Soon, nothing could top it and now, it is decidedly the new home of the TCI Tourist Board’s Island Fish Fry.

PTV’s parking lot at the Stubbs Diamond Plaza is only minutes away from Grace Bay.  It is supersized, graded with an even surface and now, it is electrically outfitted to comfortably power-up the 54 booths for vendors.

The Minister of Health, Jamell Robinson informed that the venue had to be able to accommodate those essential Covid-19 protocols.

That means, it had to be spacious and the PTV parking lot is certainly that.

It would need to be able to fit all of the vendors, which range from food to drinks to desserts to art & craft and souvenirs.

The PTV parking lot can also do that

and while there are anticipated bumps in the road as Island Fish Fry begins its journey in this ‘new normal’ Vendors will be spaced a decent distance and sanitizing stations will be set up at each.

You can also sanitize upon entry at the ‘Fry’.

Beyond the food, drinks and shopping there is merriment in cultural dances, live band music and a junkanoo rush out with We Funk and Henry the Conch.

It means there needs to be room for the parade and room for the stage.  That room is carved out at left rear of the property.

Perfect, it seems as it will draw the audience deep into the site where there is always a vivacious host, a great show and even the surprise celebrity guest now and again!  Remember when  NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal showed off his DJ skills on stage; that video went viral in seconds.

Drake, Beenie Man and the Kardashians are among the A-Listers who have cruised the crowds and graced the Fry.

With such media-grabbing moments and visitors, it is no wonder a major goal of the vendors, the managers and the organizers of Island Fish Fry is for the environment to remain safe, even COVID-free.

The other goal of the Island Fish Fry is to restore the personal economies of residents who banked on the Thursday evening festivity.

Restoring the Fry also opens the door to other islanders who are standing in line with a desire to add their down home talents to the down home extravaganza which has become the hottest happening in Providenciales.

Island Fish Fry will continue to be enjoyed once each week on Thursdays; transforming a parking area for three hours from 5:30pm to 9:30pm in a come-back which is now only three weeks away.

The only things left to do, are to get the formal announcement from the TCI Tourist Board and hear of the reopening plans.  Then we show up in support of our artisans, home chefs, budding entrepreneurs and entertainers and although a masks outdoors is no longer mandatory, you may want to walk with yours, just in case.

Caribbean News

13 Guadeloupean Students Visit Dominica to Deepen Understanding of Kalinago History and Culture

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Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

  • Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
  • Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
  • Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

  • Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
  • Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
  • Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
  • Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

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Caribbean News

Cabinet Approves Unemployment Insurance Benefit for NIS Contributors

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Kingston, Jamaica, May 17, 2025 – Cabinet has approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The new benefit will serve as a guaranteed safety net for all employees who contribute to the NIS, except for self-employed persons.

Additionally, work is under way to establish the requisite legal and institutional frameworks to implement this important national support system.

“One of the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the urgent need for a system that supports workers who lose their jobs, helping them to remain financially stable while seeking re-employment,” Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13).

Meanwhile, the Government has taken a decisive step to strengthen the nation’s social security framework by implementing the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO), a US$20-million initiative supported by the World Bank.

Mr. Charles Jr. noted that SPIRO, which was launched last year, represents a transformative shift in social governance, with three strategic pillars – the creation of a unified Social Protection Information System (SPIS), supporting the introduction of unemployment insurance, and modernising of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

“The project is already generating impact through comprehensive assessments led by expert consultants, aimed at overhauling labour market services,” he stated.

The Minister further indicated that there will be upgrades to the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) and LMIS, which will enhance the digital infrastructure for employment services.

 

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Release: JIS

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BOOSTS SECURITY RESOURCES 

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JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

 FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND 

THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND PUBLIC POLICY

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 15th May 2025 – Today, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE attended a ceremony, held at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Marine Branch,  to commission two new vessels, which have been provided to the Turks and Caicos Islands as part of a joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the Governor’s Office and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The two vessels, funded by the FCDO Border Security Programme, will form part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force’s Marine Branch, complementing their existing fleet. The vessels enhance our capability to be agile in our maritime law enforcement efforts and strengthen our emergency response search and rescue capability. They will be named Sea Challenger and Sea Contender reflecting the spirit of the RTCIPF’s operations in keeping the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands safe.  The RNLI will provide training in the operations of these vessels later this month

At the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier also announced the arrival of regional resources to assist the RTCIPF:

  • This afternoon, 10 tactical officers from the Barbados Police Service arrived in Providenciales to provide strategic and operational security assistance to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Upon arrival, the officers will undergo an initial orientation before being sworn in as Special Constables of the RTCIPF. Members of the team will be deployed to support tactical operations. A further deployment of 30 tactical officers from another RSS Member State is expected before the end of the month. As part of the agreement, the RTCIPF will be provided with expert surge support officers to augment the existing cadre and develop capability.
  • Also, this month, CARICOM IMPACS will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands to deliver the first phase of a comprehensive Intelligence training programme to members of the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment, Border Force, HM Prison, Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Security Secretariat.

This package of regional security assistance follows the attendance of Her Excellency the Governor and Honourable Minister Arlington Musgrove at the 28th Meeting of The Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in November 2024, and active discussions by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with the Regional Security System (RSS) and its Member States.

The security assistance will significantly bolster national security and local law enforcement by enabling collaboration, resource sharing and strategic planning. More specifically, this will include:

  • Joint Operations;
  • Intelligence Sharing;
  • Training and Capacity Building;
  • Strengthening Border Security; and Combating Organized Crime Networks.

The Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE said:

The commissioning of these police vessels represents a critical step forward in strengthening our national security and safeguarding the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am grateful to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office for their partnership in providing these vessels, supporting my Government’s commitment to equip law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our borders and uphold the rule of law.

The Government welcomes the deployment of ten additional police officers from Barbados as part of our ongoing strategic efforts to bolster national security and enhance the operational capacity of our law enforcement agencies. This reinforcement solidifies the TCI’s regional collaboration framework and underscores the shared objectives within the Caribbean toward addressing transnational crime, ensuring public order, and supporting intelligence-led policing. We are grateful to the Government and Commissioner of Police of Barbados for this timely support and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a coordinated, regional approach to security and crime prevention.

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said:

Today marks a significant step forward in our national security strategy, as we commission two new maritime police vessels provided by the UK and welcome a contingent of tactical police officers from the Barbados Police Service. We are grateful to the FCDO, the Government of Barbados, Commissioner of Police of Barbados and the RSS for their valued support. These developments – alongside the launch of a targeted intelligence training programme with CARICOM IMPACS and a further regional deployment of 30 tactical officers expected before the end of the month – reflect not only the strength of our enduring partnerships and regional solidarity in tackling shared threats, but also the deliberate and determined efforts of the National Security Council to underpin law enforcement efforts and enhance our national defence posture. This is more than an operational boost – it is a step change in how we confront crime, secure our borders and safeguard our citizens.

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