News
All the way home for Faion Hicks, Son of the Soil makes it to the NFL & Denver Broncos
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – You have the potential if you work hard was the underlying message in last week’s motivational speech courtesy of American-TCI NFL player Faion Hicks. After being drafted in April, Faion and his mother Schevette Glinton, a South Caicos native, wasted no time reaching out to the TCI Sports Commission for a chance to share his wisdom with the hope that budding Turks and Caicos residents could make it to the top as well.
Despite this being his first trip to the Turks and Caicos, his loyalty to his cultural home is high and Faion brought along his agent Sandy Cornelio with the hope of setting up even more opportunities for TCI youngsters.
The pair paid a courtesy call on the Office of the Premier and met with Washington Misick, TCI Premier, several ministers including for Sport and the Sports Commission about the range of options in programs.
Saturday July 16 was, however, his main event: My Journey to a Pro. He took the time out to tell his story to the gathered athletes and well-wishers.
THE VALUE OF EDUCATION
“Growing up, sports was always an outlet for me just being outside and competing. I started playing football when I was about nine so I started late. For those of you who have island parents they don’t play about school. My mom wouldn’t sign me up for football unless I was doing good in school so one day I just decided to sign myself up, that’s how bad I wanted to play football.”
He had encouraging words for students who weren’t at the top of their game yet noting that he wasn’t always good at football.
“My first year playing I barely touched the field but at the end of the day I stuck with it because that’s what I really wanna do.”
He said the kids who were better than him were his motivation.
“The first step to being an athlete is getting rid of that ego, never feel like you’re better than the next person.”
Faion explained that putting in extra effort was the only way to the top even if you’re not perfect at first.
“Take pride in being an underdog.” He urged “when you go out and you earn it it means a lot more— do a little extra, wake up a little earlier, do something you wouldn’t do and it will add up.”
Hicks said he struggled in high school and prayed that he would get recruited to a good school. He explained that he would have to take three trains and two buses to get to and from practice every day.
“It was a lot of lonely nights going to the park working out on my own— my mom couldn’t always pick me up because she was working.”
He urged the athletes, boys especially, to handle their studies and grades first before any type of athletics but to work hard at both. Hicks said he was never a big time prospect in college or high school and he had to work hard to get to where he is now.
“I wanted to go to college so bad I’d get home from practice at 11pm and 12 o’clock at night I went to the park and just jumped rope — I feel like College can better your life in ways that you never imagined.”
Faion’s agent Sandy jumped in with, “When it comes to boys we push them to sports immediately and we don’t push Education. Our males need to understand not everybody is going to make it in football, basketball or track and field. They need to get an education, it will open opportunities. I’m Dominican, we believe baseball is everything. I had a baseball scholarship and I lost it but at the end of the day I got an education and that opened a door.”
THE CALL THAT CHANGED MADE HIS GRANDMA CRY
Faion was recruited for Wisconsin State University and explained that being a university athlete was a delicate balancing act with classes, meetings, games and training but eventually it all paid off. On April 30th 2022, Faion Hicks got the call of a lifetime; he had been drafted to the NFL to play for the Denver Broncos in a first ever for the Turks and Caicos.
He recalled the moment he got drafted.
“Midway through the 7th round I’m like whatever happens happens I’m not even watching the draft at this point. My family started surrounding me and saying if you don’t get drafted it’s okay you tried your hardest. We were just sitting there and the phone rang.”
Unfortunately that call was the Detroit Lions telling him they wouldn’t be drafting him. Faion got one more discouraging call from the Giants who would not be drafting him either, but then came The Call.
“I pick it up and he’s like,”Hey How are you doing”. I didn’t even sound excited and then he was like “we’re gonna draft you” and I just dropped my head and everybody just went crazy. When I saw my Grandma cry that’s when I kinda broke down cause I know how bad she prayed.” Hicks said.
Minister of Education with responsibility for Sport, Rachel Taylor said talks were already underway for new programs.
“He came and asked ‘what can I do for the young people of the Turks and Caicos islands?’ They have already sat down with us and are mapping out when they will return and the kinds of programs they will put in place so we can ensure opportunities are afforded to our children through scouting.”
Faion stressed many NFL Athletes drop out after only three years and despite the hype of the professional career getting an education is paramount. He also urged youngsters to appreciate their high school careers and embrace the innocence and the love they have for their sports as it would be some of their best memories as they grew older.
The Denver Broncos have three pre-season games scheduled this August. Game one for the Broncos is September 12 against the Seattle SeaHawks.
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.
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