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ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR NIGEL JOHN DAKIN, REGARDING THE DAY OF MOURNING IN TCI, TO MARK THE STATE FUNERAL OF HER LATE MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Good day Turks and Caicos,
A few words regarding the coming day’s events to note the passing of our late Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a minute’s silence at 3 pm on Sunday, the Government have announced a day of mourning on Monday 19th September. On that day, the Premier and I will be seated in Westminster Abbey representing the peoples of these Islands, alongside the Heads of State from 170, or so, Countries and Territories. It is a remarkable moment, marking the end of the second Elizabethan age.
Things that bring us closer, nationally or globally, that remove barriers and engender empathy, are increasingly special moments and this is one such example. You may have seen a Union Flag projected onto the Matterhorn in Switzerland and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Her late Majesty’s image was projected on the Sydney Opera House while piles of floral tributes were laid outside our Consulate in Hong Kong. Symbolic of Her reach outside of Her Realm.
At the time of a major Ukrainian counter-offensive President Zelensky took time to visit our Embassy to sign the Condolence Book. In the United States the Speaker of the House of Representatives, held a minute’s silence and adjourned the House, while the famous route along Pennsylvania Avenue was lined with Union Flags at half-mast.
Anyone watching the miles of good natured and patient people queuing for hours to offer their last respects at her late Majesty’s lying in State, or on Her journey through Scotland, or from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall will, I suspect, have taken a moment to either be reassured, or pleasantly surprised, by this remarkable demonstration of quite what a unifying force the late Queen has been. Pageantry and participation helps us move from one era to another – it allows us to be steady and sure-footed when change normally brings uncertainty and unease.
Here in TCI, some will want to use Monday to reflect on the life of the Queen and also the lives of the remarkable people, in their own families, some who are still alive, but many who will have passed who were from our late Queen’s generation. It is, for example, impossible for me to think of Her late Majesty without thinking about the stoicism and sacrifice of my own parents, and the role she played, both as a childhood role model during the war, and then providing the backdrop to their lives – a living example of never complaining, always hardworking and life-long service to others.
For some it will be a chance to mourn in a wider sense. Many have lost close relatives, not at the grand old age the Queen reached, but in circumstances where a close relative or friend have been taken from them, suddenly, with no time to prepare. I hope this is a day that provides a quiet time to reflect on those they and we have lost, at the same time the rest of the Territory is in a similar frame of mind.
It might be a day where some choose to invest time in their family or go to Church. Her late Majesty, I think, would very much approve of that approach. She was a committed Christian and a committed mother. As parents, we all lead feverishly busy lives where the conflicting priorities of: work; those who we need to care for from the generation before us and those who we need to give love and attention to from the generation behind us, compete for attention along with many other pressures.
Often the last people we have proper time for, are the people most dear to us, yet the basis of a strong society, is a strong family. Perhaps some quiet time in each other’s company, enjoying the simplicity of close family life, will – for some – be the most respectful, but also the most appropriate and rejuvenating way, to spend Monday.
On Monday, for those who wish to watch the Funeral in the company of others, and in a place of worship, there will a live screening, at 6am, at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Church in Grand Turk, and at St Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales. RTC will screen the State Funeral at 6am on Monday for those who may wish to join the estimated global audience of 4 billion people. Individual Churches will make, and make known, their own arrangements, should they wish to, to hold a memorial service – but this is firmly their choice.
For those that wish to – a two minute silence echoing the silence in the Abbey at the conclusion of the Funeral – may also be observed at 7am on Monday or given the early hour, at any other time during the day, as you deem appropriate.
There will be a time to rejoice – the Future Coronation of a King – on a date not yet announced – will offer us that opportunity. But perhaps Monday can be used as a day of reflection about those who are with us, those who we love, and those who we remember built around our respectful memory of our late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. May Her late Majesty Rest in Peace and may she Rise again in Glory. ‘God Save the King’.
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.
