News
World meteorological day; focus on TCI
Dana Malcolm
Staff writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 23, 2023 – As the world celebrates World Meteorological Day 2023, the Turks and Caicos will soon be able to celebrate the first anniversary of its own National Meteorological Service following its creation in 2022. We spoke to Dr. Holly Hamilton, the Director of Meteorology, to check up on how the Department is doing.
“Things are going well – we hired a meteorological assistant in September (Kendly Smith) and he’s now off for training in Barbados at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, along with another young man and so that is a significant step for us.”
When the two young men complete their training, the Department will be a team of four up from just Dr Holly and Tiffany Henfield, Meteorological Officer. They may be small, but they certainly get the work done.
They send out 3-day forecasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (you can see those on the DDME Facebook page) and they also serve our air carriers, but Dr Holly says they are aiming to do a lot more in the future and this means we have to get our students involved and interested in the field.
“One of the key projects we have ongoing right now is the development of a strategic plan for National Meteorological Services for the Turks and Caicos, and what we hope to birth out of that is the Turks and Caicos National Weather Service,” she explained.
This year’s World Meteorology Day was celebrated under the theme, “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations,” and it’s a particularly apt theme in the context of the Turks and Caicos. 
“The vision of the NWS is to deliver high-quality local water, climate and ocean services to the country, and in order to do that we will need a staff. We will need forecasters, observers, technicians, IT personnel, and so forth; and the goal is to have local people to fill those positions as much as possible, so we have to start somewhere.”
She emphasized that we should start planting the seed in schools and in the minds of our young people to consider meteorology as a career.
The Turks and Caicos Airports Authority out of which the meteorological service is based, released a statement to mark the global day.
“As weather, climate, and the water cycle know no national or political boundaries, international cooperation at global and regional scales is essential for the development of meteorology, climatology and operational hydrology so that countries can reap the benefits from their application,” the statement read.
It’s through the WMO and the work of its national partners across the globe that we are able to trust in weather forecasts that keep us safe. It is especially important for countries like the Turks and Caicos and the entire Caribbean region, whose status as islands makes us vulnerable to climate shocks and complicates the delivery of aid.
TCIAA also highlighted regional efforts that had seen meteorology grow in the Caribbean.
“Regionally, the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), a specialised institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), provides the coordination of joint scientific and technical activities among the respective National Meteorological and Hydrometeorological Services.”
It explained that while the WMO celebrates 150 years, the CMO is celebrating 50 years in 2023.
It is through the WMO and the CMO that Turks and Caicos has received guidance on meteorological legislation and policy, as well as strategic planning and national frameworks for weather, water, and climate services, the TCIAA says.
It’s through guidance like this that the TCI has its Met Service and is aiming to create the National Weather Service. Dr. Holly is directly involved in the decision-making process on the tropical cyclone advisories for the Turks and Caicos, which are still issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology for now.
The country will see more of these as we move into the hurricane season.
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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