News
Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission Launches Athlete Development Fund
#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2023 – The Athlete Development Fund (ADF) developed by the TCI Sports Commission has officially launched for grant applications.
In June 2022, The ADF was initially launched, coinciding with the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first Long-Term Athlete Development Symposium. This launch sparked the partnership between the private and public sectors for sport funding. The ADF is guided by a committee that determines and prioritises investment strategies for sports associations, clubs and athletes in an effort to enhance sport development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Key sponsors have committed funds which will finance awardees for 2023-24 and the upcoming year. The main objectives are to increase sporting participation opportunities and increase the Turks and Caicos Islands’ capacity to compete and develop a sporting system that systemically achieves world-class results.
Funding is provided to eligible organisations and athletes for programming that supports Long-Term Athlete
Development (LTAD) with a particular emphasis on High-performance Development. LTAD caters to grassroots programmes at the primary and high school levels, leading the athletes to semi-professional and professional levels. This high-performance development could take the form of sports training camps, sport leagues and tournaments and sport equipment.
The Director of Sports Mr Jarrett Forbes explained the importance of the ADF, “We strongly believe that sport is a positive pathway for building young people and consequentially building stronger communities. And we believe that there are many individuals who live in these islands or who have a strong interest in the TCI, who also believe in building strong communities… who find value in a safe, enjoyable and productive Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The ADF also finds a path to tackle funding challenges, as while the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is steadily increasing its allocation for sports development, further streams of funding are essential.
Forbes explained this further, “Many countries around the region are heavily supported by the Olympic Solidarity
Fund. However with the TCI currently not an associated member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), we do not receive Olympic Solidarity funding.
Neighbouring countries like the Bahamas, and Jamaica, and major countries like Canada and the United Kingdom’s sports systems are heavily funded by a National Lottery but in the TCI, we do not have such a sport funding system. We, therefore, found it important to find a way to provide additional resources to our sports organizations and athletes through the creation of the Athlete Development Fund.”
During the press conference, Director of J&W Construction Samuel Harvey presented a $10,000 cheque adding to the pool of funds to serve the 2023/24 year of the ADF. J&W Construction also committed funding in the inaugural year of the ADF.
Mr Harvey shared, “I believe in the going forward of the youth in this country and with sports…From the second this was shot to me I said, “Yes this is a good idea and I will guarantee you that J&W are going to back this project.” We were hoping to be trailblazers.”
In attendance was also the Minister of Education, Youth Sports and Social Services, Hon Rachel Taylor. She shared, “The government understand the significant impact sports can have on a country. More importantly the youth of a country and the growth and development it can provide to both…Our young people want to see that we are interested and believe in them. Nothing shows belief like investment. That is why I want to encourage the private sector to not just give to the fund but invest in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCIG has made intentional investments in sports and with private sector collaboration, we have the ability to transform lives because partnerships cultivate
efficiency effectiveness and productivity.”
If you or your organisation is interested in investing in the Athlete Development Fund, contact the Committee at info@tciathletedevelopmentfund.com.
About the ADF
The Athlete Development Fund (ADF) is designed to support the development of Turks and Caicos Islands athletes. Under the mantra “The future is now”, funding is provided to eligible organizations and athletes for programming that supports Long-Term Athlete Development with a particular emphasis on High-performance Development.
The objectives of the ADF are to:
- increase opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Turks and Caicos Islands, including under-represented groups;
- increase the capacity of the Turks and Caicos Islands sport system to systematically achieve world-class results at the highest international competitions;
- contribute to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Turks and Caicos Islands sport system; and
- advance Turks and Caicos Islands’ interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad.
To find out more about the ADF and how to contribute to the fund, visit https://www.tciathletedevelopmentfund.com.
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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
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