News
Not Good Enough; schools should have been ready says PDM
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 11, 2023 – The opposition People’s Democratic Movement is calling for monthly maintenance of public schools as they chide the government for being ill-prepared for the start of the 2023/24 school year, resulting in inconvenience for students and teachers.
“This PNP government has demonstrated to the people of the Turks and Caicos their lack of preparedness to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for our students by not having the nation’s public schools fully ready for the academic year,” said Robert Been, Deputy Party Leader.
He called for accountability and transparency on why the schools were not ready for September.
Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning had announced on August 31st that work was still ongoing on schools across the country despite the school year being set to start in days. While acknowledging that the Minister had accepted responsibility for the delay, Been maintained that this did not absolve him of criticism.
“Every year we know when school closes just like the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, we know that school will close in June and reopen in September and yet you’re not prepared,” said Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader
Washington Misick, TCI Premier was also criticized for participating in what the PDM says appeared to be last-ditch efforts to get schools ready.
“We all saw the video of the premier and the minister of home affairs on some kind of tractor less than 24 hours
before the new school year opened putting some sand on the road leading to the Ona Glinton Primary School, that’s it throwing some sand— those things should have been done long time.”
In this vein, Been said the PDM wanted more than maintenance during school holidays
“What is truly needed is a consistent monthly maintenance program for all government schools. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the proper upkeep and maintenance of our educational facilities.”
He remarked on the impact of ill-prepared school campuses on teachers.
“We cannot forget that our teachers are equally deserving of a safe, clean and pleasant working environment so that they can give their best to our students. I have heard very little from Minister Robinson on how these delays on school maintenance has impacted our teachers who themselves are making concessions and sacrifices in service to our nation’s children, our most prized possessions. ”
The Deputy Leader also criticized Minister of Education Rachel Taylor for her approach to the issue saying she stopped sort of accepting any responsibility for the maintenance delays and surmised that the style of education management by the PNP Administration will cause students to be left behind.
“The buck stops with her.”
He described the PDM’s position on education.
“An intensive assessment of the physical infrastructure in our education system must be undertaken immediately to ensure we are not focused on quick fix solutions but that we are seriously invested in facilities that are resilient and equipped to cater to the learning needs of our students with a key focus on STEM.”
Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood maintained that should the PDM be voted into office they would mandate that all contracts be awarded before the end of the school year (May 31st ) to make sure work could commence immediately after the closure of schools.
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.
