Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 10 November, 2023 – The Felix Morley Community Centre (FMCC), now under the management of the TCI Sports Commission, was built years ago, to provide a safe space with enriching activities to the Five Cays community. Due to extraneous variables, the FMCC has not been able to maximise its full purpose, which is being aspired towards with the launch of the new programmes.

On Thursday, October 26th, the FMCC Programmes Launch was held, where the new operations of the Community Centre and the slate of programmes and activities that will be available were revealed.

Programmes offered at the centre:

• Dance – Ms Faith Bowens
• Basketball – Mr. Philip Roker
• Karate – Sensei Sandro
• Rugby – Mr. Andrew Phillips
• Youth Yoga – Mr. David Bowen
• Boxing – Mr Jimkelly Joseph and Mr Gary Lightbourne

According to the Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes, “We made a commitment to the Minister, Hon Rachell Taylor, to bring to life, her vision for the centre…The greatest assurance of a wholesome environment for our youth is for the Community, as a village, to preserve what we have here today. The Sports Commission will be counting on the Community of Five Cays to help the Felix Morley Community Centre grow from strength to strength.”

These programmes are just the beginning as the Programmes team is formalizing plans and agreements with additional instructors who are willing to commit their time and expertise to the empowering of communities. As the centre continues to develop, activities for the elderly will come on stream, ranging from modified fitness programmes to social games. Over the coming nine to twelve months, plans are on the way to repair the gazebos along the beach; install a multi-sport artificial field; install a shaded kid’s playground; and develop a full courtyard.

The Sports Commission is pleased to partner with the Department of Youth, which will be delivering a slate of youth development programmes through the Computer Lab such as:

• Computer classes
• Literacy and numeracy
• Toast Masters
• Grooming Sessions with Ms. Alicia Swann

Among those present at the launch were the Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Permanent Secretary Cheryl-Ann Jones, Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes, Deputy Director of Sports Alvin Parker and Director of Youth Jasmine Thomas. Refreshments and food were sponsored by Beaches Turks and Caicos.

H.E. Deputy Governor Anya Williams shared, “I want to commend the TCI Sports Commission for the work that they’ve done on this but also the Ministry of Education but in particularly the Minster of Education Hon Rachel Taylor who has taken this as a personal initiative. I would also like to thank everyone who’s been involved in the private sector.

“A lot of people ask “Why Five Cays?”, especially at a time right now when they know this community has had its share of challenges, particularly in terms of crime, but I say “Why not Five Cays?”. I believe that it is important for us to not run away from problems, but to go directly to them and try to develop solutions as to how we work to address them. I believe one of the best ways to address some of the challenges we are facing today with youth is to provide other opportunities and avenues for them to utilise their talents and skills and look at other programmes. This is a great opportunity not just for his constituency but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Rachel Taylor shared, “Today marks yet another milestone and testament to the widespread commitment to nurturing the potential of our young people. The credit for today lies not just with The Government but with our community known as the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

The assistance of donor Mr Thom Barnes has come in handy with fitting out the computer lab, for which he donated approximately $43,000. Hon. Taylor expressed, “I would like to take the opportunity as MP for the constituency, to say a special thanks to Mr Thom Barnes. I also want to say that in the community of Five Cays, we continue to grieve the loss of our young men. The intentionality of this centre is to address the concerns that we have. We believe if our young people tap into the opportunities now, we won’t have these challenges when they become adults. So, parents, the consistency of the programmes depends on you. As much as we want to build out the programmes, if we don’t have the children here we wouldn’t be able to offer such programmes.”

How to register for FMCC Programmes?

Registration forms can be found at the FMCC which is open daily. Once signed, the forms can be submitted to the Registration desk at the centre.

How to Book the FMCC?

If you would like to offer a programme, rooms at the centre can be rented at no cost. If there is anyone or a group who would like to reserve a room at the FMCC for a private event, this would be granted based on availability.  The standard Sports Commission booking procedure would be followed which is to contact our Facilities Manager in Providenciales. Sports Commission usage rules and guidelines for visitors and participants at the Felix Morley Community Centre will be strictly enforced.

More information on reserving facilities can be found on the Sports Commission website: https://www.gov.tc/sports/venues/fees.