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Felix Morley Community Centre Programmes Now Launched!

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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.

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Health

Is It Bad To Sleep in a Bra?

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Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks

 

When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?

Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.

Should you sleep in a bra?

Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.

“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”

But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.

Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you

Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.

Lessens breast pain

Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.

Common causes include:

  • Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
  • Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
  • Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
  • Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
  • Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
  • Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight

“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”

A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.

Protects lactating breasts

If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:

  • Holds nursing pads in place
  • Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
  • Reduces nipple chafing
  • Supports the structure of your breasts

Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.

Prevents fungal infections

Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.

“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”

Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.

Reduces nipple irritation

Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:

  • Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
  • The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
  • A sleep bra that’s too loose

Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.

Helps with recovery after surgery

It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:

  • Decrease fluid collection
  • Minimize pain
  • Hold gauze and drains in place

“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”

Diminishes stretch marks

Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.

“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”

Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on

Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.

Causes skin irritation and infection

A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:

  • Dirty
  • Too tight
  • Too loose

Restricts circulation

“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”

Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.

Tips for wearing a bra to bed

If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.

For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:

  • Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
  • Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
  • Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
  • Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.

Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.

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Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

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News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

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