News
The Sandals Foundation and Great Shapes! Inc. Brightening the TCI, One Smile at a Time
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – Over 4000 residents are smiling a little brighter for the Holidays following the recently concluded 1000 Smiles free dental clinics, and oral health education workshops implemented by the Sandals Foundation and its partners, United States based non-profit Great Shape! Inc.
As part of its continued commitment to community health and development, the Sandals Foundation coordinated logistics for a series of public dental clinics at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays, Providenciales and at the clinics in North and Middle Caicos. Beaches Resorts team members also benefited from the services which included cleaning, filling, extractions, root canals, x-rays, dentures, dental sealants and fluoride treatment, through a staff clinic held at the Key West Conference Room on resort.
Tessa McLorrain, Project Coordinator of Great Shapes! Inc. in highlighting the success of this year’s initiative, shared, “For the three weeks of dental clinics which included the post operational phase, there were a total of 593 cleanings, 888 fillings, 760 extractions, 77 X-rays, 28 dental sealants, 41 fluoride treatments, 27 root canals, 65 denture implants and 44 follow – ups.” She further added, “It was a lot of hard work but well worth it.”
This year’s success was made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Turks and Caicos Islands Government Dental Clinic.
Together, they successfully managed the logistics of one hundred and thirty (130) volunteer dental care practitioners and non-dental professionals from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean over a one month period.
Dr. Brittanie Height, a volunteer with the programme for six years shared, “The most rewarding part of my visits has always been the interaction with children. At times they are afraid of the procedures but whenever I talk with them and explain what I will be doing, they usually feel more comfortable in allowing me to provide them with the service. This year was no different as I got the chance to provide quality care for the people of Turks and Caicos Islands and gave them back their confidence with their smiles.”
Thirteen year old Gracie St. Louis testified of that gentle care. “The dentists were very nice people. They were patient with me and even though I was scared at first, they explained to me what they were going to do and made me feel comfortable. I was always afraid of needles but they used diagrams and pictures to show me what they were going to do. I am happy that they did that because I don’t feel pain anymore whenever I drink hot or cold things.”
In addition to the dental services, residents also had their capacity built in preventative oral health care education. The oral health education team visited thirteen schools across Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos sharing in a fun and engaging activities with students and distributing oral healthcare packages for continued use.
By targeting children, it is hoped that healthy dental hygiene habits will be developed at an early age. Project Manager of Great Shapes! Inc., Shantelle Senior – Clarke shared, “Early education helps to prevent common dental problems like gum disease and cavities. Learning about oral health with a fun team like ours, also helps children develop a positive attitude towards dental care. A positive impression in childhood will last for a lifetime.”
Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager said while the scheduled visits coincided with schools’ mid – term breaks, “We were willing to visit two schools in one day when necessary because this is valuable information being shared.”
“Maintaining good oral health is important at every age but is particularly important during childhood, Morgan continued, “Poor oral health has been linked to health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. With that being said, dental health education can help children take control of their oral health. It is likely to boost their self-confidence, academic performance may improve and also their quality of life.”
General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, James McAnally affirmed the resort’s promise to delivering quality service to the community in support of the wellbeing of families. “We are as committed to the residents of the Turks and Caicos, a large percentage of whom make up our workforce. Knowing that there are families in need of dental care who cannot afford to visit the dentist, motivates us to continue our partnership with Great Shapes! Inc. Each year the volunteers provide quality dental care and they work tirelessly to serve as many patients as possible.”
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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