News
Fantastic Five chosen for PDM All Island Candidates
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 26, 2024 – The team the People’s Democratic movement hopes will help win the 2025 election against the government’s roster of all island candidates has been revealed with the moniker the ‘Fantastic Five’.
They are Robert Been, Ruth Ariza, Karen Malcolm, Sean Astwood, and Ralph Higgs.
Ezra Taylor, PDM Party National Chairman, said during the selection process the needs of the people were used to guide which candidates were chosen.
The process was open and transparent, the party leaders say.
Surveys were carried out with over 1,000 respondents according to Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, with residents indicating who they wanted to run. He stressed there was no ‘scheming’.
”We don’t know how things happened in the past with other parties but we wanted you the people to make the decision and whatever decision you made we were going to live with it. You made this decision for me and I thank you,” he said to the public.
Under questioning from the media, Astwood said the Candidates Commission had investigated each of the candidates and given them a score based on their various strengths and weaknesses. The PDM then decided whether they accepted the recommendations of the
top-scoring candidates.
Astwood stressed that he was extremely pleased with the team selected to run on the national stage.
“We have a team that you can be proud of, you know we will do all we can to make your lives better,” he told the over 3,600 viewers who joined in the live broadcast.
Karen Adams Malcolm, former Minister of Education who held an at-large seat from 2016-2021, said she was delighted to accept the nomination in the ‘people centered party’.
Ruth Adams Ariza, sister of Malcolm, said she was ‘honored, excited and humbled’ at the nod and hoped to bring about empowerment.
When queried about why two sisters were chosen, Astwood reiterated that the team was chosen from the votes of the party members., and that he stood by the choices made.
Robert Been, PDM Deputy Party Leader maintained that he would be focused on “building a TCI we can all be proud of; a TCI where our children can thrive; a TCI that works not just for the elite few, but for everyone.”
Ralph Higgs, former Minister of Tourism maintained that ‘this is the team that will get it done for the Turks and Caicos.’ Higgs was a member for the district of North and Middle Caicos from 2016 to 2021, and said he was not running away from his record there but running on it.
The five were chosen out of 19 applicants according to the political party, included in that list of potentials who were not chosen was Hon. Oswald Skippings, Former Elected Member. Skippings, who shared his notification letter with the public.
“We regret to inform you that your application to be an All-Island Candidate for the People’s Democratic Movement in the upcoming General Elections was unsuccessful. This decision was not an easy one due to the high caliber of applications received,” it read.
Expressing a desire to work with all of the applicants, Astwood said there could still be room for All Island candidates with the constitutional mandate for the Boundaries Commission to expand the number of seats from 15 elected to 19 elected members of the House of Assembly.
The PDM Leader also offered hope for placement at the constituency or district level for the unselected applicants.
The announcement for the district seats is set to come in April.
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.
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