PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – Final preparations are underway for 14th annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim set for Saturday morning June 29, 2024. TCI star
swimmer, Tajhari Williams, will be back to defend his back-to-back first place
finishes in the 2.4 and 1 mile events from last year. He will be contending with
several up-and-coming TCI swimmers also racing for a conch trophy to take
home along with many talented swimmers from abroad.

The beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe will once again be the venue for the
start and the finish. Swimmers will have a choice of three main distances: 2.4
mile, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile in the beautiful turquoise waters of Grace Bay. A 100
meter Children’s Swim for youngsters 10 and under will also be offered.

Race founders/directors, Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann, said that
they anticipate at least 100 swimmers from overseas, mainly the US and
Canada, as well as around 40 local swimmers. “Last year’s event really showed
once more that TCI swimmers can compete and win against top American,
Canadian and UK swimmers who fly in for the race,” said Stubenberg.
Zimmermann added, “It’s truly inspiring to see how far TCI has progressed in
open water swimming right here in their home waters.”

The “Race for the Conch,” rated as one of the top 100 open water races in the
world by World Open Water Swimming Association, has become the biggest
international sports event in the Turks & Caicos. In keeping with the tradition of
buying local, race organizers have collaborated with the following local artists:
Stanford Handfield to carve conch medals for each participant; Lucie Stubbs to
make the plaques that also use conch shells carved by Handfield; Alizee
Zimmermann to design the logo and design for the race T shirts. In addition,
locally created “Proud of My Island” will be the official goodie bags for racers.

The organizers takes seriously the “Eco-SeaSwim” part of the even name by,
among other things, banning sunscreens that are not reef safe. At the venue, all
swimmers will have free access to the official race sunscreen, Caribbean Sol,
which is purely mineral based.

Race for the Conch is a registered TCI nonprofit organization. Proceeds go to
Provo Children’s Home, Reef Fund, TCI Red Cross, and Project Inclusion Turks
& Caicos.

The organizers noted that this event could not take place without dedicated
volunteers along with generous sponsors, and providers. They include: Grace
Bay Club, Ocean Club East, Hartling Group, Experience Turks & Caicos, Whole
Health, Caribbean Bottling Company, Atlantic Aviation, Projetech, Finishing
Touch, SurfSide Ocean Academy, Jafooe Computer Services, Silver Palm
Charters, DJ Dayoh, Got-U-Covered, TCI Red Cross, Big Blue Collective,
Paradise Photography, Luxury Experiences Turks & Caicos, Business Solutions,
LMNT Electrolytes, Natural Trade Distribution, Caicu Naniki Vacation
Adventures, and Marco Travel.

More information about the race, including start times and course description,
can be found on the race website www.ecoseaswim.com.
Note that organizers offer special discounts for TCI residents. They should
register through their swim clubs or at the check-in desk on race day 1.5 hours
before the event start time.

#TurksandCaicos, June 25, 2024 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare conducted several recruitment drives across the Turks and Caicos Islands, engaging stakeholders, potential foster carers, and advocates to highlight the urgent need for foster carers. These events raised awareness of the importance of foster care, highlighting the role it plays in providing safe and nurturing environments for children in need and emphasising the overall impact it has on the lives of these children.

The Department of Social Development and Welfare is issuing a heartfelt call to the community to continue to support its foster care recruitment initiative, as the demand for loving, stable foster homes has never been greater. The department urges compassionate individuals and families to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in need.

The Turks and Caicos Islands can pave the path for a brighter future by forging a stronger, more supportive community for children in need.

The Department of Social Development and Welfare is calling the public to come together and support this vital cause by:

2. Spreading the Word: Help the Department of Social Development and Welfare reach a wider audience by sharing information about foster care with friends, family, and community groups.
3. Volunteer: There are many ways to support foster children and foster families through volunteer efforts.
4. Donate: Financial contributions can help provide essential resources and support services for foster children and families.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 25 June 2024: The Electoral Boundaries Commission has released a report that provides crucial insights into the voter population in the electoral districts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The commission, in its commitment to democratic processes, earnestly invites the public to participate actively by submitting their valuable comments on our draft report before 12 p.m. Friday, 5 July 2024.

 Section 60 states:   “60. For the purpose of the discharge of its functions, a Commission—

(a) may invite views from members of the public;

(b) shall consult the public about a draft of its report; and

(c) may seek such advice as it considers appropriate.

The Electoral Boundaries Commission has completed the draft report and, as per Section 60 (6), seeks to send it to the public for consultation.

The Commission’s activities and responsibilities are set out in Section 61 of the Constitution, which provides:

61. (1) A Commission shall, as soon as practicable after its appointment, review the Boundaries of the electoral districts into which the Islands are divided; and submit to the Governor and the House of Assembly a report either—

(a) stating that, in the opinion of the Commission, no change in those boundaries is required; or

(b) recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.

(2) In determining its recommendations under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, a Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.

 Summary of the Report

As a first simplistic estimation, the total voter population of 9381 was divided by ten, representing the ten electoral districts. That resulted in the target quota of 938 voters (“target quota”) for each electoral district.

The overall trend saw increased voter population data in Providenciales and Grand Turk, with a minimum population increase in South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos. The increase in voter population in Providenciales is noted in all districts.

Because of the disproportionate growth of voters in these areas the Commission is of the opinion that a more equal distribution can only be achieved by significant adjustments of the boundaries and these can only be effected in certain contiguous districts. However, the technical professionals in the Crown Land and Surveying Departments have advised the Commission of the danger of arbitrarily adjusting the boundaries, as the maps do indicate where few electors may live in a large geographic area, while smaller areas may contain large numbers of electors. The Commission understands that this can only be obtained through a RE-REGISTRATION process, in which all voters will re-register.

The Commission, therefore, agreed that, except for Grand Turk, all electoral boundaries in Providenciales should remain the same until information is available to determine the number of electors on the ground.

Therefore, the Commission will visit all islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the week of July 8th to 12th, 2024, to consult the public on the report’s findings.

All submissions must be sent via email to williamsjuliae@gmail.com

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