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Grand Turk Unites: TCI-Reef Fund Initiative Sparks Community Action

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Ed Forbes

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2024 – Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos—In a time when environmental challenges loom large, the TCI-Reef Fund Initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Grand Turk community.

This grassroots effort aims to help restore the island’s coral reefs, which have been severely damaged by climate change and human activity. While the issue of coral reef degradation might seem distant to some, its impact on local ecosystems and economies is profound.

The Silent Crisis Beneath the Waves:

Coral reefs are the lifeblood of marine environments, supporting a staggering diversity of life. In Grand Turk, they also underpin the local economy, attracting tourists for snorkeling and diving excursions.

However, rising sea temperatures, pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, tour guides and private yachts dropping anchors in our reefs, have led to widespread coral bleaching and reef decay. This silent crisis threatens not only marine life but also the livelihoods of those who depend on the tourism industry.

The TCI-Reef Fund Initiative: A Community’s Response.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, a coalition of local businesses, volunteers and concerned citizens launched the TCI-Reef Fund Initiative spearheaded by Ed Forbes and Alizee Zimmermann, Executive Director of the TCI-Reef Fund.

This project aims to help rehabilitate the reefs through placement of proper pin moorings for boaters to utilize instead of dropping anchors in the reefs.

By involving the community at every stage, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership, educational, hands-on efforts and responsibility toward the island’s natural resources.

Why Should We Care?

For some, the health of distant coral reefs might seem a peripheral concern. However, the stakes are high. Healthy reefs protect shorelines from erosion, support commercial fisheries, and are vital to the biodiversity of our oceans.

Furthermore, the economic implications for Grand Turk are significant. The loss of coral reefs could decimate the tourism industry, leading to job losses and economic downturns that would ripple through the community.

Addressing Skepticism and Confusion:

Skeptics may question the feasibility and impact of the TCI-Reef Fund Initiative. Can a small community effort truly make a difference in the face of global environmental challenges? The answer lies in the power of collective action and local stewardship.

By restoring even a fraction of the coral reefs and allowing it to heal, the initiative can serve as a model for other communities and attract global attention and funding. Moreover, the project emphasizes sustainable practices that can mitigate further damage and promote long-term resilience.

A Call to Action:

The TCI-Reef Fund Initiative is not just an environmental project; it’s a call to action for everyone who values the natural world. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with nature and to recognize our role in its preservation. By supporting this initiative, individuals can contribute to a tangible, positive change in the world.

Moving Forward:

As the TCI-Reef Fund Initiative gains momentum, it offers a blueprint for how small communities can tackle big problems with or without governmental support.

By combining scientific expertise with local passion, Grand Turk is showing that it is possible to fight back against environmental degradation. The initiative’s success could inspire other coastal communities facing similar challenges, proving that meaningful change is within reach.

In a world where environmental news often feels overwhelming, the TCI-Reef Fund Initiative offers a glimmer of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges, local actions can have a global impact.

The people of Grand Turk are not just protecting their reefs; they are safeguarding their future and setting an example for the world to follow.

This was exhibited through the overwhelming support we received from the various businesses and volunteers.

Mooring team:

Carl-DECR

Hasani-Chukka Tours

Henry-Blue Water Divers

Darik-Exclusive Escapes Tours

Smitty-Grand Turk Diving

Nate-Blue Water Divers

Ed-Exclusive Escapes Tours

Kaya-Jedi Charters and Kite

Kevin-4Fun Produtions WW

Jason-Exclusive Escapes Tours

Vasco-Exclusive Escapes Tours

Kirk-Chukka Tours

Grumps-Local Fishermen

DJ-Grand Turk Wave-Runner Adventures

Businesses/Entity involved:

Chukka Tours

Osprey Hotel

Jack’s Shack

Cakeos Cafe

Mateos Restaurant

Port Authority

Though much work remains to be done, as always, I hope articles like these inspire, encourage and remind everyone that the goals ahead are achievable if we all do our part.

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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