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EMPOWERHER GIRLS IN SPORT MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME 2024: A TRIUMPH OF COMMUNITY, GROWTH, AND LEADERSHIP

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PRESS RELEASE
 
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS WOMEN IN SPORTS

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 22nd August 2024 – The EmpowerHer Girls in Sport Mentorship Programme 2024 has successfully concluded after an inspiring four-week initiative across the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales. The program’s grand finale celebrated joy, growth, and community spirit, leaving a significant impact on all participants.

The programme, a blend of insightful presentations and engaging sports activities, fostered leadership skills, confidence, and teamwork among the young women involved. This initiative was not merely a summer program but a vital investment in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands, nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Rita Gardiner, President of TCI Women in Sports, conceptualized the EmpowerHer initiative. DèAjah Smith, a sports and exercise student-athlete from Northumbria University, planned and spearheaded the programme as an intern in the TCI National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme. Gardiner expressed her satisfaction with the program’s impact, stating, “Empowering these young women has been a dream come true. Watching them grow, learn, and build their confidence over these four weeks has reaffirmed my belief in the power of mentorship and sports. They are the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.”

DèAjah Smith remarked, “This experience has been transformative, not only for the girls but for everyone involved. It has been an honour to see these young women embrace the opportunities provided to them and flourish into confident individuals. This program is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our youth and their potential.” She also thanked her team, acknowledging, “The success of this program would not have been possible without their unwavering dedication and hard work.”

The program’s success was supported by generous sponsors, including:

  1. TCI Sports Commission
  2. Office of the Premier
  3. Chukka
  4. Morris Cottingham
  5. Sunny Foods
  6. Dizzy Donkey
  7. Peaches Restaurant
  8. Jack Shack
  9. IGA
  • TCI Financial Services Commission
  • Barbara Gardiner
  • Georgina Stiles
  • Bereniece Dickenson
  • Cutella Talbot
  • Tropical Shipping
  • Cakeos Cafe
  • Ellen Dickenson
  • Jimbo Fulford
  • Cheryl Ann Jones
  • Island Cooler (Shermal Ariza)
  • Keith Jennings
  • Alonzo Malcolm
  • Monique Cox

Special thanks were given to Mrs. Claudell Miller and HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk for providing their auditorium and to Father Kendall for the use of the Anglican Church Dillon Hall. In Providenciales, Mrs. Roxanne Wake-Forbes and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center played a crucial role.

Keynote speakers who contributed their insights included Renelle Smith, Cutella Talbot, Shatalia Hall-Green, Raynae Myers, Mrs. Tonya Greaves, Claudell Miller, Bereniece Dickenson, and Lakeia Lewis in Grand Turk, and Danya Russell, Tinell Garland, Ali Parnell, Cutella Talbot, Brianna Walcott, Jatavia Howell, Zaria Ingham, Jasmine Thomas, and Joddy Harvey in Providenciales.

Looking ahead, the EmpowerHer programme is set to expand in 2025, extending its reach to the islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos. This extension will provide even more young women across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opportunity to benefit from this empowering initiative.

The program’s success is a testament to the power of community and mentorship. As it concludes, anticipation is already building for next year’s event, promising even greater opportunities and experiences for the girls of Turks and Caicos.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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