News
“Every Child Deserves a Chance: Parents Demand Support for Special Needs Students!”
Turks and Caicos, August 22, 2024 – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, I want to address a pressing issue that impacts our most vulnerable citizens—our special needs children, particularly those facing the critical transition to high school. Recently, Hon. George Lightbourn, Apostle Ruth Ariza, and I had the opportunity to meet with dedicated parents who courageously shared their experiences and concerns regarding the inadequacies in our education system for their gifted and special needs children.
As these children approach the crucial transition to high school, it has become painfully clear that our educational system is not adequately equipped to support them and their families. This is a matter that transcends politics; it is about our moral responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The government knows that our high schools are not equipped to provide the necessary support, care, and accommodations for our special needs students, particularly during this pivotal transition period. Therefore, certain actions need to be taken NOW, as parents have strongly expressed their fears about the lack of tailored resources and trained staff, which are essential for fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for their transitioning children.
I urge the government to take immediate action on these concerns. We must ensure that our high schools are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly as they transition from elementary education. This includes implementing comprehensive training programs for educators, increasing accessibility to specialized services, and prioritizing individualized learning plans.
For those expected to transition in the next two to three weeks, I call upon the current government to take immediate action to address this situation. We, the PDM, propose a comprehensive plan, which we will urgently share with the current government. This plan includes:
- Establishing special scholarships for our current transitioning special needs children to attend specialized schools in the United States, ensuring they receive the education and support they deserve.
- Creating partnerships with U.S. institutions to facilitate access to specialized programs, potentially through remote learning options that can benefit our students right here at home.
- Allocating resources for assistive technologies and teacher training, enabling our local schools to accommodate special needs students effectively.
Establishing special scholarships can be put on the agenda for the next Cabinet Meeting, with funds identified and allocated. A Supplementary Expenditure Bill should be immediately brought to the House of Assembly. I will fully support this Supplementary Bill going through all three readings in that sitting so that the Premier and his government can expeditiously offer the emergency help our special needs students and their parents require.
As your future government, I commit to championing these reforms. We will continue to work collaboratively with parents, educators, and specialists to create a robust support system that empowers every child to succeed, regardless of their abilities. We will ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of resources or support.
I urge the current Premier and his government to act now, and I promise that under my leadership, we will turn these commitments into reality.
Together, we can build a more inclusive education system that honors the potential of all our children. The time for action is now.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement
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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