News
Turks and Caicos Islands’ celebrates National Heritage Month 2024 under the theme: “Honoring the Influences That Shaped Our Identity”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 18th November 2024 – The Department of Culture and Heritage proudly celebrated National Heritage Month 2024 under the theme “Honoring the Influences That Shaped Our Identity”, paying tribute to the rich cultural tapestry and history of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year’s celebration highlighted key heritage initiatives, honored significant cultural contributions, and set the stage for future advancements in cultural preservation and promotion.
A Joyous Sound: The Annual Gospel Concert
This year, the Annual Gospel Concert took place in Grand Turk, filling the air with songs of praise and bringing together the community in a joyful expression of faith and community. Gospel artists from across the islands performed at this heartfelt event, making it a memorable
addition to the month’s festivities.
Engaging the Community: James E. Simmons Model Sailboat Races
Held at the Gazebo in Grand Turk, the James E. Simmons Model Sailboat Races brought family-friendly excitement to National Heritage Month with races featuring model sailboats, “anything that’ll float” events, and a slow bicycle race. Attendees enjoyed spirited live entertainment by the V6 Band Boys, creating a day filled with fun, community bonding, and reflection on the Maritime traditions that continue to influence the islands. Special mention must be made of the contestants who would have attended and completed boat building summer workshop hosted by Mr. Curtis Simmons and the Ports Authority.
Celebrating Excellence: The Second Annual Cultural Awards
This year’s Cultural Awards recognized individuals who have significantly shaped and influenced the culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos. Held at the Shore Club on October 17, the event honored Mr. Lindsay “Zues” Butterfield, Mr. William “Bill- Archie” Clare, Mr. Lorett “Lovey” Forbes, the Gospel Blitz, and Mr. Dennis “Foots” Penn. These honorees, through their contributions in music, community service, and cultural advocacy, continue to shape the cultural identity of the islands. It was a night of tribute, pride, and renewed commitment to cultural preservation.
Island Fish Fry Events and Heritage Day Celebrations
Island Fish Fry Events held throughout the month offered a taste of local flavors and a chance to experience traditional island cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Heritage Day celebrations across the islands invited community members to reflect on our shared heritage with cultural exhibitions, live entertainment, and activities celebrating the unique customs, art, and history that define our identity.
A Milestone in Cultural Dialogue: The First-Ever 2- Day Cultural Symposium
This year’s celebrations were highlighted by the inaugural Cultural Symposium, held at Beaches, Turks and Caicos, marking a milestone in cultural engagement for the nation. The event, which took place at Beaches, Turks and Caicos, was a highlight of this year’s festivities and a significant turning point in the country’s cultural participation. In keeping with the theme for the month, the symposium promoted vital conversations on diversity, creativity, and cultural preservation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. A distinguished panel of local influencers, including Mrs. Desiree Adams-Robinson, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Mrs. Stacy Cox, Mr. Benson Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lormeka Williams, Celebrity Chef Jago Moore, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Edgar Howell, Hon. Erwin J. Saunders, Hon. Akierra Missick, Mr. Avi Adams, and Mrs. Lavern Reynolds, joined keynote speaker Miss Marisa Benain from Kingston, Jamaica. Together, they discussed important cultural concerns and urged the Department to move forward with its plans to create an Artisan Registry to support and promote regional craftspeople and artists and a National Archives project to preserve historical records.
Looking Ahead: National Archive and Artisan Registry Projects
As part of ongoing efforts to preserve and promote our heritage, the Department of Culture and Heritage has set ambitious goals for the upcoming year. The establishment of the Turks and Caicos’ first National Archive is underway, a major project that will preserve and digitize historical records, providing secure access to our cultural legacy for future generations. Additionally, the forthcoming Artisan Registry will formally recognize local artisans, empowering them to connect with wider markets and contribute to the cultural economy.
A Month to Remember
National Heritage Month 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of our people, our traditions, and legacies that continue to shape our identity. Through events that honoured our past and set the course for future initiatives, the Department of Culture and Heritage reaffirms its commitment to preserving and celebrating the culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
