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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
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.