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Department of Social Development and Welfare Commemorates Social Work Month with Impactful initiatives

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 26th March 2025 The Department of Social Development and Welfare, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, celebrated Social Work Month under the theme “Compassion + Action” through a series of impactful events. A key highlight was the rededication and blessing ceremony on March 20, 2025, at St. Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales. The ceremony featured a moving performance by Clement Howell High School students, a Social Work Litany led by Acting Permanent Secretary Ms.

Keisha Taylor, and a Child Safeguarding Pinning Ceremony. Notable attendees included Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Hon. Otis Morris, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang, Reverend Desiree Johnson, DPS Keisha Taylor, and Ms. Giselle Armbrister (Social Work Intern). During the event, 26 social workers were officially pinned as Child Safeguarding Ambassadors.

Social workers also participated in a virtual Trauma-Informed Self-Care workshop on March 20, led by UK-based expert Le’Siran Edwards. This session explored self-care as a holistic approach that acknowledges the effects of trauma while promoting healing, resilience, and well-being. Strategies included creating safe spaces, fostering self-awareness, and adopting recovery-focused practices.

From March 20-22, social workers convened for a retreat in the scenic twin islands, focusing on team-building, training, and community service. Among the key sessions was Family and Children Risk Assessment, presented by Dr. Samantha Phippard, Service Development Lead at Hampshire Council, UK. Dr. Phippard introduced techniques for evaluating risks and protective factors within family systems that affect children’s safety, well-being, and development. Using the “War Plan and Parable of Resilience,” she illustrated the significance of reinforcing undamaged areas of bullet-riddled planes, reflecting the hidden protective factors that support resilience within family assessments.

Another standout session, Empowering Ourselves to Find Balance, was led by Social Work Therapist Candace Washington, founder of The Production Wellness House and Restorative Mind Therapeutic Wellness. She emphasized the necessity of balancing personal needs with community and family responsibilities. Her “Rest-Reset-Restore” approach inspired participants to practice self-care, prioritize well-being, and sustain resilience.

The retreat’s highlight was an exhilarating 3.5-hour scavenger hunt, where five teams of social workers—Resource Rangers, Change Makers, Mission Possible, Advocacy Avengers, and Community Champions—competed in challenges blending physical obstacles and social work trivia. Participants engaged in tasks such as bicycle races and other demanding activities that tested their endurance, teamwork, and knowledge. The Resource Rangers emerged victorious, excelling in all challenges.

The retreat concluded with an Elderly Give Back initiative, during which social workers distributed care packages to the elderly community in Middle Caicos, underscoring the department’s dedication to uplifting and supporting this vital population.

Beyond professional development, the retreat underscored the transformative role social workers play in individual lives and the broader community. It provided social workers with a chance to recharge, enhance their skills, and reflect on their pivotal contributions to social change and resilience.

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programs, please visit our website:

www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321

To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:

MASH: 1-649-338-4013

mash@gov.tc

reportabusetci@gov.tc

Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare

Facebook: @department of social development, tci

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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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.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(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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