Connect with us

News

The Department of Social Development and Welfare Celebrates Social Work Month 2025: ‘Social Work: Compassion + Action’

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 5 March 2025: The Department of Social Development and Welfare, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is proud to join the global observance of Social Work Month this March. Social Work Month is an annual celebration that highlights the critical contributions of social workers globally. Social workers are at the forefront of addressing pressing societal challenges, including but not limited to social injustice, child safeguarding and family support, healthcare access, poverty, homelessness and elderly care. Our work exemplifies the transformative power of compassion combined with action to drive hope and healing.

The theme for this year, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” honours the commitment of social workers who turn empathy into meaningful change, strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Social work can be an emotionally demanding profession, yet social workers continue to strive every day to improve lives, despite long hours, modest compensation, and challenging emotional demands. We play an indispensable role in advocating for vulnerable populations and empowering individuals to navigate difficult social, emotional, and financial hurdles. This theme also underscores the importance of self-care for social workers. Just as passengers are advised to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting others, social workers must prioritise their own well-being to remain effective in their vital roles.

The Director of Social Development and Welfare, Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes, highlighted that social work is an indispensable yet demanding profession, often complex and emotionally challenging. “It requires meeting individuals where they are—or beyond the façades they present—which can sometimes be disheartening or difficult,” she stated. “Social work is a calling, embraced by those with a deep love for people and a commitment to making a lasting impact. The resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication of social workers form the cornerstone of sustainable social development and stronger communities.” Mrs. Adams-Forbes also noted that, as Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have the power to unite to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and the wider community, one act of compassion at a time.

“As we commemorate Social Work Month, we express our heartfelt appreciation to those who have paved the way for this noble profession and to those who continue to serve with resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication,” said Honourable Shaun Malcolm, the Minister who holds responsibility for the Department of Social Development and Welfare. He additionally added “social workers are essential advocates for change, tirelessly working to address complex social issues and to support those in need. This month, we extend our deepest gratitude to these remarkable professionals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their vital work.”

The efforts of social workers leave a profound and lasting positive impact on the lives of individuals and the communities we support. We invite all who wish to commemorate this month with the department, to join us for a church service at St. Monica’s Anglican Church on Thursday, 20th March 2025, at 10 am.

 

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programmes, 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

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING