News
Minister of Education and TCI Community College Team visits Andaz Residence Development Construction site in Grace Bay
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM
YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Thursday, 3 April 2025: On Thursday, 20 March 2025 the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, visited the Andaz Residence Development Construction site in Grace Bay, Providenciales, alongside fifteen students from the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), who are pursuing their associate’s degree in building and design technology.
Accompanying the students were the Dean of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mr. Kevin Baxter, the Chair of the Technical and Vocational Faculty, Ms Malini Honnegowda, and lecturers, including Mr. Dane Malabver as well as other crucial support team from the TCICC.
The visit provided the students with a unique opportunity to observe the construction process firsthand and gain invaluable insights into the
development process and construction techniques in a professional environment,t as the students engaged with the crew and learn about the materials used in accordance with local building codes. This hands-on, real-time experience allowed the students to connect theory to practice and ask relevant questions related to their field of study and effectively bridge the gap between their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in the industry.
According to Mr Malabver, “The students were able to deepen their understanding of key construction principles, design considerations, and project management techniques. The experience enhanced their learning and reinforced the relevance of their studies in the Building and Design Technology programme.”
“The future is in the hands of those who are skill-driven. We want our students to understand that their skills are their most valuable asset—skills pay the bills,” Minister Taylor remarked during the visit.
In addition, the Minister took the opportunity to discuss potential internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students, both at the high school and college levels. She emphasised the importance of strong partnerships with private sector companies in ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.
Immediately following the visit to Andaz, Hon. Taylor toured the recently renovated TVET Construction workshop at the College’s East Campus in Providenciales. This newly updated space marks the completion of phase 1, and the focus now shifts to phase 2, which involves retrofitting it with the necessary equipment to support training in various trades.
This workshop will be a game changer for TVET and TCICC, enabling expanded programme delivery to meet the growing demands for training and certification in the construction and related sectors within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As TCICC continues to strengthen its construction-related courses, fostering these partnerships is seen as critical to equipping students with the skills necessary for success. “We are intentional in our efforts to bring about the desired change. TVET in action at TCICC ensures that our students gain the relevant work experience that will propel them into their chosen careers,” the Minister added.
At TCICC, the focus remains clear—by providing students with the practical, in-demand skills they need, we are not only shaping their futures but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the community.
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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