News

Turks & Caicos taking seriously: World No Tobacco Day 2025

Published

9 months ago

June 2, 2025

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 2 June 2025: The Department of Behavioural Health Services joined the rest of the world on 31 May 2025 in observance of World No Tobacco Day, under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. This year’s theme is a fitting one, as we have seen an increase in tobacco use amongst youths and young people globally. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), “an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among young people exceeds that of adults.”

We are not exempt from such an alarming rise in tobacco and vape use here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We have also seen significant increases in vaping and e-cigarettes use trending amongst our youth population. This is of great concern, as the risks associated with tobacco use in young people, especially our teens, is detrimental. It is important for young people and the larger population to recognise that the tobacco company’s main goal is to sell their product and increase profit; there is little to no concern regarding the damage it causes an individual. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Tobacco and nicotine industries use insidious strategies to make their harmful products appealing, especially to young people. Manipulative product designs, attractive flavours, and glamourised marketing create a false sense of security and evoke desirability” and this illusion needs to be broken.

Commenting on World No Tobacco Day, the Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Kyle Knowles stated, “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed in implementing policies and legislation that targets the sales and use of tobacco products to minors and young people. The overall health and well-being of our people is of utmost concern and we are resolute in ensuring that prevention strategies and campaigns are in place which promote awareness surrounding the dangers of tobacco use and its products.”

As we observe World No Tobacco Day, the Department of Behavioural Health Services would like to remind the general public of the following under the Turks and Caicos Tobacco Ordinance:

Smoking in Public Places:

23. (1) A person shall not smoke or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace, or public conveyance, including a place listed in Schedule 3.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction— (a) to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both; and (b) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years, or to both.

Prohibition of Tobacco Sales to Minors:

24. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product to a child.
(3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.

Offenses, penalties and liabilities

48. (1) A person who obstructs or hinders an authorized officer in the performance of his duties commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both.

Prohibition on sales of tobacco product in certain places

27. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product in the following places— (a) facilities where health care services are provided; (b) sports, athletic or recreational facilities; (c) government buildings; (d) educational facilities; and (e) any other place as may be prescribed.
(2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.

We all have a role to play in the fight against tobacco, and this is how you can join the campaign and show your support as we build a healthier Turks and Caicos:

Schools:

Raise awareness of the health risk and dangers associated with smoking, tobacco products, nicotine and other related paraphernalia’s associated with smoking.

Community/Consumers:

Educate yourself and become aware of the facts surrounding tobacco use and the dangers to your health.

For more information on how you can stop smoking, contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on 649-338-3616 or 649-338-3613. Also, be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #notobaccoday2025 #worldnotobaccoday2025

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Deandrea Hamilton

News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

4 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

News

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

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Health

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

Published

7 days ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(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.