Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go.  “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said.  “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — As the country celebrated National Heritage Day 2025, Beaches Turks & Caicos resort joined with the Turks & Caicos Islands National Heritage Trust, Department of Tourism Regulations, Enid Capron Primary and Shining Stars Primary schools to showcase the history and rich legacy of the region.

Through partnerships with the local team from the TCI Beautiful by Nature Island Books, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Religious Affairs and Gaming, TCI Historian David Bowen, along with the resort’s dedicated staff had the area decorated with displays of traditional artifacts and illustrations depicting the islands’ history. Included in the day’s events were team member heritage quizzes, live entertainment, heritage oratorical presentation, mixology competition and culinary delights, all organised by the human resources and learning and development departments, that took the team members on a cultural journey down memory lane.

Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby was ecstatic as she led a group of students through offices and the resort, performing cultural items. “The primary objective of this initiative is to share often-forgotten or overlooked information about the TCI’s national heritage. We are made in the Caribbean. While we enjoy a dynamic cultural blend of team members, with more than 25 different nationalities, we support and enjoy diversity and inclusion.”

“The TCI’s culture continues to be the dominant theme on the resort especially during our heritage celebrations. As we planned and executed the full day of activities, we ensured that the country’s heritage remained at the forefront of the minds of our team – shared in fun ways of historical talks, gastronomic treats and traditional entertainment. The activities were well received and supported by all in attendance,” Coleby added.

Managing Director James McAnally noted, “as a loving family, our core values are built on being one team by tapping into our collective knowledge. We thrive on helping to build the best foundation for growth especially within the hospitality industry. It is always great for us to celebrate the TCI heritage among our team members and this year we partnered with students from schools to share the heritage with our international guests.”

“Each year our management team goes all out to make the day a memorable one and these activities create memories and moments that inspire us all. We are always pleased to make it even more special through partnerships with the local government agencies. Our unique culture is on display each week for our guests with our cultural night of entertainment and the involvement of our local vendors on resort,” McAnally shared.

Resort Nurse Eleanor Clare, veteran administrator and South Caicos native, who was eager to share her knowledge of the islands, remarked that this was not just a regular celebration for her, but a teaching and learning moment. Said Clare: “As a nation, my fellow TCI nationals, we were able to celebrate this milestone with the entire resort team including those who may not have grown up experiencing these past events, including our students from nearby schools.”

Clare added, “to see the different nationalities at our resort learning more about our history, was truly rewarding, engaging and fun. With this kind of celebration, we were able to share even with our own team members and guests, the country’s historical values and accomplishments, and what each of us can contribute going forward.”                                                                                                                                                                                                Cultural icon and local historian, David Bowen was filled with excitement as he shared musical and oratorical heritage of the TCI. “Being able to see our heritage on display at the resort means a lot and brought back a lot of nostalgia. Also, we have a melting pot of nationalities amongst us, who were able to learn even more about the TCI as the day unfolded,” shared Bowen.

Led by the resort’s entertainment team, entertainment for the day featured music by the renowned local performer Renise Peters and the vibrant and energetic rhythms of the traditional rake and scrape music.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort was active with entertainment as the staff and students traveled throughout the resort as they share the cultural experience with staff and guests in the Heritage Day celebration

1st Insert: Enid Capron Primary School band share the entertainment and cultural stage with the Bowen’s at the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Heritage Day celebrations

2nd Insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort celebrates TCI’s Heritage Day 2025 with local historian David Bowen (left) with his son Ishan Bowen share with staff, guests and students in a educational oratorical presentation on the culture and history of the Turks and Caicos Islands