News
Vision for Safety and Hope in our Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM), I must come to you again, compelled by duty and love for our country, to address the continued escalating violence tearing apart the fabric of our communities. The recent murders in Five Cays and The Bight, alongside the tragic loss of a young man in Wheeland, are not just statistics; they are cries for help from families and our communities, shattered by grief and fear.
With the grim tally now at 46 homicides in 2024, we are staring into the abyss of a crisis that we simply cannot ignore. The Premier’s continued silence in the face of this violence is a total betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders. Let us be reminded that he co-chairs the National Security Council, sharing that duty with Her Excellency the Governor, and they convene a meeting at least once a week. How can a government that claims to serve the people remain so disconnected from the harsh realities of their lives?
The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands deserve more than empty rhetoric; they deserve a government that is proactive, engaged, and transparent. The Hon. Premier and PNP administration’s failure to address the surge in crime is not just a failure of policy—it is a failure of leadership. We need a government that stands alongside our citizens, not a premier and a government that hides from the challenges we face.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made it my priority to communicate openly, honestly, and regularly with our people, providing updates and addressing concerns, whether the news was good or bad. I knew that it is the responsibility of our leaders to be transparent and accountable, especially in times of crisis. Yet, the current Premier and PNP government appears to be hiding from the pressing issues that plague our society today, not just crime, but also illegal immigration, cost of living, healthcare, and critical housing shortage.
But let me be clear: amid this darkness, the PDM, offers a vision of hope. We believe in a Turks and Caicos where every individual can live without fear, where our communities can thrive, and where our families can feel safe in their homes. Our vision is rooted in action—investing in community programs, diversion programs, strengthening the family, poverty eradication, fully resourcing Law enforcement, enhancing police visibility, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
We envision a future where open dialogues replace silence, where our leaders engage with the people they represent, and where we come together as a united front to confront crime and social issues. The PDM is committed to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands for all.
Together, we can reclaim our streets, restore peace to our communities, and save our country’s image, and one of the best places to live and visit. I call upon the Premier to step out of the shadows and ring the Bell so that elections can occur, and I call on all of you to join us in this fight for a safer and happier future. It is time to prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens and to restore faith in our government.
Remember- Your future is our Priority…..
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)
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.
