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Sandals Foundation and TCI Sports Commission Partner to Renovate the Juba Sound Basketball Court  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, MARCH 5, 2025 – Some one thousand (1000) Providenciales residents are set to benefit from the resurfacing and renovation of the Juba Sound Basketball Court following a partnership between the Sandals Foundation and the Turks and Caicos Sports Commission.

The project, valued at some US $50,000, supports residents of the Juba Sound, Long Bay, and Grace Bay areas, as well as students at the neighbouring Mills Institute and A Louise Garland High School providing a safe space for healthy recreation and socialising.

“Community courts – be it basketball, netball, tennis or badminton provide an essential service in helping residents stay active, exercise, build community spirit and support mental health,” says James McAnally, Managing Director at Beaches Turk and Caicos Resort, “At the Sandals Foundation we believe in investing in the holistic development of our communities and residents of all ages. The renovation of the Juba Sound Basketball Court will help in this regard.”

Speaking at the recent park handover ceremony, Jarrett D. Forbes, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Sports Commission said, “the renovation of the Juba Sound Basketball Court was necessary to provide a safe, high-quality recreational space for the community. The existing court had deteriorated over time, with surface wear, inadequate fencing, and insufficient lighting making it less accessible and less safe for users. Given the growing interest in basketball and community sports, the renovation was essential to ensure that residents—especially youth—have a well-maintained facility where they can play, train, and engage in positive activities.”

Forbes added: “The renovated court will have a significant impact on the Juba Sound community and surrounding areas. It will provide a safe and structured environment for young people to develop their basketball skills, stay active, and engage in healthy competition. Additionally, the court will serve as a community hub, fostering social interaction, mentorship, and a sense of pride among residents. With added features such as dusk-to-dawn lighting and enhanced fencing, the facility will be safer and more accessible for extended use. Ultimately, this renovation supports youth development, promotes physical well-being, and strengthens community bonds.”

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services Hon. Rachel Taylor said, “this mission is a culmination of public, private partnership where the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands are the winners. We are grateful for this support as we commend the work of the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos resort of helping to foster a safer and healthier community for our youth.”

“This partnership goes beyond the just sports for this community. This is the first phase of development for the social and physical development of our youth. We stand proud of beneficiaries of volunteerism from our partners the Sandals Foundation in community development and education for the youth of the Caribbean. We are looking forward to the continuation of other developments that will help u maintain our beautiful by nature, Turks and Caicos Islands,” Taylor noted.

Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation supports the creation and maintenance of community spaces that facilitate youth sports and nurture the health and wellbeing of residents.

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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