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Celebrating National Foster Care Awareness Month: “The Power of Relationships  

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Press Release

FROM THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 2nd May 2025 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, proudly joins the global community in observing National Foster Care Awareness Month this May under the theme, “The Power of Relationships.”

This month provides a meaningful opportunity to honour the remarkable resilience of children and youth in the foster care system while celebrating the individuals and networks who serve as pillars of hope offering consistent support as these children journey toward stability, healing, and success.

At the heart of foster care lies the transformative power of relationships those golden threads that weave stability, love, and trust into the lives of children in care. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reassurance, a shared laugh, or the simple act of listening, these connections remind children that they are not alone. They are valued, capable, and deeply loved. Together, these relationships form the foundation for healing, growth, and the promise of a brighter future.

Throughout May, the Department will host a series of social media and public outreach initiatives aimed at:

  1. Educating the public about foster care,
  2. Celebrating current foster families, and
  3. Encouraging potential foster parents to come forward.

These efforts will include informational sessions on the foster care process, understanding the needs of children in care, and guidance on how to become a foster parent. A Foster Family Appreciation Day will also be held to honour the dedication of foster families across the islands. Additionally, the Department will conduct foster care drives in various communities to expand awareness and engagement.

“Every child in our care deserves to feel safe and loved. These are our islands, our children—and we must take ownership of building nurturing environments for our future citizens, with their voices at the forefront. This is only possible with a sensitized, compassionate community that understands foster care is a collective responsibility. Frederick Douglass reminds us that ‘it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” said Ashley Adams-Forbes, Director of the Department of Social Development and Welfare. The Department provides foster parents with ongoing training, a monthly stipend to support the child’s basic needs, medical coverage, and access to therapeutic, educational, recreational, and crisis support services.

Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, shared:

“It is because of our incredible foster parents across the country that children, youth, and siblings can experience the warmth of a safe and loving home. Not every child begins life with the advantage of a positive environment, and it is the duty of the State to step in with compassion and intention.

Foster care is not only a response—it is a strategic investment in our future. This aligns squarely with our commitments under the Citizen’s Contract and the vision laid out in Vision 2040, where we seek to build a resilient, inclusive, and caring society. Ensuring that our most vulnerable children are protected, supported, and given opportunities to thrive is a direct contribution to nation-building.

To every foster parent—thank you. You’ve opened not just your homes, but your hearts and your families. You are making a lasting difference, and we deeply appreciate you.”

We invite individuals, businesses, and organizations across the Turks and Caicos Islands to join us in this important mission. Whether by providing emergency or long-term foster care, or simply by helping to spread awareness about the need for foster families—your involvement matters. Every child deserves a champion.

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programs, please visit: www.gov.tc/dsd

Email: infodsd@gov.tc

 

Contact Numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321

 

To report a safeguarding matter or concern:

MASH: 1-649-338-4013

mash@gov.tc | reportabusetci@gov.tc

 

Follow us:

Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare

Facebook: @Department of Social Development, TCI

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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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.

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

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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.

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Health

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

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(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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