TCI News
Sectoral Study of the Creative Industries and Innovation in the Turks and Caicos Islands
#Providenciales, June 22, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – OCTA Innovation in collaboration with the Department of Culture, on June 4th – 5th, 
hosted information gathering sessions with key stakeholders and entrepreneurs within the creative industry sector in the TCI. The sessions were steered by Mr. Jacques Grysole, visiting Consultant of OCTA Innovation and President, Expansion Strategies Inc. a Canada based company.
The aim of the mission was to conduct a sectoral study on Creative Industries and innovation in the Turks and Caicos Islands which included:
- Scoping and mapping on status and opportunities in the creative industry.
- Identifying innovative actions which could be implemented in short and medium term to create jobs, to enhance the SME development and to diversify the economy.
- Pulling out the actors and making synergy of different media and cooperation between content users and content producers.
Topics discussed were:
- short profile of the industries sectors
- strengths and weaknesses,
- innovation opportunities and constraints
- strategic orientations and
- proposed action plan.
OCTA Innovation a dedicated project initiated by the Overseas Countries Territories Association with the support of the European Union commenced in April 2014, aims to enhance sustainable development through innovative solutions for economic diversification and to improve regional and global competitiveness of the OCTs. Since the implementation of the project, the TCI has benefited from various technical assistance support, in addition to this TA support to the Department of Culture as steps are taken towards the formalization and recognition of the creative industry sector in the TCI.
Innovation Manager for TCI and VP SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos, Ms. Alexa Cooper commented; “Being able to secure the Technical Assistance through OCTA Innovation for the Department of Culture was extremely important. It is the first step in helping to identify the current state of the industry, the number of persons involved, the opportunities that exist and charting a way forward for improvements to and 
further development of the sectors. There are a lot of very creative and talented young minds in the TCI, providing an enabling environment that hone their skills and fosters entrepreneurship can be the catalyst to sustainable growth of another industry in the TCI.”
Attending Day one session were Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister for Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, Permanent Secretary Mr. Wesley Clerveaux, Director of Culture Ms. Ludwina Fulford, Director National Trust Ms. Ethyln Gibbs-Williams, Museum Representative, Mrs. Candianne Williams and Mr. David Bowen, former Director of Culture. Day Two session accommodated the entrepreneurs within the various industry sectors. Participants were Crystal “Tess” Charles, Daphne Forbes, Delphine Scott, Emily Malcolm, Jean Taylor, Easher Parker, Hezron Henry, Andy Williams (DJ Shakes) and David Bowen along with the Department of Culture Director and staff.
Commenting on the session Hon. Karen Malcolm stated “I am extremely pleased that we were able to partner with OCTA Innovation to meet with and discuss matters to move the Creative Industry along. The discussions have been very robust and have brought a number of challenges being faced to light but we were also able to come up with several solutions that will help to put our artisan community in a much better standing. We recognize that for some time now, not enough attention has been placed on this industry. However, we are renewing our commitment to providing the necessary support by way of the Department of Culture and other such stakeholders.“
The creative industry covers sectors such as; Heritage, Museums, Theatres, Music, Fashion, Design, Film, television and radio, Interactive digital media (IDM), Books, Print Media, Digital Publishing and Literature, Advertising, Culinary, Local and traditional Crafts, Festivals.
Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
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.
