TCI News
TCI: Sandals Foundation Donates Music Instruments
#Providenciales, September 20, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Students of the Clement Howell High School were recently able to showcase their 
newly purchased musical instruments courtesy of The Sandals Foundation –the charitable arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts through funds donated from the 2016 Story Behind the Songs concert hosted at Beaches Resorts.
The big reveal comes in the heels of the two year anniversary of the concert which raised $8,610.00 to benefit local projects and institutions within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Clement Howell High School was the beneficiary of those funds in support of the school’s music program.
In 2017, the foundation officially made the donation to the school; however the 2017 hurricanes delayed the purchase and arrival of those items. Last week, the school’s principal Kadean Cunningham and music teacher, Garfield Gurley revealed the new equipment which included saxophones, guitars, violins, pianos and trombones.
Public Relations Manager for Beaches TCI, Elanor Krzanowski commented; “Clement Howell High School music program under the direction of Mr. Girley is home to some of the most talented students in the country,” She said. “As a passionate supporters of the arts and we look forward to personally experiencing the impact this gift of music will have on the development of student and their talents at the school.”
Principal Kadean Cunningham said the new equipment will help in boosting the school’s music programs; “We’re really excited about the instruments we have received from Beaches. We have always wanted to start a school orchestra or a band and acquiring the instruments were the main challenges we had, so when Beaches and Sandals graciously accepted to provide assistance, we were really excited about that.”
Cunningham further noted, “This is really an asset to us, it is something that we definitely will put to good use.”
Garfield Gurley- Music Teacher at Clement Howell noted; “We are extremely happy for the instruments. These instruments will now enhance the musical program at Clement Howell. Soon you’ll be seeing the marching band and other bands at the school because now we have the resources and we say thank you to Beaches.”
Wendy Janka-Fourth Form student at CHHS said he was excited to see more variety added to the school program; “I really love it, it’s really going to help students to learn music and now we’ll be able to practice and get better.”
Kendly Smigh, a Fifth-former noted; “With these instruments we will be able to perform at more events. Before with a small amount of equipment, we could only take a certain amount of students, now more people can learn how to play.”
Beaches Resorts welcomed country music fans from September 23-26, 2016 for the Story Behind the Songs concert featuring country music artists Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann and Dylan Scott. The concert was part of the Sandals Resorts International’s new LIV + Events program, which offers vacationers unique limited-edition events. Story Behind the Songs was a partnership with Premiere Networks which showcases intimate acoustics performances from top music artists. The event was hosted by award-winning Country radio and CMT personality Cody Alan.
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.
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