News
The Run Down on Let’s Move TCI
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
Let’s Move TCI Campaign
The ‘Let’s Move TCI’ project was launched on November 25. This initiative is geared towards increasing residents’ engagement in sports and physical activity to promote healthy living and proper nutrition.
The programme will begin on January 22 and run for three months. Registration is now open, and there is a one-time fee of $20 to join. The Minister of Health said the minimum target for registration is 1000 participants.
Why it’s needed?
In giving her remarks at the launch last Thursday, Education Minister, Rachel Taylor outlined several reasons ‘Let’s Move TCI’ is needed.
“Having a healthy lifestyle means you are less prone to developing heart disease. Spending a few minutes per day relaxing and enjoying yourself is good for your mental health, which can improve your physical health,” said Taylor.
She added that: “Brief exposure to high anxiety levels can harm the brain and obstruct good cognitive functioning. As a part of a healthy way of life, it is important to manage stress successfully and effectively and being engaged in fitness activities can do just that. In the Turks and Caicos, we want less people to experience anxiety.”
The Education Minister also encouraged employees to participate in the campaign because it will increase better relationships in the workplace and boost employee confidence, productivity, health, wellness, and stamina.
A “Big Deal”
In his remarks, Minister of Health Jamell Robinson says the “Let’s Move TCI” initiative is a ‘big deal’ because it demonstrates what collaboration and partnership with multiple stakeholders can produce.
He noted that the programme will be financed by the Ministries of Health and Education, the Sports Commission, the National Health Insurance Board, and the registration fee.
Minister Robinson also said all duties will be waived on superfoods for the next twelve months, starting December 15. Superfoods are a list of foods that participants partaking in the programme are encouraged to include in their diets. Some of these foods include black beans, blueberries, broccoli, garlic, oatmeal, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, avocados, and several others.
The Perfect Initiative
In her remarks, CEO of the National Health Insurance Board, Tamera Robinson, noted that the board has to spend a lot of money on healthcare expenses annually.
“In 2019, the National Health Insurance Board spent $59.7 million dollars on health care expenses,” said Robinson. “In 2020 $51.5 million and 2021 – 2022, we have budgeted $57.7million for healthcare expenses.”
Robinson said she is encouraging beneficiaries of the National Insurance Plan to take advantage of the annual physicals included in their packages at the start of the campaign.
She also said the initiative is a good way for the National Health Insurance Board to encourage preventative health care measures.
“Let’s Move TCI is the perfect initiative to kick us all into gear and not only to get into better shape but to educate us on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, fostering good health practices, good health-seeking practices and encouraging preventative health care measures is a good way for us here at the National Health Insurance Board,” said Robinson.
Let’s Do this
Director of the TCI Sports Commission, Jarrett Forbes, in his remarks, said the programme will include several activities throughout its duration. These activities include exercise videos, meal plan videos, meal preparation information/nutritional support, in-person group fitness instructor, health fitness talks and weekly challenges.
He also noted that participants will receive T-shirts, water bottles and a pedometer to track their steps.
Forbes said he is encouraging individuals, entities, and employers to register for the campaign.
The School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme
A School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme will also be implemented at two primary schools in Grand Turk to educate students and parents on the importance of including proper nutrition and physical fitness in their daily living.
The programme will run for three days per week after school. It will involve using creative art forms to communicate therapeutic messages to students about nutrition and physical fitness.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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