Community

Hundreds of residents gathered at the Graceway Gourmet parking lot on October 3, 2026, for the annual Walk for the Cure. Organizers from CIBC Caribbean and the Turks and Caicos National Cancer Society reported a successful turnout of at least 500 people to support cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. Ladesa Williams, Senior Director of CIBC Caribbean’s Country and Corporate Management Office, noted that the event required repeated orders for merchandise after selling 1,500 shirts. This year marked the first significant partnership with the TCI National Cancer Society, which President Vivian Rigby described as the largest crowd in recent years. Minister of Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, participated in the walk, noting that cancer is “everybody’s business.” All funds raised are donated to the society, with CIBC covering administrative costs. Organizers are already planning for 2027, aiming to sell 3,000 shirts. The National Cancer Society continues its October schedule, including an All Island Walk on October 17 and a Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at Beaches Resort on October 24 at 1 p.m. While a final fundraising total was not announced, organizers expressed confidence that the community support will facilitate an even larger event next year.

Tickets are officially available for the 16th Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, which brings international chefs and winemakers to the Turks and Caicos Islands from November 3–8, 2026. This six-day charity event features culinary experiences across various venues, culminating in a Sunday brunch to benefit the local community. Co-founded by Nikheel Advani of Grace Bay Resorts and Tony Garland of Wine Cellars, the festival showcases global culinary talent alongside local chefs. Guests can attend events ranging from a Culinary Symposium and the Gourmet Safari to the Turks Head Jerk Festival. “This festival has always been about bringing people together,” said Nikheel Advani. The celebration includes international participants like Chef India, who brings European technique and Caribbean heritage to the event. The festival relies on several partners, including The Ritz-Carlton and Shore Club, to host the diverse schedule of dinners and tastings. Interested attendees can purchase individual event tickets or the Full Festival Experience package for $1,145 per person. The complete schedule and booking information are available at www.winecellar.tc or www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com. Those preferring to book by phone may contact the organizers at 649.232.1594.

Schweppes and Nemiroff Vodka partnered to serve handcrafted cocktails at the recent Paradise Plates fundraiser held at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom. The event, which featured a 1970s disco theme, showcased the premium drink collaboration to support the Hands for Hunger mission. Caribbean Wines and Spirits, the local distributor for Nemiroff, is extending the event's success by offering promotional specials for the remainder of October 2026. Customers who purchase any 1-liter bottle of Nemiroff vodka at local liquor stores will receive a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers. According to Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling Company, the promotion aims to bring the event’s premium cocktail experience into consumers' homes.

Graceway Supermarkets customers raised $6,727.43 for the National Cancer Society of TCI through a charity initiative that collected spare change at checkout counters. The funds were presented on October 3, 2026, at the Breast Cancer Walkathon held at Graceway Gourmet, marking the conclusion of the drive held from July to September 2026. Staff members from Graceway Communities supported the event by managing a hydration station and paying registration fees for employees participating in the walk. Edith Cox, Group Director, Finance & HR, stated, “Every small contribution reflects the kindness of our customers.” This initiative allowed shoppers to donate their spare change across all store locations to aid the National Cancer Society of TCI in their efforts to increase breast cancer awareness.

Graceway Supermarkets customers donated $6,727.43 to the National Cancer Society of Turks and Caicos Islands through a spare change collection initiative. The funds were gathered at checkout counters across the supermarket chain between July and September 2026 to support the organisation’s work within the islands. Graceway Communities presented the donation during the National Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Walkathon on October 3 at Graceway Gourmet in Providenciales. Staff also volunteered at a hydration station and had their registration fees covered by the company. Edith Cox, Group Director, Finance & HR, noted, "Every small contribution reflects the kindness of our customers."

Tickets are now available for the 16th annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival (CFWF), which returns to the Turks and Caicos Islands from November 3–8, 2026. This charity event brings together international chefs, celebrated winemakers, and local culinary talent for a six-day series of dining and cultural experiences. Co-founded by Nikheel Advani of Grace Bay Resorts and Tony Garland of The Wine Cellar, the festival features events ranging from a culinary symposium to the Gourmet Safari by sea. Visitors can attend the Turks Head Jerk Festival, an intimate wine experience at The Ritz-Carlton, and the Salt, Sand & Fire dinner featuring award-winning chef India. The week culminates in a Veuve Clicquot Brunch at South Bank on the final day. "This festival has always been about bringing people together around great food, exceptional wine and our incredible Caribbean community," said Nikheel Advani, Co-Founder of CFWF. Tickets for individual events are available now, and the Full Festival Experience is priced at $1,145 per person. Residents and visitors interested in the schedule or ticket purchases can visit www.winecellar.tc or www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com, or call 649.232.1594 for more information.

The Office of the Complaints Commissioner, also known as the Ombudsman, marked Ombudsman Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 8 October 2026 to promote awareness of its role in addressing administrative unfairness. The office has served the territory since 1994, providing a constitutional mechanism for residents to challenge poor public service. Residents facing unexplained delays, administrative errors, or unfair treatment by government departments or statutory bodies may seek impartial assistance from the Office. The Commissioner, Cherylann Jones, noted that the office is currently conducting outreach activities throughout October, including awareness campaigns at airports, public service announcements, and a tour of North and Middle Caicos. The office also plans to host a Youth Speak-Off at the end of the month for students at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College to discuss governance and accountability.

Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos has earned a finalist spot in the Community Engagement and Awareness category of the Crime Stoppers International Awards for its local domino tournaments. This global recognition highlights the organization's success in fostering community relationships and encouraging residents to report criminal activity confidentially across the islands. President Lewis Smith credited the achievement to the dedication of volunteers, partners, and the wider public who support the group’s crime prevention mission. The organization uses these tournaments to build trust and increase public awareness, placing them alongside international programs serving populations of up to 300,000 people. The official winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in Panama City, Panama, on October 16, 2026.

Former Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing and his wife, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, donated scientific equipment to H.J. Robinson High School in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The couple officially delivered resources, including microscopes and an interactive whiteboard, on 8 October 2026 to strengthen practical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The donation, facilitated through the Youth HELP Foundation and the Hamilton Education Community Foundation, aims to bolster laboratory learning. The handover ceremony included the Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, and school principal Mr. Berkley Williams. Dr. Ewing, a former student and laboratory technician at the school, stated, “Science education must go beyond textbooks and theory.” The new equipment will provide students with essential tools for hands-on experimentation and scientific discovery, allowing teachers to deliver more engaging practical lessons. Dr. Ewing expressed his intention to extend similar support for STEM programmes and science laboratory development to all high schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands. He indicated a desire to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other community partners to achieve this goal. The Ministry continues to welcome such partnerships, which are intended to advance educational excellence and prepare students for future careers in science, healthcare, and technology.

A five-day eye care mission in Providenciales, held from September 21 to 25, 2026, provided services valued at US$1.24 million to 4,815 residents. Organised by the iCARE programme, the clinic also uncovered significant public health concerns, including high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels among many participants in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry of Health and Human Services reported that 52 volunteers from Great Shape! Inc. provided comprehensive exams, prescription glasses, and laser treatments. While the mission benefited thousands, testing revealed that nearly eight in 10 patients recorded above-normal blood pressure, and one in three had elevated blood sugar. Minister of Health and Human Services Kyle Knowles stated the initiative “made a real difference for thousands of families” across the island. The team also identified serious eye conditions in numerous patients, while referring 420 schoolchildren for further vision care. Residents who received referrals for follow-up care or surgery are urged to schedule appointments with local healthcare providers promptly. Patients waiting for the remaining 709 custom-made prescription glasses should anticipate delivery and fitting during a return mission scheduled for January 2027. The ministry continues to advise residents over 40 and those with chronic health conditions to maintain regular screenings and adhere to prescribed medical treatments.

Jai’s has unveiled the grand raffle prize for the 2026 In The Pink fundraiser supporting the Turks and Caicos Islands National Cancer Society. The store is raffling a Franck Muller Vanguard Color Dreams watch, which features a silver-white face with multicolored numerals and a special pink alligator leather strap. Tickets cost $100 and are available for purchase at Jai’s in The Regent Village, Grace Bay, or online at m.islehelp.net. All proceeds from the raffle go directly to the TCI National Cancer Society to support their ongoing work. The winning ticket will be drawn today, October 13, at the Jai’s store location.