TCI and Jamaica strengthen cooperation in disaster response –

Future Training For Local Troops

TCI Film Festival invites photographs for its poster competition

It’s that time of year again when entries are welcomed for the TCI’s Film Festival (TCIFF) 2023 poster competition.

Chair of TCIFF Karen Whitt: “We are excited about the 2023 poster competition; this year we are looking for creativity in photography and we invite photographers of all skill levels to submit photos for the upcoming poster design.”

The competition is open to all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the image can be a single shot, composite, or collage.

Whitt said: “As always, the theme of the festival, ‘Oceans and Environment’, should be incorporated into every entry, but how that is demonstrated through photography is entirely up to the artists submitting their work.”

Organisers are encouraging all residents - amateurs or professional photographersto grab their camera or phone and capture imagery that they feel best represents the TCI, the film industry, or the festival’s theme.

The TCIFF poster competition has long been a staple of the festival, and its unveiling has been an exciting reveal for many.

From featuring the art of world-renowned local artist Bradley Theodore for their inaugural poster, to highlighting the incredibly talented youth of these islands in subsequent years, the poster has not only represented the festival to the world but has also showcased the creative talents that exist in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The organization is encouraging all residents to participate by uploading their images to our website, www. tciff.org.

Whitt said: “There is no limit to how many images you can submit, in fact, we encourage you to upload and submit as many images as you would like.”

The Turks and Caicos International Film Festival is a not-for-profit organisation

There will be a cash prize for the winning photograph, the winning image will be used in the creation of the 2023 poster and will be designed by the TCIFF organizers.

The fifth annual Turks and Caicos International Film Festival will take place November 10 to 12 and will once again be an event that combines the glitz and glamor of Hollywood with impact and purpose.

The festival will also celebrate the best of filmmaking with a focus on safeguarding our oceans and environmental conservation.

Submissions for the poster competition will close on May 26.

Turks and Caicos Islands continues to strengthen relations with its regional partners, most recently with the Jamaica Defence Force now that the Atlantic Hurricane Season is under a month away.

The two countries also discussed opportunities for future training for the TCI Regiment at the Caribbean Military Academy and other institutions in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Defence Force delegation comprised Brigadier Markland Lloyd - Force Executive Officer; Colonel Rohan Johnson -

Colonel General Staff and Lt Col Eldon Morgan - Commanding Officer 1 Engineer Regiment.

Joining the Governor (Acting), HE Anya Williams for the meeting was Deputy Premier, Hon Erwin Jay Saunders, along with ranks of the TCI Regiment: Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant; Regimental Sergeant Major Collin Da Silva; Captain Dixie Smith; Captain Francis Glinton; Lieutenant Zachery Rigby and Lieutenant Earl Henry.

Top of the discussion was areas of cooperation between the Jamaica Defence Force and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment to strengthen regional response in relation to the Disaster Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.).

This includes exploring opportunities for future training for the TCI Regiment in the neighbouring country.

The Governor said she looks forward to building a strong partnership with Jamaica.

HMP inmates participate in Invest TCI Business Training workshop

Two inmates at His Majesty's Prison, Grand Turk, recently had the opportunity to participate in a 2-hour business programme hosted by Invest Turks and Caicos Business Support Unit.

The workshop which was held on Tuesday, 18th April, 2023, was facilitated by Ms Peshina Williams, owner of Vision Financial.

The seminar focused on key areas such as introduction to Microsoft; recording sales & expenses; cash book; monitoring inventory; petty cash management; float management; and organisation of worksheets, according to a statement from the government.

Participants were able to hear from other local business owners looking to either start or who have already launched their own businesses. The group consisted of budding and experienced entrepreneurs.

Prison Superintendent, Michael Woodbine commenting on the inclusion of inmates in the seminar said: “Preparing prisoners to return to our communities is key in them achieving a successful resettlement. Being able to use temporary release to enable prisoners to attend events and build community links is part of the rehabilitative journey, and we will be enabling more opportunities in the future”.

Upon completion of the seminar, participants received a Certificate of Participation from Invest Turks and Caicos for training in "Managing Your Business Finances with Excel Training".