July 3rd, 2009 | News, Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM:

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (TCI-GIS)

TURKS AND CAICOS GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE: WWW.TCGOV.TC

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 2, 2009 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos launched a new web site today, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date portal of information for citizens, residents and visitors. The new site, located at www.tcgov.tc , includes the most recent announcements from TCIG, information on government ministries and departments, and access to a variety of downloadable forms.

The launch of the web site continues TCIG’s compliance with the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations for good governance and transparency, specifically addressing Recommendation #14 which calls for “Effective Use of the Government’s Web Site in the Interest of the Public.”

In the future, the web site will be used as the platform to disseminate a variety of information, such as a complete set of TCI Ordinances, audit reports of government departments, minutes and reports of public accounts, an up-to-date electoral role, and postings from the Gazette, including land transfers, grants of Belonger and Permanent Residency Status, and other important public information not readily available.

The Honourable Premier Galmo Williams commented, “We continue to make great strides toward better governance and increased transparency in how our government functions. This web site will be a window into all essential information and provide all citizens more efficient access to both the workings of government, as well as important transactions such as land grants, Belonger status, voting results and budgetary decisions. No longer will secrecy and back room modes of operation be allowed as the new web site will put all of our processes, decisions and rules of law at every citizen’s fingertips.”

The web site will be continuously updated and enhanced with new information and features. It is expected that enhanced features will include video downloads of important government speeches and events, additional electronic forms for routine processes such as driver’s license and passport renewals, and an extensive archive of information, including complete copies of legislation enacted over the past several years.

“The Intent provides an efficient and time saving platform for my government to share information and we intend to utilize its potential as much as possible,” noted Premier Williams. “It will be as fundamental a channel for information as television, radio and the newspapers, and improve the effectiveness with which we can operate almost every process in government.”

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July 3rd, 2009 | Outdoor Pursuits

It was great to see this family again. We had a great day of fishing and a really cool snorkel trip to Fish Cay. On the way back we saw the Flamingos that have been hanging out on the island. Always a treat to have them on the boat. What a great day!

-Tucker Brubaker

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July 2nd, 2009 | News

British West Indies Students Find Inspiration in Ambergris Cay Plant and Wildlife for Local Art Contest

Turks & Caicos Sporting Club Welcomes Collegiate School Art Teacher to Photograph Ambergris Cay

July 1, 2009 – Ambergris Cay, TCI – The private island of Ambergris Cay in Turks & Caicos provided the environmental inspiration for a student art competition at British West Indies Collegiate School. The students, ranging in age from 10 – 14, have created their own unique stamps designs using printing, painting and drawing techniques based uniquely inspired by plant and wildlife pictures taken on Ambergris Cay.

Collegiate School Art Teacher, Joanna Pelleymounter, traveled to Ambergris Cay to photograph the natural botanical plant forms and unique wildlife found on the island. Pelleymounter took targeted species’ photos including shots of the native Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana and the Turks’ Head Cactus. These photos were shared with students back at the British West Indies Collegiate School for an artwork contest instructing students to create colorful stamps focused on plant forms and island wildlife, similar to the beautifully unique flora and fauna found on Ambergris Cay.

“British West Indies (Collegiate) students were inspired by Ambergris Cay’s 450-acre nature preserve,” said Joanna Pelleymounter, Art Teacher at Collegiate School, B.W.I. “They learned exciting new facts about the island’s unique wildlife and plant species, and students who had already visited Ambergris Cay shared the island’s eco-friendly emphasis in class discussions. Many wanted to capture the peaceful environment of Ambergris Cay.”

The student designs include stamp fundamentals consisting of price, a stamp name featuring Ambergris Cay or Turks & Caicos and an optional Queens’ head emblem or plant name. The contest was judged by Pelleymounter herself and Turks & Caicos Director of Culture, David Bowen. Both selected a stamp that features excellent technical drawing skills, a consistent use of scale, quality compositional concept with regards to the layout and design, and a harmonious color scheme; all the while reflecting the student’s personal style. Submissions were completed by June 23.

“One of our primary missions at Turks & Caicos Sporting Club is to preserve the natural beauty of this unique island for its members and their guests,” says Peter Pollak, Managing Partner, Turks & Caicos Sporting Club. “It’s a pleasure to know our youth are inspired by Ambergris Cay’s picturesque environment and we congratulate each and every student for participating.”

Forty Three students had approximately three weeks to submitted designs, which were each unique and incredibly creative; honorable mentions have been awarded to Marcus Been, Oliver Wolf, Raul Voizquez, Janetra Parker, LaTrivia Grant, and Sydney Lawson; third place went to Alana Kerr; second place to Ashley Greenwood, and in recognition of the most detailed, precise, and conceptually creative, first place was awarded to Davidson Louis.

Davidson Louis was rewarded with an incredible trip to Ambergris Cay’s newly constructed Environmental Learning Center, where the lucky student and a parent will get up close and personal with the flora and fauna that provided the artistic inspiration. Mr. Louis also received a color studio painting set, a generous donation from Unicorn Bookstore owner, Julia Hutchings. Ashley Greenwood, the second prize winner received a $150 gift voucher from Graceway IGA, the premier supermarket of Providenciales, while Alana Kerr, third place received a face painting set from Party Land.

In salute to students’ impressive creativity, Providenciales International Airport has graciously displayed the top 10 designs for international visitors from around the world to see.

For more information, please contact:

Mai Moore

Local Marketing Representative

(649) 231-1663

mai@knowledgeablemarketingtci.com

Mimi Crume

Director of Communications

(646) 291-8765

mcrume@dpsdevelopment.com

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July 2nd, 2009 | Favorite Things About The Cay, Outdoor Pursuits

Well summer has arrived and with it some warmer temperatures. The fishing remains excellent on and around the cay but some members are looking for activities to keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

There is no better place to stay cool and enjoy an afternoon of fun than the Environmental Learning Center. With activities that range from algae dissections to Japanese fish painting, there is something for everyone.

This last week we enjoyed multiple days of fish painting as the “Member family” added to their ever growing school of fish before embarking on an afternoon of kayaking.

-Will Hobbs, Director of Outdoor Pursuits

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July 1st, 2009 | Favorite Things About The Cay

Yesterday while on the cay I was tremendously intrigued and impressed with Will’s management style. After touring around some guests of the cay and visiting the ELC, he said he had to run, he was leading a staff meeting… while fly fishing! I guess it’s just another day at the office, right?

- Mai Moore

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