Miss International TCI workshop puts poverty issues in the spotlight

Miss International TCI brought the often-overlooked issue of poverty into public discussion during a skills workshop held Saturday, August 22, at the Ports of Call Conference Room in Grace Bay.

Sharlene Grant Richards, Director for the Miss International Turks and Caicos Pageant

The event centered on the platform of reigning queen Adesha Gustave and its alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1, which calls for an end to poverty in all its forms.

Sharlene Richards, national director of Miss International TCI, said the workshop examined the realities of poverty in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including its effects on vulnerable communities and the assistance available to residents.

“What we’ve learned from all the input from the various speakers today is that poverty is not a single event,” Richards said. “Many of our communities here in Turks and Caicos are impacted, or have been impacted, by the consequences of poverty at some point in their lives.”

Richards said the latest statistical information available to organizers indicates that approximately 22 per cent of Turks and Caicos Islanders are living in poverty. Despite that figure, she said poverty remains a difficult and sometimes taboo subject in the territory.

While the Government has introduced resources, aid and other forms of assistance, Richards said greater public awareness is needed to ensure that people know how to access the support available to them.

“Miss International is using this space and this platform to bring those conversations, as uncomfortable as they may be, to the surface,” she said. “We want this on the headlines.”

Richards warned that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ dependence on imported goods leaves residents vulnerable to international crises, including wars, economic disruptions and other events that increase the cost of living.

Adesha Gustave , the Miss International Turks and Caicos 2026 Queen, makes a point during the event. Looking on is radio personality and community activist Dr. Cutella Talbot

She said emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes have also demonstrated how quickly individuals and families can experience financial hardship.

“At some point in time, anyone could be susceptible to extreme levels of poverty here in Turks and Caicos,” Richards said.

Addressing poverty, she added, must involve more than drawing attention to the problem. Residents should also receive practical assistance, mentorship and opportunities that allow them to become more self-sufficient and resilient.

Richards said the territory has the resources and economic opportunities needed to eradicate poverty, but many people remain unaware of the programmes available or lack the guidance needed to take advantage of them.

“There is no need for us to be living in poverty,” she said. “We boast about how well our economy is doing and the opportunities that are available. I think the problem is that there is not enough awareness, hands-on help and mentorship to get people involved.”

The workshop featured speakers from different age groups and backgrounds. Richards said the organizers deliberately invited both young people working to establish themselves and seasoned community members who have achieved significant milestones.

The aim was to give participants relatable accounts of the challenges people face while also providing informed guidance from those with experience in community development.

A representative from community outreach was also included to explain the assistance available and the different ways residents can obtain help.

Organizers had planned a more extensive interactive session, but other commitments required them to reduce that portion of the programme. Richards said the topic would be revisited at future events.

She also acknowledged the involvement of the Rotaract Club and said Miss International TCI hopes to draw on the organization’s resources as it continues the campaign.

Richards praised Gustave for selecting poverty reduction as her platform, describing it as a challenging issue that many people may be reluctant to discuss publicly.

“I really admire her for coming out and talking about this platform,” Richards said. “By addressing it, bringing awareness and opening up those conversations, it is going to make a positive difference.”

Richards said Miss International TCI intends to remain a leading advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 1 in the territory and work with the Department of Development and Community Outreach to reach affected communities.

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