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Constitutional Review Committee Meeting In Provo

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The turn-out in Providenciales was not overwhelming last night at the third Constitutional Review Committee meeting, but the exchange was robust and went until late into the night as recommendations for changes were given to the eight member panel. Among the first to show up at the Gus Lightbourne Gym and arguably most vocal, was former Premier Michael Misick who expressed that he believed the process was unfolding in the wrong order.

Misick’s view? First a referendum giving the electorate an opportunity to vote yes or no on the issue of Independence; and instead of a list of changes to the 2011 Turks and Caicos Constitution Order, a report reflective of the general consensus. It appeared to be unanimous that residents would like to see the role of the Chief Financial Officer, a UK appointed post entrenched until 2016 removed from the constitution. The meeting was split on whether education should be free to all school aged children or just free to Turks and Caicos Islands school aged children.

The ex-Premier suggested there be a senate of non-elected members appointed exclusively by the political parties, he said he does not like the at large seats and believes each island, no matter how small should have direct representation. Mike with lots to say including the view that the Attorney General, should be a political appointment made by the Premier, and should go back to also overseeing the office of public prosecutions… that a Premier should serve the country for as long as the electorate wants him or her; said the two year restriction should be removed… applause coming every time the governor’s powers were brought up.

Agreement in large part that the governor has too much power in the current arrangement outlined in the constitution. The governor should have no say in who the premier selects as cabinet ministers, has too many appointees in parliament and should not oversee the permanent secretaries. There was also demand for there to be a system of accountability of the governor to the people of the TCI. Again applause on the function of the Integrity Commission; in the room there seemed to be wide agreement that the body has turned from being a watch dog, to a hound dog as the ex premier put it.

He said, Parliament should regulate its own members. Strong objection to trial without jury, Dominique Rolle, a young attorney called on the panel to question how the change to trial by judge alone strengthens the justice system. There was also talk on who should be able to be Premier of the country and suggestions to see certain parts of the 2011 document eliminated altogether. A strong view from the residents, that there should be a return to the 2006 constitution; rejecting the current document as an insult and ridiculous.

That evoked the explanation that the Constitutional Review Committee has built its presentation with the last constitution as its base… giving the meeting members comparisons in ten parts by exposing the changes. Written submissions are still welcome; and there are still more meetings over the next two weeks in South, North and Middle Caicos.

The committee was also chastised by the leader of the PPP, Dr Edward Smith for being late to start… and was called to revoke the appointment of Hon Donhue Gardiner because he left the meeting for about an hour and a half. Michael Misick said it was unacceptable that the member left, and that Minister Gardiner is out of control and has been out of control for a long time. The Chairman of the Committee, Daniel Malcolm, admitted that he was not aware of Gardiner’s departure.

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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