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TCI countdowns to TS force winds by Thursday, everything you need to know

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Turks and Caicos, September 6th, 2017 – Providenciales – It is Wednesday September 6th and by tomorrowThursday September 7th all of the islands of the Turks and Caicos will be experiencing super strong Category 5 Hurricane Irma and her 185mph winds.  I have aimed to put together all of the things we all need  to know at this point from government and the private sector and that includes that there is no school today, TCIG wants everyone to be hunkered down by this evening and so that means government offices will not open on Thursday; private sector operations will follow suit.

Two schools in Provo are to be used as shelters, Enid Capron in Five Cays and Oseta Jolly in Blue Hills and the Community Center College in Grand Turk is the storm shelter site.  An evacuation is in effect for both Salt Cay and Middle Caicos. We are told many have left tiny Salt Cay, which was yesterday visited by the Premier, Home Affairs Minister and Health Minister. Today, there is bus and boat transportation provided by Government for Middle Caicos residents who need to leave that island.  All airports will close at 6pm today informed the TCIAA. This means domestic and international flights will cease, including Bahamasair which will run its usual Thursday flight into Nassau today. Please be at the airport early if you are scheduled for the service.

When it comes to airlines flying into the United States, today is also the final day and the US State Department late yesterday issued a notice to all American Citizens to leave the TCI and The Bahamas and if you cannot or do not want to, to find a safe and secure place to ride out the storm.  Americans are advised to inform their family and friends about where they are and cautioned to protect their travel and identification documents.  The Ministry of Tourism and TCI Tourist Board agree that guests should leave today, but if not, to remain indoors during the storm and to follow the advice of officials and their hotel staff.

Cruise ships were in port yesterday in Grand Turk, according to information from Tourism, but stops from today have been redirected.  The North to Middle Caicos ferry also suspends operations today by 5:30pm.  When it comes to banks, they will operate regular hours today as determined by the Bankers Association, but tomorrow and Friday all banks will be closed.  Grocery stores will also function as usual today. Some tell Magnetic Media they will remain open for as long as weather permits on Thursday but Graceway Supermarkets which means IGA, Gourmet and Smart will close at 11am on Thursday to allow its staff to go home and make final preparations or lock in to ride out the hurricane.

The Premier reminded on Monday that RTC is the main voice of Government during the storm, but other stations and media houses intend to continue serving the public throughout the storm with information coming from the National Hurricane Center, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology and the TCIs DDME.  The power company, FortisTCI closed its offices since yesterday and asks the public to stay away from downed power lines and to report problems to 946-4313.  You can also visit FortisTCI Facebook page for updates.

The water company, Provo Water, closes its office in Grace Bay today and also gives an emergency number as 231-0705 if you see any bursts.  The Governor confirmed to Magnetic Media that the RFA Mounts Bay is in the Caribbean.  The Royal Navy vessel which is deployed to support regional countries, including UK Overseas territories in events like hurricanes is said to be “ready to provide practical and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The public is advised to ensure you know which hurricane shelter is nearest you. There are nine shelters opened nationwide . You can view them at our site or at DDMEs Facebook page.

You can also find the flood prone areas list if you want to become acquainted.  The advancements in technology have made just about everyone a reporter, but moving about the island is strongly discouraged; and this includes after the storm as well.  Sight-seeing is not wise and very dangerous.  The spread of Fake News or unverified reports is also discouraged by officials, who will today address media in a final debriefing before Hurricane Irma strikes.

By Deandrea Hamilton

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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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