Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st May 2024 – The introduction of ambassador cards is a concept that is unfamiliar to many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Cards are now awarded to individuals who’ve completed the T.I.D.E.S certification or training program, which was previously primarily for taxis and VIPs but has now been expanded across the hospitality sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the department and ministry, aims to instil a sense of pride in recipients, signifying their role as ambassadors of the country. This was emphasised in the latest press conference hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Office of the Premier on February 26th that as representatives of a thriving nation, those on the frontline of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers and hospitality staff, should take pride in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card embodies what makes Turks and Caicos great and conveys this pride to all who interact with visitors and locals alike.

T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card: A Badge of Cultural Proficiency

The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is not just a card; it’s a symbol of excellence in service and a commitment to providing an incomparable experience for tourists. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card has been designed to embody the best that the Turks and Caicos have to offer: a tangible expression of cultural proficiency and local knowledge. As the tourism industry embraces the Ambassador Card, we hope to see the transformation of cardholders who are truly not merely employees; they are ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, well-versed in historical landmarks, local dishes, and cultural activities. This proficiency ensures that visitors receive an authentic and enriching experience during their stay.

Streamlined Certification Process

Obtaining the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a process that reflects the commitment to the highest standards of service. Cardholders undergo a comprehensive three-hour training programme, covering topics on TCI History and Culture, Customer Services and Tourism Safety and Sustainability. On successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador ID card and certificate which is valid for two years.

Government and Stakeholder Collaboration

The launch of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders. The initiative will continue to be refined through ongoing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the cards meet the evolving needs of our ambassadors and the tourism industry. There is currently a backlog of cards that are ready for collection.

“The TIDES Ambassador card is not just a symbol of excellence; it signifies a deep commitment to our country’s heritage and culture. We urge those working in the tourism sector to register for TIDES to not only gain valuable training but also to embrace the role of ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Collecting your card and certificate is crucial; it opens doors to a world of opportunities and sets you apart as a standard-bearer of quality in our thriving tourism industry,” said Talia Thomas, Deputy Director, of the Department of Tourism Regulations.”

QR Code Integration

The security of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is of utmost importance. The card’s most important feature is the inclusion of a QR code that establishes a direct link between tourists utilising the tourism product and the Department of Tourism Regulations. This innovative feature facilitates a quick and convenient verification method and safeguards against any potential misuse or fraudulent activities. The QR code, when scanned, leads visitors to a dedicated section of the government website, providing real-time validation of the card’s authenticity and the ambassador’s certification status. This advanced security feature not only instils confidence in tourists but also underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands government to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.

Conclusion

Stakeholders can visit our office on the third floor of Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales, to collect their cards.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 30th April 2024 – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) would like to inform Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and environmental partners, as well as fellow environmental stewards, of the opening of the fourth round of Darwin Plus Local.

Darwin Plus Local is a new scheme within the existing UK government’s Darwin Plus fund, which funds projects to protect unique biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Darwin Plus Local has been introduced to support small-scale environmental projects exclusively in the UKOTs, aiming to build capacity in-territory and contribute to local economies.

This round will provide grants of up to £50,000 for organisations and up to £20,000 for individuals.

• Projects can last for a maximum of 6 months.

• The expected start date for successful projects is 1 October 2024.

• All projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.

The deadline for application is 23:59 GMT on Monday, 24 June 2024.

Further information can be found on the Darwin Plus website: https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/apply/

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please get in touch with DarwinPlusLocal@jncc.gov.uk

In February 2024 the DECR was successful in securing funding for two proposed projects, namely: “Drone-based environmental monitoring in the Turks & Caicos Islands” and “Conservation and Enforcement Mobility Support for Marine Protected Areas”. Funding for these projects will directly benefit the DECR’s continued efforts to conserve and protect the TCI’s natural environment.

 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), under the Ministry of Education, organized a series of inclusive events over the weekend dedicated to celebrating children with special needs and raising awareness about autism.

The weekend kicked off with the SNAP Center Fun Day on April 26th, which welcomed children with special needs from special education classrooms across Providenciales and clients of the SENS Department. The Fun Day offered a range of engaging activities tailored to the unique needs of the participants, fostering a sense of joy, inclusivity, and community.

“We are delighted to have provided a platform for children with special needs to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of SENS.

“Our goal is to create inclusive spaces where all children feel valued and supported.”

Following the success of the Fun Day, the Department organized a Rainbow Walk on April 27th in honor of Autism Awareness month. The early morning walk was well attended by over 100 individuals, including esteemed guests such as the Governor H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Jamel Robinson, Minister of Health and acting Minister of Education Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, and other dignitaries, and demonstrated solidarity and support for individuals with autism and their families.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and honored to have had distinguished guests join us for the Rainbow Walk,” remarked Hon. Shaun Malcolm.

“Their presence underscores the collective commitment to promoting understanding and inclusivity.” Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Special Education Needs Services, Mrs. Cherylann Jones was also present at the inaugural event and praised the department for the successful walk.

She also noted that in the next year the intention is to hold these walks across all islands.

Although the Minister of Education, Hon, Rachel Taylor, was away on official duties, she conveyed her full support for the walk and other initiatives conducted in the month of April.

She commented, “I am proud of the Department’s efforts in organizing these events and raising awareness about the needs of children with special needs. I look forward to greater support in the future as we continue to strengthen our special education needs services.”

The Department of Special Needs Services extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions made the weekend of events a resounding success.

For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and upcoming events, please contact sens@gov.tc.