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TCI: Economic growth dips, tourism arrivals up, Change Document to diversification reiterated

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#Providenciales, May 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos is far too dependent on tourism as a leading means of revenue and there are plans in the upcoming fiscal year by the PDM Government to fulfill more of their ‘Change Document’ promises for economic diversification. 

It was an early theme in the Budget Address by the Premier on Wednesday May 1; the 2019-2020 Budget is labelled “Delivering on Real Progressive Change”.

In setting up her premise for the direction of this budgetary year, it was revealed that seven percent of residents are unemployed in the Turks and Caicos and that figure will remain stable throughout this year; but early in her Budget Communication, Premier and Finance Minister Sharlene Robinson touted that stay over visitors and cruise ship stops are up for the islands.

“Although the unemployment numbers are relatively low in comparison to some of our Caribbean neighbours, my government understand that there are unemployed persons out there, we know that some persons are underemployed and we are exploring ways to ensure that our residents are able to earn a decent wage which will ensure that they maintain a high standard of living. Stay-over arrivals rebounded in 2018, with the tourist board estimating a growth in stay-over arrivals of 5 percent. Mr. Speaker, cruise visitors increased by approximately 23 percent in 2018. We expect continued growth.”

Though concerning, the Premier says there is no cause for alarm with the underperformance in economic growth for the last fiscal period; citing the TCI’s economy as strong. 

“Mr. Speaker, the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Department, real GDP projection of 3.2 percent for 2018 has been revised downwards slightly to 2.5 percent, which is 0.7 percentage point below what was earlier forecasted. This revision takes into consideration the slow pace in the execution of the forecasted public and private sector construction projects in 2018. Real GDP Mr Speaker is forecasted to grow by 3.8 percent in 2019 and see further increases in 2020 and 2021.”

When it comes to economic diversification, the Change Document of the PDM, is expected to influence new revenue streams. 

“The Diversification Strategy & Implementation Plan underscored the dominant role played by tourism in the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As such, the importance of economic diversification in the context of external shocks and natural disasters was emphasized. In so doing, alternative industries with the potential for economic growth were identified namely agriculture, fishing, health services, ICT and professional services. The export of services was identified as the best avenue for major economic growth with respect to small island economies. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to progress work in this area.”

The Premier and her team will action an approach to broadening how the Turks and Caicos increases annual income, and titled the effort the Diversification Strategy & Implementation Plan.

“The Diversification Strategy & Implementation Plan underscored the dominant role played by tourism in the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As such, the importance of economic diversification in the context of external shocks and natural disasters was emphasized. In so doing, alternative industries with the potential for economic growth were identified namely agriculture, fishing, health services, ICT and professional services. The export of services was identified as the best avenue for major economic growth with respect to small island economies. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to progress work in this area.”

Premier Sharlene Robinson’s 2019-2020 Budget presentation was a 3-hour speech.

#magneticmedianews

#tcieconomicgrowthdips

#changedocumentreiterated

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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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