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TCI: 28 Civil Servants successfully complete Policy and Project Management Certification

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#Providenciales, May 23, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – On Monday May 13th, 2019, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams., MBE hosted an award ceremony to recognize twenty-eight (28) civil servants that successfully completed the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Public Policy Analysis and Management (PPAM) and Project Cycle Management (PCM) Certification Program.

The Caribbean Development Bank since the 1980’s has been offering training in PPAM and PCM to its Borrowing Member Countries (BMC’s).

The PPAM and PCM Training Programmes were developed to assist BMC’s in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; specifically, Goal 4 – Quality Education; Goal 5 – Gender Equality; and Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Commenting on the training program Deputy Governor Anya Williams said:  “The Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service commenced this process in 2016 by enrolling in the online course program offered through CDB and its partners.

The success realized from team member’s participation and completion of the online courses paved the way for the face-to-face training to be implemented in country. Hence, in 2018 the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) and DODs Training hosted eleven (11) modules in Project Cycle Management and Public Policy Analysis and Management from March 2018 – May 2018 on Grand Turk, at the HJ Robinson High School Auditorium.

Sessions were interactive and practical, intense and demanding physically and mentally, time consuming and required work outside normal working hours to complete assignments to fulfil the criteria to be awarded the certification.

We are extremely proud of the success of our staff and know that there is much that they can take away from this program to apply to their day to day jobs.  We express our profound thanks to not only the Caribbean Development Bank for allowing the TCI to participate in this training program, but also to our own in house Training Department, our Training Manager Mrs. Thashana Burton and Training Officer Ms. Holly Forbes for their work in the launching of this program in the TCI, the organization of the face to face training sessions, the follow up on the online training programs and their overall commitment in the facilitation and completion of this program.

Our vision is to create “A well-structured, properly resourced and professional service that is respected and balances both traditional and modern practices, with a culture of impartiality and integrity”, the team members through dedication and sacrifice have exemplified each word to the highest standards by being awarded and certified competent in each area of this program. Congratulations!”

Full List of Graduates

No. Name Ministry/Position
1 Boyce, Cherice Deputy Governor’s Office – Human Resource Officer
2 Brewster, Perle Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services – Education Planner
3 Campbell, Lucille Labour Tribunal- Administrative Officer
4 Clarke, Abbigail Governor’s Office – Internal Auditor
5 Clerveaux, Tatum Attorney General’s Chambers – Commissioner of Lands
6 Dickenson, Carolyn Home Affairs, transportation and Communication – Director, Gender Affairs
7 Duncanson, Alishia Education, Youth, Culture and library Services – Senior Culture Officer
8 Ewing, Lurita Deputy Governor’s Officer – Senior Procurement Officer
9 Forbes, Holly Deputy Governor’s Office – Training Officer
10 Fulford, Leshem Infrastructure Housing and Planning – Senior Project Architect
11 Fulford, Ludwina Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services – Director, Culture
12 Greenway, Mark Deputy Governor’s Office – Director, HRMD
13 Hall, Chrishanda Border Control and Employment Services – Supervisor, Customer Service
14 Hamilton, Kezzia Deputy Governor’s Office – Human Resource Officer
15 Howell-Robinson, Tamera E. Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services – Deputy Secretary
16 Malcolm, Shandey Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services – National Epidemiologist
17 Murray, Tiffany Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services – Environmental Health Officer
18 Newman, Bridgette Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication – Deputy Secretary
19 Pratt, Willette A. Infrastructure, Housing and Planning – Contracts Coordinator
20 Ramnasibsingh, Ria Deputy Governor’s Office – Director of Contracts
21 Robinson, Aldora Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services – AIDS/HIV Programs Director
22 Robinson, Roydoya Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services –Environmental Health Officer
23 Seymour, Emilio Border Control and Employment Services – Manager, Customer Service
24 Sutton, Jackurlyn Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services –Chief Nursing Officer
25 Swann, Caressa Governor’s Office – Internal Auditor
26 Thomas, Thashana Deputy Governor’s Office – Human Resource Training Manager
27 Walkin, Kathy Infrastructure, Housing and Planning – Head of Secretariat
28 Williams, Demarco Attorney General Chambers – Assistant Director Survey & Mapping

Release: TCIG

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APPOINTMENTS TO THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

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Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an expressions of interest process, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance  2007, Mr Dimaggio Rigby, Mr Geoff Scott and Mr Dennis Swann, have been appointed to  serve as Commissioners on the Financial Services Commission Board of directors.  

Mr Rigby brings specialist experience in cyber, media, and technology risks. He is currently  employed in the City of London as a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant. 

Mr Scott is a financial services professional with over 30 years’ successful track record in  banking. He currently leads the Bermuda Bankers Association and was, until August 2022,  the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Cooperation of Barbados Limited (ICBL). 

Mr Swann is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He has expertise in Human  Resources and worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 12 years. He has previously worked  within the TCI FSC. 

Commenting on the appointments, the Governor said: 

“Following consultation with the Hon. Premier (in his capacity as the Minister of Finance)  and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I have appointed Mr Dennis Swann, Mr Dimaggio  Rigby and Mr Geoff Scott respectively, to serve as Commissioners (non-executive  directors) on the Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission  (FSC). I am confident that the combined experience of these three new Commissioners  will help ensure the FSC delivers our vision for a technologically advanced financial  services sector that is competitive and supports growth, is well regulated while agile and  internationally respected.  

I would like to thank Mr Keno Forbes for his previous service as a Commissioner.”

The appointments are for a three-year period, beginning in April 2024. Further details on the  work of the Financial Services Commission can be found at TCIFSC.

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TCAAF UNVEILS THEIR NEW BRAND, THE TURKS AND CAICOS HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOUNDATION

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Wednesday, April 17th 2024 – On Monday the 15th April at 11 am, the Turks and Caicos AIDS  Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) unveiled their new brand to their supporters, members, the  media, government departments and partnering NGO’s. The TCAAF, which is now the Turks and  Caicos Health and Wellness Foundation (TCHWF) welcomed everyone to their new office which  is oblique to the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Downtown, Providenciales.  

The TCHWF was founded in 2003 and is a registered non-profit organization in the TCI and a  registered 501 (c) non-profit in the United States as well. TCHWF will focus on addressing broader  health and social issues driven by the intersectionality of health and social factors, and disparities  in services in the TCI. 

At the ceremony, Dr. Dawn O’Sullivan, who provides medical care to persons living with HIV  (PLHIV) through the Foundation and will continue to be the doctor on staff for TCHWF, gave the  audience an insight on how the Foundation began. Dr. O’ Sullivan praised the board members,  staff and volunteers for the success of the Foundation, which includes building the Edward  Gartland Youth Centre. She explained that the rebranding was necessary since HIV is a chronic  disease where you can take medication and live a long and healthy life, but support is needed for  all persons living with chronic diseases and for the population that feels excluded or stigmatized.  

TCHWF will provide holistic care to these populations. The new TCHWF office is comprised of  a doctor’s office where patients can have consultations and be treated, and other comfortable  spaces where persons can relax and unwind.

Nurse Nora Tyndall briefed the attendees on the services that the Foundation currently offers, such  as the donation of a CD4 machine to the government so that patients can know their CD4 count  before seeing the doctor. Other services being offered are free medical consultations, improved  access to treatment and care, convenient access to medications, food cards, grocery distribution  and the provision of formulas to infected mothers who give birth and cannot breastfeed. Nurse  Tyndall highlighted that there is an increase in the number of pregnant women living with HIV in  the TCI. 

The new mandate of TCHWF is “Linking Lives, Transforming Communities”, the Foundation’s  mission is to expand its services to connect HIV and non-HIV persons to entities and experts that  can address varying needs. 

The Executive Director of TCHWF, Anansa Jervis, highlighted the Foundation’s “aim to promote  access to quality health services, information and education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Mrs.  Jervis further explained that this would mean the need to “integrate HIV services and non-HIV  services by increasing access to holistic and comprehensive health services needed for PLHIV and  persons not living with HIV.” In this regard, the TCHWF intends to provide linkage to: 

The cultivation of youth empowerment and the development of life skills

Health, hygiene, education and wellness strategies tailored to the needs of young women

Care and support services for survivors of domestic violence 

Mental health, psychosocial services and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders. 

Equitable access to HIV care and support services, addressing disparities. 

To achieve these linkages, the Foundation has held discussions with various NGO’s and  government organizations to provide the necessary services and support to persons with varying needs.

One of the Board Members of the Foundation, Giovanni Delancy, gave the closing address by  expressing thanks to God, the members, staff, media and volunteers for attending the unveiling  ceremony. He closed with “we will continue to bring awareness and education to those not only  with HIV/AIDS but other STD’s and other diseases. Let us continue to make a difference wherever  we go.”

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Navigating the TCI Airport Conundrum: Seeking Sustainable Solutions

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As airport congestion tightens its grip globally, Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) grapple with their own aerial gridlock. When demand surpasses capacity, chaos ensues, leaving planes idling on runways and travelers stranded. Simply diverting or delaying flights won’t cut it; we need innovative solutions.
With a single airstrip on the main island and airport redevelopment a distant dream, our options are limited. Priority must be established: should private jets or commercial flights take precedence? Given tourism’s critical role in the islands, favoring commercial flights seems logical, yet private jets vie for attention.
With that being said, there is one proposal that stands out: Perhaps, North Caicos airport could be designated as a temporary solution for private jets. This would alleviate airspace congestion, with passengers easily ferried to Providenciales and other inhabited cays. In addition, it could open the door for a potential increase in private boat charter opportunities.
Albeit, airspace isn’t our sole concern; we owe stranded travelers relief, especially during summer’s peak season which is upon us.
Procuring tents which the government have proposed, other immediate fixes should be to complete the makeshift walkway on Providenciales airport tarmac. The long-term solutions demand a nuanced approach.
Could demand management, like increasing night flights, alleviate congestion without compromising safety?
Evidence-based intervention is key. A hiccup in US flights can cascade into chaos for TCI. With one airstrip and mounting flights, meeting demand is daunting. Failure to act imperils our status as a Caribbean hotspot and risks plummeting customer satisfaction.
As policymakers mull over solutions, one thing is clear: status quo isn’t an option. TCI’s future as a tourist haven hinges on our ability to navigate this airspace conundrum with innovation and foresight.
Beyond the immediate crisis lies a complex web of challenges. Anticipating the concerns of all stakeholders is crucial. Skeptics may question the feasibility of designating North Caicos airport for private jets. Will ferry services cope with increased demand? What about environmental impact? These are valid concerns that require thorough consideration.
Furthermore, we must address the broader implications of airport congestion. It’s not just about inconvenience; it’s about economic repercussions and environmental sustainability.
Delays will disrupt supply chains, hinder business travel, and deter investment. Moreover, increased air traffic contributes to carbon emissions and noise pollution, threatening our delicate ecosystems and quality of life.
To truly tackle this issue, we need a holistic approach that balances short-term fixes with long-term vision. Night flights may offer temporary relief, but they’re not a panacea. We must explore innovative technologies and operational strategies to optimize airspace usage and enhance efficiency.
Collaboration is key. Engaging with international aviation authorities, industry experts, and local communities can yield fresh perspectives and creative solutions.
Public-private partnerships which the government is currently exploring may unlock funding for infrastructure upgrades and research initiatives. Moreover, transparent communication and stakeholder engagement are essential for building trust and fostering consensus.
Investing in human capital is equally vital. Training air traffic controllers, airport staff, and emergency responders ensures seamless operations and crisis management. Also, education campaigns can raise awareness about responsible travel behavior and environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, the TCI airport dilemma is emblematic of broader challenges facing the aviation industry. It’s a microcosm of globalization, urbanization, and environmental degradation. But it’s also an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.
By embracing change and thinking beyond the confines of tradition, we can transform this crisis into a catalyst for positive change. Let’s chart a course towards a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for TCI and beyond.

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