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TCI: Deputy Premier says Border Control operations improved in 2018-2019 Budget Year

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#Providenciales, May 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A specially convened meeting and assessment carried out in the last budget cycle has enhanced the operations of the Ministry of Border Control.  The former minister, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood explained the goal and the results of that period of border enforcement during his presentation earlier this month to the Budget Debate at the House of Assembly.

“The assessment was undertaken over a two (2) weeks period and included a review of the enforcement strategy. The team met and interviewed thirty (33) three persons from senior government officials at all levels including myself.”

That exhaustive exercise proved helpful said the Deputy Premier and was an important complement to direct assistance from the United Kingdom as little Turks and Caicos, on its own, tried to stem the flow of illegal migration from nearby Haiti.

“In April 2018, the Premier requested and received support from the United Kingdom Government to send a team of experienced UK staff to the TCI to conduct a review of the Immigration control system. This came as a result of the increasing threat of illegal vessel landings and possible alignment with criminal activity. The team commenced work in the TCI on May 14, 2018.”

DP Astwood reported on a string of accomplishments which were both breakthrough and expensive for the Turks and Caicos.

“For the period January 2018 – April 2019 some 3,402 illegal persons have been removed from the shores of these islands.  Equally important to note is that out of this amount exactly 1,414 persons were picked during our land base enforcement activities,” Hon Astwood earlier explained, “In addition, Mr. Speaker, in comparing the same periods for prosecutions, I am pleased again to report to this House that successful prosecutions increased from 17 in 2017 to 79 successful prosecutions in 2018, again much in excess of what was outlined in the Key Performance Strategies 2018/19.”

But that special convening and review focused on capacity building at the Ministry when it came to Border protection and on July 19, 2018, the findings and recommendations were presented to the Premier; many of the requests have been met said the DP.

“I am pleased to inform this House, that many of the recommendations have been addressed. Protective gear, particularly for front line staff including the Enforcement Unit have been procured and should arrive shortly. Mr. Speaker, I am also aware that body cams identical to that used by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have also been procured and should also be arriving shortly.  These body cams will be to the benefit of the public and our Officers.  New digital cameras have been purchased for the Enforcement Unit and Detention Centre, and additional surveillance equipment will be procured to upgrade the efficiency of the Department.”

Deputy Premier Sean Astwood, in a Cabinet shuffle which took effect on May 8, 2019, has been moved over to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning with the Border Control, Employment, Labour and Citizenship portfolio turned over to  Minister Delroy Williams.

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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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