#Barbados, February 17, 2020 — Three TCI approved projects employing the technical assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank are in limbo due to a lack of available expertise within the Turks and Caicos Islands, explained the CBD director at its Annual Press Conference held on February 11 in Barbados.
Daniel Best, Director of Projects at the
Caribbean Development Bank revealed that efforts are being considered at CDB to
help countries through the stagnating challenge of limited human resources,
which adversely affect implementation and completion of critical projects.
“We have within our member countries,
unfortunately, some capacity issues and it is not limited to TCI, this is across
the board. One of the things we are
doing as a bank is seeking how we can be more responsive to not just the infrastructure
or social needs but to the capacity needs,” said Mr. Best.
Magnetic Media quizzed Mr. Best about progress
on two of the three projects; the first, the Coastal Protection and Management
Technical Assistance which has been approved since 2016. While it is the most advanced, progress is slow
going for the construction of vital sea defences.
“All of the capital projects funded by the Caribbean
Development Bank undergo a climate vulnerability assessment and climate risk
screening, so this project would be one, when it gets to the capital projects
stage… (it) would be one that incorporates climate action. We are continuing the dialogue to drive this
particular intervention and others forward, so we really hope to see some
traction on that in this calendar year,” said Best.
In July 2017, the Premier and Finance
Minister, Sharlene Robinson informed the House of Assembly: “Mr.
Speaker that the Government is advancing is the loan assistance related to
Climate Resilient Coastal Protection and Management that we had hoped would
have been before us today for debate. This technical assistance will
focus on a feasibility study and prepare designs for coastal protection works
on the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and Providenciales. Shoreline
management plans for the Islands will also form part of this technical
assistance.”
Three years later and the CDB Director admits
that the project still has a distance to go.
Daniel Best said plans are to work with the Turks and Caicos Islands
Government for project submissions to source designs for coastal defences.
The second venture, a Solid Waste Management
Project is also severely waylaid by this human resource deficiency and that
fact will be particularly jarring for the people of northwestern
Providenciales, which is home to the communities of Wheeland and Blue Hills. Residents, across the islands are hopeful for
a remedy to longstanding qualms about management of dump sites.
Severe respiratory health problems resulting from smoke and fumes emanating from fires in and around the Providenciales Landfill have raised public interest in the approved Solid Waste Management Technical Assistance contract with the CDB.
“Unfortunately that project has not
progressed as fast as we would have wanted it to; the TA (technical assistance)
has been approved and we are in the process of working with the TCI to procure
consultants, to engage consultants,” informed Mr. Best.
“Arduous” is the way ahead for the solid
waste management assistance, the CDB Project Director explained.
Within the July 2017 ministerial statement,
Premier Sharlene Robinson announced the project and in 2019, the Technical Assistance
for Solid Waste Management was approved at the Cabinet level.
From the July 26, 2017
ministerial statement to the House of Assembly: “Mr.
Speaker, Solid Waste Management involves everybody throughout the length and
breadth of these Islands, and it is my Government’s intention to advance a
technical assistance loan from the Bank to assist us in updating the waste
management strategy for the country as well as designing the best option for
waste disposal on each Island.
Our
Islands do not always depict our country’s tagline and as we clean up the
streets and communities, we must put in place proper management systems that
will address littering, indiscriminate dumping and management of landfills also
known for us as dump sites. Public education and fines will also be hallmarks
of the new Policy.”
Since then, the widespread
destruction and reconstruction resulting from Hurricanes Irma and Maria have generated
a substantial increase in the amount of debris being hauled to the dump site.
Additionally, the hazardous
practice of igniting coal kiln fires, suspicion of arson and spontaneously
combusting spot fires have worked to accelerated air pollution and community
frustration.
Doctor visits and respiratory cases have climbed among residents of the area; though in recent months, there has been a decline in instances of foul odors and toxic air.
“There may be need for some
support in the country and this is one where we will certainly be putting a
lens on to see how we can actually get it moving faster,” the comment from Mr.
Best in response to Magnetic Media’s conveyance of public anxieties.
Daniel Best added, “I hear you
and I agree. It is an environmental
concern. It may not be a hurricane or a
cyclone, but it is an environmental concern and it is one that the CDB is
committed to working with the government of the TCI to resolve.”
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an expressions of interestprocess, 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.
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.”
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.