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MPs GET $126 MILLION FOR CHIKV CLEAN-UP

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KINGSTON, Oct. 15 (JIS): Members of Parliament have been allocated $126 million for clean-up activities with each constituency to receive $2 million.

The amount is part of $500 million earmarked by Government for the National Health Emergency Response to the Chikungunya Virus (CHIK V), including elimination of mosquito breeding sites.

Already, $150 million has been set aside for the Health Ministry to meet “some critical emergency needs”.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, who gave a breakdown of the allocation at a meeting with Parliamentarians at Jamaica House on Tuesday

(October 14), said that $70 million will go to Parish Councils, with each parish receiving $5 million; while the remaining $154 million will be utilized for additional clean-up activities and mosquito vector control.

She informed that $131 million was already provided from the Consolidated Fund to the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to deal with the backlog in the collection of garbage.

The programme of emergency clean-up is being co-ordinated by a team involving the Ministry of Health, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) Secretariat, and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The Prime Minister said logistics co-ordination will be led by the JDF’s Colonel Daniel Pryce, while administrative arrangements, including project registration and payments, will be spearheaded by JEEP Project Director, Lucille Brodber.

She said that by virtue of the JEEP Secretariat being located in the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Housing, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies, will have line responsibility for the clean-up exercise.

Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson continues to lead the health response, with Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer to Chair the Monitoring Group and to report directly to the Prime Minister as well as to the country on a regular basis.

Pointing out that “all stakeholders have a vital role to play” in the initiative, the Prime Minister commended Parliamentarians, whom she said, have been active in engaging constituents, stressing that the “only sustainable way to control and reduce the epidemic…is to destroy and reduce mosquito breeding sites.”

This, she added, by starting with the “worst affected areas”, as indicated by the mapping that has been done by the Health Ministry.

Dr. Ferguson, in welcoming the Prime Minister’s leadership in the initiative, said execution of the project in each parish will be done in collaboration with public health field staff, to ensure that the Aedes Aegypti mosquito and their breeding sites are destroyed.

“The fact is…we (want to) contain it, especially in the parishes most impacted…while you prevent areas that have not been impacted, from having any real incident or expanded numbers. That is why the decision was taken to give some seed funding to the Parish Councils and to Members of Parliament, working with the health team, to ensure that we hit the breeding sites. As representatives of the people, I have absolutely no doubt that you would have a better grasp of what is happening on the ground,” he stated.

Dr. Ferguson encouraged them to ensure that value is received for the money spent.

“We will be depending on all of you to get out there (and ensure that) the question of value for money…(is) a top priority. It cannot be just a work programme…we must get value for money. I appeal to Members of Parliament, Mayors (and councillors), to take the lead in our parishes,” he urged.

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

  • Community-based education initiatives
  • Preventative screening and early detection programs
  • Lifestyle and wellness promotion
  • Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.  “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

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