Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – Multiple restructuring exercises in areas of National Security and Justice have taken place since the arrival of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, she’s now explaining why locals weren’t chosen for certain top spots and how she’s working to make sure they are in the future.

“In terms of the commissioner post, what Edvin Martin brings is a depth of experience,” said Daniel-Selvaratnam while speaking on First Edition aired on RTC FM with Cheryl Foreman and Zhavargo Jolly.  She was referring to Edvin Martin, Commissioner of Police, who was brought in from Grenada in April.  Before Martin, UK officers were utilized for the top cop job for over a decade.

”It is about succession planning and how we are driving a pipeline of talent but the most important part of that is exposure,” Daniel-Selvaratnam stressed that with the rapidly changing criminal landscape experienced officers were necessary.  “We want our talented individuals to go into different environments, see different contexts of policing, different experiences, and bring that back as part of their development.”

The Governor maintained that Martin could bring that experience to talented officers in the Turks and Caicos, citing his regional criminal experience as well as his experience battling guns during his time at the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.

”He presented a depth of experience that could benefit us in terms of what we’re dealing with, so when you’ve got that depth of experience and a level of [local] talent, that could really help drive the Turks and Caicos.”

His experience with increasing efficiency and driving talent in Grenada was also a factor in his employment in the Turks and Caicos.  Daniel-Selvaratnam maintained that it was now the commissioner’s responsibility to groom TC Islanders in that respect.

The governor maintained that a similar process had been undertaken in the hiring of the new Director of Public Prosecutions where she was focused on bringing in a true leader that would drive change in the judicial system.

“There’s a lot between the DPP and how they are bringing up talent- in terms of the police in case preparation so that we’re not losing cases down to technicalities; in terms of how evidence is handled- but then also working with the judiciary and the defense council so that we are not looking at delays in listings and hearings.”

The issues highlighted are well documented in the Turks and Caicos’ justice system with too few prosecutors, a backlog of cases, and evidence issues causing cases to be dropped or thrown out completely.

The man hired for that turnaround job is Phillip Bennetts KC.

“He is someone who comes from the crown prosecution service in the UK and again has done a lot in that wider criminal justice partner work to drive efficiencies and effectiveness,” Daniel-Selvaratnam said.

The governor stressed that it was her intention to have a succession plan with locals heading to top positions before the end of her two-year tenure.

OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands—The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is thrilled to announce the resumption of significant infrastructure upgrades at Norman B Saunders International Airport. Beginning today, May 14, 2024, construction will resume on the installation of perimeter fencing, marking a pivotal milestone in the ongoing capital projects aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and bolstering security measures across the islands.

The decision to embark on this critical project comes as a response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in the destruction of the airport’s perimeter fencing. Recognizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of passengers, staff, and airport facilities, TCIAA has expedited efforts to restore and fortify this essential infrastructure.

The installation of perimeter fencing is integral to fortifying security measures at Norman B Saunders International Airport. By erecting a robust barrier around the airport premises, TCIAA aims to deter unauthorized access, mitigate potential security threats, and safeguard the integrity of airport operations. This enhancement aligns with TCIAA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance in airport management. The project is also critical to restoring the airport’s capacity for international commercial flight services.

“We are pleased to announce the resumption of construction on the perimeter fencing at Norman B Saunders International Airport,” stated Godfrey Smith, CEO of TCIAA. “This infrastructure upgrade represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of all airport stakeholders. By fortifying our perimeter, we reaffirm our dedication to providing a secure and seamless travel experience for passengers while maintaining regulatory compliance.”

The installation of perimeter fencing at Norman B Saunders International Airport underscores TCIAA’s proactive approach to infrastructure development and risk mitigation.  Through strategic investments in airport facilities and security enhancements, TCIAA remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the passenger experience and fostering sustainable growth in the aviation sector. Construction on the perimeter fencing is expected to be completed by August 14^th, 2024, with minimal disruption to airport operations. TCIAA extends its gratitude to passengers, airlines, and stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding during this crucial phase of infrastructure development.

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – Health numbers in the Turks and Caicos are showing a concerning increase in lifestyle diseases according to recent statistics shared by Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, who detailed the concerns recorded by the Ministry of Health.

”In 2021– we found that 19 percent of the population was hypertensive and a significant chunk was the 55 and up age group, we are an aging population. We are victims of our success. We’ve done well in terms of communicable diseases and we are living longer, but we are getting sicker as we become older,” the director explained at the launch of the National Healthcare Sector Strategic Plan on May 14.

Globally NCDs are separated into five categories, Mental Health, Cardiovascular Diseases, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Cancers, and Diabetes and when they occur its bad for everyone.

“There’s a heavy, economic burden, not just on individuals, but families, communities and health systems in general. While NCDs present in different ways there are five common underlying risk factors; physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, immoderate use of alcohol, tobacco use and poor air quality,” Clarke revealed.

These five factors and the resulting five categories of diseases account for over 70 percent of deaths worldwide, the Director explained, citing that 15 million of the 41 million people who die each year, are part of the working age group which she described as ‘a significant economic knock’.

The breakdown of the Turks and Caicos’ illnesses in 2021 via phone survey, found that of the 19 percent of hypertensive residents locally, 41 percent were 55 and over, 19 percent were 35 to 54 and 9 percent were between 18 and 34 years old. Additionally 7 percent of the overall population was found to be diabetic.

Between 2015 to 2019, the number one cause of death was drowning owing to freak accidents where migrant boats capsized, but next to that was NCDs which were responsible for about half of all the deaths recorded during the period with cardiovascular diseases being particularly deadly.

Instances of Breast Cancer in the Turks and Caicos were also described as ‘significantly high’ along with a notable increase in overall cancer diagnoses locally. Between 2010 and 2013 diagnoses were more than six times higher according to the TCI Hospital.

In addition to that came a significant increase in deaths, and in the Turks and Caicos between 2021 and 2023 over $2 million was spent treating cancers, and over $300,000 on cardiovascular diseases just for overseas treatment.

Children in the Turks and Caicos are at risk as well, Clarke cited a 2015 study that showed primary school age children were experiencing risks associated with diet and physical activity.

”We also found that, unacceptably, out of every 10 children, four of them were considered overweight or obese— compounding that we found that they were taking less fruits and vegetables than we wanted them to and not exercising as much as we want. The future is looking kind of bleak,” Clarke admitted.

To stave off that future the National Healthcare Sector Strategic Plan has goals such as increased health promotion, removal of barriers to early detection of NCDs, decreased mortality, and more data.

Clarke maintained that by setting ambitious goals like those included in the National Healthcare Sector Strategic Plan the country could slowly but surely decrease the concerning numbers.