Connect with us

News

Cadet Force Gets New Aircraft

Published

on

Kingston, Jam, September 26, 2016 – The Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) has acquired an airplane from the British Government, which will be used in its student pilot training programme.  The Cessna aircraft was procured through the initiative of longstanding JCCF aviation instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Beek, who made the request of former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, during his visit to Jamaica last year.  It replaces an airplane, which became inoperable 14 years ago, resulting in the training programme being significantly scaled down.

The aircraft is named the ‘Beek Air’ in honour of the JCCF Lieutenant Colonel, who served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is a retired member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), where he was instrumental in the development of that body’s Air Wing.   It is in recognition of his contribution in this regard that the senior officer was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, up from Major.

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, in his address at the ceremony for the aircraft’s commissioning, on Friday, September 23, at the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, hailed Lt. Col. Beek’s foresight in lobbying for the plane.  He noted that the JCCF officer “embodies what is good about Jamaica,” and said naming the plane the ‘Beek Air’ would honour the legacy of his service to the JCCF and Jamaica.  Mr. Montague informed that State Minister, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who has responsibility for the JCCF, proposed the promotion of Lt. Col Beek, adding that and when the matter was discussed with senior officers of the JCCF, “there was not one person who gave an objection.”

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency, David Fitton, in his remarks, said the aircraft was a fitting testament to the magnitude of Lt. Col. Beek’s outstanding service at home and overseas.  He also expressed gratitude to Defence Attaché at the British High Commission, Lt. Col. Patrick Brown, whom he said was instrumental in ensuring the aircraft’s arrival.

Commanding Officer for the JDF Air Wing, Lt. Col. Roderick Williams, who represented Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson, also welcomed the plane’s acquisition.  He said it would have “far-reaching” benefits, not only for the JCCF’s cadets, “but also for national and regional defence and security.  A revitalized cadet air proficiency programme will increase the attractiveness of the cadet force to our young people and increase the (likelihood) of them becoming productive and successful citizens of our society,” he pointed out.

Lt. Col. Williams said he looked forward to more young cadets being afforded the opportunity of a career in aviation.  JCCF Commandant, Colonel Errol Johnson, also expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders who facilitated the aircraft’s acquisition.  Arrangements for the new aircraft’s provision were spearheaded by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence in tandem with the British High Commission in Jamaica.

 

Continue Reading

News

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

Published

on

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/.

Continue Reading

News

Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING