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TCI Spared, Dozens dead in Caribbean, Eye on Bahamas now

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Providenciales, TCI, October 6, 2016 – It was a series of changes in the movement, size and encounters of Hurricane Matthew which worked in tandem to bring a blessing for the Turks and Caicos Islands; Hurricane Matthew did no damage and life as usual resumes today for the TCI. 
 
The storm shrunk in size, and that meant the Turks and Caicos archipelago fell outside of the most dangerous winds and was spared the brunt of the storm which has killed and caused grave devastation. 
 
The All Clear for the Turks and Caicos came around 4pm on Wednesday; about two hours after the Tropical Storm warning was lifted and this allowed the DDME time to ensure conditions around the country were indeed safe.  Matthew dropped very little rain and brought tropical storm force winds and gale force winds to this chain of islands.   
 
Right now and since 4am, the system is battering Nassau, New Providence – the Capital of The Bahamas.  Hundreds have heeded evacuation notices and shelters were reporting full in many parts of that island. 
 
While communication was lost in islands like Acklins; Inagua reported some structural damage, a sunken ship, almost a foot of localized flooding in Matthew Town, telecommunications infrastructural damage and electricity is lost.  Ragged Island, Exuma and its Cays were for hours being slammed by the hurricane and there was no word of the frightening storm surge for those cluster of islands and cays. 
 
As Hurricane Matthew rolled into Nassau; power was lost and sparking and fire on the Bahamas Power and Light electricity poles were reported into the early morning.  A 10 to 15ft storm surge is forecast for little Nassau which is in the direct path of the strong storm.   
 
Unfortunately, New Providence also recorded another murder last night when a gunman reportedly showed up at another man’s door and shot him point blank.  The TCI and The Bahamas have strong family and business linkages, and so the events of our neighbours north are of particular interest.  Also of interest: Haiti, the nation which provides the TCI with its largest expatriate workforce. 
 
Media reports say millions evacuated, thousands of homes were lost, farms are decimated and the death toll varies but gets to 26 by some accounts; and special forces say it could be worse as they begin to get into the communities hardest hit by Matthew. 
 
The Dominican Republic has seen thousands displaced by the hurricane, four are dead. 
 
It is said that 25 were killed in Cuba and historic structures and homes, thought to be so sound were collapsed in dangerous Matthew.   
 
There was minor damage reported for Jamaica, and already that country is galvanizing its resources to go in to help Haiti.
Photo credit: George Harris

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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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