News

Press Release: World Aids Day Message

Published

7 years ago

November 30, 2016

Providenciales, TCI, November 30, 2016 – World AIDS Day is here again and the Turks and Caicos will join the rest of the world to remember persons who have lost the fight and persons living with HIV as a country. We also pause to consider the advances made in HIV treatment, management and research. The need to break the back of HIV infection within the TCI is paramount. Prevention is still the master key to ending AIDS in our beautiful by nature islands. The theme for World AIDS Day this year is “Getting to Zero New Infections and Deaths Fighting Stigma and Empowering People”.

We have come a long way and much has been done and the number of reported newly diagnosed HIV infections have decreased but, is this a true picture? Are people testing to ensure that they know their HIV status? To date for 2016 there have been 17 newly diagnosed cases of HIV. While that may appear small in number, think about our small population. Currently, there are 229 positive persons of which 103 are males and 126 are females in the national programme. This does not include persons who are treated in the private sector or overseas.

The Turks and Caicos has committed to ensuring that 90 percent of the country’s population is tested for HIV, 90 percent of persons found to be positive are linked to care and start treatment and 90% of persons are virally surpassed meaning that persons have a viral load that is undetectable by the year 2020. This is achievable with everyone making it their business to get tested. Turks and Caicos, we need you to end AIDS by 2030.

HIV treatment and care is now being integrated into the Primary Health Care setting, both public and private. Doctors in both the public and private sector have been trained to manage HIV in their settings. Therefore, someone with an HIV diagnosis has choices. Persons who are HIV positive are urged to seek regular medical attention, just as persons who have hypertension or diabetes check their doctors regularly, so should someone with HIV.

However, problems and challenges remain with HIV for various reasons. Key populations that are of a challenge are sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM). That is because these groups of persons are not readily identifiable. You may know that someone behaves like they are an MSM or a sex worker but did they tell you that? There is the challenge of stigma and discrimination, while less than previous years, still exists. We must tackle these challenges and we must do it together to achieve an AIDS free society. As a part of the way forward, the TCI government has strengthened legislations and programmes to ensure goals and targets are achieved. Let us stop any further stigma and discrimination of HIV and empower persons living with HIV to have meaningful, productive and fulfilling lives

I call on ALL citizens, Faith Base Organizations, local and international businesses and every Ministry and Department of Government to do their part to develop and encourage a culture for health screening of which HIV is apart. HANDS UP for HIV PREVENTION.

For more information on HIV and HIV Prevention contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772. World AIDS Day activities will follow.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #worldaidsday

Up Next

Regional Consultation Workshop

Don't Miss

Damian Wilson says PNP Administration Flip-Flopping on NHIB mess

Deandrea Hamilton

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.