News

Ministry of Health provides Zika update

Published

7 years ago

January 4, 2017

Providenciales, TCI, January 3, 2016 – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services wishes to advise the general public that 8 new cases of Zika have been reported in the TCI including 7 on the Island of Grand Turk. These persons were seen during the period of October 14^th to December 7^th. This brings the total number of cases of Zika reported in the TCI to 24 which includes 19 males and 5 females. As seen throughout the region, increasing Zika diagnosis is common during the rainy season as was recently experienced on the island of Grand Turk.

Zika is a viral disease with symptoms that are similar to other mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya. These include rash, mild fever, pink eye, muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. However, many persons will not experience symptoms but will still be able spread the disease if they are bitten. While symptoms can be mild, or even non-existent, one concern is that the disease can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and cause complications to the infant such as microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected for its age and sex. Unfortunately, there is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent it. If you suspect you have Zika, please seek medical attention at your nearest clinic.

Symptoms of Zika can be managed by:

• Getting plenty of rest

• Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration

• Taking medicines, such as acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

• Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibuprofen until Dengue has been ruled out.

Since Zika is primarily transmitted by the bite of the Aedes species, the best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Interventions to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and to prevent mosquito bites are most effective. The general public therefore plays an important role in Zika reduction/prevention.

You are urged to take the following measures to stop the spread of Zika:

1. Keep your environment clean and free from standing water where mosquitos breed: check gutters and empty old flower vases, tires and other containers

2. Keep all water storage drums/containers covered

3. Avoid being bitten by wearing loose long sleeved shirts and long pants

4. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin

5. Use mosquito nets when sleeping

6. Use safe household insecticides indoors

7. Have intact window and door screens in dwellings

8. Use condoms consistently as Zika can be transmitted sexually

The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services is also doing its part to prevent and reduce the spread of Zika. An intense media campaign to educate the general public on how to prevent Zika has been ongoing including the use of various media sources such as pamphlets, posters, and public service announcements on the radio, TV and social media. Zika prevention information has also been shared at booths set up at the major supermarkets and clean-up campaigns on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales help to keep the environment free from breeding sites while also empowering residents to clean-up their own communities. The Environmental Health Department continues to conduct premises inspections and fogging exercises and larviciding are ongoing.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping TCI vector borne disease free…let’s all do our part!

For more information contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on (649) 338- 2772.

#MagneticNewsMedia

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 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

4 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

4 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.