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Remarks delivered by the Premier at CDB Annual Meeting

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2017 – Providenciales – Remarks delivered by Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 47th CDB Annual Meeting.

 

REMARKS

Delivered by Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier 

OPENING CEREMONY

May 23, 2017

 

Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands – His Excellency Dr. John Freeman

Premier of Montserrat – Honourable Donaldson Romeo

Chief Minister of Anguilla – Honourable Victor Banks

Dr Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

Members of The Turks & Caicos Islands Cabinet 

Fellow Parliamentarians

Governors of CDB

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Members of the Board of Directors of CDB

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning

On behalf of the Government and People of Turks and Caicos Islands, I extend a warm welcome to attendees and trust that you have found your visit thus far to be most enjoyable.

It is an honour and privilege for The Turks and Caicos Islands to host the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of CDB and to serve as Chair for this Meeting. 

The Caribbean Development Bank plays a very intricate role in the continued economic advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands and many of its borrowing member countries. The bank, with its proficiency and assistance through concessionary financing, technical assistance and grants, has significantly assisted member countries’ in its economic growth and development.

Within the Turks & Caicos Islands, CDB has assisted substantially with various infrastructure developments within the Educational sector through the early childhood facility and in the past through the upgrading of our national Community College. The bank, has in the past provided concessionary loans to assist in the development of the TCIs MSME sector and also assisted in social programmes that has aided in the reduction of poverty within these Islands. It should be highlighted that we have been able to garner the assistance of the bank in the drafting of our Country Strategy Paper and also the continued assistance in the formation of our Medium Term Strategy document. I am happy to announce that most recently the bank has graciously agreed to assist with a Technical Assistance Loan for the Climate Resilient Coastal Protection and Management.

We are well aware that this is a new era, one of change and also one in which an appreciation of the knowledge economy. The world economies are constantly evolving and it is imperative that we in the Caribbean region continue to grow, to share our ideas, create alliances and to foster integration.

The theme of this year’s conference “Integration, Trade and Growth” is most befitting, as I am of the belief that economic integration, within the Caribbean, can cause an increase in the region’s rate of growth. Additionally, closer integration can be achievable by increasing trade in goods, as well as ideas.  

It is assuring to know that we, as Borrowing Member Countries of the Bank, have available to us the resources and expertise of the Bank to assist us in realizing our visions regarding trade, integration and economic growth.  It is also comforting to know that through the various fruitions the bank continues to meet these types of needs.

As you know, much work goes into the hosting of this Meeting and we have sought to be diligent about meeting every necessary provision for its accommodation.  We certainly hope that the arrangements that have been put in place for hosting of this Meeting will meet with your expectations; indeed we want you to be comfortable, productive, excited and pleased. Additionally we want to ensure that you efficiently and effectively execute your roles as representatives of your country at this meeting.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands is an exotic and beautiful place with warm and friendly people.  Dare I also say, the consistently voted world best island and beach destination, so please do take the opportunity to enjoy our Sun, Sand and Sea during your stay.

As Chairman of this 47th annual Board of Governor’s Meeting representing the Government and people of Turks & Caicos Islands, I hereby declared this meeting officially opened and do welcome each and every one of you to these Beautiful By Nature Turks & Caicos Islands.

 

 

REMARKS

Delivered by Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier 

CLOSING CEREMONY

May 25, 2017

 

What a productive few days we have had together. I believe we have seen finality and conclusions to lingering issues, helped Borrowing Member Countries with thought provoking dialogue and tangible, necessary immediate assistance whilst reviewing the work of the CDB and making critical decisions for the road ahead. Like the President I believe there is an urgency for greater regional cooperation and it is incumbent on us all to recognize the urgency of now. These past few days ought to have reminded us that there are more commonalities that ought to draw us to this point.

The CDB remains a viable, useful and helpful Institution for the growth of this region and I am confident that the President and his Team sees itself this way.

Mr President, Madam VPs, Directors and Staff it was an absolute pleasure working with you in this brief period and though my role has changed, you can rest assured that these Islands will continue to solidify its relationship with you and I again thank you for your work on our behalf over the years and also on behalf of the wider CDB family.

This era of change calls us to be dynamic, to brave unchartered waters, to make bolder but well informed steps to realise what we must for this region and I am confident that President Smith and his Team is up to the challenge.

It was a pleasure hosting you these few days. My country has made me proud and I believe that we have risen to the occasion. We trust that experience in this beautiful Caribbean destination (I like to call us the biggest chunk of heaven on earth) has made you even more proud to be a part of a region that is tinkering on the edge of greatness. We are yet to position ourselves and use our God given gifts for our regional benefits: so many possibilities; so many opportunities for cooperation and so little time.

We are honored to welcome you all and to have reminded you our friends at CDB of the many possibilities for partnership here in the TCI and how you have and can continue to help us to achieve our people centered goals.

I encourage all of our visitors to enjoy your remaining time with us and I pray your safe journey home.

Premier of Monsterrat

Chief Minister for Anguilla

Governors

Directors & Staff of CDB

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Members of the Media

Thank you for the part you played  and I bid you good afternoon.

 

#47thAnnualCDBMeeting

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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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