TCI News
PDM Administration announces budget increase for primary health care, goal to reduce overseas medical bills
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday April 26, 2018 – The National Health Insurance Plan needs a phenomenal solution to heal its multi-million dollar shortages, and the PDM Administration says it intends to finance the plan it believes will deliver the health care system from its $4 million annual shortfall.
The plan, according to Government will be multi-pronged but will chiefly focus on reducing the expenditure of TAP or Treatment Abroad Program and secondary care at the TCI Hopsitals – combined the two categories account for 86 per cent of monies spent on health care.
Health Minister, Edwin Astwood said more money is coming, and its direction is shifting.
“My Government is prioritising the strengthening of primary health care through a number of initiatives, including an increase in budgetary provisions being made to recruit additional staff in this new financial year, which includes two additional medical officers, registered nurses and physiotherapists.” 
Already, explained the Minister on Monday, there are a greater number of services being offered at the InterHealth Canada managed, TCI Hospitals. Still, government is aiming to make a significant dent in the 51% of revenue which is spent at the hospitals.
“A strong primary health care system is an essential component to any health care system and investment in this area has been lacking in the past. However, my Government has seen it fit to prioritise primary health care once again in order to improve universal access to quality health care for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Hon. Astwood at the press conference held at the Office of the Premier in Provo.
Government talked about partnerships with healthy lifestyle centers in the country and announced a breakthrough for public health.
“…the operation of a mobile clinic, which will be the first time ever in the Turks and Caicos islands…” the Minister of Health, Human Services, Sports and Agriculture added, “…we are partnering with local, non-governmental organizations in order to educate the general public about healthy lifestyle practices, including the implementation of well balanced diets and regular exercise.” 
The initiatives are aimed at prevention and ensuring earlier detection of the lifestyle diseases which are not only claiming lives, but diminishing national productivity.
“It is hoped that with an emphasis on healthy lifestyles and prevention and control of non communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, we would realize a reduction in premature deaths and disabilities which may result from these conditions.”
The announcement of this more assertive action to shift the mindset of people to want to be healthier, subsequently making the nation, wealthier due to a reduction in medical costs, was delivered by Minister Edwin Astwood, who also explained another shift; where sports was added to his health portfolio.
“We look forward to a greater synergy in promoting physical activities at schools and throughout the country. The school nutrition program has been approved in principle, by Cabinet, and is focused on health, nutrition and well being for our children. In addition, the Department of Agriculture has been promoting its ‘Eat what you Grow and Grow what you Eat’ initiatives in our schools and communities…”
There is a review of the TAP, which absorbs 35% of medical costs paid by the National Health Insurance Plan and Government. Minister Astwood said a submission is due for presentation at Cabinet in June 2018. 
“This will ensure that the provision for treatment that will fall outside the scope of the current National Health Insurance ordinance is reviewed as well as reviewing the mechanisms and procedures for clients requiring rehabilitation not available locally.”
The review will also consider higher cost clinical cases, the offer in the benefits package of the NHIP , the sustainability of the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP) and specialty treatment, especially for those struggling to lose weight.
Minister Edwin Astwood, who was joined by the Permanent Secretary for the ministry, Desiree Lewis said the results of the NHIP Actuarial Report, due to be completed in May will under gird the findings in the TAP Review.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – United Way Turks and Caicos Islands (UWTCI) officially launched its 2025 Youth
Summer Enrichment Camp today, Monday, July 7th, at The Salvation Army Brighter Futures Center on Leeward Highway. The camp was formally declared open by UWTCI Chairman, Mr. Mark A. Fulford, during a brief but inspiring opening ceremony attended by board members, staff, volunteers, and students and parents.
Now in its fourth year, the Summer Enrichment Camp has welcomed 120 students between the ages of 6 and 12 for two weeks of dynamic learning, enrichment, and personal development. The program is led by a committed team of seven educators, supported by volunteers, a camp cook, and a cleaner to ensure a safe and nurturing environment. “This camp is about more than summer fun, it’s about helping our young people build confidence, develop new skills, and believe in their ability to thrive,” said Chairman Mark Fulford in his opening address.
“United Way is proud to invest in the future of our children, and we thank all our partners and volunteers who continue to support this important mission.”
Throughout the two-week program, students will engage in literacy and numeracy activities, arts and crafts, music, physical education, and character-building workshops. The camp also provides nutritious meals and daily encouragement in a supportive, team-oriented setting.
UWTCI CEO, Claudine Ewing, praised the dedication of the teachers, volunteers, donors, supporters and the enthusiastic response from families: “Our goal is to close learning gaps and ignite passion for learning in a fun, positive way. The impact of this camp extends far beyond these two weeks, it helps shape futures.”
Chairman Fulford also added, “Every child deserves a chance to dream, to explore, and to grow. This camp is one of the ways United Way is
ensuring that opportunity reaches every corner of our community. When we invest in children, we invest in a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Present at the Opening Ceremony were Vice Chairman Rex Messam, Board Directors Nina Siegenthaler, Marsha Lightbourne Misick, Monique Luis and Davidson Louis. Special thanks goes to our Donors who have made this all positive.
The 2025 Summer Camp runs through Friday, July 18th, and will culminate in a Closing Day Community Conversation, where students will sit down with community leaders to share their dreams, challenges, and goals for the future.
United Way Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to creating programs that empower children, support families, and strengthen the fabric of the community.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kecha Delusma-Chase as the Deputy Chief Librarian within the Department of Library Services with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Since beginning her career with the Department of Library Services in 2015 as a Library Assistant, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has consistently demonstrated dedication to human development and lifelong learning. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Studies from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship (Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, completed in 2024, with support from the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Professional Development Fund.
Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s exceptional academic achievements were recognised in being awarded the prestigious Quida Rowe Prize for Most Outstanding Academic Performance in her final year of the Librarianship Programme.
In a continued effort to advance her education, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has been accepted into the Master’s program in Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Speaking on her new role, Mrs. Delusma-Chase said, “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be appointed Deputy Chief Librarian within the
Library Department. This journey has instilled in me resilience and discipline and I am truly grateful to God for His guidance and strength in bringing me to this moment.
I extend my sincere appreciation to my family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering encouragement throughout my journey. Deepest gratitude to my husband Dario Chase, whose steadfast support has been a pillar of strength during the most critical moments. As Deputy Chief Librarian, I also want to highlight my initial concerns regarding the library’s technical aspects in this rapidly evolving technological era. It is essential that we embrace innovation to ensure our library remains relevant and accessible to the community.
Guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’, I am committed to challenging the misconception that libraries are obsolete and instead highlighting their essential role in our community’s growth and development, particularly in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. I look forward to implementing new initiatives, strengthening library services and working collaboratively with my colleagues to enhance access to information and resources for all.”
The Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, in congratulatory remarks, said, “Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Delusma-Chase on her well-deserved appointment as Deputy Chief Librarian.
Throughout her career, she has exemplified a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for lifelong learning that resonates not only within the Library Services but also in her drive for excellence and success.
We are pleased to have been able to provide financial support for her academic studies from the TCIG Professional Development Fund and encourage other public servants to do the same.
We are certain that Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s extensive knowledge and innovative spirit will undoubtedly lead to a transformative impact on our libraries, making them more accessible and engaging for everyone. I look forward to witnessing the positive changes she will bring and the inspiration she will provide to both her peers and our future generations.
Congratulations Ms. Delusma-Chase on your promotion.”
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