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.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit
(ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.
During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.
The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all
block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.
Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.
The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.
-
Uncategorized4 days agoISU Supports Successful Multiagency Demolition Exercise in Blue Hills
-
TCI News4 days agoInvest Turks and Caicos Unveils Categories for The MSMES “A Celebration of Excellence”
-
TCI News2 days agoFrontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection
-
USA2 days agoNarco-Terrorist Take Down by US Gutting Caribbean Gang-Crime
-
TCI News4 days agoBeaches Turks and Caicos Celebrates TCI National Heritage Day with investment in youth and culture
-
world news3 days ago80% of the World’s Poor Face Climate Hazards — UNDP Sounds Alarm
-
TCI News3 days agoTurks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”
-
Education5 days agoBeaches Turks & Caicos Invests in Youth Development