TCI News
TCI: Child Abuse Prevention Month – April 2018
#TurksandCaicos, April 12, 2018 – Providenciales – The Department of Social Development within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication observes Child Abuse Prevention month in April. This year’s theme is “Hear the Children’s Cry.” Child abuse can affect children of all ages, race, ethnicity and religion. No child or young person is immune to it.
The Department of Social Development is the lead agency responsible for Child safeguarding/ protection and has zero tolerance to all forms of child abuse. In order to prevent Child Abuse, we must first know what it is.
Child Abuse is any act or series of actions, or failure to act by a parent or caregiver which results in any form of harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a minor child. These acts of commission and omission may result in physical injury, neglect, emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. Behaviors/ actions and Indicators exhibited may co-exist.
Types of Child Abuse:
Neglect
Physical abuse
Abandonment
Sexual abuse
Emotional/Psychological abuse
A Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years old, according to the Convention on the Rights of a Child, which TCI is signatory.
Who abuses children: Children are primarily abused by familiar persons not strangers. People who they know and trust.
There are many reasons and factors where children and adults do report child abuse:
CHILD VIEWS ADULT VIEWS
Fear of removal and separation from families Fear of community backlash
Lives being threatened Belief the child will get over it
Shame, guilt, embarrassment Fear of negative consequences
People gossip too much and they wouldn’t want
anyone to know about it
It is important for everyone to report child abuse because:
- You are the voice of the child
- Stop the cycle of abuse
- Prevention is better
Mandatory Reporting
Professional bodies such as teachers, operators and employees of day care centres, health care professionals, social workers, have the legal responsibility to report all forms of child abuse including the clergy. The Children Care and Protection Ordinance 2015 stipulates the timing in which reporting should be…” without delay” (section 14. 1)
Methods of reporting
- Contact the police who will contact the Director of Social Development
- Anonymously
- Email: reportabusetci@gov.tc
The TCI government approved the National Child Safeguarding Protocols – Working Together in the TCI in Cabinet and an official signing of the document by all stakeholders took place on the November 16, 2017. This was a major accomplishment for the TCI in safeguarding our children and coming in line with our UK OT counterparts. The main stakeholders were:
- Education
- Police
- Health
- Legal Department – AG Chambers/ DPP
- Social Development
How you can help?
- Everyone has a role to play in combating child abuse in the TCI.
- If you see something, say something
- Do not hide incidences of child abuse – always operate in the best interest of the child
- Educate others about the signs and indicators of child abuse and what can be done to prevent it
Tips on managing CA
- Reach out to a parent who seems overwhelmed
- Set a positive example. Never use violence or put downs
- Treat all children and parents with respect.
- Be there for children. Listen and empathize
- Always stop to cool down before disciplining a child
Dos and Don’ts if a child discloses abuse
Dos
Reassure the child that you have listened to what he/she said
Ensure you have made notes using the child’s exact words (date, time, place, people present)
Ensure the report is made by contacting lead agency in child protection – Social Development and or the police
Don’ts
Do not contact the alleged or suspected perpetrator
Do not attempt to investigate the allegations yourself
Do not interrupt, ask leading questions or make the child repeat the account, if a child tells you that he or another child is being abused.
Commenting on Child Abuse Month, the Director of Social Development, Mrs. Tiffany Thomas-Browne noted; “Our children and young people are our most precious gems and TCIG is committed to preventing, reporting and managing all forms of child abuse throughout the country. The TCI National Child Safeguarding Protocol-Working Together in the TCI gives us leverage on the methods and approaches that must be taken in respect to a report of child abuse/neglect. It speaks to the various roles of stakeholders and more importantly, minimizing the impact of abuse on the child as well as having the child’s best interest as our priority. You are urged to do your part as a citizen to protect our children and ensure that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. Break the Silence – End Child Abuse/Neglect.”
The following activities have been planned for the rest of the month in observance of Child Abuse Month.
Activities in observance of CAP month
- Rap sessions with young people around the theme
- Focus groups with children and young people
- Child Safeguarding workshops for parents, teachers & Religious leaders
- Community Outreach (distribution of brochures and pamphlets)
- Jingle creation by students
- Presentations to schools
- Ecumenical church service on Provo
Release: TCIG
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.
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