TCI News

TCI: Hon. Vaden Williams – Contribution to Debate on Status of Children Bill

Published

7 years ago

January 29, 2019

Deandrea Hamilton

#Grand Turk, January 29, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –

Good morning Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Status of Children Bill 2018 is among one of several outstanding Family Law Bills that had required further stakeholders consultation.

Over the last several months the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Social Development Department and other stakeholders including the judiciary conducted meetings to review this Bill.

We are here today to present the final product of their hard work, with respect to this particular bill, and Mr. Speaker I want to pause to thank them for their efforts on the collection of family law bills on a whole.

Mr. Speaker, some persons may be asking why are we introducing this bill and what is its purpose of this Status of children Bill

In a nutshell Mr. Speaker we are introducing this bill because it is important for the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure that all laws relating to children is up-to date and meets the standard of international best practices and conventions.

In addition to this Mr. Speaker, My Government is a Government that is working to protect all of the rights of all of our children.

Hence, the purpose of this bill Mr. Speaker, is to provide equal status to all of children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

When we use the word status here Mr. Speaker, we are not speaking about immigration status of children. We are talking about how they are treated under the law regardless of whether they are born inside a marriage, or, whether they were born to two un-married parents.

As such, Mr. Speaker, the Bill proposes to repeal the `Legitimation Ordinance and the Illegitimacy Ordinance which overlap with what this bill is trying to achieve. It will also save certain sections as well as modify some parts of the provisions that are saved, to ensure that they match with the policy positions taken by our Government.

Mr. Speaker, I will highlight the issues this bill seeks to address, in five parts in accordance with the five parts of this bill.

PART 1 – Preliminary

Mr. Speaker, Part 1 of the bill simply

Sets out the meaning or definition of key terms
states who this bill applies to, and
protects any related right a child would have had before this bill.

PART 2 – Status of Children

Mr. Speaker, part 2 is seeking to do several things.

It is seeking to remove labels such as il-legitimate, legitimate, lawful or unlawful that have been pegged on to some children in our society for many generations. Our policy is that there will not be any distinction between children based on the marital status of their parent. Many children have been treated unkindly because of this, and Mr. Speaker I am happy that this caring Government is taking this important step to put the law on their side.

Another thing that this part provides for, Mr. Speaker, is a list of several types of relationships, which shall be used in law, to determine the natural father of a child unless there is some other proof to confirm that he is not a child’s father. I will not go through the full list now, Mr. Speaker, but I do look forward to the contributions from Members of this Honorable House during the debate, and more importantly, during the Committee of the Whole.

Before I move on to the next part Mr. Speaker, it is important to highlight that this section also propose that we have provisions in our laws, for the very first time, presumptions of parentage based on artificial conception procedure.

Finally, it provides for certain conditions under which the Registrar shall file an instrument in the Registry of Births, when a father acknowledges paternity.

PART 3 – PARENTAGE

This part 3 Mr. Speaker, is making provisions for instances when a person can apply to the court to declare parentage.

It further provides for the court to require a parent test procedure it outlines matters that should be taken into account before a court order is made, and it lists the information that the results from the testing procedure should contain.

Last but not least, Mr. Speaker, it requires the Minister to approve a laboratory for carrying out parent testing procedure and enable the Minister to nominate a reporter for the approved laboratory or lab. This is important Mr. Speaker to ensure that standards are upheld and that personal information is kept strictly confidential.

PART 4 – DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

Mr. Speaker, if there is one only area that cause strife within a family, is the manner in which property is given to other family members either through gifts or inheritance.

Clause 16 to 19 of this Part 4, Mr. Speaker, totally abolishes the distinction between children born within a marriage and outside a marriage and places them on equal footing for inheriting property, when a parent dies without a will.

We also know that there are cases where parents sometimes make paternity claim after the passing a presumed father. This bill now enables the administrator of a will to make reasonable inquiries regarding the existence of any other person who could claim an interest in the estate of the decease.

It also relieves the administrator of the responsibility to seek more information that he honestly and reasonably thinks is necessary and protects him from action being taken against him if had no knowledge or notice of a potential relationship between a person and the deceased.

It should be noted that Part 4 of this bill Mr. Speaker starts off by ensuring that the earlier provisions regarding wills and gifts that were completed or became effective before this bill, shall continue to be as is, and will not be affected by this bill.

PART 5 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Part 5 is the final part of this bill, Mr. Speaker, and it contains provisions relating to hearings, penalties for failure to adhere to parentage testing or seeking to tamper with tests, existing rights, regulations and repeal.

Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the rights of the child, this Government, my Government, is committed to protecting the rights of every child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment and maltreatment or exploitation.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the support of all members of this Honorable House on the Status of Children Bill that is being proposed here today and I now invite them, through you Mr. Speaker, to make their contributions to this very important pieces of legislation

Thank you Mr. Speaker

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

News

Planning for Tomorrow: Why Sustainable Communities Begin with Good Planning

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos – Every thriving community tells a story long before the first home is built. The placement of roads, the routing of utilities, the protection of natural resources and the provision of schools, healthcare and emergency services are all the result of decisions made through careful planning. While these elements are often taken for granted, they form the foundation of safe, functional and sustainable communities.

As populations grow and communities evolve, planning becomes increasingly important. It helps ensure that development takes place in locations that can support it, that infrastructure keeps pace with demand, and that public services remain accessible to those who depend on them. Good planning also considers the future, creating communities that can adapt to changing needs while preserving the quality of life enjoyed by current and future generations.

Where development occurs without adequate planning, however, the effects can be felt far beyond the boundaries of a single neighbourhood. Roads may be unable to accommodate emergency vehicles, utilities can become overstretched, and environmental resources may come under increasing pressure. Delivering public services in these circumstances often becomes more difficult and more costly, creating challenges that affect entire communities rather than individual properties alone.

For this reason, sustainable development can only emanate from careful planning. It must be ensured that homes, infrastructure and essential services develop together in a coordinated and responsible way. Every planning decision contributes to the broader picture of how communities function, grow and respond to future demands.

Supporting that process requires reliable information. Accurate data helps planners and policymakers understand where growth is occurring, identify emerging needs and make informed decisions about infrastructure, housing and public services. It also strengthens collaboration among government agencies by providing a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities.

Within the Turks and Caicos Islands, this collaborative approach is reflected in the work of the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), which supports a range of initiatives aimed at improving the understanding of informal settlement development. Through activities such as GIS mapping, the Social Needs Assessment Survey and collaboration with partner agencies, the ISU contributes valuable information that helps support evidence-based planning and long-term decision-making.

Strong communities are not built overnight. They are shaped through thoughtful planning, informed decisions and cooperation across government and the wider community. As the Turks and Caicos Islands population continues to grow, maintaining that focus will be essential to creating communities that are safe, resilient and equipped to meet the needs of generations to come.

Education

Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony

Published

5 days ago

July 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Ministry of Education Representatives with Rubis and Top 3 Performers

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.

Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.

The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You

have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”

The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13

Position	Name	School	Portfolio Value	Regional Placement
1st	Marc Roubentz-Perceus	TCIPS Comprehensive High School	$ 370,336.63	1st
2nd	Joshua Creese	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 264,841.31	2nd
3rd	Stendro Chalas	TCIPS Comprehensive High School	$ 247,738.09	3rd
4th	Ojed’harlie Jolissaint	Wesley Methodist School	$ 227,389.60	4th
5th	Tyshawn Wright	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 189,064.18	5th
6th	Jah’keem Missick	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 173,654.58	6th
7th	Curvin Handfield	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 156,984.89	8th
8th	Chadazea Darville	Wesley Methodist School	$ 147,428.43	9th
9th	Vivaan Castleton	British West Indies Collegiate	$ 120,833.83	14th
10th	Damendine Simplus	TCIPS Comprehensive High School	$ 118,660.55	15th
11th	Dyvion Louis	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 111,572.81	16th
12th	Colin Moriarty	British West Indies Collegiate	$ 106,854.81	17th
13th	Kensley Felix	TCIPS Comprehensive High School	$ 101,285.06	18th
14th	Redjino Saint-Louis	Raymond Gardiner High School	$ 99,927.39	19th