GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS, 18 APRIL 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.

The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:

Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman)
Hon Justice K Neville Adderley  M.B.
(Member)
Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission

• May invite views from members of the public.
• Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
• May seek advice as it considers appropriate.

The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.

The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-

• Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
• Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.

In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall  ensure  that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.

Deliberations will commence as follows:-
WEEK BEGINNING 8TH -12TH APRIL 2024
Meetings with  Chief Statistician
Meeting with Director of Survey and Mapping
Meeting with Supervisor of Elections

( Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
DRAFT REPORT COMPLETED BY 30TH APRIL 2024
6THto 10TH MAY 2024
Courtesy calls – HE the Governor
Hon Premier
Hon Leader of the Opposition
Hon Attorney General

(Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024
13th May 2024    Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
14th May 2024    South Caicos at 6.30 pm
15th May 2024    North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
16th May 2024    Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
17th May 2024

During the afternoon the Commission will visit the electoral boundaries in Providenciales with an officer from the Lands and Survey Office Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.

(Secretary to make appointments for travel, meeting places, transport, accommodation in Salt Cay, Grand Turk. South Caicos, Middle Caicos ,  North Caicos and in Providenciales)

Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully conducted Emergency Vehicle Operator Training for Emergency Medical Services Department in March 2024.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency services across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course. Hosted for all members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, this course marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to provide high quality emergency response services.

Tailored specifically for ambulance operators, the course featured a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Participants underwent rigorous training encompassing critical safety practices essential for effective emergency responses. The amalgamation of didactic instruction and hands-on training enabled operators to navigate emergency situations with precision and confidence, fostering a culture of safety paramount for preserving lives.

In times of crisis, the EMS Department emphasizes the importance of well-trained and composed responders. Equipped with the skills acquired through this specialized course, EMS personnel are better prepared to address emergencies promptly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to individuals in need.

The course, conducted by esteemed expert Mike Massaro, President of Trilogy Emergency Medical Solutions, ran from March 19th to March 22nd, 2024, across all islands. Mr. Massaro commended the EMS Department members for their enthusiasm and dedication to learning, acknowledging their pivotal role in enhancing community safety.

Participants lauded the interactive teaching approach employed throughout the course, noting its effectiveness in making lessons both engaging and informative. Their positive feedback underscores the value of practical, hands-on training in bolstering emergency response capabilities.

Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Shaun D Malcolm commented that “I am confident that the principles instilled during this course will significantly contribute to the safety and well-being of individuals accessing emergency services. By investing in continuous training and development, the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, efficient and reliable emergency care to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

For more information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook pagE at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Dana Malcolm 
Staff Writer 

Three boys were injured and visitation at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center in Providenciales was suspended for about 18 hours following a school brawl on Wednesday afternoon at the Clement Howell High.

“At Clement Howell High School, the safety and well-being of our students are of utmost priority. We are taking this incident very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause and circumstances that led to this regrettable situation,” The Ministry of Education said in a press release Thursday Morning.

It followed reports of a large fight that began to come in early Wednesday morning with residents reporting not just the police but the presence of an ambulance on school grounds.

By 2 p.m. communication came from the TCI Hospital that they had suspended visitation; an action usually reserved for the aftermath of violent events.

The hospital did not say why it was closing its doors, only indicating that it was for the safety of its patients and staff as well as their families.

The Ministry cleared up some of what had happened in their statement indicating that the injured students, one 15 -year-old and two 16-year-olds, had been  taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.

“Contrary to reports circulating on social media, there were no further incidents at the hospital, however, as a standard precautionary measure, the hospital went on lockdown mode,” it said.

When Magnetic Media contacted the police around 4 p.m. Wednesday to find out what caused the ruckus they told us they were still on scene. Speaking to media later on they revealed the cause of the fight was still unknown but that they were using video evidence and interviews to piece it together.

Videos, shot by students, were shared with the news team, showing the extent of the fighting.

In them a large knot of boys is seen in multiple videos, some throwing punches, some kicking and pushing and some others trying in vain to separate their schoolmates. A lone white clad individual, possibly a security guard, is dragged along in the melee of fighting teens.  Some are seen brandishing what appears to be rocks, which could have been used as weapons.

There were several mobs where fights broke out; mostly boys but also girls involved.

By news production time, no news had come from police of any arrests made but the hospital resumed regular operations on Thursday morning around 9:30 a.m.

The brawl comes just weeks before the Reaching the Streets initiative which is aimed at tackling violence and criminal activities in teens and young adults.