TCI News
TCI: It’s Flu Season: Cover Your Cough and Sneezes
#Providenciales, February 5, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services wishes to advise the public to be vigilant during this Flu season. Influenza (Flu) season reoccurs annually during the cooler months and is characterized by a prevalence of outbreaks of Influenza. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, however, most of the flu activity often peaks between December and February.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that hospitalization and death due to seasonal influenza occurs mainly among high risk groups. Worldwide, these annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory death. The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, and Human Services is committed to keeping the Turks and Caicos Islands populations healthy, and persons are 
advised to visit the Primary Health Care Clinics within their respective communities before they have the flu for the Flu vaccine which is given free of charge.
Signs and Symptoms of the Flu: –
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months have a flu vaccine annually. In addition to having a flu vaccine, the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services would like to recommend the following health tips which can avoid the spread of the infection:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or long enough to sing the birthday song twice.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rubs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If you or your child is sick with the flu or flu-like symptoms, stay home from work, school and daycare. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Persons who are ill with flu like symptoms should remain at home until they are no longer contagious. Your doctor should provide you with a sick note for work or school.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, manage your stress and be physically active.
- Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against the flu.
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Currently, influenza types A and B is in circulation in the TCI. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. A neighbouring country has already reported one death due to influenza. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Flu virus travels through the air in droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplet directly, or you can pick up the germ from an object, then transfer them to your eyes, nose and mouth. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
Get your Flu shot today!!!
For more information, contact your Health Care Provider or the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772 or 3384942.
Release: TCIG
News
The Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News3 days agoThe Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
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TCI News5 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism