TCI News
TCI Ministry of Health hosts 3-day Post Disaster Surveillance Workshop
#Providenciales, February 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services (MHASHS), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), hosted a 3 day “Post Disaster Surveillance Workshop” at the Atrium Resort Conference room in Providenciales (January 
22nd – 24th, 2019). The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Eldonna Boisson, Public Health advisor with PAHO. Dr Boisson possesses over 20 years of experience in infectious disease, epidemiology and field investigation. Participants consisted of 18 staff members from various MHASHS departments including the National Epidemiology and Research Unit, Environmental Health Department, Primary Health Care Department and National Public Health Laboratory. The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen technical knowledge and capacity for post disaster surveillance. Importantly, the workshop also aimed to develop standardized processes for data collection strategies and methodologies for disease surveillance post disaster in Turks and Caicos Islands.
The geographical location of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), coupled with its humidity and warm seas, make it vulnerable to tropical cyclones during the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) of each year. Unfortunately, the threat of these natural phenomena was realized when several major storms made landfall in the TCI. Hurricanes can leave a post disaster situation with many health implications, not the least of which is an increased risk of communicable diseases such as gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting). The conditions that promote gastroenteritis development include 1. Rain/flood water, which may be contaminated with bacteria and viruses, and which may infiltrate the public water supply. 2. Power outages which may compromise the food supply and 3. Displacement caused by the hurricane which may force living conditions that are amendable to the spread of 
disease. In addition, the risk of dengue an arboviral disease caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, is also heightened. This is because flood water provides an environment that mosquito larva can live and grow.
The workshop represented a proactive approach on the part of MHASHS to ensuring that a properly functioning, robust surveillance system is available in the TCI in a post hurricane scenario. When the surveillance process works as it should, it can serve as an early warning system that would trigger intervention/responses which can control the spread of disease. As an important tool in a post disaster situation, the workshop also featured sessions on event based surveillance, an unstructured/non-standardized method of collecting information about health events that could be a serious risk to public health, and outbreak investigation.
For further information please contact the National Epidemiology and Research Unit on 338-3070/338-5066.
Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
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.
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