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
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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 News6 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism