TCI News
TCI: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Launched
#Providenciales, March 21, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – HThe Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services advises the public of the availability of the HPV vaccine. This is the vaccine that protects against cervical cancer.
FACT: Cervical cancer is preventable. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in women in Latin America and the Caribbean. It can be prevented by the HPV vaccine, screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. HPV is a group of about 200 viruses. Historically, the virus was known only to be transmitted through sexual contact. While this is still the leading cause of transmission, research has proven that the virus can live on surfaces for a long time and is resistant to heat and disinfectant. When an individual encounters an infected surface (e.g. toilet seats, countertops, swimming pool floors, gym equipment, sheets, towels), they can become infected.
50%-80% of sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. While it is possible for the body to clear HPV on its own, there are cases when it does not; this is when the virus can develop into cancer or genital warts. The types of HPV which cause genital warts are different to those which cause cancers. HPV can cause many different types of cancer; cervical, vaginal, vulva, oral-pharyngeal (throat), anus and penile. There are other ways of developing cervical cancer, however, HPV is the leading cause.
SOLUTION: Don‘t procrastinate, vaccinate.
FACT: Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women globally. Some 72,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in our region. Cervical cancer ranks among the first five most common cancers, in terms of both incidence and mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean. In this region, the disease is estimated to be the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Twenty-three (23) countries in our region are among those that have documented cervical cancer deaths. It is for this reason that the HPV vaccine is being introduced, as it is the most effective way of preventing cervical cancer.
Prevention is better than cure and young women who receive the vaccine must still have their annual pap smears for detection of precancerous lesions. An estimated 32 million women in the region are eligible for cervical cancer screening, which, when coupled with treatment can save lives. The TCI in 2018 recorded ten (10) persons living with cervical cancer
SOLUTION: Don’t procrastinate. Vaccinate.
FACT: The myths surrounding the vaccines have been dispelled and proven to be just myths. The vaccine is safe and effective and available at no cost through the Primary Health Department. Over 67 million doses of the vaccine have been administered globally. Currently, the vaccine is only being offered to girls and women aged 9 to 26 years. While there have been requests from women who are older and some countries have been known to offer it at an older age, the vaccine is most effective in the younger women and girls.
For individuals aged 9 to 14 years, a two-dose schedule will be used; for those 15 to 26 years, a three-dose schedule will be used. At the end of 2019, we expect to introduce the HPV vaccine that will cover both genders, so our boys and men will be able to benefit from this vaccine.
Women between the ages of 21-65 years are reminded to ensure that they have regular pap smears to be screened for cervical cancer. Early identification of abnormalities and treatment result in improved outcomes.
It is time to end cervical cancer.
SOLUTION: Don’t procrastinate. Vaccinate.
For more information please call or visit your nearest primary health care clinic, speak with your primary health care provider or contact the Senior Public Health Nurse on 338-5469.
Don’t procrastinate, vaccinate!
Press 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.
