TCI News
Turks and Caicos Islands removed from Zika Travel Advisory by CDC
#Providenciales, March 26, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sport and Human Services is pleased to announce that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has updated its Zika travel information website to reflect that the Turks and Caicos Islands is among the countries with current or past Zika transmission but no outbreak. In the case of the TCI, the last confirmed case of Zika was reported in January 2017.
The CDCs Zika travel information website provides information to prospective travelers about the risk of acquiring Zika when traveling to different countries. It is a tool to help travelers make informed decisions about whether to travel to a particular destination.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency, the regional public health agency of which TCI is a member, has previously issued a statement on October 19th 2018, indicating “that the Zika virus transmission in the Caribbean had been interrupted for over 12 months, or was at undetectable levels, thereby posing very little risk to residents and visitors to the Region. This was matched by data shared with CARPHA by Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America, which showed that no Zika had been detected for over 12 months in travelers returning from the Caribbean to their countries”.
On October 17th 2018, World Health Organization (WHO) discontinued the Zika classification scheme which saw several Caribbean countries, including the TCI, characterized as having “new introduction or reintroduction with ongoing Zika transmission”. The discontinuation came after much advocacy from several Ministries of Health including the Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). However, the Zika label remained on much of the region based on the United States’ CDC travel advisory website. The CDC travel advisory continued to have an adverse impact on the hotel and tourism industry of the Caribbean, the most tourism-dependent region in the world, and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations worldwide.
According to Dr. James Hospedales, Executive Director of CARPHA, ongoing cancellations due to the classification of most Caribbean countries was hurting the industry unnecessarily. Thus, the new categorization on the CDC travel advisory website is welcomed news for the TCI and the region.
The Ministry of Health has continued its efforts to strengthen its vector control programme through the implementation of its Integrated Vector Management Plan which was approved by Cabinet as well as a number of technical assessments and training facilitated by regional and international partners including PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), CARPHA and PHE (Public Health England).
In addition, clean up campaigns are ongoing throughout the country in order to maintain the cleanliness of the environment thereby reducing and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Health promotion activities are ongoing to educate the general public about measures they can take to reduce mosquito breeding as well as avoid mosquito bites through various forms of media.
The Ministry of Health continues to take a proactive multifaceted approach in addressing mosquito-borne diseases including Zika in order to protect the health of residents and visitors to the TCI.
For additional information, please contact the Ministry of Health on 338-3055.
Press Release: TCIG
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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