TCI News
TCI: “We the People”
#Providenciales, April 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – There are 4 important initiatives I think the government should embark on. All of which are extremely beneficial to this country and local businesses in the nations capital “Grand Turk”. But the most important issue pertains to the perceived lack of support for our local Marine branch.
Here are the initiatives:
- Public beach access near passenger loading zone, annex Carnival cruise center.
- Improvement of sanitation services on south beach.
- The need for a proper public ramp at south dock.
- A permanently stationed Marine vessel in Grand Turk.
On the behalf of the boat operators and concern citizens alike in Grand Turk, we are making a public plea for a marine vessel to be stationed here.
We understand the Government has austerity measures in place due to other capital projects, nevertheless, I think the welfare and safety of citizens should always be high priority for any government.
I have personally sent letters to the past and present respective government departments addressing these concerns. There has been discussions but little to no action taken.
We have a dedicated team of individuals working in our marine branch in Grand Turk, they just need the proper tools and resources and to do their jobs.
It’s No fault of their own. I have seen them up on south beach doing the jobs of local law enforcement and regulatory departments. Such as, confiscating illegal sale of alcohol, dealing with vendors over arguments with chairs, etc.
That should be No, No..their expertise should be much better utilized.
There is a host of benefits to government allocating a decent vessel just for Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and having a more robust marine branch.
- First of all, it will provide a means of transportation for rapid response in case of an emergency or a serious illness with our fellow citizens in Salt Cay.
- Secondly, it will help with the enforcement of DEMA and Fisheries regulations and protecting our marine life.
- Thirdly, it will helps to support the local boat operators especially in search and rescue operations not to include, Interception of Poachers and boarder protection.
Their presence alone in our waters is a show of force and added protection for cruise ship passengers embarking on our shores. On any given day, when the cruise ships are in, we literally have thousands of sunbathers on the beach or in our waters. Many of them stray in non swim zones with no security, available marine patrol or DEMA presence to assist if needed. This is a huge safety concern.
Boat tour operators are required to pay annual fee for radio licenses for each vessel. If there is no readily available marine rescue vessel, what’s the purpose or the value?
What are we waiting for; something drastic to happen before reacting?
It goes beyond just what can the government do for the people or boat operators. It’s common decency and making public safety and security a priority.
With Tourisim being our bread and butter particular in Grand Turk and Salt Cay, we need to be more proactive with matters of this nature. It’s not rocket science. What we have to do is start holding the folks we elected to represent us much more accountable. They were placed in office to be the voice of the people and this is an area where they have failed us miserably in Grand Turk.
For those who may not have been made aware, there has been a number of various serious boating incidents occurring right here in Grand Turk. I can name a hand full of them. There needs to be a paradigm shift in how we look at Grand Turk in terms of resource allocation, how things use to be and the growing demand for change. Still quaint, but Grand Turk is no longer a small sleepy town. Criminals and weapons are entering our boarders which ever way they can. We can not and should not stand by idol or turn a blind eye. Wake up my people!
Ed Forbes
Concern citizen
Turks and Caicos, December 9, 2024 – What defines a person’s legacy: their struggles, their triumphs, or the impact they leave on others? For one Grand Turk native, Clyde Holiday, better known as “Crab”, the answer lies in an unwavering commitment to perseverance, faith, and community.
Born to an American Air Force father and a Turks Islander mother, this fearless son of the soil grew up in a small island community. From a young age, he embraced challenges, first as a motorcyclist and later as a skilled operator of heavy equipment and a businessman.
A passion for machinery and mechanics led him to Florida, where he perfected his craft and also worked in the restaurant industry. He later earned a certification as a marine mechanic. His entrepreneurial spirit, however, was not without hurdles.
Like many self-starters, he encountered failures in his early ventures. Yet, he refused to let setbacks define him. His first business venture came with a partnership chance with a Bahamian businessman in the meat industry which was a major breakthrough.
It proved that opportunity often arrives disguised as hard work, but success was fleeting. Entangled with the wrong crowd, he succumbed to addiction—a devastating chapter that brought legal troubles and shattered dreams.
What followed was a journey of redemption. While incarcerated, he experienced a moment of spiritual reckoning, drawing strength from his
faith and a Bible verse that stayed with him: “God gave men dominion over all things, but only He can change a man.”
Rejecting despair, he leaned into his community, church, and family, finding support in his first wife and guidance from local leaders. Emerging from this crucible, he rebuilt his life, uniting his faith and entrepreneurial drive.
His turning point came in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, when the storm devastated Turks and Caicos, leaving the government financially crippled.
This was his opportunity to step up and as a heavy equipment operator, he worked for years under an IOU agreement, repairing infrastructure and helping his country rebuild.
His sacrifices eventually paid off, enabling him to invest in a thriving grocery business and apartments.
What others viewed as disaster, he transformed into opportunity—a lesson in resilience for a nation still grappling with systemic challenges.
Today, he oversees seven businesses, embodying the potential of self-made success. Yet his greatest pride lies not in personal wealth but in community impact.
A staunch advocate for youth empowerment at an earlier age.
He calls for targeted education programs in schools to nurture trade skills, because not everyone is college bound. He also calls for unionization of suppliers to lower costs of goods, and reforms to strengthen economic self-sufficiency.
His philosophy challenges politicians and citizens alike to rethink their roles in how they can help shape the country’s future.
For skeptics, his story raises difficult questions about the role of personal responsibility versus systemic reform. Is it enough to inspire individuals, or must societies provide the structures to support their potential? His life suggests both are necessary. By turning personal struggles into public contributions, he exemplifies how individual resilience can intersect with collective progress.
When asked how he wishes to be remembered, his response is as inspiring as his journey: “For my love, charity, and care for the people of this great country.”
His life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and a vision that extends beyond self-interest—a legacy that challenges us all to think bigger.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Employment Services Department is happy to announce the opening of our Online Work Permit Portal, effective 13th January 2025. This new system will make the work permit application procedure more efficient and straightforward.
Both will be able to access the portal:
• Corporate Applicants: Businesses or groups submitting applications on behalf of their staff members.
• General Applicants: People who apply for work permits directly.
A link to the portal APS Login and a demo video Application Processing System 18.Nov.2024.wmv with step-by-step instructions https://borderforceapps.gov.tc/download/guide.pdf is provided to ensure a smooth transition and ease of use. These resources will guide users through the registration process and demonstrate how to navigate and use the portal effectively.
This initiative is part of our commitment to improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and enhancing accessibility for all applicants.
We encourage all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the portal before its launch. Training resources and detailed instructions are available to ensure a smooth transition.
For more information or assistance, please get in touch with the Employment Services Department at:
- Phone: 338-5639/4115
- Email: lsgibbs@gov.tc or cjoutten@gov.tc
- Website: APS Login
The Department appreciates your cooperation as we transition to this innovative platform to serve you better.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Pan American Health Organization hosted a Training of Trainers on the Strategic Risk Assessment using the Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (STAR) in St George’s, Grenada from 5 -7 November 2024.
The objectives of this training were:
- to Train Health Disaster Managers and counterparts on the STAR Methodology
- conduct a multi-stakeholder strategic risk assessment for Grenada
The Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (STAR) Tool has been developed by WHO (the World Health Organisation), to support member states in risk assessment using a standardised methodology.
STAR is a comprehensive toolkit to enable countries and regions to conduct a strategic, rapid, and evidence-base assessment of public health risk for planning and prioritisation of health emergency and disaster risk management activities.
Participants for this training included a multi-stakeholder group from Grenada as well as Health Disaster managers from Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St Vincent, Trinidad and members from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Joining the PAHO/WHO team as a facilitator for this training was the Director of Health Disaster, Education and Training of the Health Emergency Management Unit, Miss Charlene Higgs.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services congratulates Miss Higgs on this great accomplishment and her leadership role in the area of Health Disaster and Emergency Management in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.
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