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Turks and Caicos Hospitals accredited for internships; officials say it means improved healthcare

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#Providenciales, June 21, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Training for Medical Interns is now possible at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals; the facility today announced that the West Indies Caribbean Association of Medical Councils granted the accreditation status which can actually begins on July 1, 2019.

Commenting on the accreditation, Dean of Medical Sciences at the UWI Mona Campus, Dr Tomlin Paul stated: “The Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI Mona, is delighted to have news of a successful accreditation of the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) Hospital. This augurs well for the continued education of our Medical Graduates from the TCI. We look forward to working with the Hospital’s Administration in the continued development of Human Resources for the Caribbean Health Sector.”

UWI conducted the onsite assessment of TCI Hospitals in February 2019 and in a media release today, Chief of Medical Services, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said having medical school graduates performing internships at the Hospitals will add to the medical staff in the short term and improve diagnostic services in the long term

“Our objective is to transform the long-standing single consultant physician model overtime to a multi-level skill mix of consultant, registrar and medical interns. Many Turks and Caicos Islanders have expressed interest in returning home for their medical internships. The accreditation is the first step towards eventually accommodating these requests. Patient safety is our number one priority and building local human capacity remains a key strategic imperative.”

The Hospitals explained that while the UWI accreditation grants the facility the option to begin rotations as early as July 1st, there are additional steps required and these will deepen relations with the Turks and Caicos Islands government and increase the cost of investment in medical services in the country.

The TCIHospitals media statement reveals: “The next step involves the submission of an application to become a locally registered teaching hospital under the Ministry of Education and the presentation of a business case to TCI Government via the Change Procedure outlined in the Project Agreement. This proposal will seek funds to support four new medical intern positions and four registrar level positions. A multi-stakeholder meeting involving local entities is planned to discuss the implementation process.”

Despite the touted costs to fully embrace the internship program, both the Education and Health Ministers are thrilled at the accreditation.

“Academic medicine challenges physicians to work as multi-disciplinary teams and promote a comprehensive and multifaceted look at a patient’s condition and treatment plan, ultimately helping the hospital team provide the best care possible,” said Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health.

“This milestone achievement means that our medical students can now do their internship here within the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to work with IHC and all stakeholders to make this vision a reality,” was the comment in part from Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education. 

The country’s Health Registrar, Dr Derrick Aarons said the achievement of InterHealth Canada (TCI Hospitals) which was supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is to be widely acclaimed and agrees that better health care is on the way for residents and guests.

Further explaining how the accreditation from a team of industry experts and the UWI Accreditation Committee will enhance services at the two hospitals located in Providenciales and Grand Turk, CEO of Interhealth Canada, Daniel Carriere said: “Our successful accreditation as a teaching facility via the University of West Indies denotes a major milestone for the TCI Hospital. The fact that we will host medical interns will dramatically enhance our ability to continuously improve service delivery for our patients. The associated expectations will also provide a platform to develop other teaching programs, greater flexibility in our staffing requirements within the medical services and decrease our reliance on locum appointments. In addition, the teaching designation will further support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled staff.”

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Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

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Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to NassauSt. MaartenPuerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

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Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

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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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ISU SUPPORTS SUCCESSFUL MULTIAGENCY ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE IN FIVE CAYS AND BLUE HILLS

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.

During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.

The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.

Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.

The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.

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