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Horrible triple drowning could accelerate tourist area signs across TCI

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#Providenciales, August 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A first of its kind tragedy for Middle Caicos will likely accelerate the process of getting more signs and warning notices erected in high traffic tourist spots around the country, but signs will not guarantee public safety reminded the government minister responsible.

“Provisions were made in this year’s budget and there is a procurement process that must be followed but in light of what has happened yesterday, affecting service in the islands that the process would speed up; I would certainly welcome that and certainly encourage that.” 

A statement yet again exposing that national needs are frustrated by the molasses-paced of the notorious, Procurement Process.

Minister of Tourism and the Department of Coastal Resources, also the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos, Ralph Higgs spoke today to Magnetic Media; ironically following the unveiling of new ‘hospitality’ signs in down town Providenciales. 

On Monday, three tourists lost their lives after a sister island excursion to remote, Bambarra Beach in Middle Caicos, went horrifically wrong.

“I want the public to know, that we must, when we go out and enjoy nature, we must always be reminded and mindful that while nature is as good as it gets, it has an unpredictable side to it.  So, we must be cognizant of our environment, we must respect nature and go about enjoying it.” 

Three adults were caught up in a quick-rising tide, often tricky current and are believed to have drowned, leaving two young girls – their daughters – on the beach, shocked and devastated by the ordeal. 

“Clearly, clearly there is a need for us to constantly work on improving sites and attractions across the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos.  I would like to assure the travelling public that my Government is committed to precisely that.  We have made financial provisions in our budgets for signs…but the government is very aware of the need for signs and it is moving as quickly as it can to put signs up across the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” 

Empathy for the family rang out across the Turks and Caicos, as residents learned of the tragedy befalling the group of Americans who were on a day trip from Providenciales to the country’s largest island, Middle Caicos.

There were also words of thanks from Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting, who said: “I speak on behalf of the Force Executive Team and indeed the whole Force when I say we are proud of the response of the Marine Branch Officers, officers on Middle Caicos, other officers that attended from the sister Islands and those officers who assisted from afar in the 911 Centre and the Silver and Gold Commander who all did everything possible to assist those in trouble. I must also point out the efforts of the District Commissioner for the Island of Middle Caicos Mr. Fredrico Johnson, your acts of leadership speak volumes, and the local community who also assisted.” 

Islanders say there is a desperate need for more signs, more warnings, even tour guides to keep guests informed and safe.  Minister Ralph Higgs says, he agrees.

“Very sadly, but this is the first time something this tragic has happened on any of our beaches.  So clearly there will be stepped up attention and we encourage the public to pay attention to the signs and notices.  There can be an unpredictable side of nature.  For example, you go out and the tide is low and you come back and the tide is high.  You go out and the wind is blowing from one direction that may have aided your travels, but on the way coming back the wind has changed and that impedes your travels.  So we must always be mindful of these things, advise people of our journeys so that they will know where we are and have an idea of what we are about, and when we can be expected back; that certainly helps the process as well, but we are deeply, deeply saddened about the events of yesterday.” 

Minister Higgs cautioned residents that not all beaches will have signs or warnings posted.

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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