TCI News

The Second Annual Tour of the Turks and Caicos

Published

4 years ago

October 26, 2019

#Providenciales, October 26, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Daniel Redmond and Tyrone Bishop named Masters and Elite Tour of Turks and Caicos Champions.

The second annual Tour of the Turks and Caicos Championship, a grueling five stage cycling competition which took place over four islands in the Turks and Caicos was a great success. The competition saw over twenty cyclists (including a visiting cyclist from Barbados) in four categories compete to be champions of the Turks and Caicos. The mood at the beginning of the tour was a mix of excitement and nervousness for the fifth stage added and the fact that the tour would take place over one weekend, instead of two like last year.

Stage one took place in the Nation’s Capital, with a 36-mile road race for Masters and Elite, 25-mile for Females and 6-mile for Cadets. Early in the race Devaughn Williams and visiting rider Sedwin Jones fom Barbados went down in a nasty fall. Thankfully they sustained no major injuries and was able to compete in later stages. The main race saw attacks by Elite rider Omard Gardiner, which he held for more than 20 miles. A well coordinated chase group was able to reel him in with just 4 miles to go. The race ended in a photo finish sprint between Friedise Registre and Omard Gardiner, where Omard edged the sprint king by just inches. Friedise Registre, Shanwell Gardiner and Daniel Redmond, took the top spots for Masters. Omard Gardiner, Tyrone Bishop and Earldarrel Basden placed first, second and third in the Elite Category. Gabriella Hedegus was again the lone female rider. Ethan Gardiner, Kymani Ewing and Tauraine James were first second and third in the Cadets race.

Stage two was a 7-mile time trial on the Green Isle of North Caicos. Cyclist brought their A-game and overall took less time to complete the course. Elite winners were Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Earldarrel Basden. Masters winners were Friedise Registre, Daniel Redmond and Sedwin Jones (cyclist from Barbados).

After a 2-hour rest period, stage three, a road race between North and Middle Caicos began. Masters and Elite 54 miles, Female 46 miles. The race got started at its usual fast pace and saw characteristic attacks by Tyrone Bishop, Sean Rogers and Sedwin Jones. However, no one was able to get away and the entire pack stayed together for the entire race which eventually came to a bunch sprint. Elite winners were Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Sean Rodgers. Masters winners Daniel Redmond, Friedise Registre and Sedwin Jones.

Stage 4 was the Providenciales Time Trial. Once again, the cyclists pushed it to the limit and improved personal times. Elite winners Omard Gardiner, Tyrone Bishop and Chevorn Bishop. Masters Winners Friedise Registre, Daniel Redmond and Shanwell Gardiner.

The fifth and final stage was a road race throughout Providenciales (65 miles Elite and Masters, 46 miles Female). From the beginning of the race there were attacks from Sedwin Jones followed by Omard and Dan Redmond. The highlight of the race was a solo breakaway by Sean Rogers. This solo breakaway was executed at a high enough pace to see Rogers ride off to a solo victory. Race favourite Fred Registre suffered a flat mid-race and was unable to finish. Elite winners of the race were Sean Rodgers, Tyrone Bishop and Omard Gardiner. Masters winners were Sedwin Jones followed by, Kavin Ewing and Shanwell Gardiner.

At the end of all five stages the overall winner of the Masters category was Dan Redmond followed by Sedwin Jones and third was Fred Registre. Elite Category winners were Tyrone Bishop, followed by Omard Gardiner and third was Chevorn Bishop.

Visiting rider, Sedwin Jones expressed excitement about his participation in the Tour of TCI and stated he was quite surprised by the level of talent and competition here in the TCI. Mr Jones who is a former multiple National champion of Barbados has confirmed he will definitely be back to compete next year. President of the TCI cycling Federation was very satisfied with the turnout and performance of the cyclist. TCI has set a new standard in the region with this being the only 5 stage race being held over a 3 day period. The level of difficulty is unlike no other race on record and TCI has caught the attention of many cycling Federations around the region. The Bahamas, Anguilla and Canada has already indicated that they will be competing in the Tour of TCI for 2020.

The Tour marks the end of the season for the TCI Cycling Federation. After tallying all points accumulated during the 2019 season, the overall winner for the Masters Category is Frediese Registre, followed by Shanwell Gardiner and third place Dan Redmond

Elite Category 2019 season winners are Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Anthony Plunkett placing 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd.

Next on the agenda for the TCCF is the 19^th Annual Caribbean Championships to be held in Havana Cuba 1^st to the 3^rd of November. This is the first invitation TCI has ever received from the Caribbean Cycling Confederation (CCC). We will be taking a team of 4 to the games.

The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank our sponsors; Accu Diagnostic, Bajari Beach All Inclusive, Bohio Resort, Caicos Xpress Airlines, Flamingo Pharmacy, Gordon Supplies, Gracebay Pharmacy, Graceway Supermarkets, Island Bargains, Jaca TCI Ltd, Lapels, Long Bay Express Gas Station, Miss B’s Restaurant, Ocean Club Resorts, Osprey Hotel, Paradise Smiles TCI, Paparazzi, Paul Vaughn, Salt Raker Inn, Somewhere Café, Sunshine Restaurant, The Hartling Group,.The public who came out to support the event, the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force who kept us safe during the event. A special thank you also to all of our volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.

TCI News

Budget Allocation is $16 Million for Minister Kyle Knowles

Published

8 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Shanieka

Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff

It is a brand new minister heading a somewhat new ministry and when Kyle Knowles, the member from Wheeland made his debut as a front bencher during the recently concluded Budget session in the House of Assembly, he announced his mission in a ministerial statement under the theme: “Forging Ahead: Building A Stronger, More Sustainable Ministry.”

There are seven departments within the newly minted, Public Safety and Utilities and the allocation for tops $16 Million for areas, listed by Minister Knowles as: Water Undertaking; Customer and Government Information Services; Postal Services; Correctional Services; Domestic Fire and Rescue; Energy and Utilities and Rehabilitation and Community Services.

The minister announced his spending priorities and on the table is an $850,000 allocation for the completion of the Halfway House in Providenciales; another $300,000 is allocated for the Community Enhancement Program to assist rehabilitation efforts and community projects, while $613,763 will go to the establishment of the Multi-Sector Regulatory agency.

“The Ministry’s mandate is an important and critical one and I pledge my full support to ensuring that we continue with renewed momentum and zeal to deliver for the people of these islands.

Mr. Speaker, my Ministry’s mission is to consistently excel in service delivery, produce high quality products, enhance customer service experiences and uphold the highest standards of excellence and accountability, while safeguarding the well-being, safety and security of the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Minister Knowles.

An electronic monitoring system, to the tune of $384,900 was allocated for the Parole Board and $1,615,420 is earmarked for enhancing security across the prison, bringing increased training and staffing resources and broadening of the farm activities at His Majesty’s Prison, also known as the Department of Correctional Services.
A common criticism of ministries of government is their inability to spend the funds allocated, funds which are often announced as necessary to advance development of the society. Minister Kyle Knowles reported on last year’s performance where there was a shortfall in spending.

“Mr. Speaker, as a brief recap of the Ministry’s 2023/2024 performance, total actual revenue for the Ministry was 1.85 million dollars ($1,852,199.40) against an projected 2.35 million dollars ($2,352,025.98). While this was a shortfall of twenty-one percent (21%), this was due to external factors – a planned grant from Expertise France for the RESEMBID programme was not implemented.

The operational performance for 2023/2024 saw the achievement of ninety-five (95%) of the revised estimates being spent. Total expenditure was 13.24 million dollars ($13,237,019.75) against the projected 13.92 million dollars ($13,922,059.92).”

Still he seemed pleased that projects, namely: Construction and renovation of structures for Water Undertaking; Construction and renovation of structures for the Department of Correctional Services and Purchase of plant and heavy machinery for Water Undertaking were on the previous fiscal period’s agenda, adding that most program strategies were completed with a focus ramping up the ministry’s performance.

“As I deliver remarks in this new capacity, I accept the mantle and carry it forward, building on the foundation and accomplishments of the former Minister and his executive team.
It would be remiss of me, if I did not pause to express gratitude to the Minister for Home Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Commission and in that same vein to thank the Executive Team of my Ministry, led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Teann Thomas, Head of Secretariat Ms. Shanetta Thompson, all Heads of Departments and support staff for the warm welcome I have received and I look forward to building on the Ministry’s successes as together we chart the way forward.”

TCI News

REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

Published

8 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Shanieka

GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS, 18 APRIL 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.

The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:

Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman)
Hon Justice K Neville Adderley M.B.
(Member)
Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission

May invite views from members of the public.
Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
May seek advice as it considers appropriate.

The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.

The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-

Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.

In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.

Deliberations will commence as follows:-
WEEK BEGINNING 8TH -12TH APRIL 2024
Meetings with Chief Statistician
Meeting with Director of Survey and Mapping
Meeting with Supervisor of Elections

( Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
DRAFT REPORT COMPLETED BY 30TH APRIL 2024
6THto 10TH MAY 2024
Courtesy calls – HE the Governor
Hon Premier
Hon Leader of the Opposition
Hon Attorney General

(Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024
13th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
14th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm
15th May 2024 North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
16th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
17th May 2024

During the afternoon the Commission will visit the electoral boundaries in Providenciales with an officer from the Lands and Survey Office Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.

(Secretary to make appointments for travel, meeting places, transport, accommodation in Salt Cay, Grand Turk. South Caicos, Middle Caicos , North Caicos and in Providenciales)

Health

Ministry of Health and Human Services Conducts Emergency Vehicle Operators Course for Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Published

8 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Shanieka

Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully conducted Emergency Vehicle Operator Training for Emergency Medical Services Department in March 2024.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency services across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course. Hosted for all members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, this course marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to provide high quality emergency response services.

Tailored specifically for ambulance operators, the course featured a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Participants underwent rigorous training encompassing critical safety practices essential for effective emergency responses. The amalgamation of didactic instruction and hands-on training enabled operators to navigate emergency situations with precision and confidence, fostering a culture of safety paramount for preserving lives.

In times of crisis, the EMS Department emphasizes the importance of well-trained and composed responders. Equipped with the skills acquired through this specialized course, EMS personnel are better prepared to address emergencies promptly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to individuals in need.

The course, conducted by esteemed expert Mike Massaro, President of Trilogy Emergency Medical Solutions, ran from March 19th to March 22nd, 2024, across all islands. Mr. Massaro commended the EMS Department members for their enthusiasm and dedication to learning, acknowledging their pivotal role in enhancing community safety.

Participants lauded the interactive teaching approach employed throughout the course, noting its effectiveness in making lessons both engaging and informative. Their positive feedback underscores the value of practical, hands-on training in bolstering emergency response capabilities.

Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Shaun D Malcolm commented that “I am confident that the principles instilled during this course will significantly contribute to the safety and well-being of individuals accessing emergency services. By investing in continuous training and development, the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, efficient and reliable emergency care to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

For more information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook pagE at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.