TCI News

COVID-19: Time for prudence, not panic.

Published

6 years ago

March 30, 2020

#LettertotheEditor – Turks and Caicos Islands – March 30, 2020 — The world’s focus remains on COVID-19 as the virus continues its international spread.

We see this every time. Every, single, time something mysterious happens. The worst-case scenario is assumed. People behave irrationally in a panic.

Then more knowledge we gained. Uncertainty is resolved. People calm down. The market recovers. With coronavirus news sweeping the world, it is easy to get caught up in the daily reports.

The result can be the exact opposite of what these measures are trying to achieve – protecting people rather than exposing them to risk and frightening. Instead, people dash to stores to over-stock up on items when they don’t need it. It is appropriate to be concerned and to make suitable preparations.

We need to be aware that even for those who catch the virus, the majority will be fine. What is important is to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to those who might not be fine if they catch it. Basic hygienic practice: wash your hands thoroughly, use sanitizers, keep your distance from people, avoid shaking hands, isolate yourself if you have symptoms or feel you might have been exposed to someone with the virus. These aren’t things that will change your world – but they can help to reduce the spread of germs and the virus, and that might stop it from reaching others.

As much as the coronavirus has medical consequences, so too it has become clear that it has economic consequences. For many, those consequences are immediate – and as pressing as the health concerns.

Among those to feel the sting are personnel in the hospitality industry, who were asked to take their earned vacation days or, ominously, to volunteer to take two weeks of unpaid leave.

We would hope that hoteliers remember living high on the income of tourism over many years as it makes decisions that affect the income of those who helped play a key part in making the most of those good days. We would hope the same for other businesses too – to look at the long game and consider what they can do to keep things going until those good days come again.

Although growth rates in the tourism sectors have already declined. Many hotels have experienced cancellations over the immediate period and well into the next winter season. With a reduction in the numbers of hotel guests and patrons of restaurants as well as the numbers renting vehicles, earnings in the sector have dropped; jobs are being lost and government revenues are declining.

But the spread of the virus will peak. Our economies will recover.

Until then, we must act together to slow the spread of the virus and look after each other.

Even though the situation has been classified as a pandemic, it is one we can control. We can slow down transmissions, prevent infections and save lives. But that will take the unprecedented personal and national engagement.

COVID-19 is our common enemy. We must declare war on this virus.

Submitted by Ranaldo A. Forbes

Related Topics:#coronavirus #lettertotheeditor #magneticmedianews

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

2 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

News

New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”