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Overseas COVID-19 case with TCI travel history activates local contact tracing

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday 23 March, 2020): The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital received a public health notification that a temporary worker who visited the country on March 8th – 13th 2020 to facilitate mandatory training with a group of hospital employees tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after his return home to the United States.

The temporary worker is a 35-year-old American male and he is currently being isolated at home in the USA in stable condition. Whilst the male is classified as an overseas confirmed COVID-19 case, the decision was made to share the circumstances surrounding the case in the public’s interest. The training sessions with hospital employees were held on March 9th – 12th at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

The Turks and Caicos Islands and the primary U.S. state from which the temporary worker travelled and resided had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the time of travel. In addition, there were no causes for concern identified during his screening upon entry to Providenciales and he was asymptomatic while on island. Investigations are ongoing to determine how and at what point in time the male may have contracted the virus.

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Since becoming aware of the result and out of an abundance of caution, contact tracing was immediately activated by the TCI Government Ministry of Health Public Health Department in partnership with TCI Hospital and with guidance from Public Health England. 

According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control, people are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic. However, given the scientific speculation surrounding whether it might be possible for asymptomatic persons to spread the virus in small amounts, Providenciales-based hospital employees and other persons who were in contact with the affected male were placed under quarantine as a precaution pending test results from samples collected. These tests are being expedited and thus far two results have returned as negative. 

Temporary and resident health care workers and patients returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands from overseas medical care facilities have been required to undergo a risk assessment process to prevent the risk and spread of COVID-19. Based on the risk level, this may include a requirement to quarantine as determined by TCIG MOHAHS Public Health Team. 

File Photo, TCI Hospitals Emergency Room entrance

The Ministry of Health and TCI Hospital continues to be engaged in dialogue throughout this public health challenge. The Ministry fully supports these prudent and necessary measures as we fight the risk and potential spread of COVID-19.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE; TCI HOSPITALS & TCI MINISTRY OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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Finance

(SENIOR CITIZENS) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (FAP) – UPDATE – 12 NOVEMBER 2024

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 12 November 2024: The Financial Assistance Programme has approved over $1.292 million in payments to 342 persons over the age of 70 years.

The Government is pleased to report that this intervention will ensure that the aged of the Turks and Caicos Islands, have a monthly FAP benefit of up to $1,000 per month. The programme was designed so that those with other sources of pensions which total less than $1,000 per month will be “topped up” to $1,000 per month and those without an alternate source will receive $1,000.00 per month.

The Honourable C. Washington Misick, Premier, in speaking about this programme said that the FAP is an investment in the well-being of the older folk of the TCI.  This monthly contribution makes pension benefits more relevant to the current cost of living and assures a certain level of financial independence and a better quality of life for pensioners.

The provision of liveable pensions is a social obligation that the Government has not taken lightly; and a key component of several initiatives implemented during the past four (4) years that are intended to strengthen social programs to promote economic stability during the entire span of a person’s life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The FAP portal is currently closed for submissions but will reopen on Monday, November 18, 2024.  To qualify you must:

  • Be receiving a pension that is below $1,000.00 per month from one or multiple sources or is receiving no pension at all.
  • Be a Turks and Caicos Islander or a British Overseas Territory Citizen.
  • Have attained the age of seventy (70) years old.
  • Be ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the last 5 (five) years.

Persons who are “wards of the state” (e.g. residing in TCIG wellness centres, aged-care centres, etc.) and “wards of the court.” (e.g. in prison etc.) will not qualify for the FAP.

Apply at: seniorcitizensfap.gov.tc

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Crime

Public Advisory: Warning of Ongoing Zoom Scam Calls  

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Turks and Caicos, November 12th, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is alerting the public to be cautious of a new swindle involving unsolicited Zoom meeting requests.

Scammers are contacting individuals, falsely claiming they are initiating a Zoom call and then sending a malicious link.

Superintendent of Division A, Willet Harvey, advises: “Do not click on any suspicious links sent to you by unknown callers.  These scams are designed to trick you into compromising your devices and obtaining sensitive information stored on devices.  Protect yourself by being cautious and reporting any suspicious interactions.  These incidents are engaging the attention of the Force’s Forensic Digital Unit. ”

Key Online Safety Tips:

  • Never Accept Links from Strangers: Clicking on unfamiliar or unsolicited links can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and the compromise of your personal information.
  • Verify Before You Click: If someone sends you a meeting link or a file unexpectedly, verify its authenticity before opening it, even if it appears to be from a known contact.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a call or message asking you to click on a link, report it immediately to the police and do not engage further.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal information.

For more information or to report a scam, contact your nearest police station, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information on the identity of fraudsters.

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News

Experience Turks and Caicos Hosts Two-Day Workshop on Product Development and Vendor Excellence in Grand Turk

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS  – Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a successful two-day workshop on October 18th and 19th, 2024, with tour operators and vendors, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to enhance their product offerings and guest experiences.

The workshops were held in collaboration with the Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence with facilitators Ms. Marie Berthe Hatt and Ms. Melanie Colpitts leading the discussions. Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila are Platinum Partners with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

The workshops took place at the Yellowman and Sons auditorium in Grand Turk and focused on two critical areas: Product Development and Vendor Excellence, with an emphasis on creating and delivering innovative experiences that respond to today’s travel trends.

As cruise destinations continuously evolve to stay competitive, the Product Development Workshop provided participants with a roadmap to ensure their destination remains fresh and appealing to both cruise lines with the theme: “What’s New in Your Destination?” Key topics included identifying market opportunities and emerging trends, crafting unique and memorable guest experiences, marketing strategies to get experiences noticed and ensuring product sustainability.

The Vendor Excellence workshop, held on the second day, highlighted the pivotal role vendors play in shaping the overall cruise guest experience. This half-day workshop was designed to empower vendors with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional service, improve sales, and enhance their contribution to the destination’s success. Key topics covered during the Vendor Excellence workshop included understanding the critical role of vendors in the success of cruise tourism, optimising products and services for maximum impact, sales mastery and improving revenue-generating capabilities and developing a guest-centric approach to service

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly, applauded the Product Development Team, led by Product Development Manager Mrs. Candesha Mills, for creating an opportunity for tour operators and vendors to enhance their offerings.

“Developing our products to increase visitation and spend on island is a very important aspect of the work of Experience Turks and Caicos. These workshops will go a long way to spark new ideas and new businesses, to improve the way business is conducted, enhance the product development on the island and to affirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from the tourism industry. I applaud the team for this initiative and I thank everyone who attended and participated in these workshops,” the Minister said.

Mrs Mills said: “The two-day workshop was incredibly informative and facilitated great discussions among the participants. Tour operators and vendors walked away with a wealth of knowledge on how to enhance their existing products and services and were inspired to create new ones based on current market trends. This training equipped them with the tools they need to stay competitive and continue delivering exceptional experiences to our cruise guests.”

Ms. Berthe Hatt, shared her enthusiasm following the two-day workshops: “Grand Turk is such a special community, and Melanie and I are so grateful to Experience Turks and Caicos for this opportunity to work with the tour operators and vendors here. Over the last two days, we’ve had such engaged participants and great discussions around new product ideas and raising the level of service. We’re excited and cheering you on.”

Each attendee received a certificate of completion, symbolising their readiness to contribute to the success of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier cruise destination.

Experience Turks and Caicos continues to lead efforts in enhancing the destination’s offerings and empowering local stakeholders, ensuring the islands remain a top choice for cruise lines and their guests.

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