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TCI Governor on the Science of COVID-19; Statement made April 1

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – FULL STATEMENT :

Good evening Turks and Caicos, it’s the Governor speaking, speaking on behalf of both myself and also the Premier. The Premier will talk on Friday about the support and stimulus package.

From me a Wednesday evening update for you. This is our fifth day of lockdown and curfew.  So far so good – and the first thing to say is thank you. We are collectively doing the right thing.  It’s causing, we know, inconvenience and in some cases serious hardship.  Most people I speak to understand instinctively why we are doing this but we thought we would use tonight to try and describe the underpinning facts of why we are doing what we are doing.

The Science:

If you can bear it, a quick science lesson – because it’s the science that is guiding us on this. You’ll have heard lots of people describe ‘flattening the curve’.  As far as I can, I want to describe to you what that means and why what we are doing does this.

All virus’s spread at different rates.  There is a scientific scale of measuring infection – this isn’t random – so, for example, measles is ‘nine’ which means that we would expect one measles case to infect nine others.  For Influenza the infection rate is 1.3.  If the rate is ‘one’ then one person infects one other person.  A figure less than ‘one’ means the disease is in decline and may die out.   

COVID19 is thought to be around 2.2. Much less infectious than measles but considerably more infectious than influenza. What this means is that, on average, one infected person passes it on to 2.2 other people. As with all statistics that quote averages this means that there may be many people that only pass it on to one, and one person that passes it on to many, but as I say the global average is 2.2

You see this in the way COVID19 spreads. One person infects two, two people infect four, those four infect eight (in fact because it’s an infection rate of 2.2 it’s now starting to become more than simply doubling) so let’s say that eight cases becomes 17 and then 17 becomes 37. You get the picture, we now have a very dramatic rise as we saw in Italy and in cities such as New York.  It’s out of the cage and it’s spreading and multiplying at a factor of 2.2. Not good.

The number one purpose of everything you are doing is to change the maths on this spread. What we need to do is bring this down from 2.2 to certainly under 1.5, in truth we want to get it to under one.  But Below 1.5 we can start to impose ourselves on this virus and bring it under control. We have to do that because our medical services can manage a much flattened curve but they couldn’t possibly manage the sort of increase I described as it grew at 2.2

The good news is that all the medical opinion we can draw on – here in the Island, public and private, and that expertise we can draw on elsewhere, including some very eminent epidemiologists in the UK, tell us that TCI is doing all the right things to achieve this. We got ahead of it and we clamped down on it, and if we can hold the line we are going to not only get through but present an example to the world about how to do this.

Separate to this there is a secondary benefit. The better the lockdown we achieve, the more chance there will be that we generate in the population a slow-burn immunity that builds over time. These will be people who have in some way been exposed to the virus but have either had no symptoms or very mild symptoms. 

It’s reasonable I think for us to assume, given how large our tourist sector was, that the virus must have been on the Islands before it was first properly identified. Some immunity will have been starting to develop.  

With testing – coming in from the UK and also being procured from the US – there’s sophisticated modelling that can explain this and as we reach a tipping point we will know that. While there will continue to be cases in TCI, there will be sufficient immunity in the population to prevent its rapid spread here. We will be seeking data to make smart decisions around this.

With the Territory having developed its own immunity – with the borders still closed – we can start to restart the local economy and get money moving through and round it. Businesses will be able to open. Fear of each other will subside.

Indeed, these Islands are small enough, the measures we have all taken together restrictive enough, and the data we may be able to collect around immunity important enough, that it may well be that TCI becomes an example of how to do this – that does our brand – as an extraordinary place and a healthy place to visit – no end of good.

It also allows us to start to see a medium term future where a tourist visiting TCI who we know is safe can come to an extraordinary destination that they know is not only beautiful, but is safe. But let’s be honest with each other that’s some way off in the future although something we are working towards.

Adjustment to the Regulations

Laws can help moderate and guide behaviour but it’s by far best when a people know why they are doing something than be told to do something. Self-denial, self-discipline and good judgement are so much more powerful than say the threat of vehicle confiscation. Please, err on the side of caution. Because you can do something doesn’t mean you necessarily should do something. 

We said we’d keep everything we were doing under review and we have been. Broadly we think we are in the right place.  Matters that have now become clearly the way to do things – which haven’t caused enormous inconvenience but have severely cut down traffic and movement – we yesterday captured in law; so, for example, you may not drive to your place of exercise.

We have removed takeaways, drive-throughs and restaurants from being described as an essential service. From the last few days it’s clear they aren’t – we can get by until the end of this period without them, wonderful as they are.

We do it based on medical and Policing advice.  With TCI Islanders and Residents being the sociable society we are, some risk becoming the equivalent of the local bar, the spot some meet and engage, and it also gives a license for movement we could not reasonably police.

This covers every form of takeaway, no exceptions.  There is the possibility of the Governor granting exceptions but I think that will be unlikely over this period of lockdown unless it’s in direct support of an effort to alleviate hunger.

It’s also now clear in the law that you have to be on a route from your home to your allowed destination (a supermarket is the best example). Much of this ‘law’ wasn’t required because people were demonstrating great common sense but it is a tidying up exercise for those who might take advantage, a week or so in.  Beyond that we’ve kept matters very much as they are. It’s working.

We had an interesting piece of false news start to generate today. It wasn’t malicious just wrong and it originated from a South African website – that isn’t a recognised authority on medical statistics. 

To be clear, we still have only 5 (five) confirmed cases in TCI.  The authoritative way to know – what our health professionals on the front line know – is the TCI dashboard that we disseminate daily and is on the MOH website. Please stick to TCI sources, we hold the data because we collect the data. We want the public to know.

This wasn’t malicious or dangerous it was just wrong. There have though been several instances on social media recently that haven’t just been wrong they’ve been dangerous. Before focussing on the tiny number who are malicious amongst us, let me say somethuing about the vast majority.

This is not the time to stifle decent debate – indeed the future of these Islands are starting to be decided during this time in terms of whether we remain safe, recover, and can once again prosper. 

But what this short period is not, is an opportunity for us to stigmatise anyone who has COVID19. For all you know you may be one of the fortunate that had it, suffered few if any symptoms, but passed it on to others. Or – if we all lose control of this through our casualness – it’s very probably true that it will be someone very close to you, who you love, that ends up with this virus. It doesn’t discriminate.

If you see someone originating or spreading hate or misinformation, designed to cause fear, then there is now a Police Unit – well skilled in following leads across the internet – that you can report to. Their email is: pofscovid19@tcipolice.tc. That’s pofscovid19@tcipolice.tc

Stopping the Sloops

I’ll finish on one point I flagged yesterday on Social Media. A large sloop of many hundreds was turned around yesterday on the High Seas between here and Haiti. I was on a call today with the US Ambassador and US Coast Guard in Bahamas; the number of combined assets we have operating presently in this space has significantly increased.  That frustrating battle continues every night – we should be more proud of those involved in this work tonight, than ever. But for those who can connect to Haiti do send them the message. You have our continued attention and you will be stopped.

As of tonight we are okay. We are in a much better position than many others. In terms of health, we can see a route through this, not through hope but through understanding the science, determined to capitalise by doing this once and doing this right. That’s what you are doing TCI; you are a resilient lot and resilience is the order of the day for the next few weeks. The reward is there if we stay firm; as firm we must.

Day five is drawing to a close and day six is soon to begin – soon we will be announcing the end of the first week. We can do this.

Good night TCI

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Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Vacancy Announcements

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), the premier institution for higher education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands, invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the following positions.

Join a dynamic team committed to educational excellence, innovation, and national development.

  • Student Support Officer – SSO/25

 Job Summary

The Student Support Officer is responsible for delivering comprehensive assistance to students throughout their academic journey. This role includes providing guidance on academic and personal development matters, coordinating support services, and ensuring that students have timely access to the resources, interventions, and referrals necessary for their success. The officer plays a key role in fostering a supportive, student-centered environment that promotes engagement, wellbeing, and academic achievement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Public Administration or a related discipline from a recognised and accredited institution.

Experience

3-5 years relevant work experience interacting with clients/students from diverse backgrounds.

Location:                   –           Providenciales

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

Annual Allowances:  –            Telephone USD1,200.00 and Transport USD1,200.00

 

  • Information Technology Manager  -ITMgnr/25

Job Summary

The IT Manager is responsible for the effective operation of the total Management Information System of the College, maintains an effective and up-to-date system by reviewing the technological environment, giving advice and making appropriate recommendations to leadership to facilitate optimum maintenance of the equipment and further development of the system.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively responsible IT leadership roles, preferably within the higher education or tertiary institution sector.

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:         –          USD75,363.00 – USD87,395.00

Annual Allowance:      –        Telephone Allowance USD1,200.00

 

  • Lecturer IIB 

Job Summary

This role involves preparing and delivering engaging face-to-face and online lectures, developing course materials in alignment with curriculum guidelines, assessing student performance, and providing academic support. The Lecturer contributes to a dynamic learning environment by fostering critical thinking, enhancing student understanding, and supporting their academic and professional development..

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law, politics or equivalent subject area from an accredited and recognised institution Teacher’s certification

Experience

3-5 years post qualification experience

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD58,873.00 – USD63,400.00

 

  • Admissions and Records Officer – ADMRO/25.3

Job Summary

The Records and Admissions Officer is responsible for overseeing the student admissions process and maintaining accurate academic records. This role enhances the overall efficiency of the Registrar’s Office by organizing, retrieving, and managing both physical and digital student records.

Minimum qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited and recognised institution

EXPERIENCE

  1. Minimum of 3 years experience in academic records or admissions administration.
  2. Familiarity with student information systems.

Location:                  –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

______________________________________________________________________________

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by:

  • a Cover Letter
  • two reference letters (one preferably from the most recent employer)
  • copies of educational certificates, and
  • a copy of the applicant’s passport photo page and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Card (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a police record.

Overseas recruits are eligible for a Housing Allowance of USD7,800.00 per annum, Grand Turk and USD10,200.00 per annum, Providenciales. A settling-in loan and 10% gratuity upon successful completion of the contract of engagement.

Applications should be addressed to:

THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

41 PRINCESS DRIVE, GRACE BAY

PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

 

WE MAY ALSO APPLY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW:

Hand delivered applications must be marked with the Job Title including the reference number.

Applications submitted without supporting documents will not be processed.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:         19 December 2025

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TCI Hosts Strategic Defence Summit as Overseas Territories Regiments Strengthen Security Partnerships

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands this week became the centre of regional security cooperation as senior defence leaders from across the British Overseas Territories gathered in Providenciales for the 4th Annual Overseas Territories Commanding Officers Conference — a three-day summit focused on strengthening capability, maritime readiness, and inter-territorial partnerships.

Acting Governor Anya Williams and Premier Charles Washington Misick, OBE, on December 1, welcomed Lord Lancaster, a key figure in the establishment of the TCI Regiment and the current Honorary Colonel of the Cayman Islands Regiment, for a courtesy call and high-level briefing session. Lord Lancaster joined Permanent Secretary for National Security Tito Lightbourne, TCI Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel Ennis Grant, and Commanding Officers from Bermuda, Cayman, Montserrat, the Falkland Islands, and UK defence representatives.

The visit, along with the wider conference agenda, signals a meaningful step forward for the rapidly evolving TCI Regiment, which has grown into a crucial national asset for disaster response, coastal security, joint operations, and resilience planning. Lord Lancaster’s presence carries additional significance: he was instrumental in shaping the Regiment’s formation in 2020 and remains a vocal advocate for expanding the capabilities of small-territory defence units within the UK network.

At the conference’s opening ceremony, Acting Governor Williams emphasised the importance of “collaboration and strategic leadership across the Overseas Territories,” noting that shared challenges — from climate shocks to transnational crime — demand a unified approach. The Permanent Secretary echoed this, highlighting increased maritime coordination and training pathways as areas where the TCI is seeking deeper integration with its regional counterparts.

Throughout the week, Commanding Officers participated in strategic discussions, intelligence and security briefings, resilience planning sessions, and on-site engagements showcasing the TCI’s developing operational infrastructure. The agenda also focused on improving interoperability — ensuring that Overseas Territories regiments can operate seamlessly together during disaster deployments, search and rescue missions, and joint maritime operations.

For the TCI Regiment, hosting the conference marks a milestone: it positions the young force as an active contributor in shaping the region’s security future rather than merely a participant. Leaders left no doubt that the momentum is intentional — and that the Turks and Caicos Islands are strengthening their role within a broader, coordinated defence framework designed to safeguard shared interests.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Michael Misick Rejects Government’s 60/40 Shift as Business Licensing Debate Reignites

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – For the first time in his long political career, former Premier Michael Misick appeared on Drexwell Seymour’s “Financially Speaking” radio programme this week — and he used the platform to forcefully reject the Government’s new 60/40 business-ownership model, arguing that Turks and Caicos Islanders are once again being positioned to lose ground in their own country.

The interview came at a pivotal moment: the Washington Misick Administration has just issued a detailed press statement confirming that the controversial 100% Islander-only ownership requirement — praised by some as overdue protectionism and criticised by others as unconstitutional and discriminatory — was never Cabinet’s intended position. A “drafting error,” the Government now says, caused the blanket 100% clause to appear in the Business Licensing (Amendment) Bill, prompting a pause in Parliament and a full review.

This week, Cabinet reaffirmed its balanced 60/40 framework, arguing that meaningful majority control for Turks and Caicos Islanders must coexist with access to external capital, expertise, and investment partnerships. The Government cited international models, financing constraints for local entrepreneurs, and the need to avoid “harsh outcomes” that could unintentionally weaken local businesses or violate constitutional safeguards. It further pledged strengthened anti-fronting mechanisms, tighter oversight, and mandatory protections for local shareholders.

But Michael Misick isn’t convinced.

During the wide-ranging RTC interview, the former Premier dismissed the 60/40 model as inadequate and accused successive governments of diluting the rights and economic standing of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders. He argued that fronting has flourished under the existing 51% rule, and that only full, uncompromised Islander ownership in certain industries can prevent locals from being reduced to symbolic partners with no real power. Misick described the Business Licensing Board’s disappearance, the rise of unchecked approvals, and the growing dominance of expatriate capital as evidence that the country is “losing itself, bit by bit, every sunrise.”

Seymour, a CPA and economic commentator, echoed concerns about fronting and asked whether the territory’s leaders were “afraid” to implement robust protections. Misick went further, accusing modern politicians of lacking political courage and failing to defend the long-term interests of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“Every time legislation comes to empower our people, there is resistance,” Misick said.
“When it’s something that penalises our people, no one objects.”

The Government’s clarification attempts to neutralize that narrative, insisting Cabinet did not “retreat” under pressure but merely corrected an error to restore policy integrity. Still, the timing — after months of public debate, stakeholder pushback, and ongoing reference to the Grant Thornton economic impact report — has only deepened suspicion among critics who say the Administration is wavering.

What is clear is this:
The Business Licensing reform has cracked open the deepest unresolved question in the Turks and Caicos Islands — how to protect a small population from economic displacement while maintaining an investment climate that supports national development.

With Parliament scheduled to revisit the Bill this month, the clash between political philosophy and economic pragmatism is now on full display. And as Misick made clear on RTC, this debate will define not just policy, but identity.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.  

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