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TCI Ministry of Health confirms ‘Lab’ termination; 125 new cases in 9-days

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File Photo (March 2020) - Public Health staff in training dons PPEs

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 23, 2020 – It remains a mystery, the reason for the sudden departure of the two-year director of the National Public Health Laboratory, NPHL but today the Ministry of Health confirmed the contract of Samuel Johnson was indeed terminated on Friday August 14.

Already, the search is on for a new director explained the Ministry of Health in a statement to Magnetic Media on Saturday.

“The substantive Director post which recently became vacant, has been advertised in the latest recruitment batch as a part of TCIG’s recruitment programme.”

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In the past nine days, the Turks and Caicos has recorded 125 new cases of COVID-19; the spike and regular reports of offices and businesses having to close as a result of positive diagnoses of staff had also spiked concern about the timing of the termination.

 “…the National Public Health Laboratory continues to carry out testing as necessary under the leadership and direction of the Acting Director of the NPHL, Mr. Samajeo Williams, who is a TC Islander that is a highly trained and qualified Chief Medical Technologist.”

Samajeo Williams, new Director (Acting) National Public Health Laboratory (file)

Samajeo Williams, a Turks and Caicos Islands native, was added to the NPHL team in November, with glowing commendation from the Office of the Deputy Governor.  Williams is now the acting director.

“Mr. Williams, a former recipient of the ‘Best Performing Student’ award in 2007 (External Exams), completed his A-levels at the British West Indies Collegiate shortly after.  He later enrolled in Newcastle University in pursuit of a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Psychology which he completed in 2012.  In 2016, he graduated with Honours from the University of the West of England with a Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Science – Infection Sciences. While working as a registered Biomedical Scientist in the United Kingdom, Mr. Williams also attained the accreditation of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology.”

Manpower has been strained at the lab; a fact which has waylaid plans for progressive community testing. The National Public Health Laboratory is overwhelmed by the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic which has been 30 times worse than the first wave for the TCI.

A molehill has certainly turned to a mountain for the Turks and Caicos Islands as data exposes the country is currently averaging more cases per day, than the total number of positives charted in the entire first wave of the pandemic.

Between August 14 and August 22 – nine days – there have been 125 cases of COVID-19; that’s an average of 13 new cases per day. 

TCI Ministry of Health COVID-19 Dashboard – August 22

In the first wave, the Turks and Caicos recorded 12 positives for the coronavirus.

Over the same period, testing has been erratic, ranging from no tests done to as many as 168 tests performed in a single day.  The daily average for August 14-22 is 50 tests, which exceeds a previously divulged daily COVID-19 testing capacity of 47.

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Within the same period, the lab was able to inform that 48 people were recovered from the virus; from 54 recoveries charted on August 14 to now 102 patients who are COVID-19 free.

The rate of work at the NPHL appears to have not been stymied by the loss of the director given the data provided by the TCI Ministry of Health.

Still, the expeditious action to advertise the director vacancy underscores the need to shore up human resources at the lab, which is the key agency guiding and influencing national decisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience  

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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.

Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.”                                                                                                                                                                                                              The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.

As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.

Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”

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Border Force Reports: Repeat Immigration Offender Sentenced for Unlawful Entry & Breach of Deportation Order

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force confirms that Haitian national Richardson Cherefaere has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates Court on 3 June 2025, following charges of Attempted Unlawful Entry and Returning to the Islands Contrary to a Deportation Order.

Cherefaere is a repeat immigration offender with a history of attempting to unlawfully re-enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. His first illegal entry occurred in 2019, and he was subsequently convicted and deported in January 2025 following his most recent attempt to re-enter the country. His continued disregard for immigration laws and deportation directives has resulted in a substantially longer custodial sentence.

In response, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “This significant sentence sends an unequivocal message: the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who deliberately defies our immigration laws and ignores deportation orders. We are unwavering in our commitment to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law with the full force it demands, ensuring justice is served every time.”

The public is strongly reminded that harbouring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance. Anyone found in breach of these laws will face firm and immediate legal action.

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Turks and Caicos Deputy Supervisor of Elections Completes Observation Attachment in Cayman Islands: Insights to Strengthen Local Electoral Processes

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Ms. Willette A. Pratt, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has successfully completed a professional attachment with the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands. The visit, held from April 18 to May 2, 2025, allowed Ms. Pratt to observe the Cayman Islands’ 2025 General Elections, gaining valuable insights into their electoral procedures, staffing models, and operational strategies.

Facilitated through a collaborative initiative by the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Office, and welcomed by Cayman Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Wesley Howell, this attachment underscores a shared commitment to electoral excellence and democratic integrity.

“The Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust and transparent electoral system. This experience has deepened my understanding of practical applications that can enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and accountability of our own electoral framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Ms. Pratt. The visit was collaborative as Ms. Pratt was able to share elements of TCI’s processes with her host agency.

Key Observations and Recommendations Include but not limited to :

  • Strategic Staffing and Secondments: Cayman’s use of seconded civil servants with diverse skill sets greatly enhances operational capacity during elections.
  • Continuous Voter Registration:
  • Dedicated District Registration Officers.
  • Advanced Voter Identification System.
  • Inclusive Voting Mechanisms such as mobile and postal voting.
  • Comprehensive Poll Worker Training and Retention:

Reflecting on the importance of such observational opportunities, the Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands stated:

“Attachments like these are crucial for the professional growth of our team. They not only allow us to benchmark against international best practices but also provide mentorship opportunities that build confidence and capability within our ranks. Ms. Pratt’s experience is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in electoral administration.”

Acknowledgements:
The Elections Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands extends sincere thanks to the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and all stakeholders involved in facilitating this valuable exchange. Their support made this developmental opportunity possible and meaningful.

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