TCI News
TCI Premier’s Press Conference disappoints; Islanders say they expected more
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – August 25, 2020 — A press conference held by the TCI Premier today fell short of expectations and Magnetic Media continues to field a barrage of comments about the subject matter and the abrupt conclusion of the presentation by Hon Sharlene Robinson.
The press conference, held at 2pm today at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, was attended by media in the room via Zoom. It was carried live on Facebook and radio.
A succinct report on Her Majesty’s Prison and the plan to curtail the anarchy, strengthen the human resources and restore dilapidated infrastructure at the facility was overdue; still residents expected more.
“That ending was so abrupt,” offered a listener in Grand Turk.
A woman in Providenciales commented: “I still trying to put my tea cup to my mouth and can’t because she hung up on us. All these relevant issues and you already had your face made up not to answer questions so why have a conference? We need answers. The woman hung up on us.”
From comments posted publicly during the social media broadcasts and those coming to our news organization directly, it is clear, the PDM Administration must reconsider its public relations strategy to heed the repeated concerns about the tone of the media sessions which seem defensive, dismissive and evasive.
From the Premier, residents learned of the deployment of members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police to manage the facility, as Her Majesty’s Prison – home to 71 inmates – prepares for a new Prison Superintendent.
The current superintendent – Grahame Hawkins – will not renew his contract with the Ministry of Home Affairs; essentially quitting the job which has been uncommonly brutal from day one.
For those speaking candidly to Magnetic Media, this was not the national announcement they were looking forward to hearing. Many believe the focus should have largely been on the ongoing challenges linked to COVID-19.
“I guess we have to wait for another press conference later in the week!“
Desperation is building in the Turks and Caicos; no different from any other country struggling to regain footing under the weight of a crushing pandemic which has stolen the most valued of things.
Now outlawed are breathing God-given air without a face covering in public, touching fellow human beings with handshakes, hugs, high-fives or fist bumps. We feel strange clearing out throats, laughing out loud, standing too closely and most of us flinch, just a little, when a temperature gun is pointed at our foreheads.
Covid-19 has decimated our economy. The World Tourism Council reports that Turks and Caicos was robbed of $94 million between January and April alone; ranking No. 1 in the world for percentage loss of tourism revenue due to the pandemic.
People are despairing over the rocketing number of new COVID-19 cases; the dire financial strain on their families and businesses and the perilous prognosis for their more immediate futures.
Schools are not reopening, banks are not extending loans or special considerations, salaries are evaporating yet the bills keep on coming, and for many are even higher than before.
Plus, we are entering the height of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and the low of the Tourism Season.
The Government has announced a one-time stimulus payment for individuals and qualifying companies; but roll out of the monies has lost significant steam; the first round of distribution remains incomplete.
The Social Services Department is supporting 703 families, with room for 130 more until the allotted funds of $500,000 run out. Each family, which qualifies, receives $200 per month for three months.
Turks and Caicos is not an independent nation, but it is inhabited by a fiercely independent people who are usually able to take care of themselves and their families.
It is clear this ‘once in a hundred years’ pandemic has brought an unexpected burden which is burying many families and companies and the hope is for Government to act on a plan which can hopefully keep these islands from going completely under.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands by actively empowering the next generation through multi-faceted initiatives focused on education, career exploration, community outreach, environmental responsibility and safety.
As the academic year draws to a close, the resort takes immense pride in reflecting on its unwavering commitment within the community,
having supported over 4000 students and continued partnerships with over 15 schools across the islands since the beginning of the year.
This support has involved a range of initiatives, from providing essential school supplies and resources to facilitating enriching educational programmes and workshops designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth amongst the students. “We remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and contributing to a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands through continued investment in education,” Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan shared.
One standout area the resort continues to support which is also popularly requested by partner schools is the specialized tours and activities. These tours highlight the mission and corporate responsibilities of the resort in introducing these students to different aspects of employment within the hospitality industry.
Recent educational tours included welcoming students from A Louise Garland High School Turquoise Tourism Club, Raymond Gardiner High School Young Leaders Club, Iris Stubbs Primary School, male students from Oseta Jolly Primary School and Provo Christian Academy. These experiences provided first-hand insight into the operations of the world-class Beaches brand, fostering a sense of pride in the island’s tourism industry and leaving a lasting positive impression on the students.
Beaches Managing Director James McAnally emphasized Beaches’ commitment to these tours stating, “we are delighted to support the
students and schools by providing them with these timely and enriching experiences.” He explained the rationale behind the initiative, saying, “we hope that these opportunities will broaden our student’s horizons, ignite their passions and ultimately contribute to their personal and academic growth.” McAnally further expressed the company’s philosophy, adding, “we feel it is crucial to give back to our community that so warmly welcomes us, and these initiatives are a meaningful way for us to do just that. By investing in the education and development of these young individuals, we aim to foster a brighter future for the entire region.”
Beaches aims to inspire young people to consider hospitality as a viable and fulfilling career path by showcasing diverse career opportunities and potential for advancement on every tour as the islands’ hospitality sector continues to thrive.
As schools and students get ready to close off for the summer holidays, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, Beaches Turks and Caicos will award complimentary day passes to deserving top students from partner schools – Clement Howell High School, Raymond Gardiner High School, Marjorie Basden High School, Enid Capron Primary School, and Thelma Lightbourne Primary School. This initiative rewards their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence throughout the academic year.
“What better way to kick start a well-deserved summer break than with a day of relaxation and fun at our resort said, Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan. “We commend these students on their accomplishments and wish them a happy and refreshing summer.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos remains dedicated to ongoing community engagement and fostering a brighter future for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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