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 and Caicos Islands, 11th April 2024 – Guided by the likelihood that a severe hazard impacting the Turks and Caicos Islands could render a significant percentage of the population homeless, the DDME is mandated to establish a mechanism that provides emergency shelter for members of the public. The Government’s emergency shelter programme has over the years been a place of sanctuary to persons briefly displaced resulting from a threatened alert or the impact of a hazard.
Given the experiences with major hurricanes or hazards within our region and the heightened awareness of climate change and risk management, the need to fortify our shelter management capacity ahead of the 2024 Hurricane Season is critical. Hence the DDME will be steering a three-day training in Shelters and Shelter Management in Providenciales from 16th -18th April 2024 and in Grand Turk from 23rd – 25th April 2024.
The eventual goal of the Shelter Management Programme is that all actors involved in Emergency Shelter Management in the Turks
and Caicos Islands are well equipped with the indispensable knowledge, skills and resources to manage emergency shelters successfully.
The Shelter Management course will include both classroom activities and simulation exercises. This training teaches and provides clarity:
- The TCI Disaster Management Framework
- Disaster cycle and hazards and vulnerabilities affecting the TCI.
- Shelter Administration – roles and responsibilities of the shelter manager
- Shelter Operation – how to set up the shelter etc.
- Recordkeeping, team management, best practice approaches and practical tools and protocols to effectively plan, implement and monitor Emergency Shelters in various situations.
- Managing the vulnerable in shelters
- Extinguishing fires in the shelter
- Learning how to use the radio
On completion of the training, it is anticipated that the capacity concerning Shelter Management within the Turks and Caicos will be enhanced. Trained persons will be able to operate an efficient shelter, and support emergency response functions when needed throughout the islands. The training is expected to draw persons from various agencies; governmental and non-governmental. Persons will be awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the three-day training and will be called upon as Shelter Managers should their assistance be required in an emergency.
To register, click on the link on the POSTER Or scan the QR code or
https://forms.office.com/r/jAnaVqGwyx. For more information, contact; Mrs. Patrina Harris at 649-346-2244 or Mr. Desmond Lightbourne at 649-242- 5784.
Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – It is crucial for the hospitality industry to stay ahead of trends and leverage technology to meet and exceed expectations, according to Deputy Premier, Hon. Jamell Robinson.
Speaking on Monday April 8, at the Digicel Business Hospitality Solutions Symposium and Networking event, he said the solutions showcased at the forum were not just innovative, “they are transformative.
“They represent a paradigm shift in how we approach hospitality service delivery. From seamless online booking systems to in-room automation, mobile check-in/out procedures, and personalised guest experiences, technology is revolutionising every touchpoint of the guest journey,” he told his audience.
Adding that the event was a testament to the foresight of Digicel which has recognised the “undeniable impact” that technology has on the hospitality industry, the Deputy Premier said the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are experiencing a digital age where the expectations of guests are ever evolving.
He said visitors to the TCI seek not only comfort and luxury, but also connectivity, convenience, and personalised experiences, and it is crucial for the hospitality industry to stay current.
“The importance of such technological advancements cannot be overstated, especially in an industry as competitive as hospitality. By embracing these changes, we empower our industry to thrive. We are not just keeping pace with our global competitors; we are setting the bar higher,” he said.
Continuing, he highlighted that the symposium was an “incredible opportunity” for networking and learning from top international experts, and the knowledge shared there will spark inspiration and lead to collaborations that will propel “our hospitality sector forward,” he stated.
While commending the organisers, he said he anticipated “discussions and demonstrations” that will highlight how the islands can further enhance the guest experience and strengthen the industry, noting that he was “immensely proud of the strides our country is making in integrating technology into our hospitality offerings.”
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an open recruitment process, and in accordance with Section 91 of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr. Philip Bennetts KC has been appointed to the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Commenting on the appointment, the Governor said:
“Following a competitive recruitment process and after consultation with the Hon. Premier, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition and the Judicial Services Commission, I have appointed Mr. Philip Bennetts KC as the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Bennettsm KC has a strong track record as prosecution counsel in serious and complex criminal cases. I am confident that he will be able to lead the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and ensure that it plays a pivotal role within the criminal justice system while building and maintaining public confidence in the independence and fairness of his Office.
I would like to thank Dr Angela Brooks for her committed work as the Acting DPP during the interim period.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Bennetts KC said:
“I am looking forward to taking up the position of Director of Public Prosecutions. It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to use the experience that I have gained over the years in this role. I understand that there will be challenges, as there are in any criminal justice system. It is important that those who suffer crime see that justice is done. Whether victims or witnesses, the criminal justice system must ensure that all have the support that they should have.”
Mr. Bennetts KC will take up his role as the DPP at the beginning of June 2024.
Press Release: Governor’s Office Turks and Caicos
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