TCI News
Undecided procedures for TCI Education; COVID-19 Guidelines still in draft
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – August 12, 2020 — A mere 19 days before schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands reopen and the specific path to how teaching will happen in the new academic year in this COVID-19 era remains undecided.
“We have in the past weeks put together several documents which we will make available to you (and to other media houses); the documents were presented to cabinet and Cabinet gave us approval to go ahead and to do further consultations and that is the process we are in now; we will have that finalized by the end of this week and then we will know exactly the way forward,” said Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education.
The Minister, joined by Sharlene Robinson, Premier; Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary of Education and Edgar Howell, the Director of Education, today hosted a Media Q&A session at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales.
A set of press conferences did little to quell concerns about the method of return to the classroom, which remains undecided despite a national opening of schools announced for Monday, August 31.
Premier Sharlene Robinson said this is the usual time of year for Education to communicate on school reopening. Premier Robinson did not agree that the timing of the report was late.
“I think closer to school opening and when the situation is there…” she questioned, “…vocal in the summer months, just to say I am being vocal? Because the options are there, we knew what the options were going to be. But the consultation, the official consultation would have been lost months out. Would have been lost months out, that’s the truth and if we want to be honest, we would say that. So to consult in June for what will happen in September?”
The Premier continued that the pandemic itself presents a fluidity which makes concrete planning a challenge.
“You’re responding to something fluid. So today cabinet makes that decision, something drastic happens, we have to reverse that decision or we have to build on that decision. I know we are anxious, I am not going to at all dismiss it…. We (the Government) get the anxiety but I want us to be fair in our approach. I want us to be fair, because the options are limited, the options were discussed in March.”
Those options are online or education face-to-face.
The draft guidelines have suggested a combination of both learning styles.
Residents charge the Ministry of Education with wasting the five months of down time and are disappointed that a plan for classroom learning and campus life remains in limbo.
Education Minister Karen Malcolm said time was not lost; that work was being done behind the scenes.
“We have been working on protocols all during the summer. The Ministry of Education has put protocols in place as it relates to e-learning, as it relates to the opening of schools where by face to face or blending. Blending I n that some students are in school or some students are at home. But we want to ensure that the risk, we know that the risk is there and we want to do our best, as the Ministry of Education to ensure that our children are safe,” explained Minister Malcolm earlier today.
Schools, on Monday, received the 18-page draft ‘Guidelines and Protocols for Returning to Schools’ and are expected to log their feedback by Thursday (August 13).
Zoom Meetings are also planned for the private schools on Thursday.
PUBLIC NOTICE
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force informs the yachting community and marina operators of a new requirement for using the SailClear platform. Effective 1 May 2024, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) implemented a $25 annual subscription fee for SailClear users. This fee allows unlimited application submissions, helps improve service quality, and expands SailClear’s capabilities.
SailClear, introduced by the TCI Customs Department in February 2023, provides a secure and efficient platform for submitting electronic customs declarations. The annual subscription ensures continued investment in maintaining rigorous service standards including system reliability and efficient processing of notifications implement upgrades and to expand the services to additional maritime jurisdictions.
Pleasure craft operators are reminded that electronic pre-arrival and pre-departure notifications via SailClear are mandatory. The master of a vessel must electronically submit a Sailclear notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the vessel’s estimated time of arrival at a port. Additionally, before departing, the master must submit a Sailclear clearance notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the estimated departure time.
Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offence under the Customs Ordinance. Those found guilty of this offence will be subjected to a fine of $5000.
Important Reminder for Yacht and Watercraft Owners:
- Non-Registered Users: SailClear use is enforceable under section 5 of the Customs (Pleasure Craft) (Amendment) Direction 2022 (Legal Notice 82 of 2022). For those not yet subscribed to SailClear, visit sailclear.com and click “Subscribe Here” to follow the registration process.
- Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Notifications: All pleasure craft owners arriving or departing the Turks and Caicos Islands must submit pre-arrival/departure notifications to Border Force through SailClear. Failure to submit electronic notifications via SailClear constitutes an offense under the Customs Ordinance.
- For Inquiries: Contact support@cclec.org for further information or assistance.
This update ensures the continued efficiency and reliability of the SailClear platform, allowing for a seamless customs clearance experience for the yachting community in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Carlencia Lightbourne
Public Relations and Communications Officer
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 17 September 2024: On 4th September 2024, The Environmental Health Department commenced the first of several sessions of food handlers training for staff members of Beaches Resort and Spa. The training session was attended by 115 food handlers who received essential education and certification in safe food handling practices. The primary objective of the training was to ensure that all food handlers are knowledgeable in the standards for food safety, hygiene, and sanitation. These sessions are crucial for minimising the risks of foodborne illnesses, maintaining high standards of food
safety, and ensuring a safe dining experience for all customers.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including proper food storage, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and safe cooking temperatures. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques to ensure they fully understood the importance of their role in maintaining food safety. The Environmental Health Department commends Beaches Resort and Spa for their ongoing dedication to food safety and their willingness to work collaboratively to achieve these goals.
All food establishments, which include restaurants, bakeries, catering, mobile food vendors, retail and wholesale food stores, will be required to have workers with a certified food handlers permit issued by the Environmental Health Department upon completion of the food handlers training programme. The Environmental Health Department will continue to offer training programmes to these various establishments, ensuring that food handlers across the Turks and Caicos Islands are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold public health standards.
For more information on food safety training, upcoming sessions or to organise training for your organisation, please contact the Environmental Health Department at Tel. 338-2142/2143/2144 or email us at EHD@gov.tc.
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17th September 2024 – In honour of Interantional Coastal Clean-up Day, on Saturday the Turks and Caicos Islands proudly participated in the 11th annual nation-wide initiative to protect its pristine coastlines and marine ecosystems. Residents, students, businesses and community groups joined the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) for a day of action aimed at preserving the natural beauty that makes our Islands a global treasure. 
Organised by the DECR the clean-up day saw volunteers combing beaches, bays and mangroves to remove plastic debris, fishing gear and other pollutants harmful to wildlife and coral reefs.
Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Hon. Josephine Connolly, applauded the enthusiasm of the volunteers, noting the event’s importance: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are renowned for our stunning coastlines and vibrant marine life. Protecting these resources is not just about today – it is about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our islands. The outpouring of support from the community demonstrates how deeply we care for our environment”.
In Providenciales the Bight Park Beach Day was a resounding success this past weekend, bringing together families, friends, and organisations working towards a safer and healthier environment for us all. Hosted at the scenic Bight Park, the event was a fun-filled day of beach clean-up, activities, music, and environmental awareness.
Sponsored by the DECR, the day highlighted the importance of preserving the Islands’ natural beauty – this was beautifully expressed through the official unveiling of the new mural, TheOctopus Garden, painted by volunteer Hernan Jurado Quintero (Visions4Nature), and sponsored by Andaz Resort and Grace Bay Paint and Supply. 
The DECR would like to extend a big thank you to Dive Provo and Experience TCI for sponsoring great prizes! The Department would also like to thank the following organisations for assisting in making the Bight Park Beach Day great success:
– Department of Agriculture
– Department of Gender Affairs
– Department of Youth Affairs
– Red Cross TCI
– Salt Raker Swim Club & the TCI Swim Federation
– Turks and Caicos Reef Fund
– Levenia Bishop
– Turks and Caicos National Trust
– TCI Whale Project
– TCI Turtle Project
International Coastal Clean-up Day, spearheaded by the Ocean Conservancy, is the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. Each year, thousands of coastal communities around the globe participate in clean-up efforts to raise awareness of the importance of reducing marine litter and preserving the health of oceans.
For more information about how to get involved in future clean-up efforts or to learn more about sustainable practices in the TCI, please contact the DECR at environment@gov.tc or follow us on Instagram (@decrtci) or Facebook (@DECR Education and Outreach).
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