TCI News
PDM Administration, the “NO REPLY” Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
#EDITORIAL – September 6, 2020 – One of the most common accusations levelled against the PDM Administration Government, amidst the coronavirus pandemic is: “I’m getting no reply.”
Magnetic Media is in receipt of emails, text notes, WhatsApp messages, phone calls and Facebook messages on a daily basis which accuse the Turks and Caicos Islands Government – from Premier to Ministers to Chief Medical Officer – of not responding to urgent questions and serious dilemmas communicated in the midst of the string of crises brought on by COVID-19.
Tourists are cancelling vacations.
Terminated work permit holders cannot leave the country.
Residents question the safety going home after possible coronavirus exposure at work, for fear of possibly contaminating high-risk loved ones.
And employers cannot execute any screening of staff, even if they wanted to.
The reason: Despite at least two facilities attempting to offer the service, Government has yet to approve a community-based COVID-19 testing facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Incomprehensively, government is also denying travel-oriented tests to residents, terminated workers who need to return to their countries of origin and tourists, yes tourists who also need to have a negative PCR test in order to re-enter their home countries.
Each case is of low priority, according to the testing protocols issued by the TCI Ministry of Health.
Government is on record often, restating that there is ‘wide consultation.’ However, many professionals and industries are dumbfounded at being side-lined in the face of this multi-pronged problem.
Travel and Tourism, globally is on life support. Just this week, American Airlines announced 40,000 jobs would be impacted by terminations and layoffs.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has surmised that the Turks and Caicos has taken a near $100 million dollar hit in tourism earnings in the first quarter of 2020 and this week, the Immigration Minister revealed over 3,825 people are laid off amidst the pandemic.
This impact was forecast since April in a Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association commissioned KPMG report. The findings were immediately presented to the PDM Government.
Again, to this report reaction by Government was labelled ‘slow’ and a major opportunity for a unique financing plan for the private sector and tourism as the leading industry, may have been missed.
Government’s grand design for stimulus payments is now stalled. A cash-strapped public purse is feeling the effects of the crippled local economy, though there have been some recent payouts to more businesses.
No robust tourism equates to significantly reduced income, which leaves government with little to no revenue to collect.
Relations are tense. The Governor is audible, but only in whispers.
Those writing to Magnetic Media explain that the Governor is responsive but has expressed that he would prefer to allow the local government to lead.
But where is the leadership? Or at least the ‘caring leadership’ the people had been promised?
Among the words penned to our media company are: Chaotic; Uncaring; Defensive; Lacking Empathy; Arrogant and Out of their Depth.
Too often, it is our experience as a media company, that elected government leaders have retreated from the front lines; seemingly hushed and inexplicably quiet.
We have had reports that…
Questions related to Finance, Administration & Business – no reply.
Questions related to Tourism – no reply.
Questions related to Education – no reply.
Questions related to Health – no reply.
Four years ago this was not the case. As with all opposition parties when they want ‘power’, the PDM could not stop talking. Now, with there being a dire need for a calm, steady, consistent, responsive voice… there is silence.
Who will make sure this testing center – which has already resubmitted in order to be approved in the latest standards request – is activated?
The people need this service and the people also want to know what government is specifically doing to expedite the process of giving proper approval.
Yet, to the questions and pressure and down right pleas for assistance or intervention, there is no reply.
It is a sad and frustrating refrain for this PDM Administration.
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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