TCI News
Vaccine for Turks & Caicos expected early 2021, says Premier
#TurksandCaicos – December 7, 2020 – The UK on November 13 revealed in its House of Commons that all of the overseas territories would receive from its inventory of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines when the time comes. The time is here as the United Kingdom begins vaccinations for the virus tomorrow, having ordered a 40 million dose batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Turks and Caicos is a British overseas territory and Premier Sharlene Robinson, during Saturday’s PDM rally talked about what the emergency decision by the UK to begin inoculations means for Turks and Caicos.
“Only this week, the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to approve the Coronavirus vaccine paving the way for mass vaccinations. The first doses are already on their way to the UK with 800,000 due in the coming days. We are continuing our discussion with Public Health England and there is no doubt that TCI will be a part of the roll out in the new year,” explained the Premier and Finance Minister who also forecasts Turks and Caicos will return to pre-Covid levels by end of 2021.
It is no surprise that the TCI Cabinet agreed to accept the offer of vaccines.
The UK has made significant investment in its overseas territories’ public health programs in the fight against the coronavirus. The House of Commons learned that support to the tune of $33.5 million USD has been spent on the 260,000 cumulative residents of the OTs.
“The Government has accepted the recommendations from the Independent Medicines & Health Care Products Regulatory Agency to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for distribution across the United Kingdom. After months of clinical trials involving thousands of people to ensure that the vaccine meets the strictest internationally recognized standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, thanks to the fantastic work Kate Bingham and the vaccine’s task force, we have purchased of more than 350 million doses of seven different vaccine candidates,” said Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister on December 2.
The country’s Chief Medical Officer confirmed, in a recent Ministry of Health press conference that the vaccine would be free.
“We do have a draft immunization strategy, explained Dr. Nadia Astwood, TCI Chief Medical Officer, in response to our question in a press conference held in mid-November.
“In that strategy we are also including the communications strategy to ensure that the public is aware of the vaccine and our plans for the distribution. It’s not mandatory; the vaccine as it is going to be brand new (and) we are entering into an agreement where we are able to get 20 percent of our population covered.” There are mixed feelings among islanders about taking the vaccine. The Premier, at the rally, reminded that the Covid-19 vaccine will be voluntary.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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