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Governor Speaks: Over 16,500 residents will be vaccinated by May; UK sending second batch of vaccines

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#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2021 – Skillful negotiations, a willingness to safeguard its vulnerable territories and remarkable roll out of the first batch of the UK-gifted Covid-19 vaccine have brought the Turks and Caicos Islands even more good fortune; an additional 23,400 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine courtesy of the United Kingdom.

Again, that is without cost to TCI. That will allow us to vaccinate 40% of the population by May and that will start to make us one of the safest places to live, let alone one of the safest tourist destinations, in the world. Please keep registering on the portal,” said the Governor in a media statement issued on Friday.

“At 15%, we are now on course of being one of the world leaders in terms of the percentage of our population being vaccinated, particularly taking into account we have already started with second inoculations.  We will receive double the previous amount of vaccines during week beginning 22 February; that is 23,400 doses.”

This week, Turks and Caicos achieved a tremendous milestone.  All of the first doses of the vaccine were administered; exceeding expectations.  The roll out included all islands and will exhaust the first 9,750 vaccines well ahead of the March 31 expiry date of the first batch.

“Looking back we were initially uncertain if we could use all the vaccine by the end of March when the ‘use by date’ expired; in fact we achieved this goal by the end of January. The partnership with the private sector has been instrumental in this, has worked extremely well, and the delivery at the hospitals has, we believe, been first class. TCI have also rolled out, for the first time, an Electronic Immunization records (EIR) System to the benefit of both public and private medical sectors; so new ways of working are coming on stream too.

The first phase of the vaccination programme has gone extremely well.  The Team tasked to deliver this have beaten every target that was set in terms of engagement, the speed of delivery, our stewardship of the vaccine and our reach. So long as residents volunteered the Team prioritised: our senior citizens; those with underlying conditions and those on the front line. We have also been able to touch every Island and every age group.  This has demonstrated we can use the Pfizer vaccine throughout the archipelago.”

The team was led by co-chairs, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Hon Sharlene Robinson, Premier with the public awareness marshalled by Dr. Virignia Clerveaux, Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.

“The public information campaign seems to have helped and now there is momentum, amongst the population, with most of the major questions answered, and much nonsense on social media dispelled, we will continue to refine our engagement towards groups who are reluctant or particularly vulnerable. Many Pastors have been diligent in their engagement with us, informing themselves and through them informing others.”

Hindering skepticism in the territory, has waned; helped by the record levels of Covid-19 infections, three deaths so far in 2021 and a string of “myth-busting” meetings where country leaders and medical professionals addressed various groups.

“We respect everyone’s view, and their right to choose, but equally we don’t want anyone left behind because they either lacked the information they needed, or in some way feared access to a vaccine that we believe is their right to have.”

The territory has a unique demographic; the majority of adults are expatriate workers and as legal residents, many of the work permit holders were queued up in strong numbers for the free vaccine.  The governor said things have changed dramatically.

“Towards the end of this first vaccination period it was extremely encouraging to see more and more Turks Islanders coming forward. As of today (Thursday 5th February) we have vaccinated 6,114 persons (with a first dose); by census that is close to 15% of our population which makes TCI a world leader.”

Any question about the Governor’s sincerity in seeing residents protected by the vaccine could have been shelved when he and his wife Mandy were first to get the jab; but a tragic event further dismisses the notion that the governor is not sincerely supportive of the vaccine as the way to security and safety.

Millions in countries like the United Kingdom are standing in an unfathomably long line for their shots; Mr.  John Dakin, the governor’s father, was one of them.  The elder Dakin died in January 2021 to the coronavirus while resident in a care home in the UK.

“Those who have yet to receive the vaccine, and wish to, can usefully register on the portal.  If you do, we will get to you. If you know someone who needs help in accessing the Portal, please help them. Our aim is to vaccinate every resident in TCI, who wishes to be vaccinated, and our goal is to reach herd immunity as soon as we can. Our aspiration of being a world leader, and one of the safest destinations in the world once our population is vaccinated, is no longer just an aspiration but a reality – should you, TCI’s residents, wish it to be so. If you want to be part of this future register on www.covidvaccineregistration.gov.tc

This is over twice the amount we received last time and it will allow us to fully vaccinate more than 11,000 further residents. When we achieve that – which we will – we will have provided the vaccine (both doses) to 40% of our population. We hope to have done that by May.”

The vaccine should arrive the week of February 22.  The vaccine will continue to be free and voluntary.

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S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.

Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”

S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.

For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.

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Fully Renovated RIU Negril Reopens

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Montego Bay, February 3, 2025 – RIU Resorts Jamaica, has unveiled major upgrades to its Negril property, while maintaining a strong commitment to local employment and cultural preservation.

The Spanish hotel chain boasts a 98 per cent local employment rate across its seven properties in Jamaica.

This commitment to local hiring extends beyond entry-level positions, with the company actively promoting internal opportunities for Jamaicans, particularly with the reopening of RIU Negril.

“It’s not just staying at one position all the time. You have the options, especially when we open new hotels, we take from the experienced staff into the new hotels and then promote and do internal promotions in this hotel,” Regional Director of Operations at RIU, Frank Sondern stated.

He told JIS News that these opportunities extend to skills development and employee welfare.

Mr. Sondern further noted that this approach contributed to RIU’s staff not participating in recent hotel worker strikes, as the company actively addresses employee concerns regarding transportation, meals, and workplace conditions.

“Also, what I think is very important, is the philosophy that RIU has in regard to the management. We have an open-door philosophy where you do not have to apply somewhere or ask for an appointment to see the general manager,” he stated.

“We are touchable, approachable on the property and always communicating with the staff, and I think that makes a big difference as it [builds rapport],” he added.

The company’s recent renovation project in Negril, completed in December 2024, represents a significant capital investment in Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure.

The upgraded property, which currently employs up to 500 staff members, now features new amenities including ‘swim-up’ rooms and two-bedroom family suites accommodating up to six guests.

Additionally, food and beverage offerings have expanded to include the exclusive Tiki Taco concept and an American comfort food restaurant available 24/7.

This has positioned the resort to capture emerging markets and increase tourism revenue.

RIU’s high percentage of sourcing local food, beverages, and other operational necessities further contributes to the growth of businesses in Jamaica’s tourism supply chain.

Director of Sales at RIU Resorts Jamaica, Niurka Garcia Linton, indicated that the resort ensures authentic Jamaican cuisine in its restaurants, which are mostly named after the parish or location in which they sit.

“Every restaurant that we have with the buffet, breakfast, lunch and dinner will have a Jamaican corner. So everywhere you go, you can get a taste of Jamaican food or drinks,” Mrs. Garcia Linton said.

“It is the same with the entertainment. Reggae is part of our identity, and it is very important for us to really acknowledge the country, acknowledge the culture, and to honour it. We want to give them back,” she added.

In the meantime, as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Government, RIU Resorts maintains a close relationship with the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies, including the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Mrs. Garcia Linton said the resort actively participates in promotional initiatives aimed at increasing tourist arrivals. To this end, she is set to represent RIU at an upcoming JTB collaboration in the United Kingdom to boost business from that market in the coming week.

“We recognize that Jamaica has an amazing product. So, we want to ensure that we always have a cutting edge of why the client should choose [Jamaica] over any other brand. This is one of the reasons that we’re always trying to reinvent ourselves,” Mrs. Garcia Linton stated.

 

Contact: Okoye Henry

Release: JIS

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CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Barbados for 48th Regular Meeting |19-21 February 2025

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Barbados, February 3, 2025 – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government will meet in Barbados, 19-21 February 2025, for their 48th Regular Meeting which is being convened under the theme – Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. Heads of Government will discuss several pressing issues for the Community, including food and nutrition security; climate change and the climate finance agenda; the ongoing challenges in Haiti; security issues; digital resilience; external relations matters and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Other issues such as maritime and air transport, and reparations will also occupy the attention of the leaders over the two-day period.

The Meeting’s Opening Ceremony will take place in the afternoon of Wednesday 19 February at the Lord Erskine Sandiford Centre, Bridgetown. Scheduled to deliver addresses are the Chairman, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados; outgoing Chairman, Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada; the new Premier of Montserrat, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, and CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett. Special Guests, Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. António Guterres and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen will also address the Ceremony.

Prime Minister Mottley, the new Chair, set the tone for CARICOM’s focus over the next six months in her New Year’s message when she highlighted the need for the Community to resume the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, conscious that it “is not merely an economic agenda, but a vision of unity and opportunity for small states to achieve greater economic resilience”. Central to the focus on the CSME is the full realisation of the free movement of CARICOM nationals, which, according to Prime Minister  Mottley “is essential for unlocking the true potential of the people and economies of the Community”.

The business sessions of the Meeting, 20-21 February, will be held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados – Sam Lords Castle in St Philip.

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