News

TCI Cabinet Meeting with new Covid-19 Testing & Vaccine rules and benefits

Published

4 years ago

March 25, 2021

(CORRECTED VERSION) – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 5^th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 24 March 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.

All members were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

· Was given an update by the Ministry of Health on:

a) The measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country, including the need to test for multiple variants, and

b) The instillation of Oxygen Generators at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre.

· Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (Testing of COVID-19) Regulations to include:

a) The use of Lateral Flow Devices for local surveillance of high risk TCIG departments;

b) Robust reporting requirements; and

c) Confirmatory testing and testing requirements.

· Approved the rollout of an expanded Vaccination Campaign, including among other measures, the use of more marketing mediums, drive through vaccine sites, and community outreach/events.

· Approved a policy for a programme of mandatory Covid-19 testing of unvaccinated staff in the public sector for key high risk departments.

· Approved an amendment to Public and Environmental Health (Arriving Passengers) Regulations to allow for upon arrival PCR testing at the airport for TCI residents who have been fully vaccinated (2 doses) in the TCI; doing away with the requirement for such persons to obtain a negative PCR test within five days prior to their arrival in the Islands with effect from 1 May 2021.

· Approved an amendment to the Public and Environmental Health (Pandemic) Regulations to reduce the prescribed quarantine period from 14 days to 7 days for fully vaccinated persons (2 doses) who come into contact with someone with the COVID-19 disease.

· Approved an MOU with the Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA) to assist the Ministry of Health with COVID-19 local surveillance through a programme of community testing using Lateral Flow Devices.

· Approved the overturning of a decision by the Collector of Stamp Duty by granting a waiver to a named individual on appeal in the context of a closed stimulus programme.

· Approved an update to the Provisional Warrant approved by the House of Assembly in December 2020 for a withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund in respect of the Recurrent Expenditure of the Islands for part of the fiscal year 2021/22. The revised Provisional Warrant will be re-submitted to the House of Assembly.

· Approved the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Amendment) Bill 2021 to improve good governance within the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency Ordinance regarding legal, financial, regulatory, and compliance matters. The Bill will be submitted to the House of Assembly for debate.

· Approved an amendment to the supporting documents to be submitted by applicants over the age of 75 years to enable them to benefit from income assistance/relief under the Citizen Relief – Covid-19 Stimulus Program.

· Approved the appointment of Joe Conolly as Chairman and Carla P. Blake-Thomas as Deputy Chair of the TCI National Health Insurance Board for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1 April 2021.

· Were updated on ongoing work by Labour and Employment Services and the Department of Immigration, in particular issuance of work permits, prosecution and departure from the TCI of persons found residing in the country illegally.

· Were updated on progress with addressing processes, structures and staffing of the Gaming Control Commission and approved the removal of the members of the Board.

· Approved the waiver of stamp duty for the purchase of Project House by the Financial Services Commission.

· Confirmed the round robin approval of the Supplementary Appropriation (2020/2021) Bill 2021 and noted its recent approval by the House of Assembly.

· Were updated on ongoing works by the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure, Tourism and Health. Members were also updated on end of year (financial) work by the Civil Service and staffing across various departments.

News

TCI DELEGATION ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE (CAPP) IN BARBADOS

Published

15 mins ago

October 6, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – A delegation from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS) traveled to Barbados to attend the launch of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP). The event marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in probation and parole efforts, with participation from several Caribbean Islands. The delegation representing the Turks and Caicos Islands included: Mrs. Bridgette Newman (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Jaron Harvey (Director), and Ms. Drexanna Seymour (Probation and Parole Officer).

During the launch, a presentation on the progress of TCI’s rehabilitation and probation sectors was delivered, highlighting both existing and upcoming innovative programs aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting behavioral change among clients. Director Harvey emphasized, “We are committed to creating a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also empowers them with the tools to transform their lives.” He added, “Collaborating with regional partners through CAPP enables us to build on these efforts by sharing our achievements and learning from one another. Our emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and behavioral change is already showing positive results, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”

PS Newman asserted “as a region, we face similar challenges, and this organisation allows us to pool our resources and knowledge to develop solutions that work for us. I am proud of the strides we have made in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our partnership with CAPP will further enhance our efforts to reduce re-offending and empower those under our care to make meaningful changes in their lives.”

The launch of CAPP represents a milestone in strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices across the Caribbean to tackle issues related to probation, parole, and reintegration. The association aims to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and policy development to address the needs of individuals within the justice system while promoting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.

The delegation’s participation in this event underscores TCI’s commitment to leading by example in probation and parole services, while the collaborative efforts with CAPP promise a brighter future for rehabilitation and community supervision across the region.

News

Department of Housing and Community Renewal Provides Update on Home Improvement Projects Across Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

1 hour ago

October 6, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 6, 2024 – The Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is pleased to update the public on the progress of its Home Improvement Programme, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing living conditions for residents.

The programme has been rolled out across several islands, with numerous projects underway aimed at improving housing standards. The Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell R. Robinson, commented on the initiative:

“This programme represents our government’s dedication to ensuring that every resident has access to safe and comfortable housing. We are proud of the progress made so far, and we remain focused on completing these projects in a timely manner, while ensuring quality and accountability.”

Island Progress Updates:

Grand Turk:

A total of 11 projectswere approved in batch one of the programme.
6 contractshave been awarded, and work is actively progressing on 4 of these projects:
- One project is 60% complete.
- Another is 50% complete.
- One is at 30% completion.
- The fourth is 25% complete.

Providenciales:

6 projectswere approved in batch one.
3 contractshave been awarded, with the following progress:
- Two projects are 25% complete.
- The third project has reached 10% completion.

South Caicos and Salt Cay:

9 projectshave been approved for South Caicos, and 3 projectsfor Salt Cay.
In both islands, 2 contractshave been awarded, with mobilisation of works expected to begin shortly.

North Caicos and Middle Caicos:

The Department is currently awaiting bids from contractors under the Framework Agreement.
Once received, the bids will be reviewed, and contracts will be awarded as part of the government’s commitment to ensure the housing needs of these islands are met.

Programme Overview and Commitment

The Home Improvement Programme is a key part of the government’s broader efforts to address housing needs across the Turks and Caicos Islands. By targeting homes in need of repair, the initiative aims to improve the living standards of many families. With projects already underway and more set to begin shortly, the DHCR remains committed to the successful and timely completion of all works.

The Department will continue to provide updates on the progress of these critical projects as they move forward.

For further inquiries, residents can contact the Department at 649-338-2220.

News

TCI School Sports Season 2024-25 kicks off with Inter-High Girls and Boys Football

Published

2 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The long-awaited Turks and Caicos School Sports (TCISS) season kicked off on Saturday, September 28th, with the expectation of an electrifying resurgence of school spirit.

The first school sport on schedule is the Inter-High School Football season for Boys and Girls. Last year’s Boys’ champions were the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School and the Marjorie Basden High School were back-to-back champions for the Girls.

The opening weekend will take place at the TCIFA stadium on Venetian Road starting at 10:00 am but all following games in the season will take place at the National Stadium.

Chosen by the coaches in a lottery draw, here are the groups each team will be playing in:

Boys Group A

British West Indies Collegiate – BWIC

Wesley Methodist High School – WMHS Maranatha Academy – MA

Clement Howell High School – CHHS

TCIPS Comprehensive High – TCIPS

Boys Group B

Raymond Gardiner High School – RGHS

HJ Robinson High School – HJRHS

Louise Garland Thomas High School – ALGTHS Marjorie Basden High School – MBHS

Elite High School – EHS

Girls Group A

Clement Howell High School – CHHS

Wesley Methodist High School – WMHS

Raymond Gardiner High School – RGHS

Louise Garland Thomas High School – ALGTHS

Girls Group B

British West Indies Collegiate – BWIC

Clement Howell High School – CHHS

HJ Robinson High School – HJRHS

Marjorie Basden High School – MBHS

On the launch of TCISS 2024-25, Hon. Rachel Taylor shares, “As Minister with responsibilities for Sports, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate all schools for making the assertive effort to ensure that their students are actively engaged in sporting initiatives in partnership with the Sports Commission. Such partnerships aid in the effective delivery of the Physical Education Curriculum. The various sporting disciplines provide an opportunity to develop the soft skills of our students in areas such as leadership, team building, and resilience, and promote physical fitness. We wish our schools all the best as we launch our school sports season.”.

How to Watch Games:

For this year’s game schedules visit the TCISS page: https://www.gov.tc/sports/our-events/tci-school-sports. Tickets will be sold at the stadium booth: Adults $5, and Children $3.

Visit this link to review last year’s season’s fixtures and standings: https://www.schoolssports.com/CompetitionMicrosite/Competitionintro.asp?TID=TCISS-Football&S=20232024.

Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports 2024-25 Schedule

TCISS Inter-High School Football Boys, TCISS Inter-High School Football Girls – September 28, 2024 – October 26, 2024 (Providenciales)
TCISS Inter-High School Basketball – November 2024 – February 2025 (All-Island)
TCISS Inter-High School Softball – November 2024 – February 2025
Track and Field Development Meets – February & March 2025
TCISS Inter-High School Track and Field – March 2025 (Providenciales)
TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field – April 2025 (Providenciales)