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Many may miss benefits as Government Delivers ‘Discriminatory’ Vaccination Perks

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#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2021 – Turks and Caicos government has offered socially rewarding perks for those business staff and individuals who are vaccinated. In his fortnightly brief, the Deputy Premier & the Minister of Health in Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. E. Jay Saunders said the government is pushing for more people to get vaccinated.

“As I said before, we are pushing for people to get vaccinated. Because we can see the benefits of vaccination. That is the best way to keep people safe,” said Hon. Saunders before announcing the good news to those who are vaccinated.

In preliminary highlights on what the Cabinet members had discussed and approved, Hon. Saunders said they had “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.

These new developments eliminate the requirement to obtain a negative PCR test within five days before they arrived in the Islands with effect from 1 May 2021.”

Additionally, the cabinet 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 contact someone with the COVID-19 disease.

Therefore, those who’re yet to receive the two jabs will have to go through a more tedious processes to get what they want. Even though the perks are rewarding, they are frowned up as discriminatory as many not yet vaccinated are set to miss the benefits.

“So, subject to 100 per cent of your staff being vaccinated, restaurants and bars will be able to increase their occupancy to 60 per cent.” According to Hon. Saunders.

While this will be a big win for those restaurants with 100 per cent staff vaccination and taxi drivers, those who are yet to get the two doses of Covid-19 vaccine will lose the huge advantage.

“Taxi drivers were able to carry only three persons. So, if taxi drivers are vaccinated, they can increase the number of passengers they carry to 50 per cent of their normal carrying capacity. If they are not vaccinated, they can carry only three persons,” said Hon. Saunders.

Unapologetically, when pressed about the discriminatory decisions, the Minister said he would rather have people in the TCI who are vaccinated and better protected against Covid-19 than residents who are being hospitalised and dying, after contracting the virus.

Some 2,344 people have been infected with Covid-19 in TCI; 17 have died in the territory.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

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PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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Decomposing Body Found

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.

At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard.  A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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Caribbean News

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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