TCI News

TCI HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT COVID-19 POLICIES

Published

5 years ago

April 30, 2021

#TurksandCaicos – April 30, 2021 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government recently announced the following policies with a view of mitigating against the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic:

mandatory vaccination as a condition to obtain a work permit (both new and renewal).
mandatory weekly testing of public facing public servants who decide not to be vaccinated.
requiring vaccines to obtain benefit in certain circumstances (e.g., easier re-entry into TCI for vaccinated residents, etc.)

The Human Rights Commission is mandated to take appropriate steps to protect the rights of all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands and in doing so must act in accordance with the Islands’ Constitution which enshrines various human rights as fundamental rights and freedoms to be enjoyed by all residents of the Islands. Whilst some human rights are absolute, others can be derogated when required by circumstances of public emergencies. The Constitution, like other human rights conventions, allows for the Government to derogate some of the non-absolute fundamental rights during periods of public emergency.

The Commission has considered the policies of the Government and agree that it is empowered under both the Constitution and international conventions to derogate some of the non-absolute rights. In so doing, the government is required to balance the protection of rights against public safety while ensuring that absolute rights are maintained. In the case of the Covid-19 policies, the right of one individual not to be vaccinated must be weighed against the right to life of the general population. This balancing act is a key component of democratic societies. In seeking to balance, the Government must act reasonably, proportionately and in the best interest of the greater population.

The following is a consideration of relevant fundamental human rights:

The right to life (Section 2 of the TCI Constitution)

This is an absolute fundamental human right and cannot be derogated. Accordingly, the Government cannot deliberately take a person’s life. This includes a duty to take proactive, reasonable steps (not all possible steps) to protect a person’s life; and applies when Government knows (or ought to have known) that life is at serious and immediate risk. In a health setting, reasonableness is judged against broadly accepted medical opinion. It is the Commission’s view that the Government has taken reasonable, proportionate, and pro-active steps to protect the lives of its citizens and residents. None of the Government’s actions places any life at serious and immediate risk.

The right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment (Section 3 of the TCI Constitution)

This is an absolute right and protects against serious physical or mental harm from the Government, whether that harm is intentional or not. The Commission views the Government’s action as proportionate and adequate to protect the general public of harm (both mental and physical). None of the actions will result in inhumane or degrading treatment or harm.

Right to liberty (Section 5 of the TCI Constitution)

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated. A person is deprived of their liberty when they are living under constant supervision and/or control and they are not free to leave. The right can be restricted when necessary, under very specific circumstances. A deprivation of liberty is only allowed if it is lawful, legitimate, and proportionate including for the purpose of ‘the prevention of the spreading of infectious diseases. ’Government’s action to implement the policies for the purpose of the prevention of Covid-19. The actions are reasonable and proportionate and does not extremely restrict people’s movements.

The right to private and family life (Section 9 of the TCI Constitution

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated. It protects our right to respect for private and family life including physical and mental wellbeing and autonomy (e.g., being able to make decisions about your health and care). Condition of vaccination to enjoy certain benefits (entry into public places, hassle free travel, etc.) may in normal circumstances be a contravention of this fundamental right. It is the Commission’s view that the Government action to derogate this right is warranted under the period of emergency and the derogation of the right is both reasonable and proportionate. Persons are allowed to make the choice about their health however, the government has placed reasonable and proportionate restrictions based on the choice made in the best interest of the population at large.

The right to be free from discrimination (Section 16 of the TCI Constitution):

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated. This right seeks to protect our right not to be discriminated against and means that we should all be able to enjoy our human and fundamental rights without discrimination. Differential treatment of people may not be discriminatory if it can be objectively and reasonably justified. In this case with the ongoing public health emergency the action by the Government can be objectively and reasonably justified in the best interests of the population.

Case law in the EU and Caribbean

Courts in both Europe and the Caribbean have considered contravention of human and fundamental rights claims in relation to mandatory vaccines and derogation of citizens’ rights in times of emergency and crisis.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Czech Republic did not contravene any of the EU Human Rights conventions by requiring mandatory vaccinations (it was not, however, in relation of the Covid-19 vaccine).

The Court in Trinidad and Tobago ruled that the Governments action to refuse entry of citizens into Trinidad and Tobago was not in contravention of any constitutional and fundamental human rights during a time of crisis.

Conclusion

The Commission is not persuaded that the Government’s policies have contravened any rights enshrined in the Constitution. Further, that the policies as implemented are so done for the protection of the public in this time of emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is reasonable and proportionate and it is in their opinion in the best interest of the greater good. We do not think that any of the actions by the Government described herein contravenes any human right or fundamental constitutional right of any resident of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Human Rights Commission continues to exercise its role as a watchdog institution and for the protection of rights for everyone residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Media Statement provided by the Human Rights Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Related Topics:#covid19 #covid19vaccine #humanrights #humanrightscommission #magneticmedianews #SabrinaGreen #tchrc

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HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being

We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.

This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.

At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:

1. Evacuation Advisories

Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:

Middle Caicos

Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre

North Caicos

Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School

Providenciales

- - Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
  - Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
  - Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
  - Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
  - Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School

South Caicos

Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre

Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.

2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre

The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.

3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.

4. Shelter-in-Place

A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.

This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.

Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.

In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.

Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

6 days ago

October 25, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

6 days ago

October 24, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.