News
TCI: Teachers test positive for COVID; Minister doubles down on testing requirement of Educators
#TurksandCaicos, April 27, 2021 – The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands made a decision to reopen all primary and high schools in the country, due to the successful rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccination program and adherence and enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols across the islands. We have also recently seen a significant sustained decrease in the number of active cases and positivity rate. To this end, the Ministry of Education has implemented various measures to ensure the health and safety, not only of our students, but also our teachers under revised health protocols.
One of these measures was the mandatory testing program for unvaccinated teachers. Unfortunately, it has come to my attention through the Ministry of Health, that there has been significant non-compliance of the mandatory testing by some teachers.
The last report we received, highlighted over 100 unvaccinated teachers at the schools in Providenciales, yet only 79 persons presented themselves for testing. We have received reports of teachers leaving the school compound or failing to attend work to avoid getting tested. This means that there has been a clear refusal of some teachers to abide by the government issued mandate. This refusal puts our students and other staff members at risk to the exposure of the COVID-19 virus on a daily basis.
Following recent testing, we have received information from the Ministry of Health, that two teachers, one from the Thelma Lightbourne Primary in Long Bay and the second from the Louise Garland High School, formerly known as Long Bay High School who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health has made contact with these individuals, advised of their status and commenced the necessary contact tracing. Both schools will be closed on Monday, April 26th for continued sanitization and lessons will be administered online during such time.
Teachers, we have safe and effective vaccines available. We strongly encourage our teachers to consider taking the vaccine, although it remains a personal decision. A growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are potentially less likely to spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Although sessions have been held with our teachers surrounding COVID-19, we continue to encourage our teachers to consult their healthcare providers so that they can make an informed decision about their health status. Teachers, if you choose not to take the vaccine, please present yourselves to the staff of the Ministry of Health during the mandated weekly schedule at your school. To the unvaccinated teachers, the mandatory testing is essential for you, as it keeps you aware of your COVID-19 status.
The Ministry of Education looks forward to receiving the full cooperation of our teachers and their continued adherence to the protocols issued by the Ministry of Health. Your actions today will help keep yourselves, other staff members and our children safe and healthy. As always, we wish to thank you for the dedication to our students, the public service and the country as a whole.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
-
Caribbean News6 days agoCARICOM Presses for Peace as Hormuz Conflict Drives Up Caribbean Costs
-
Health6 days agoGrand Turk Residents Fear Norovirus-Linked Cruise as Health Ministry Approves Docking
-
Bahamas News5 days ago“Politician-1” Frenzy Intensifies After Plane Crash Survivor Allegedly Misses US Court Appearance
-
Education1 week agoTCFFA and TCICC sign historic MOU to launch Turks and Caicos’ first Sustainable Fly Fishing curriculum
-
News1 week agoGovernment Probes Possible Arson at GT Landfill
-
Bahamas News6 days agoDon Jr. Bahamas Wedding to Proceed Without President Trump
-
News5 days agoBeaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation Champion Early Childhood Literacy with Star-Studded Reading Road Trip
-
News5 days agoRT&CIPF, Airports Authority Pledge Stronger Aviation Security for Turks and Caicos