Connect with us

News

September 1: Tourists must be VAXXED to visit TCI

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, August 17, 2021 – In 14 days, things will change dramatically for the Turks and Caicos when it comes to who is allowed into the country as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to force sweeping reviews of rules in the travel and tourism industry.

Approved amendments to existing measures under the Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 Pandemic) Regulations 2020, with effect from 1 September 2021 until further notice, as follows:  All visitors aged 16 and above to be fully vaccinated on arrival in TCI,” a rule evolving from the Turks  and Caicos Islands Cabinet meeting of August 11.

Turks and Caicos is setting the bar very high for tourists to enter the country, after guests accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the new cases of Covid-19 and following discovery of the delta strain within the islands.

Now, in addition to mandatory medical coverage, mandatory testing within three days of travel to Turks and Caicos, every tourist 16 years and older must be vaccinated.

The new measure is met with harsh criticism and deep concern, as the industry has in recent months shown tremendous signs of a pre-Covid 19 bounce-back.

Others say it is right move to make in order to protect these islands.

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association had the chance to weigh in on the government’s response to the spike in tourist positives last week; a poll which tipped the scales in favour of not mandating vaccination for tourists.

“Discussions were held last week Thursday (August 5) with the sector to get their feedback on possible measures for the surge in cases,” said newly appointed minister of Health, Jamell Robinson.

From the sector there was not unanimous support informed Trevor Musgrove, president of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, who also said the industry despite stands by the government’s “tough” decision.

“My understanding was that they voted against it,” said Ken Patterson, CEO of Seven Stars resort, “We don’t know what percentage of our tourists are unvaccinated, so no one knows what impact this will have on TCI.”

Patterson also believes government would be better strengthened in its response to the spike in tourism and imported cases of Covid-19 and the Delta variant with measures which empowered resort owners to get all frontline staff vaccinated and says, with some tweaking the new standard could be a plus for safe tourism.”

“Why are tourists being asked to provide a negative test and insurance if they are already vaccinated?  This could be made into a positive tourism message if these, now unnecessary, requirements are dropped.”

Still, new minister of Health Jamell Robinson said the Cabinet determined this would be the best rule as of September 1.

“We have to balance lives and livelihoods; 68 per cent of the 133 positive cases as of early July were visitors.  Community spread was evidence by the contact tracing.  With the pervasiveness of the Delta Variant, it could be asked, could we afford not to make the change?”

During the press conference Minister Robinson offered, “Ninety of the 133 persons who tested positive from early July to date were tourists; that is a significant percentage so based on that, we know we have to put measures in place to deal with that large proportion of the COVID positives and one of the ways of doing that is to ensure that all tourists coming in are vaccinated.”

The Health minister, during his debut press conference held on August 12 echoed a message and vision which had been shared by Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor ahead of the first batch of UK-gifted vaccines arrival to the Turks and Caicos.

“What this allows us to do, is to market the Turks and Caicos Islands as a vaccination-only destination.  So, that says to the world, we are a safe holiday destination that gives confidence to persons boarding that plane who are vaccinated that once they get into the Turks and Caicos Islands, the people they interact with, who are other visitors will be a vaccinated and the adults we have, at least 67 per cent of them are fully vaccinated.”

Cancellations are expected by the tourism and travel industry.  Cancellations are already being recorded to the destination.

Among the other Caribbean region countries restricting inbound travellers to vaccinated-only visitors are Anguilla, Puerto Rico and St. Kitts and Nevis, according to Travel Weekly.com.

 

 

Africa

Rwanda and DRC Sign Historic Declaration of Principles in Washington

Published

on

Washington, D.C. – April 25, 2025 — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda today signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at paving the way for peace, stability, and economic integration in eastern DRC. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step forward in efforts to resolve longstanding tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the DRC, while Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed for Rwanda. They were joined by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos, and U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Troy Fitrell.

The signing ceremony builds on the efforts of the African Union and other regional leaders who have long sought to address the complex and often violent conflict in the Great Lakes region. The Declaration of Principles establishes a framework for restoring normal bilateral relations between Rwanda and the DRC, reinforcing commitments to sovereignty, territorial integrity, security cooperation, and regional economic development.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Secretary Rubio said. “The United States is honored to support Rwanda and the DRC as they take this courageous step toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.”

The Declaration outlines key areas of cooperation, including mutual recognition of each country’s sovereignty and established borders, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prohibition of interference in internal affairs. It emphasizes the urgent need to address security threats posed by non-state armed groups operating along the shared border and commits both governments to refrain from providing support to such groups.

To enhance security, the two nations agreed to explore the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at combating armed groups and criminal organizations. This cooperation is viewed as essential not only for stability but also for expanding legitimate trade and broader economic collaboration across the region.

In an ambitious economic vision, Rwanda and the DRC pledged to develop a phased regional integration framework, building on organizations like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). They plan to link this framework with U.S.-supported investments in infrastructure, hydropower, mineral supply chain transparency, and national park management.

The Declaration also addresses the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict. Both countries committed to working with UN agencies to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

In addition, the two countries reaffirmed their support for the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and other regional mechanisms, ensuring protection for civilians and facilitating the implementation of the principles outlined in the Declaration.

Finally, in alignment with ongoing initiatives such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, the two governments committed to drafting an initial Peace Agreement by May 2, 2025. Any disputes arising from the draft will be addressed through a Foreign Minister-level meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. State Department.

Signed in duplicate in English, today’s agreement marks a hopeful new chapter in Rwanda-DRC relations, offering a potential blueprint for peace and development across one of Africa’s most conflict-affected regions.

Continue Reading

Crime

Police Launch Homicide Investigation After Fatal Shooting in Blue Hills

Published

on

Photo by Eagle Legal News Media 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 27, 2025 — The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has launched an active homicide investigation following a deadly shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Blue Hills community.

Around 12:30 a.m., officers from the Tactical Unit, while on routine patrol, responded to reports of gunfire at Ralph Close Evangelic Yard. Upon arrival, they discovered the unresponsive body of a man lying behind a wooden apartment building, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The deceased has been formally identified as 43-year-old Fritznel Beliard, originally from Limbe, Haiti.  Authorities have extended condolences to Mr. Beliard’s family and friends as investigations continue.

According to preliminary findings, a group of individuals had gathered in the yard to socialize and play music when two armed men approached.  The gathering quickly dispersed, with people fleeing in different directions.  Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Beliard was found fatally wounded.

At this time, investigators have not established a clear motive for the attack and are keeping all possibilities open as they pursue leads.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force emphasized that a life was senselessly taken and appealed to the public for assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward,” a police spokesperson said.  “Your cooperation could be vital in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

Residents with any knowledge related to the incident are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, call 911, reach out directly to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-8477.  Additionally, tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force assured the community that every effort is being made to swiftly solve this case and maintain public safety.

Authorities continue to canvass the area for witnesses and surveillance footage as the investigation remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

Local Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine

Published

on

Turks & Caicos’ rising star continues to blaze trails on the global stage

Providenciales, TCI – Turks & Caicos native Selena Grant, 24, is making headlines once again—this time as the cover star for the April 2025 issue of Vigor Magazine, an international publication celebrated for spotlighting fashion, culture, and emerging talent from around the world.

Grant, who first captured national attention in May 2024 when she was crowned Miss One Nation TCI, has since built a reputation as one of the country’s most multifaceted young women. In the past year alone, she has claimed 1st Runner-Up titles in both the Miss Universe Turks & Caicos pageant and the international Miss Global International competition. Her success on the runway, however, is only part of her story.

A dedicated community activist, Selena has contributed to humanitarian causes across the Islands, working with organizations such as United Way and Edward C Garland Yoith Centre and other outreach efforts. She also lends her skills to the medical field, currently serving as a lab apprentice at InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now, as the face of Turks & Caicos Fashion Week 2025, Selena is once again flying the national flag high. But this cover moment is not hers alone—it’s a shared triumph with the renowned model , runway coach, designer and photographer Kaye Cox, who not only photographed but also styled, directed, and retouched the entire shoot.

“I was incredibly honored to work with Kaye on this project,” Selena shared. “She’s a creative powerhouse and visionary. From concept to execution, every detail was hers—and I’m just so proud we could bring this vision to life together.”

Shot on the iconic shores of Providenciales, the editorial captures the essence of island elegance with a bold, high-fashion twist. The visuals, rich with cultural pride and artistic depth, immediately caught the eye of Vigor editors and landed both women their well-deserved spot on the cover.

This feature is another major milestone in Selena’s journey and a celebration of the brilliant women behind the lens and in front of it.

This marks yet another milestone in Selena’s modeling career and underscores her continued role as a cultural ambassador for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

From the stage to the studio, from the lab to the pages of an international magazine, Selena Grant continues to prove that beauty, brains, and purpose can go hand in hand—with women like Kaye Cox right there capturing it all.

Congratulations, Selena !

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING