News
Vaccination & Testing top tools in COVID arsenal return to classrooms; at school testing coming soon
#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – Teachers across the sector will have to be vaccinated or tested twice weekly for the coronavirus as TCI cautiously sticks to its plan for a return to face to face learning in full.
“We are putting mechanisms in place in conjunction with the ministry of Health, to train persons from the schools who will be responsible for administering the antigen rapid tests, which will take some of the burden off the ministry of health,” said Hon Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Service.
“We will allow two persons from each school to go through this training, but while we await that training to take place, testing will continue for unvaccinated teachers only.”
While some schools have had no choice but to continue hybrid learning programs due to space deficiencies and out of an abundance of caution, there is no mandate for schools to bring everyone back if they are unable to do so within public health regulations. 
Testing sites in Providenciales are the Blue Hills clinic in Blue Hills from 9am to 4pm on Fridays and at the National Stadium from 9amto 4pm on Fridays.
Contact tracing and the uptick in Covid 19 cases is taxing the manpower capacity of the Ministry of Health, explained Taylor in her September 3rd press conference from the Office of the Premier in Provo.
“We are encouraging the teachers to ensure that they get tested during these times.”
Once the training – schedule to happen within September – is completed, antigen testing will be performed at the school site.
A meeting ahead of school’s reopening to students was hosted by the Ministry of Health for teachers in both the private and public sector.
Minister Taylor explained, the session was aimed at allaying fears and giving doctor responses to questions about safety amidst the pandemic. Most teachers were concerned about mask mandates; assurances were given that masks or face coverings will remain mandatory for the vaccinated and unvaccinated for both students and staff.
The Minister reported four teacher resignations; due to job offers abroad and some due to the mandatory vaccination policy for expatriate workers. The policy for mandatory vaccination of work permit holders in Turks and Caicos took effect on September 1.
Additionally, the back to school vaccination drive did not yield the kind of returns the Ministries of Education and Health were hoping for. The drive which had a seven day run was designed for the over 12 year olds to begin their Pfizer doses.
Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer for the Turks and Caicos expressed during her media session that not enough children are getting vaccinated and of the hundreds who are eligible to take the Pfizer vaccine, only 126 have received both doses.
One hundred and sixty-one students have gotten the first jab.
Dr. Astwood said the Ministry of Health will continue to promote vaccination in this age group.
Education Minister Rachel Taylor expressed similar sentiments.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
