News
Health Reports: 94 per cent of new COVID cases from SCHOOL START amongst teachers and students
#TurksandCaicos, October 19, 2021 – A return to in person learning has been an indisputable plus for Turks and Caicos children and families, but it has not come without some concerning statistics amidst the ongoing pandemic. The Turks and Caicos, on Friday learned that students and teachers accounted for 213 of the 227 cases of Covid-19 detected between September 6 and October 16; that equates to 94 per cent of cases.
“We continue to see a higher proportion of cases among children when compared to time before the current surge. Since schools reopened on Sept 6th 2021, we have detected a total of 213 cases of COVID19 in the TCI. Of these, 47 (22 per cent) have been among school/nursery/kindergarten age children between the ages of 0 – 17 years. Of the 47 school aged children, 40 said they attended a local school/nursery,” said Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
At least four schools had to make sudden changes in how they delivered education and the pivot was pivotal.
Clement Howell High school in Providenciales reverted to a hybrid learning system after at least one teacher tested positive for Covid-19. Students were permitted some days in school, and other days out of school and joining class virtually in order to ensure physical distancing could be optimized.
Ona Glinton Primary school in Grand Turk opted to send just one class home after being PCR tested by the Ministry of Health staff. This isolated students who may have been exposed to a case linked through contact tracing, while allowing the students to still attend their classes virtually while their school mates went on with in-person learning completely uninterrupted.
In both cases, no outbreak was discovered and any threat was neutralized thanks to the easily activated back-up plans.
During a National Health Update on Friday October 15, Dr. Astwood spoke of the collaboration which continues between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in order to ensure school campuses are safe, but also that children are getting the best possible education.
Results on examinations for hundreds of students proved that in school, in person learning is most ideal for children. Many struggled to keep pace through the virtual platforms, others lacked the access to virtual platforms and for families which have now returned to the work field, it is critical that schools are in session on campus.
“We do work very closely with the Ministry and Department of Education. So we share information on the testing of students, we work closely with the principals of the schools so anytime there is a positive case we communicate with them, provide advice and do the testing,” said Dr. Astwood.
Mask-wearing continues to be mandatory, so is physical distancing and the ramped-up hygiene protocols.
“We continue to encourage the uptake of the vaccine amongst school aged children as another protection,” added the CMO.
The Pfizer vaccine is available to Turks and Caicos generally for first time takers, to all residents 12 years and older and a booster shot program for priority groups was rolled out in early October.
While there were education and Q&A opportunities for the education sector prior to the resumption of in person learning across the country, which in this 2021-2022 Academic Year was a first for the Turks and Caicos since the start of the pandemic, sessions continue to be held to support the school system.
“We have updated the guidelines for the schools in terms of the Covid -19 response, yesterday (October 14) the Deputy Chief Medical Officer would have held a meeting with teachers, principals and vice principals in the Ministry of Education, to go through some of those update protocols so there are trigger points on which way we go and when,” said Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The minister was addressing a media question related to what would necessitate a closure of schools or an end to in person learning amidst the ongoing, potentially deadly Cornavirus pandemic.
“The gist still is, face-to-face is better and its ideal but we don’t want to have our children in any additional adverse environments clearly, but there are guidelines in place to dictate what takes place at which school. Because it can go as far as all out shut down and changing, as well as just the shutting down of a class itself or just isolating a few
students. There is flexibility there, so it isn’t a one size fits all and it wouldn’t be a decision that’s taken across the board for schools across the country, it is more a case by case basis,” explained Minister Robinson.
The CMO reinforced the message, strongly intimating that it would take a rampant outbreak in order to alter the current plan, which she feels is working very well.
“We are trying not to disrupt education. Children have suffered around the world because of the pandemic, not being in educational settings. On line learning is not been ideal but where there have been instances where we have had to children home for online learning we have done so, but not to shut the entire schools. We have not been seeing what we have seen in other Caribbean countries, which are huge outbreaks in schools. We have been seeing sporadic cases in the schools and so the public health team has been doing the relevant contact tracing etc, but again it hasn’t been a huge spread that we are finding in the classes. And I think that speaks to the measures which are in place.”
There are around 4,500 children who make up the student population of the Turks and Caicos, according to 2020 figures. That only 47 students have been confirmed with Covid-19 is both a relief and commendable.
“We’ve been very fortunate. Most of the cases (in children) are very mild illness, sort of more cough and cold. The children that we have identified (with Covid-19) have been managed at home and none of them have needed (hospital) admission for Covid related illness but we have been watching international data, which shows that with the Delta variant, children are more likely to be hospitalised and have, you know, in some cases more serious events,” explained the CMO as she expounded on whether children have been severely impacted by the disease.
The report has been more heartbreaking for school faculty, especially in the public school system. The Education sector, in September, lost a primary school senior administrator and seasoned educator; she died of Covid-19 just weeks into the new academic year.
Parents continue to be advised to keep their children home if they are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
News
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly Leads Community Connect Meetings in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (July 31st, 2026) – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Tourism, has relaunched its Community Connect initiative, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring residents play a central role in shaping the future of tourism across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The meetings began in Grand Turk and Salt Cay, marking the first in a series of engagements that will be held across the country.
Led by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, the meetings were held on Monday, July 27th, and Tuesday, July 28th, respectively at the Yellowman and Sons Auditorium in Grand Turk and the Salt Shed in Salt Cay.
Community Connect is a series of town hall meetings designed to keep communities informed about the work of Experience Turks and Caicos and the Ministry of Tourism, provide updates on the performance of the tourism industry, and create an open forum where residents can share their concerns, ideas and recommendations for strengthening the tourism product. The initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring tourism development is informed by the voices of the communities it is intended to benefit.
The meetings brought together residents, business owners and tourism stakeholders for open and insightful discussions about the future of tourism on their respective islands. Participants engaged directly with Hon. Jolly and his team, which included Deputy Permanent Secretaries Mr. Arthur Been and Mr. Ronlee James, along with Experience Turks and Caicos Product Development Manager Mrs. Candesha Mills.
Opening the meetings, Hon. Jolly stressed that Community Connect is intended to be a conversation rather than a presentation, giving
residents an opportunity to help shape the future of tourism in their communities.
“We are hoping to have a dialogue about the future of tourism in Grand Turk. We want to ensure residents are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that tourism creates, while also understanding the challenges you see, whether it is cruise tourism development or other issues, so that together we can address those gaps and better prepare our people to benefit,” he said in his welcome address in Grand Turk.
Discussion in Grand Turk covered a wide range of issues, including garbage collection, the culling of donkeys and stray dogs, hotel investment, airlift and the continued development of the island’s tourism sector.
The meeting also featured brief remarks by Mr. Donte Francis of the Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Agency (GTESA), who provided an update on projects completed and those currently in the pipeline. He noted that GTESA has completed 22 projects to date and is awaiting Board approval for an additional 14 initiatives.
In Salt Cay, discussions focused largely on community infrastructure and essential services that, while not directly tourism-related, play an important role in supporting the visitor experience and the island’s long-term tourism potential. Residents raised concerns about the frequency of flights and ferry service to Grand Turk, the absence of ambulance and emergency medical services, and ongoing water supply challenges.
Reflecting on the discussions, Hon. Jolly reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with communities to ensure they play an active role in shaping the future of tourism.
“As I shared during the meetings, our communities have the power to help shape how their islands develop. My responsibility as Minister is to listen, understand the challenges they face, and ensure my Ministry is doing everything possible to create opportunities and remove barriers. I was encouraged by the honest and constructive discussions we had in both Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and I look forward to continuing this conversation across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend and share their views.”
Community Connect will continue in the coming months with meetings in North, Middle and South Caicos, as well as communities across Providenciales.
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News4 days agoMinister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly Leads Community Connect Meetings in Grand Turk and Salt Cay