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.
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.
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