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Are we Truly Thankful or just saying Thanks?  

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By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, November 30, 2021 – “God has given to us much: beaches, sun, rain, food, freedom. But we have become so used to them, we take them for granted, and we forget to make use – good use, to what God has given us,” said the new rector of the St. Monica’s Anglican Church, Reverend Father Lynden Douglas.

In an address to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands at the National Day of Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service, Rev’d Douglas shared a message from Luke 17 verses 11 to 19, with an emphasis on verse 15.

The bible lesson spoke to ten lepers who had asked Jesus for healing. After Jesus instructed them, one of the nine men, who perceived he was healed, went back to thank the Lord. The message Rev’d Douglas focused on was that only one of all the men healed expressed thanks.

In his address, he emphasised the concept of gratitude and thanksgiving. He said many have thanksgiving voices but not thanksgiving hearts. Rev’d Douglas asked, “are we among those who pray or give thanks for our meals, and shortly after we say amen, we say everything that is wrong with our meal?”

He referred to the effects of the COVID-19 virus: quarantine, closure of churches, beaches, and the illness itself. By referring to these, he compared pre-Covid attitudes when some things were taken for granted, and there were complaints than thanksgiving. “We have gotten so used to the stars that we have lost wonder for God’s handiwork,” he said.

In a similar way, he referred to how people are during and after hurricane seasons. He said that people express thanks after the season has passed but complain about damages that have happened. “Ingratitude and thanklessness seem to be rather a common human problem,” he added.

Rev’d Douglas said that among all, Christians should be the most grateful because regardless of daily obstacles, God has given “the most wonderful gift – his son, Jesus Christ.”

Relating to a question asked by Jesus in the bible lesson, he said, “I wonder if Jesus was to look into our churches and our communities today if he would be asking us … Where are those whom I have showered my blessings on every day? Where are those who have prayed for a miracle, have asked their pastors and fellow church people to pray for them, and when they have received, where are those?” He added that people feel entitled to God’s blessing. Hence, the expression of forgetfulness and ingratitude.

In the same service, the Premier, Hon. Washington Misick, made a remark encouraging the people to be thankful. He said, “I think we have enjoyed prosperity, we have enjoyed peace and continue to do so. It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination; we strive, we argue, we fight. But generally speaking, this is a beautiful country that God has blessed us with, and I think it is only appropriate that we acknowledge that.”

He added that even as stewards of the earth, the people of TCI are stewards of the county. Meanwhile, Rev’d Douglas asked, “are we looking after being good stewards of the nature of this beautiful country that God has given us or are we too taking it for granted?”

The National Day of Thanksgiving is a public holiday in Turks and Caicos, declared in 2014. This Thanksgiving Service was held at the Church of St. Monica on Friday, November 26. Members of the church, the government and clergy were in attendance.

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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