News
Ministry of Health & Turks and Caicos Media Meet; but was it good?
#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – When the newest Minister of Health invited media to an informal, some on the record/some off the record lunch date with himself and leaders from Team Health, there was curiosity about what he was after. Within minutes of the meetings start, it was clear that this session was designed to build a relationship with the Media, who are key actors in any sensible society. It was also stated that the session was a beginning.
From Hon Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health & Human Services: “The purpose of the meeting was to simply meet the media in a private setting away from a press conference or an audience; a meeting that allowed for general interaction without limits on questions or subject matter.
I am of the belief that a Government and its Leaders need the media as an ally to help us communicate with our citizens as well as provide avenues or platforms from which we can articulate and defend our policies.
With a primary focus on the COVID-19 pandemic the media encouraged Team Health to also be aware of public’s interest in other functions of the Ministry. (e.g waste management health programmes and special needs issues). It was also realized from our luncheon that our TCI media is willing to act as a mechanism in assisting us with promotion public awareness of key or critical information.
My team and I certainly deemed the luncheon a success and promise to schedule them quarterly or at least biannually in an effort to ensure sustained communication with both the media houses and the public.”
Vivian Tyson, a veteran journalist in the Turks and Caicos and owner of Newsline TCI, an online publication which enjoys a keen following on Facebook said: “I think it was frank, open and seemingly honest that the minister considers the media an integral part of nation-building, and that a meaningful partnership can be forged, where the media is considered and upheld as vital artery through which the relevant government information can flow to the public in a timely manner.
I believe that he also valued our input concerning making government being effective with communication. With that said, we still have to call their remembrance to these commitments made during the luncheon and allow them to make good on them…because after all, we are the watch dog on behalf of the people.”
Among the Health Executives at the lunch session were: Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions & Advocacy Unit; Dr. Jeremy Myers, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Kenrick Neely, Director of Environmental Health Department.
“The meeting was great and a much needed one for persons to understand what is going on and what plans are in place. I also think it we gave more insight on certain things such as vector control management, solid waste and the Health Strategy Plan (past 2015-2020/21) and present 2022-2025/26.”
Latoya Walkin, anchor with People’s Television; Hayden Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of the Turks and Caicos Sun Newspaper and Deandrea Hamilton, CEO and Journalist-owner of Magnetic Media also attended the sessions.
“It is always important that Government and Media have a behind the scenes rapport. After all, we serve the same country and the same people and it makes good sense to have the kind of relationship where that goal is always kept front and center. Relationships are how we keep it together, how we make things happen and it was satisfying to have the insightful exchange over the tranquil ambience at the Shore Club. Health shared with media, Media shared with Health and I believe in the end our islanders will be the better for it,” said Deandrea Hamilton, Magnetic Media.
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.
“Sometimes I look at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like there would be a red flashing light that tells you that
there’s something wrong with a car and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the same thing. It gives you warning signs to look into that symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak said self-checks are going to be a little different for everyone.
However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such as unexplained weight loss, blood in your urine, bumps and bruises that won’t heal, and changes in bowel habits.
For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could be a sign of something more serious.
He also suggests doing regular skin checks and documenting any moles or spots that start to look different.
“Realize that you are your own person. There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you. You’ve got your own set of ideas, your own family history and your own genetics. Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing that we would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak notes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with.
Press Release: Cleveland Clinic
