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PNP Government Driving in the Wrong Direction

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By: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

       Leader of the Opposition

       Leader/Peoples’ Democratic Movement

 

                                    

#TurksandCaicos, May 19, 2022 – The PNP Government stated that “the government is considering whether it is time to switch to driving on the right-hand side of the road, as is done in the United States of America.”

Really???  As I always say “anything that the government is doing that is good for our people and our country, I will support it.” This considering changing the side of the road that we drive on in our Turks & Caicos Islands is completely not supported by me. In fact, it is extremely unwise to consider switching from driving on the left to driving on the right.

With all the current issues facing the people of the country, this PNP government now wants to put our people’s lives in danger by abruptly switching the side of the road we drive on for many decades. I see this switch causing many accidents and potential loss of lives. This change will be very difficult for people to get right. It will take a long time for people to get accustom to this.

The Honourable Premier and his PNP administration need to reverse course on this decision. I can also envision persons pulling out of corners and driving on the same side as oncoming traffic.  I am almost sure that all our motor vehicle drivers subconsciously know which side to drive on in our country, and likewise subconsciously switch over to the other side whenever we touch down in the USA.

There is no need to switch which side of the road we drive on, persons are already at the liberty to choose which type of vehicle to purchase, whether right hand or left hand.

It appears that now that this government is running out of PDM initiatives that they met in the final stages before rollout, to rubber stamp and now release. In particular, with the passing of the new budget, it can clearly be seen that they have no new or life-changing to bring to the table. I ask people not to simply take my word on this, check the records on this. We are not seeing any creative insight from this government, and now that they have to think for themselves- our people are now seeing the type of policies and initiatives they are coming up with to implement; like this change of the side of the road that we drive on, and their policies that complicate the establishment of business in the country, which has their desired effect of pricing the small man out of the market.

We have many critical issues that are facing our country that needs immediate attention, such as the High Cost of living, Crime, Illegal Immigration, and Unemployment, but we see no new policies or new initiatives, or a new way of doing things.  Nothing that contributes to the real advancement of our people.

Instead, we see a PNP administration that is clueless about addressing the real problems facing our country, and we all now see a failing administration that is trying to distract the people with a bombardment of press releases on novelty events and occurrences.

The Honorable Premier and his Ministers need to get on with the real work they said they came for by addressing the real issues of the country.

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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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