Connect with us

News

Governor says NO ONE is above the law and convenes tribunals for two high ranking Civil Servants

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2022 – Every biennial anniversary of the Integrity Commission is the due date for specified public officials to file their financial declaration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission.

It is the law and it is what everyone in this category of public sector worker contractually agrees to upon being hired in the civil service.

On Thursday, information surfaced and was later confirmed that two prominent members of TCIG were placed on suspension as a result of potentially failing to comply with Section 39 (1) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance.

Anthony Swann of the Immigration Department and Edwin Taylor, the Labour Commissioner were confirmed as suspended by Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and head of the civil service in TCIG.

“…their suspension relates to a potential breach regarding their obligation to file with the Integrity Commission,” said the DG in response to questions by Magnetic Media.

Rumors had claimed as many as six individuals were a part of a corruption ring, which led to the suspensions.  However that would later be said to be untrue.  Comments from both the Deputy Governor and Governor affirm a different version of events.

“With regard to your question about the DG’s involvement in the suspension of Mr. Swann and Mr. Taylor, the DG is Head of the Public Service so is of course involved in any decisions involved in members of staff who serve in the Public Service.  But the integrity Commission reports to me, and so it is myself who – without prejudice – has asked for Tribunals to be convened to weigh the issues.

Should it need to be made clear, there is no member of the Public Service or Police Force who – if a case is developed by the Integrity Commission – is safe from escaping due process,” said Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

His Excellency added, “I can confirm that no other member of the public service has been – in recent days – placed on administrative leave although the DG reserves the right to move staff to different duties should that be in the interests of the public service,” but he did say, “For completeness, several months ago, we placed on Administrative Leave, to progress through an internal-disciplinary process, ten members of the Immigration Ministry again following investigations by the Integrity Commission.”

The section in question requires:  “Every person who is a specified person in public life, not being a member or staff member of the Commission, shall— (a) on or before 30 June 2012 and every two years thereafter, on or before the biennial anniversary of that date; and (b) where such person ceases to be a specified person in public life, within ninety days from the date on which the person ceases to be a specified person in public life, file with the Commission a declaration containing the particulars referred to in subsection (3) and each of the members or staff members of the Commission shall file with the Governor similar declarations on or before the dates on which such declarations are required by other persons in public life.”

Mr. Swann and Mr. Taylor are allegedly in breach.  Failure to file or falsifying a filed declaration is an offence and could attract hefty penalties, including a $15,000 fine or one year in prison.

News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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/.

Continue Reading

News

Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING