Health
COVID Vaccine mandate expires Dec 31, TCIG stalled on ending it sooner
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, September 30, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos does not seem primed to do away with its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for entry to the islands just yet, Magnetic Media learned from Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health and Human Services.
Robinson maintained that “As usual all remaining regulations are continuously under review. Current regulations expire December 31st.”
Despite them being under constant review, the Minister gave no indication that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government would accelerate any change to the rule.
The question though, is why? The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has continuously stated that it is following the science and the UKs lead when it comes to the country’s Covid-19 response. The UK dropped its vaccine mandate for entry back in March as the country was coming off of the Omicron wave and dozens of other countries have done so since.
In terms of the science, not only does vaccination not stop the virus from spreading to vulnerable islanders, the earliest vaccines and boosters have notoriously little efficacy against the circulating variants.
In addition, there is little evidence to suggest that allowing unvaccinated individuals within borders has a negative effect on that country’s Covid case count.
Not only are the islands missing out on a major chunk of their source markets who are unvaccinated, homeowners who are unvaccinated have not been able to return to or see their property investments since the mandate was adopted in September 2021.
Deputy Premier E Jay Sanders had explained that, “thanks to the country’s over performing tourism sector when the decision is made to pull back that requirement it will be done not out of pressure but with the TCI people in mind.”
It’s unclear what the reasoning behind keeping the mandate is when it now has been proven to provide so little protection.
Additionally, it was explained that multiple attempts by the Ministry of Health to secure avenues for unvaccinated homeowners in the Turks and Caicos to visit their properties have been rebuffed at the Cabinet level.
Robinson was addressing the continued COVID-19 vaccine requirement for travel to the TCI which blocks unvaccinated tourists and homeowners from entering the island.
“On several occasions, I have presented possible pathways for homeowners to be able to visit their properties outside of a full repeal of the vaccine entry mandate and each time there was not full support for it moving forward in Cabinet,” he said.
Magnetic Media has spoken to irate and broken-hearted homeowners who have not been able to visit their properties in a year despite spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes and other fees to have a home on the islands.
The Health Ministry however says his team is now preparing a cabinet paper to weigh the pros and cons of continuing with the vaccine mandate. Robinson said that paper has not made the agenda as yet, taking a back seat to more pressing issues including the passing of Hurricane Fiona.
The paper should reach cabinet “soon” but this is not a guarantee that the measure will be dropped. Robinson also defended the TCIG’s current policy.
“Based on the numbers I have received from the (tourism) industry to date, being one of the few only remaining destinations with a vaccine mandate doesn’t seem to be hurting our projected occupancy rates for the months of December, January, and February across all segments of the Industry.”
The issue of why the vaccine mandate persists are heightened due to major announcements in recent days including, Joe Biden, US president declaring that the Coronavirus Pandemic “is over”; Canada moving to end its vaccine entry requirement on September 30 and The Bahamas calling off mandatory testing as of September 22 and rescinding the mask rule (for most public places) on October 1.
The mandatory vaccine measure came into effect in September 2021 prior to the widespread emergence of Omicron and lowered vaccine efficacy. It is also a mandatory requirement for guest workers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 9th, 2025): InterHealth Canada—TCI Hospital proudly inaugurated Nurses Week with a delightful brunch for the nursing teams of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This spirited event, designed to honour nurses’ incredible contributions, was celebrated on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and was met with an enthusiastic turnout.
Nurses Week is a special time to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that nursing professionals exhibit
daily in providing exceptional patient care. The TCI Hospital embraced this occasion with a vibrant and engaging program that brought together nurses from various departments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, celebration, and gratitude.
In addition to Nurses Week, the event also recognized the BPSO (Best Practice Spotlight Organization) champions who have played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at the TCI Hospital.
During the brunch, nurses were treated to a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities. The dynamic schedule included interactive games, opportunities for sharing experiences, and a range of delicious culinary offerings, allowing nurses to relax and connect with colleagues.
In attendance and offering remarks of support of Nurses Week was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles who said, “Today, we have a special occasion to commemorate as we congratulate InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital on their remarkable achievement in transitioning from a Predesignated Best Practice Organization to an official Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization. This is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care that is deeply embedded in the culture of this institution.
Hon. Knowles acknowledged nurses’ vital role in our healthcare system, “You are the backbone of patient care, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support and comfort to those in need. Your compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families”.
Also bringing remarks was Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. She
elaborated, “I take this opportunity to first congratulate the TCI hospital on this significant achievement. The quality of care that you provide as nurses has contributed greatly to the success of this new designation as Best Practice Spotlight Organization. You should be proud of yourselves, and if no one else cheers for you, I want you to take this opportunity to stand up across the room and cheer for yourselves. This would not have been possible without you. Stay the course. Even if you move on from TCI Hospital, take your standards and best practices wherever you go”.
In congratulatory remarks, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, said, “As we celebrate Nurses Week, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nursing teams, from direct patient care to innovative practices in healthcare. The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is more than the physical structure but the dedicated and naturally excellent people advancing service excellence and people centred care. The nurses are a part of the life blood of our services and the wider health sector. This brunch is a small token of gratitude for all that they do. It was fantastic to see nurses connecting, celebrating their achievements, and appreciating one another’s efforts; it’s essential for their well-being.”
The kickoff event not only highlighted the importance of the nursing staff but also set a positive tone for the remaining days of Nurses Week. The TCI Hospital aims to continue showing appreciation through its social media platforms throughout the month of May to recognize the commitment and hard work of the nursing teams.
A similar event will be hosted for the nursing teams of the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on May 11th, 2025.
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