Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.

Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.

Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.

Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”

Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Arielle Neely as the Career Advancement and Program Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture.

Ms. Neely holds a BA (Hons) in Education Studies from the University of Hull, where she focused on policy analysis, psychological perspectives, and pedagogical practices. Her first-class thesis, “Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Online and Face-to-Face Learning at University During the Covid-19 Pandemic,” was inspired by the shared educational challenges faced by students during that period. She is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science, a program she selected for its comprehensive approach, emphasizing stakeholder analysis, value understanding, messaging, policy construction, and campaign formulation. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Ms. Neely began her Public Service career as an intern with the Employment Services Department in the summer of 2021. She then served as the temporary Head of Secretariat from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, Neely transitioned to a full-time Research and Planning Officer role at the Employment Services Department. Following that, she was seconded to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, where she served as the Program Coordinator for the National Internship and Apprenticeship Program (NIAP).

In 2023, Ms. Neely served as the Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands. During her tenure, she demonstrated leadership and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels. She participated in international forums such as the Debate Mate International Program in Nepal (2024), the HACSA Sankofa Young Fellowship in Ghana (2023), the Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit in Trinidad and Tobago (2023), the International AIDS Conference in Canada (2022), and the National Policy Working Group in TCI (2022). Her experience reflects a deep commitment to youth development and emphasizes her effectiveness on the global stage.

On her appointment, Ms. Neely said, “I’m honoured to be appointed as Career Advancement and Program Coordinator. This role allows me to continue my passion for youth development and communication. As Psalms 46:5 (NIV) reminds us, ‘God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.’ I give all thanks to God for blessing me with this opportunity and to my support system that has stood by me throughout my journey. A special thanks to my mother for her unwavering support and constant encouragement, constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am delighted to continue serving within the public service, and I am forever inspired by the potential of our youth to create a brighter Turks and Caicos Islands”.

In congratulating Ms. Neely, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams stated, “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Arielle Neely on her promotion to Career Advancement and Program Coordinator. It’s a pleasure to welcome her back to the Public Service after her educational pursuits. Her dedication to youth development and strategic vision will undoubtedly benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands. We look forward to her contributions and the positive impact she will have on our community.

Congratulations Ms. Neely on your well-deserved promotion”.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 3 October 2024: The 29th Executive Board Meeting of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) took place on 26th September 2024 at the State Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. The meeting focused on key objectives, including:

1. Approving the strategic direction of CARPHA for the next five (5) years;
2. Receiving administrative and technical updates regarding CARPHA’s operations;
3. Reviewing and approving policy initiatives undertaken by CARPHA; and
4. Providing advice to support the smooth management and operations of CARPHA.

Following this, the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which convened both virtually and in-person from 27th -28th September 2024, also took place in Washington, DC. This meeting brought together Ministers of Health and other relevant sectors from CARICOM member states to address critical human and social development issues within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) were represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, and included Mrs. Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer, Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Director of Health Policy and Planning, Ms. Betty-Ann Been, Director of Aged-Care and Rehabilitation, and Mrs. Kissia Thomas-Cornwall, Executive Assistant.

The objectives of the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) focused on advancing critical aspects of human and social development within CARICOM. Key objectives included:

1. Addressing pressing health-related issues within the region, such as social determinants of health, public health concerns, and their impact on the quality of life of Caribbean citizens.
2. Collaborating on strategies to improve health systems and policies to enhance the well-being of communities, families, and individuals.
3. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, to bolster the region’s resilience to future health threats.
4. Strengthening public health systems and aligning regional strategies to mitigate the risk of future pandemics and health emergencies.

The meeting served as a platform for government officials, health ministers, and other key stakeholders from CARICOM member states to exchange insights and strategies for improving regional health outcomes.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Armstrong Alexis, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the significance of social determinants on health, functioning, and quality of life. He noted that social determinants are contributing to many societal issues, including crime and violence, which are adversely impacting public health and communities. Dr. Alexis reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to providing technical and administrative support for policy formulation and implementation, emphasising the need for collective commitment to addressing the region’s pressing health and social issues.

Honourable Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services of the TCI, underscored the importance of regional collaboration to successfully address the major health challenges facing the Caribbean, with a goal of improving health outcomes.