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New Youth Ambassadors to CARICOM Named for Turks & Caicos Islands

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#TurksandCaicos, January 20, 2023 – The Department of Youth Affairs is pleased to announce the 2022-2024 CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Ms. Arielle Neely and Mr. Andy Missick. Both candidates bring years of experience as youth trailblazers in TCI.

Ms. Neely is no stranger to representing youth in Turks and Caicos and regionally. She recently attended the International AIDS Society Conference (2022) where she engaged in discourse around HIV/AIDS and its relations to Mental Health and aging.

Ms. Neely hosted a class on Youth Sexual Education for 30 high school students with the AOL Foundation. Additionally, she is also an active member of the National Youth Parliament.

These platforms display her passion and enthusiasm for public speaking and Youth Advocacy. Ms. Neely holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies (Honours) from Hull University, UK.

She intends to help establish a more effective channel of communication between TCI Youth and Government representatives throughout her term as Youth Ambassador. Her main goal as a Youth Ambassador will be to provide young people with the chance to attend financial literacy workshops and acquire the skills they need to succeed in entrepreneurial endeavors. Ms. Neely will give initiatives for Youth Health great priority. By collaborating with relevant organizations and agencies, she will place emphasis on implementing Youth Mental Health and Youth Sexual Education Programs. Ms. Neely is currently employed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government within the Employment Services Department.

Mr. Andy Missick started his journey in youth work as a member of the Rotaract Club whose motto is “service above self”. In addition, he is an active member of Youth Parliament. He currently conducts Youth Mentorship Programs at both the Clement Howell High School and Louise Garland Thomas High School where he speaks to the students on having self-esteem and self-worth, making positive decisions and handling conflict. During his tenure as Youth Ambassador, Mr. Missick goal is to establish a National Mentorship Program in high schools across the TCI in order for Youth to receive guidance and support from successful and respected members of society. He also plans to develop Youth Leadership Seminars as a Youth Ambassador, to provide young people with the tools they need to set and achieve goals, develop positive life skills, and make the transition into adulthood.

Furthermore, one of his responsibilities during his tenure will be to convince Youth Organizations in the community to hold recruitment drives in an effort to draw young people to join in order to perform wholesome community service and take part in a healthy networking environment. Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the TCI Community College and is currently employed within the Department of Social Services.

Hon Rachel Taylor, Ministers with Responsivity for Youth Affairs commented, “I want to congratulate both Ms. Neely and Mr. Missick for taking on such a grandiose responsibility of being the voice of our Youth in the TCI. It is important to engage the Youth population on decisions that affect them, whilst empowering the young people to identify and respond to community needs that make them more empathic, while making them equal partners in national development and decision-making processes.”

The Youth Ambassador will work closely with the Department of Youth Affairs in achieving the National Youth Policy and focusing on Positive Youth Development Competencies which includes: building confidence, connection, character and empathy. The Department of Youth Affairs encourages our Youth to join the team of Youth Ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Director of Youth Affairs Mrs. Jasmine Thomas in her comment on the appointment stated, “The National Youth Ambassador Program gives Youth an opportunity to engage in Positive Youth Development by empowering young people to participate and bring to the forefront Social Issues that are affecting them, as well as to provide links between Government Organizations and Youth Organizations. More importantly, Youth Ambassadors undertake peer education, raise awareness and strategically develop a plan of action for youth issues within the community. Without a doubt I know both candidates will be successful in their roles and I look forward to seeing their projects come to fruition.”

National Youth Ambassadors are a part of the Regional Network of young Caribbean Nationals mandated by Heads of Governments to advocate for and educate young people about regional priorities and social issues facing the economy. They perform a dual role, addressing youth issues at the national level within a regional strategic framework, as well as bringing national issues to the attention of the Region’s Policymakers.

The Programme is coordinated by the Department responsible for Youth Affairs at the national level; and facilitated at the regional level through multiple networking and collaborative relationships with stakeholders such as CARICOM and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

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Bahamas News

Health Officials Re-launch Vaccination Outreach Programme against Measles

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By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
 



NASSAU, The Bahamas –– Due to measles outbreaks in countries in close proximity to The Bahamas, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking no chances and officially re-launched its Community Vaccination Outreach Programme, to keep the public aware of the contagious disease.

A press conference was held on Wednesday, April 23 2025 at the Ministry on Meeting Street, during which health officials also discussed the immunization and vaccination status locally.

Present were the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director, Department of Public Health; Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer; Nurse Gina Ferguson-Rose, National Immunization Coordinator; and Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The update coincided with observance of Vaccination Week in The Americas, April 26 to May 3, 2025 under the theme ‘Your Decision Makes a Difference. Immunization for All.’                                                                                                                                                             According to the Centre for Disease Control, the United States confirmed over 800 cases of measles this year, including a death in Texas, and cases in Florida, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. This is compared to 248 cases for the entire year, 2024. In Canada during the first two months of 2025, there were 227 measles cases, with many requiring hospitalizations. Compared to 146 for the whole of last year.  Last week, Belize reported two cases.

“Which is one of the reasons the Department of Public health is having this press conference to alert parents of the danger and the need to ensure your child is immunized,” said Dr. Darville.

He noted that many of the confirmed measles cases in the US are in states that have direct flights to The Bahamas, which can result in possible imported cases.

“Secondly, the country’s current Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization rates are just under 85 percent which makes us very vulnerable as a nation,” he said.

Dr. Darville said he was pleased to report that “there are no reported cases of measles in the country and the Department of Public Health along with our partner PAHO, is launching a community based door-to-door programme to promote public awareness and education programmes about measles, mumps and rubella, and to immunized those children that may have been missed.”

He reminded the public that measles is a highly contagious disease and the rapid spread is of great concern to public health.  And, he reaffirmed that immunizations are free at the public clinics, urging parents and guardians to review their children’s immunization records.  If they have any concerns, contact the team at the newly reopened Baillou Hill Road Community Clinic or the EPI center at 341-1741 or 341-1766.

“Remember these vaccines have been around for decades. They are safe, effective and are provided free of charge at all public health facilities,” said Dr. Darville.

Dr. Swann reinforced the message that the measles vaccine is a vital tool in protecting public health. It prevents measles, a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

“By achieving high vaccination rates, communities benefit from herd immunity, which helps shield those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical conditions. The vaccine has played a key role in drastically reducing measles cases worldwide, contributing to efforts toward the potential elimination of the disease. Promoting widespread access to the vaccine is essential to safeguarding lives and preventing outbreaks,” he said.

He added, “We believe that combining these strategies can boost vaccination rates and help protect entire communities through herd immunity.”

Dr Swann advised the public that the Department of Public Health is re-launching its community programme. The first wave will be the teams of nurses and nurse extenders who will be wearing Vaccination Week in the Americas t-shirts. And, they would be in communities this week with a blitz being planned for the communities served by the Baillou hill Road and Fleming Street clinics this coming weekend.

Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands also stressed the importance of being vaccinated.

“The problem for us is that our vaccination coverage is dangerously low. What this means is that if a case of measles comes into The Bahamas, we are at a very high risk of that case spreading the diseases to the Bahamian population, particularly children.

“We run a very real risk of having a measles outbreak, which needless to say will also severely affect tourism.

“So, what can we do? The answer is simple. Ensure that we are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. This will protect the children and prevent spread of this potentially very severe disease,” she said.

(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)

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Government

Premier Misick Convenes First Strategic Leadership Planning Meeting for FY 2025–26

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Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2025 – The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Charles Washington Misick, convened the first Leadership Strategic Planning Meeting for the 2025–2026 financial year on Monday, April 7, 2025, at The Palms Resort.

The session brought together Cabinet Ministers and senior government executives to align national leadership under the theme: “Confronting Reality: Leading Change for Success and Growth.”

In his keynote address, Premier Misick emphasized the urgency of courageous, data-driven leadership and the need for clear, results-oriented governance. “We must lead with clarity, act with urgency, and never shy away from the truth of our challenges,” he said. “This is a moment to confront reality—not to be discouraged by it, but to lead meaningful change that delivers measurable results and long-term national success.”

A central highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Ministry of Innovation, Technology, and Energy—an initiative aimed at driving digital transformation and modernizing public services.

Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Deputy Governor Anya Williams also addressed the gathering.

Both emphasized cross-government collaboration and a clear strategic vision as essential tools for delivering sustainable development and advancing public sector transformation. Williams presented the public service’s five-year strategic plan focused on improving service delivery and achieving long-term progress.

Ministers presented their respective goals and outlined departmental priorities in alignment with national development objectives. The meeting also marks a key milestone in the Premier’s first 100 days and signals the beginning of a broader series of leadership engagements aimed at translating vision into action.

The Premier’s government has pledged to maintain a strong focus on implementation, innovation, and public service delivery, setting a bold tone for governance in the year ahead.

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Government

The Department of Gender Affairs Celebrates Girls in ICT Day 2025 with an Inaugural Speech Competition

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PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE Department of Gender Affairs

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 24th April 2025 – Department of Gender Affairs, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transportation, is proud to announce its Inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition, to be held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army Auditorium in Providenciales.

Although International Girls in ICT Day is globally observed on the last Thursday in April, this year’s celebration in the Turks and Caicos Islands will take place on May 1st to accommodate the Easter school holidays. The decision allows for broader participation from students and educators alike, ensuring this groundbreaking event is accessible to all involved.

Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the digital world expanding rapidly, this observance highlights the importance of including women and girls in shaping the future of tech. It also draws attention to the gender divide in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and works toward ensuring that girls are not left behind in the digital revolution.

This year’s theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” reflects the growing need for equitable access to digital tools, knowledge, and careers for all young people, especially girls. As countries around the world adapt to rapid technological change, it is critical that girls are given every opportunity to develop digital skills, innovate, and lead in the tech space. The theme also speaks to the role that inclusion plays in national development, highlighting how equal participation in ICT benefits entire communities.

In this first-of-its-kind speech competition, students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands will take to the stage to share their perspectives on the topic: “How Can Digital Skills Empower Girls to Lead in ICT, and What Role Do Schools and Communities Play in Creating More Opportunities?”

Six schools from across the islands are participating in the event, with student representatives selected to speak on behalf of their institutions. These young ladies are:

  • Tianna Kerr – Alpha Christian Academy
  • Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
  • Amelia Daniel – Maranatha Academy
  • Tessenya Pyne – H.J. Robinson High School
  • Bretanae Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
  • Danisha Decius – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School

Each participant will present original speeches that demonstrate their understanding of the digital landscape, the challenges faced by girls in ICT, and their vision for a more inclusive future. The competition is designed not only to test their public speaking abilities but also to empower them as thought leaders and role models for their peers.

The launch of the speech competition builds on the Department’s previous initiatives to promote gender equality in technology. In 2023, the Department facilitated school visits by women working in the ICT sector, offering firsthand insights and inspiration to students. In 2024, the Department hosted a dynamic panel discussion in Providenciales, where over 100 girls from across the Turks and Caicos Islands came together to hear from leading women in technology and digital business. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for this year’s event, which raises the bar by giving girls a public platform to share their voices.

The Department of Gender Affairs acknowledges the generous support of its event sponsors, Beaches Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, FLOW, Fortis TCI, and Blue Haven Resort, whose contributions help bring visibility and resources to this vital cause.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, emphasized the critical importance of investing in the next generation of female ICT leaders and the government’s continued commitment to gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and the role of digital innovation in driving national development.

The Minister stated:

“It is with great pride and optimism that I commend the Department of Gender Affairs on the launch of this inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition. This initiative clearly reflects the Government’s commitment anchored in the Government’s Citizens’ Contract 2.0 with the people to gender inclusion and youth empowerment. It places young women at the forefront of digital innovation, a space where their voices and talents are not only needed but essential.”

This year’s theme, ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’, speaks volumes. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the future belongs to those who are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead. It is imperative that girls are among those future leaders. By creating platforms such as this, an investment is being made in a generation of innovators who will drive national development and help shape a more inclusive society.

The Department of Gender Affairs deserves commendation for its continued dedication to championing girls in technology. Past initiatives, from school visits by women in ICT to engaging panel discussions have paved the way for today’s milestone event. And to the young ladies competing, know this: your words have power, your dreams are valid, and your future in ICT is bright.

Let this be a collective effort by the Ministry, the community, and the nation to build a more equitable digital landscape where every girl is encouraged to dream big and lead boldly.”

The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to champion girls’ cause in ICT and remains committed to creating a society where young women are encouraged and supported in pursuing their dreams in the digital world. The speech competition marks the beginning of a new tradition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, one where girls take center stage in shaping the future of technology.

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