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TCI should have its own Passport Office says PDM Opposition

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2023 – In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Edwin Astwood, TCI Opposition Leader expressed concern that the upcoming passport strike in the UK had not been addressed by the government and explained the Opposition was now demanding a passport office for the TCI.  The People’s Democratic Movement accused the government of continuing the trend of silence on the things that matter to Turks and Caicos islanders.

“News broke of the UK passport Office workers being on strike for an announced five weeks.  Staff at the passport office have demanded a 10 percent pay raise and job security.  The strikes will affect seven passport offices across the UK,” he said.

“Strikes could delay the passport processing of 10 million applications expected this year.  The strikes will commence this week, just before Easter weekend.  How does that affect people who are trying to renew or get their passports?  Does this government know what is happening, do they care? It appears not to both.”

Magnetic Media had reported on the strike action announced, citing a report from the Cayman Islands that it was expected it would delay Passport processing for its overseas territory citizens.  Former governor, Nigel Dakin, had assured the strike would have no adverse effect on the TCI, however.

Clearly, the PDM disagrees, pointing to the media reports in the UK which state otherwise.

“The PDM is seeking to make submissions for The UK government to have a passport office set up here in the Turks and Caicos, and their other Overseas Tertiaries.” said the release.

Dakin reminded that it takes 10 weeks to turn around a passport for the Turks and Caicos; the strike is set for a five-week period.

But that is not the only gripe the PDM has with the PNP government, when it accuses them of silence.

“All the events and occurrences that are impacting our everyday lives are never mentioned or considered by them— Two weeks ago, Sunday morning, a young man was killed in Five Cays, and not a single comment, a few days ago we all saw the video of the incident on the street in Grace Bay, and still nothing.”

Purported silence on illegal migration and continuing health care issues were also topics that the Opposition claims the government is silent on, describing it as “unacceptable by any standard.”

“They continue to be quiet and hide in their offices, only showing their face when at some celebration or at some formal event, and only want to speak when they think that they are passing good news. But where are the PNP Government in the bad times, where are they when our people are facing difficulties, where are they when our people are hurting and need an intervention from the Government?”

Since then the Government has beefed up its communications arsenal with additional personnel.

Caribbean News

Confidence in Gov’t Low following resignations says Cayman Chamber of Commerce 

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

 

Cayman, November 6, 2024 – The business community in the Cayman Islands, has expressed “grave concern” over the stability of the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led Government, after three Ministers quit the Cabinet.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the resignations amounted to a “seismic political shift”, and the reasons they gave for their departure raised serious unease.  This came despite reassurances from former Deputy Premier André Ebanks and Governor, Hon. Jane Owen that the Government is still functioning as normal, after the resignations.

“This moment demands clear and steadfast leadership. As our country faces critical decisions on matters such as funding major projects, the upcoming referendum, and sustaining our international reputation, stability is paramount,” said Chamber President, Joanne Lawson.

Adding that the situation has implications for business stability and international partnerships, she said the business and international partners are “watching closely”, and they cannot afford to let uncertainty damage confidence in the Cayman Islands

The Chamber warned that the Government’s instability could impact local businesses immediately, and that many are delaying or reconsidering investment decisions until there is clarity on governance. “This period of uncertainty “poses risks for our entire community, threatening to slow progress on crucial issues and diminish the confidence of local and international stakeholders alike”.

The President said her group wants to see swift action to restore confidence in the Government, protect the economy, and maintain a stable environment for business. “The Chamber will continue to support the business community and push for a Government that prioritises the well-being and prosperity of all Caymanians.”

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Bahamas News

Government Breaks Ground on Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre

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The Bahamas, November 6, 2024 – The Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville, Minister of Health & Wellness, joined by Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, officially broke ground today on the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre. This groundbreaking represents a critical investment in the expansion of healthcare services throughout the archipelago.

This Advanced Health Centre will cover approximately 14,500 square feet on a four-acre site and hold the main health centre inclusive of a modern surgical suite and recovery wards, an attached morgue, medical waste building and emergency services quarters. With features such as hurricane-impact windows and doors, handicap accessibility and EDGE certification for sustainability this Centre is designed to meet the present and future healthcare needs of the community.

Prime Minister Davis highlighted the significance of the project stating, “This groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to equitable healthcare across The Bahamas, aligning with our vision outlined in our Blueprint of Change.”   

Minister Darville expressed, “This event is about more than constructing a building, it is about delivering on our commitment to improve the health and well-being of our people.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by healthcare professionals, government officials and stakeholders who contributed to the project’s development. Similar to the new Mangrove Cay Clinic, which broke ground on October 16, 2024, the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre is expected to be completed within 15 months of the contractor’s mobilization.

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Government

Ministry of Tourism Participates in 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference  

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND MARINE AFFAIRS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE, AGRICULTURE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AND GAMING

 

 

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos, 1st November 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Fisheries, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, and Gaming actively participated in the 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, held from 22 to 26 October 2024, in collaboration with the Government of St. Maarten. Mr. Brian Been, the Ministry’s Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, represented the ministry at this significant event.

The FCCA Conference is recognised as the largest gathering of cruise industry stakeholders in the Caribbean. Attendees engaged in numerous one-on-one sessions, allowing destinations to connect directly with cruise operators. The agenda also featured discussions on training opportunities, capital investments for various destinations, and the latest trends in cruise tourism.

Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the sustainable development of the cruise industry, stating, “We are proud to have elevated our status to Platinum Membership, enhancing our connectivity in product development, marketing, and crucially, in capacity building through training. Recently, Experience TCI organized a series of workshops with FCCA trainers from Aquila in Grand Turk. We are dedicated to the integrated development of cruise tourism in collaboration with our partners.”

A highlight of the conference was the release of the BREA Study, which showcased the continuing success of the Turks and Caicos Islands in cruise tourism. The study revealed an economic contribution of US$116 million from the 2023/2024 cruise season, a significant increase from $86.47 million in 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism extends its gratitude to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, and other partners for their invaluable contributions to the data submission process.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the overall visitor experience, with participation in events like the FCCA Platinum Member Conference playing a vital role in achieving these goals.

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