Government

U.K. SPEAKER UNVEILS STAINED GLASS WINDOWS TO BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Published

1 year ago

May 10, 2023

London, United Kingdom, 10 May 2023 – The British Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies are now visualized in the UK House of Parliament with a depiction of each of their heraldic shields embedded in stained glass.

All 16 overseas territories (OTs) and the three Crown Dependencies are represented in two windows within Speaker’s House.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the works of art, which he unveiled on Tuesday [9 May], ‘would be a permanent and tangible reminder of the strong and close links between the UK and its wider family. In my opinion, the OTs and dependencies have been overlooked for too long – yet many of the decisions we make here in the UK have a huge impact on their futures. They are important to me – they are part of our United Kingdom family – and I want to provide them with a platform on which to speak, to air their concerns, to share experiences and to enable us to learn from each other. From now on, every single person coming into Speaker’s House will be reminded of how closely we are connected.’

Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick said: In place that is considered the mother of all parliaments, the Turks and Caicos is depicted in the stained glass of the House of Commons. This gesture signifies the long history we share and for many years to come people who visit this place, will leave informed of who make up the full list of British Overseas Territories.”

The stained glass windows feature coats of arms from Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territories, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Each of the window lancets displays the coats of arms delineated in a circle, and one lancet shows the group of arms linked by an intertwining rose and leaf pattern to the coat of arms of Sir Lindsay. This features three Lancashire roses, bees from his home village of Adlington in Lancashire, the key of Gibraltar and a Rugby League ball. The other group of arms is linked to those of John Evelyn Denison, the first Speaker to live in Speaker’s House (Speaker from 1857-72).

The original windows dated from 1858 and possibly contained the arms of Speaker Denison. However, those windows have long since been removed and were replaced by plain, plate glass.

The new design, created by John Reyntiens Glass Studio – the same London-based stain-glassed window specialists who recently reglazed the Big Ben clock dials with new, mouth-blown glass – is sympathetic to the original Pugin-inspired windows and décor at the entrance to Speaker’s House.

At the unveiling of the new windows, the Hon Dr. Ellis Webster, Premier of Anguilla, said he was ‘delighted’ to see his island nation represented in Parliament.

‘It is a proud moment for our territory and a testament to our shared history and heritage with the UK and its British Overseas Territories,’ he said.

‘I commend Speaker Hoyle and all those involved in bringing this project to fruition.’

Joseph Eason Taylor Farrell, Premier of Montserrat, said he was ‘excited’ to see Montserrat’s heraldic shield displayed in Speaker’s House, particularly ‘at a time when residents of the Overseas Territories have joined with the rest of the UK family to celebrate the coronation.’

The British Virgin Islands’ Dr the Hon Natalio Wheatley said the window ‘acknowledged the importance of the Territory and its people’ and ‘their contributions to our shared history and heritage.’

Interesting Facts

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has made it a mission of his Speakership to extend a welcoming hand to the 16 BOTs, which are located from the Pitcairn Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean to the British Indian Ocean Territory almost 10,000 miles away.
He made history in July 2021 when he hosted an inaugural virtual meeting of 10 of the islands that have Speakers or Administrators.
He convened the first physical meeting of the Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC) in May 2022 and helped to organise a second gathering in Anguilla in April 2023.
The Speaker feels that for too long the British Overseas Territories have been overlooked, yet so many of the decisions made in the UK have a huge impact on their futures.
He believes the UK must allow the skills of democracy to be developed in overseas territories. ‘If their people wish for independence, it should be up to them to choose that. We ought not to restrict them by stopping them making their own decisions. There is much more that we can do in respect of overseas territories, and I hope that we will take things forward.’
During the debut COTSC meeting, the Speakers also had the opportunity to meet the then Prince Charles, now King Charles III, who hosted a lunch at Clarence House in their honour.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s coat of arms includes an antelope from his home village of Adlington in Lancashire, wearing the key to Gibraltar and a Rugby League Ball, representing one of the Speaker’s favourite sports. The green on the shield represents the House of Commons and the mace – a key symbol of the role of Speaker. The shield also features three Lancashire roses, each with bees from Adlington. His motto translates as ‘We are seen in action’.

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Government

DETRESHA COX APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.”

Government

ARIELLE NEELY APPOINTMENT AS CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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”.

Government

Ministry of Health Delegation attends the 29th CARPHA Executive Board Meeting and 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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:

Approving the strategic direction of CARPHA for the next five (5) years;
Receiving administrative and technical updates regarding CARPHA’s operations;
Reviewing and approving policy initiatives undertaken by CARPHA; and
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:

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.
Collaborating on strategies to improve health systems and policies to enhance the well-being of communities, families, and individuals.
Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, to bolster the region’s resilience to future health threats.
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.