News
Opposition questions NHIP Patients’ Dissatisfaction; says there is Enough Money
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 14, 2023 – The Opposition is asking serious questions regarding the National Health Insurance Plan following reported complaints from residents.
In a press release on Friday, Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, called on the PNP Government to immediately address reports of eviction and starvation from residents.
“I have been receiving many calls on the issue of persons who have been sent off on Treatment Abroad not receiving their subsistence pay, and many are facing additional hardship because of it. I am also being informed that there is a cash flow issue in NHIP and that the program has no money in the Bank. Patients have also indicated that there are many outstanding payments, which include previous subsistence payments,” he claimed.
Astwood says that’s not the only issue, noting that residents have been subject to humiliating displays because of these cash problems.
“Persons have also been informing my office of instances where our patients and their accompanying relatives were put out of hotels onto the streets for not having, and waiting on, the money to cover the time they were required to be in the countries of treatment. Other patients are saying that they had to continue calling different persons at home, pleading for money to be sent to avoid eviction and starvation,” He revealed.
Astwood, who held the Health portfolio in the former administration, broke down the cash that he says is being pumped into the NHIP which all islanders must contribute to by law. 
“With the passage of the 2023/24 Budget in May of this year, NHIP received $35,699,371 in subventions from the Turks and Caicos Government. Their projected revenue from private contributions was $36,929,429, contributions from the Government at $5,690,592, and when adding in all other fees, the total Income for NHIP was estimated at $79,507,006.
NHIP has to pay $34,515,537 of the above amount to InterHealth Canada for Clinical Services,” he continued.
“Overseas Treatment Medical expense is stated at $16,290, 470 for the year. Overseas Medical Travel is stated at $4,179,402 for the year, and air ambulance (Medivac) is stated at $1,000,000.
Overseas Subsistence is stated at $994,571 for the year, which is $137,217 LESS than the actual spent last year. From the numbers presented, there is no seeable reason why our unwell people should not be getting their money on time.”
In a recent heading of the Public Accounts Committee, NHIP representatives admitted that the TAP Program is a spot of confusion.
Christy Ferguson, Change Manager for Finance on the NHIB executive board said:
“With regard to the TAP program and— responsibility for the cost incurred, and being recognized on the NHIBs books, I too am of the opinion that clarity needs to be sought because on one end we have the NHIB managing and recognizing the cost on the books and, on one end we have legislation and other policy documents that are not necessarily consistent in their flow.”
Astwood also had strict words for the Finance and Health Ministers.
“The Hon. Ministers of Finance and Health must realize that Time always reveals all, and it gives me no pleasure to be right on this issue of health care because our people are dying at an alarming rate, and many from preventative disorders and curable ailments. Additionally, they are suffering consequences arising from not receiving their subsistence in a timely manner. “
He called on the government to explain the reports and maintained that ‘healthcare delayed is healthcare denied.”
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
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