TCI News
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PARTICIPATED IN EIGHTH MEETING OF NATIONAL HIV/AIDS PROGRAMME MANAGERS AND PANCAP SHARE FAIR
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 2nd April 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands, represented by Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently participated in the Eighth Meeting of National HIV/AIDS Programme Managers (NAP) and the PANCAP Share Fair, held in Trinidad and Tobago from March 18 to March 21, 2024. The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) provides a unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, coordinating efforts through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS.
This event provided a platform for updating Programme Managers and Partners on regional commitments to the 95-95-95 targets, progress on global and regional strategies to end AIDS, and innovative approaches to strengthen the Caribbean regional HIV response. The 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. The meeting was attended by National AIDS Programme Managers, policy makers, Development and Regional Partners, and selected Implementing Partners, including representatives of civil society organizations, the community of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), and those at the highest risk for HIV. This gathering served as a crucial platform for sharing insights, exploring strategies, and fostering collaboration to accelerate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Objectives of the Meeting:
- Introduce new NAP Managers to the mandate and framework of PANCAP to ensure ongoing collaboration and coordination at national and regional levels.
- Provide information on international frameworks and guidance to address gaps in the HIV response in the Caribbean.
- Offer updated guidance on HIV self-testing (HIVST), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
- Share country policy and implementation experiences on HIVST, PrEP, and PEP.
- Discuss lessons learned from the regional and national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and explore their applicability to the HIV response.
- Share insights on the implementation of point-of-care testing.
- Provide updates on partnership work and technical support provided to countries.
- Strengthen the network of NAP managers, civil society organizations, and key partners.
Key Outcomes from the Meeting:
- Scaling Up HIV Testing and Prevention: Participants were actively involved in discussions aimed at expanding HIV self-testing (HIVST) initiatives across the region. Acknowledging the significant impact of HIVST on enhancing access to testing, prevention, and care services, delegates stressed the importance of collaborative regional efforts to achieve greater effectiveness in reaching prevention targets.
- Person-Centered Differentiated Model of Care: The urgent call to embrace a person-centered approach to HIV treatment and care was emphasized. By streamlining and customizing HIV services to address the unique needs of individuals, especially those living with or vulnerable to HIV, unnecessary strains on the healthcare system can be alleviated, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of care. Emphasis on Integration, which is the co-location and sharing of services and resources between different health services areas and includes offering testing, prevention, treatment, and care services alongside other relevant health services.
- Utilization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Delegates identified the increased utilization of ICT platforms as a pivotal factor in advancing the regional HIV response. From telemedicine initiatives to tailored ICT platforms designed to reach vulnerable populations, delegates explored innovative approaches to advocacy, mobilization, and empowerment in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
- Community Engagement: Recognizing the indispensable role of communities in propelling national HIV responses, delegates underscored the importance of robust, cohesive community engagement. Communities were urged to assume a defining role not only in HIV-related endeavors but also in broader health initiatives, highlighting the significance of grassroots involvement and empowerment.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement the key strategies discussed and ensure tangible progress in addressing HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. The Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Dr Clarke, commented on the conference “Achieving the 95-95-95 targets requires collective action and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. We need to insist on continued collaboration, resource mobilization, increased innovation and advocacy efforts to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030”.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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