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What’s Coming for TCI Airports, a report by Minister Musgrove 

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

 

International Airlift has been confirmed for the Norman B. Saunders Sr. International Airport in South Caicos with Grand Turk to swiftly follow. American Airlines is the airline that will herald in those flights, to come by winter this year according to Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services speaking during an April ministerial statement made after the budget address.

 

“The construction of the new and fortified perimeter fence line at the JAGS McCartney International Airport is now completed, with inspection by international regulators scheduled to be completed by May 2024,” Musgrove continued.

 

Despite the good news, for the largest airport work is still lagging. Large crowds are still slowing business down and the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the redevelopment of the Howard Hamilton/Providenciales International is behind schedule, having not yet been published; but it is in process according to Musgrove.

 

”The Turk and Caicos Airports Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to adaptability, responding aggressively to the evolving needs and dynamics of its operation— Thereafter the critical next step is the issuance of the Invitation to Tender, inclusive of the draft PPP Agreement. This is going to be done this year” Musgrove said.

 

The contract should have been wrapped up by March after the project launch in August 2023.

 

Also mentioned in the budget for the Ministry of Immigration, is a suite of technological upgrades, including:

Drones which are already on the way to the country;

Rummaging Tools to allow Customs and Border Protection teams to rummage/search vessels that are identified as high risk;

Digital Forensic Equipment;

Anti-fraud Technology (prompted by a rise in fraudulent documents being presented by residents and agents to various government departments).

 

Much of the tech is aimed at protecting the country’s ports which were very active in the 2023/24 financial year. Other than the over 1.5 million tourists there were 332 seizures of prohibited and restricted goods at the borders amounting to $315.000 in fines. In terms of irregular migration which is one of the ministry’s main concerns, Musgrove provided this update.

 

”For the year 2023/2024 our teams have processed, detained, and repatriated over 4,400 persons from 35 boats, compared to 2882 persons from 31 boats in FY 2023/2024, and in addition to this, some 961 persons were removed in January to March of this year alone, through inland enforcement and compliance efforts. We have recorded a total of 103 deportations.”

 

In the draft budget, $27 million was set aside for spending in this ministry and it is expected to be one of the best-performing ministries financially. TCIG is expecting $112.5 million in Import Duties, 21 million from excess revenues from Ports and Sea Travel taxes. and another $38 million from other Customs Duties.

 

 

Government

Register of Interests of the Members of the House of Assembly

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Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed.  Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.

The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023.

The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:

⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk

⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales

⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)

⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.

The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.

For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)

By e-mail at: secretary@integritycommission.tc or info@integritycommission.tc

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Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross Celebrates World First Aid Day

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Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.

Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.

In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life

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Turks and Caicos Vector Control Supervisors Enhance Skills at CARPHA Workshop in Cayman  

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Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.

The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.

Key topics covered in the workshop included:

  • The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
  • Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
  • An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
  • Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.

This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.

The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

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