Government
Dr. Raven A. Saunders Attains Master’s Degree in Public Health
Public Service Times Spotlight
Turks and Caicos – Dr. Raven A. Saunders is a Grand Turk native and dedicated medical professional. She graduated from H.J. Robinson High School and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College before earning a double major in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dr. Saunders completed her Medical Degree at the University of the West Indies in 2018. She began her career as an intern at St. Ann’s Bay Hospital and later worked as a Senior Health Officer in Jamaica. After returning home in 2020, she served as Clinic Manager and Family Doctor at Omnicare and ACCU Diagnostics.
In February 2021, Dr. Saunders joined the COVID-19 response team and became Deputy Chief Medical Officer in July 2023. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching films.
Dr. Saunders shared her academic journey and future plans with the Public Service Times.
Could you share a bit about your background, including where you’re from, your academic journey, current job title, and some of you hobbies?
I am a native of Grand Turk, a graduate of H.J. Robinson High School and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. I continued my studies at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where I graduated with a double major of Bachelor of Science in Biology & Biochemistry with Magna Cum Laude. In 2018, I successfully completed medical school at the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. I was able to garner a wealth of medical experience as a medical intern at the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, where I was trained in multiple disciplinaries. Then, I got to further enhance my skills by working as a Senior Health Officer in multiple clinics throughout the North East Regional Health Authority in Jamaica.
In 2020, I returned home and was initially working in the private sectors. I worked as the Clinic Manager and Family Doctor on Ambergris Cay for Omnicare and as the Family Doctor in Providenciales with ACCU Diagnostics. Both opportunities were extremely rewarding. However, in February 2021, I was delighted when I was offered a post with the COVID-19 response team at the Primary Health Care Grand Turk Clinic then appointed Medical Officer of the clinic. In July 2023, I became the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Well, on most days, I’m a mild-mannered book reader and film buff. But in reality, I’m an undercover mystery solver. I constantly investigate obscure documentaries, analyze plot twists, and become way too invested in solving fictional crimes. My love of puzzles and mystery kept me pursuing medicine.
What inspired you to pursue a master’s degree, and how do you think it enhances your contributions with the Ministry of Health and Human Services?
My inspiration to pursue a master’s in public health came from a desire to address the systemic issues that affect health at a population level, particularly the health disparities that persist across different socioeconomic and demographic groups. Seeing the impacts of these inequities firsthand inspired me to gain the tools to create meaningful change and drive initiatives that reach people beyond traditional healthcare settings.
This degree enhances my contributions to the Ministry by providing a well-rounded understanding of public health policy, epidemiology, and health systems, allowing me to approach challenges with evidence-based strategies. Additionally, my studies have deepened my skills in program evaluation and data analysis, so I can assess current health initiatives’ effectiveness and identify improvement areas. This knowledge helps me propose solutions that are not only impactful but also sustainable, ensuring future health programs have long-term benefits for the populations they serve.
What is one key insight from your studies that you believe could significantly benefit the initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Human Services?
One important concept I learnt during my studies is the Stevens and Raftery’s model of healthcare needs assessment. This model attempts to achieve the greatest good for the most significant number by focusing resources where they achieve the most benefit for the patients. It intrinsically weaves the importance of need, supply and demand. The need is defined as the individual or population’s ability to benefit from healthcare. For instance, communities with high rates of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease have a greater need for preventive care, screening programs, and lifestyle interventions. Accurately assessing need is crucial for effective resource allocation, as it ensures that public health initiatives are targeted at the areas and populations where they are most beneficial.
The demand is the measure of what people want, and the supply is the health services currently provided to the country. Balancing need, supply, and demand is essential for creating an effective public health system. Misalignments, such as a high need for mental health services but limited supply or demand, can lead to gaps in care and worsen health disparities. Addressing these factors with coordinated strategies, data-driven resource allocation, and community engagement helps to build a resilient, responsive public health system that meets the Turks and Caicos Islands’ needs.
How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned to improve efficiencies or strategies within the Ministry?
Building on my earlier answer regarding health care needs assessment, the Ministry can benefit from an updated assessment. Our country is evolving and embracing different cultures, demographics and with this more diseases, especially non-communicable diseases. We need to leverage data analytics to optimize resource allocation and identify areas for improvement. By conducting needs assessments and using predictive analytics, we can pinpoint regions with higher disease burdens or resource shortages and proactively address these gaps. Additionally, implementing regular program evaluations will allow the Ministry to monitor effectiveness, adjust real-time strategies, and reallocate resources to maximize impact.
Applying health equity principles will guide the Ministry in designing programs that are accessible and culturally sensitive to underserved communities. Through partnerships with local organizations and community leaders, we can co-create interventions that address specific needs and resonate with those we serve. This approach builds trust and improves the uptake of public health services, ultimately improving program efficiency.
In what ways did your education challenge your prior assumptions, and how will you leverage this new perspective in your work?
My studies in public health opened my eyes to a proper understanding of how crucial epidemiological studies are to managing diseases, especially on a population-based level. As a doctor, you are programmed to treat the individual. Now, as someone in a leadership role, I want to implement policies that can help the country collectively. This cannot really be achieved without updated data on the overall public health profile.
Health surveys, chronic disease studies and updated disease statistics are key passions of mine that have formed after my studies. As a society, we cannot continue to implement programs or policies if we do not know what the society needs; are there even a demand for these programs; and can we properly supply and maintained these programs.
What advice would you offer to colleagues contemplating a similar path for their professional advancement?
My main takeaway for persons wishing to pursue healthcare or any professional advancement is “to embrace lifelong learning”. This path requires a mindset of continuous education. Be open to learning from various sources—colleagues, communities, and research. Also, not all knowledge is earned in institutions, the co-worker with multiple years of experience has multitudes of wisdom to share. Public health, for instance, spans across social sciences, epidemiology, policy, and more, so staying curious and adaptive is crucial.
How do you envision the evolution of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and what role do you see yourself playing in that transformation?
Strengthening the Primary Healthcare services is what I envision for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Developing more robust healthcare facilities equipped with modern technology to ensure quality care throughout the islands. Improving our clinics can shift the focus from reactive to preventative healthcare through public awareness campaigns, regular health screenings, especially for cancers predominantly in our population, and vaccination programs. This approach would aim to decrease the burden of chronic diseases, particularly at the hospitals and the need for treatment abroad. Secondly, building communication with our public and private healthcare sectors to better enhance community engagement and health outcomes.
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamica Prospere as the Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Prospere holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (RQF Level 5), a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an Associate Degree in Education, also from UWI. She has further enhanced her credentials with certifications and coursework in content delivery, human resource management, talent management, and training and development from esteemed institutions, including Mico University College and CIPD.
With a strong foundation in public service and education in St. Lucia, Mrs. Prospere dedicated over a decade to classroom teaching at the secondary school level, beginning in 2002. During her tenure, she educated a diverse student body across various subjects, including Mathematics, Information Technology, and Life Skills, all aimed at fostering students’ personal and social well-being. She also facilitated community adult learning programs, showcasing her enduring commitment to promoting inclusive and varied educational opportunities.
Her career in public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands began in 2014 as a teacher at Marjorie Basden High School. From 2019, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the legacy Customs Department and later for the TCI Border Force. In this role, she made significant contributions to improvements and championed a culture of professional growth.
Mrs. Prospere has been a strong advocate for leadership development through several key programmes. She conceptualised and introduced
the Leading Effectively through Accountability and Development (LEAD) programme for the management team, which has successfully run for three consecutive years, with its most recent leadership reinforcement event held in 2025. Additionally, she implemented several programmes in partnership with educational institutions, resulting in 27 Border Force officers earning continuing professional development (CPD) certifications in supervisory management from UWI and 10 managers completing the Dynamic Leadership course with the Caribbean Maritime University.
She played a pivotal role in developing operational strategic plans and frameworks for both the Customs Department and the TCI Border Force. Mrs. Prospere spearheaded the creation and delivery of professional programmes, such as the Customs Broker Certification Programme. She introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate scalable learning for aspiring Customs Brokers.
Moreover, she led the implementation of several significant projects, most notably the Regional Clearance System in the TCI and a comprehensive revamp of customs procedures at Howard Hamilton International Airport, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency. She also facilitated key engagements that strengthened partnerships with leading regional bodies, including the Caribbean Customs Legislation and Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the border security team within CARICOM IMPACS, and the customs advisory arm of CARTAC. These collaborations were instrumental in securing vital technical assistance for training.
Speaking on the appointment, Mrs. Prospere said, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the Learning and Development Directorate. I believe that a world-class public service is built together. I’m dedicated to partnering with civil servants at all levels to foster a dynamic learning environment where we can collectively develop the skills needed to be adaptable, exceed standards, and deliver truly exceptional service to the public.”
In congratulating Mrs. Prospere, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams stated, “We are pleased to extend congratulations to Mrs. Tamica Prospere on her appointment as the new Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of training and development, Mrs. Prospere has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building capacity and strengthening the public service workforce in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her innovative and strategic approach to learning has transformed teams and empowered individuals, ensuring the public service is well-equipped to meet the demands of a constantly evolving landscape.
As the government continues its efforts to enhance service delivery through robust and comprehensive training initiatives, we are confident that Mrs. Prospere’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous growth across the public sector.
Congratulations Mrs. Prospere, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to working with you to shape the future of learning and development in the Public Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Holland as the new Public Service Information Officer within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Ms. Holland holds an Associate Degree in Business from Turks and Caicos Community College, a Creative Suite Certificate in Website Development from StackSkills, and an Administrative Professional Certification from the College of Administrative Professionals. She has also engaged in continuous learning through Coursera.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Holland has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her journey as a Clerical Officer
at the Ministry of Education from June 2007 to May 2009 and was promoted to Secretary to the CEO from December 2009 to April 2010. Subsequently, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Sales, Marketing & Rentals at Apes Hill Club in Barbados from May 2011 to July 2014. Ms. Holland then took on the role of Office Assistant at Growing Soul Records in Miami, FL, from August 2014 to October 2015, followed by another position as an Office Assistant at Arrow Electronics in Denver, CO, from November 2015 to June 2018.
In June 2018, she became a Multimedia Specialist at Shop Genesis and later transitioned to the role of Creative Director at Black Sage Analytics from September 2020 to 2022. More recently, she served as an Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Health and Human Services from December 2022 to March 2023, before moving to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services as an Administrative Officer from March 2023 to August 2025. She acted as the Communications Officer for Border Force in September 2023.
Upon her appointment, Ms. Holland shared her enthusiasm, stating, “My journey from capturing moments through lifestyle photography to creating designs that honor the vibrance of Caribbean culture has been shaped by both creativity and faith. Stepping into the role of Public Service Information Officer is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to unite my love for storytelling with service. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I trust God to continue directing my path and using my gifts for a greater purpose”.
Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, congratulated Ms. Holland, stating, “We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Melissa Holland on her appointment as Public Service Information Officer and to welcome her to our team in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
In this important role, Ms. Holland will be responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of both internal and external communications related to the operations of the public service, including circulars, notices, appointment announcements and other official updates.
We are confident that Ms. Holland’s diverse background and professional expertise will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the team.
Congratulations, Ms. Holland, on your new appointment!”
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy Missick as the Juvenile Manager within the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.
Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
His professional experience includes serving as a Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission for three years, a Social Worker for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for one year and as a Probation Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation & Community Supervision from 2023 until his recent promotion.
Sharpening his skills in the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Missick has completed professional training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Case Management, Risk Assessment, Intake and Interviewing Techniques, Counseling, Report Writing, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Reentry and Reintegration Planning, Community Resource Networking, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavior Modification, and Social Skills Training.
Known for his contributions to Youth Leadership and Representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and elsewhere, Mr. Missick currently serves as the Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador since 2023 and is a currently a Youth Parliamentarian having representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand; the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, United Kingdom and the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.
In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Missick is involved in community service and volunteerism through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where he has been an active member for seven years. He has held various leadership positions, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation Chair, Youth Service Director, Wellness Chair, Fundraising Director, Vice President and currently serves as the President.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Missick stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I have
seen far too many young lives cut short. Some lost to violence, some to poor choices and some to the weight of circumstances they never asked for. Those experiences are etched into me and they are the reason I feel such deep gratitude and responsibility in being appointed Juvenile Manager. This is more than a role; it is a calling to stand in the gap for our youth, to remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes but by the greatness still inside of them. I believe in second chances, I believe in opportunity, and I believe that with guidance, accountability and hope, our young people can rise above their struggles and become the leaders of tomorrow.
I anchor myself in the words of Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” True leadership is service, and in serving our youth, I serve the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This appointment is not just about today. It is about building a legacy of hope, discipline and purpose for tomorrow”.
In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mr. Andy Missick on his appointment as Juvenile Manager with the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, within the Ministry of Public Safety.
The post of Juvenile Manager is a critical role, focused on shaping the future of our islands by supporting, guiding and rehabilitating at-risk youth. The Juvenile Manager plays a key part in ensuring that young individuals are given every opportunity to grow into productive, empowered citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.
Mr. Missick brings to this position a wealth of experience, a deep passion for youth empowerment and a proven track record of service and leadership. His longstanding commitment to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known, having served with distinction as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Parliamentarian and a dedicated member of the Rotaract. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for youth engagement, policy development and community service, earning the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.
We are confident that Mr. Missick will continue to inspire and implement innovative initiatives that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.
Congratulations, Mr. Missick, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in this vital role.”
