Connect with us

News

Equipping Safeguarding Professionals to Appropriately Interview Vulnerable Adults and Children

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Department of Social Development and Welfare, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) training for our social workers, police officers, gender officers, and probation officers. The purpose of this training was to equip safeguarding professionals with the knowledge and skills to conduct ethical, effective, and legally compliant interviews with vulnerable witnesses and victims. This critical training focused on enhancing the protection of both adults and children, equipping professionals with the essential skills needed to conduct effective interviews and gather vital evidence for litigation processes.

The ABE training emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in our work with vulnerable populations. Participants learned how to create safe and supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of adults and children who may have experienced trauma, abuse, or exploitation. The ability to gather accurate and reliable evidence is crucial for ensuring justice and providing appropriate support to those in need. “Working with vulnerable adults and children requires a high level of sensitivity and expertise,” said Ashley Adams-Forbes, Director at the Department of Social Development and Welfare. “The ABE training aligned with Chapter 2.16 of the Vulnerable Witness Ordinance Revised Edition (2021) and Criminal Procedure Rules (2021) legislations. It provided our professionals who are assigned to working with vulnerable populations with the tools necessary to navigate complex situations, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect. This training was not just beneficial; it was essential for effective safeguarding.”

Key components of the ABE training included:

  • Understanding Vulnerability so that professionals are better able to identify the unique challenges faced by vulnerable adults and children, and the significance of trauma-informed approaches.
  • Effective Interview Techniques which trained professionals on how to conduct interviews that are respectful, non-threatening, and tailored to the specific needs of adults and children.
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations, so that professionals understand how to navigate the legal framework surrounding evidence collection while maintaining ethical standards.
  • And Collaborative Approaches by promoting inter-agency collaboration to develop a comprehensive support network for vulnerable populations.

The training took place on March 24th – 26th, 2025 at Hamilton Foundation Conference Room, and was well-received by participants who expressed appreciation for the valuable insights and skills gained. The training was facilitated by Joseph Phippard from the United Kingdom who has over thirty (30) years of dedicated service to policing vulnerable populations. Joseph Phippard is an accredited PIP (Professionalising Investigation Programme) Level 2 qualified investigator, possessing advanced qualifications in witness and suspect interviewing, including expertise in the ABE process and Tier 5 interview management. He is currently an Associate Trainer with the College of Policing in the UK and has undertaken international roles in supporting the St. Helena Criminal Investigation Department, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to investigations concerning vulnerable persons.

The Honourable Minister Shaun Malcolm, with responsibility for the Department of Social Development and Welfare stated “by continuing to invest in the training and development of professionals who work with vulnerable adults and children, we take a momentous step toward creating safer communities and ensuring that every individual receives the protection and support they deserve. It is vital that we continue to invest in training that empowers those who serve our communities.”

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programs, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321

To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:

MASH: 1-649-338-4013

mash@gov.tc

reportabusetci@gov.tc

 

Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare

Facebook: @department of social development, tci

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING