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TCI Health Officials on Alert as COVID Variant Emerges and Cases Rise in Key Travel Destinations

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – June 3, 2025 – With summer travel season approaching, the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health is urging residents to remain vigilant amid the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant and a rise in cases in several frequently visited countries.

The Ministry announced on Monday that it is closely monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1, which was recently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). This designation signals the need for enhanced surveillance and early detection, though current assessments indicate that the global public health risk is still low.

Local Monitoring Measures in Place

Officials confirmed that no cases of NB.1.8.1 have been detected in the TCI, but emphasized that genomic surveillance is ongoing through the National Public Health Laboratory in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and its Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML).

“The Ministry continues to take all necessary steps to ensure early detection of any variant of concern,” the statement read. “We also remind the public that basic infection prevention remains crucial.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to maintain good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, stay home when sick, and ensure vaccinations are current—including for influenza.

Variant Spreading in North America and Europe

The Ministry’s advisory comes as COVID-19 cases are climbing in several international destinations frequently visited by TCI residents.

In the United States, data from the CDC shows a 25% increase in hospital admissions over the past week. The rise is being driven by new Omicron sublineages—KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1—that evolved from the JN.1 variant. While NB.1.8.1 remains less dominant, it has been detected in Hawaii, Ohio, Washington, and other states.

Canada is also tracking variant evolution, though public updates are limited. Experts there warn that variants like NB.1.8.1, which show signs of increased transmissibility and immune evasion, should be taken seriously.

In the United Kingdom, COVID-19 positivity rates have nearly doubled since January, with the ZOE Health Study estimating over 350,000 new symptomatic cases per day. Public health authorities have advised older adults and immunocompromised individuals to remain cautious.

Increased Caution Urged for Travelers

In addition to North America and Europe, Asian destinations such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China are also experiencing spikes in COVID-19 activity, with some reintroducing mask mandates and travel restrictions, according to global travel site Wanderlust.

The Ministry of Health is advising those planning international travel to stay informed about entry requirements and health protocols, especially in countries reporting increased COVID-19 activity.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Special care should be taken to protect high-risk groups—including seniors, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Caregivers are advised to ensure these individuals are vaccinated and minimize their exposure to respiratory illness.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health of all residents and noted that updates will continue as more data becomes available.

For the latest information, residents can visit the Ministry’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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