TCI News
The Environmental Health Department Personnel Participate in Association of Food and Drugs Officials (AFDO) 129th Annual Education Conference
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 4 July 2025 – Environmental Health Officers Shanieka Cranston and Khris-Ann Lawson, recently attended the Association of Food and Drugs Officials (AFDO) 129th Annual Education Conference held in Dallas, Texas, from June 21-25, 2025.
The AFDO conference brought together professionals from across the globe to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions in food safety, and environmental health. During the conference,
Ms. Cranston and Ms. Lawson engaged with international experts, participating in workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities that focused on cutting-edge topics related to food safety and environmental health.
The insights gained from this conference will significantly enhance the department’s capacity to protect public health and ensure a safe environment for the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Key lessons and highlights from the Conference:
- Outbreak Investigation Mastery: The officers sharpened their response strategies through “A Murder Mystery Matinee,” a hands-
on session that taught advanced outbreak investigation skills crucial for preventing foodborne illness outbreaks on the islands. - Risk-based Inspections: Officers explored where TCI stands in the global shift toward risk-based inspection models, aiming to make local inspections more targeted and effective in managing health risks.
- Strengthening Food Safety Culture: Lessons from top U.S. food safety leaders including former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas, will support a cultural shift in the food businesses toward safer handling and prevention practices.
- Digital Transformation in Food Safety: Sessions like “The Past, Present, and Future of Digital Food Safety Management” introduced emerging technologies that the TCI may adopt to streamline regulatory process and data reporting.
- Human Factors and Team Dynamics: Workshops such as “Virtually Extinct: Reviving Human Interaction” offered strategies to boost collaboration and productivity within the department and across other public health sectors.
- Talking to Decision Makers: Communication focused training helped refine how the department conveys critical health recommendations to policy makers, ensuring stronger alignment and impact.
Participation in the AFDO Conference:
Participation in the AFDO conference has enhanced the capacity of TCI’s Environmental Health Professionals to adopt global best practices, collaborate with international regulators, and modernize their public health systems. These learnings will be translated into:
- More efficient and science-based inspection protocols.
- Quicker and more coordinated outbreak responses.
- Stronger partnerships with local food businesses.
- Increased public trust in health and safety standards.
- Improved training programs for frontline inspectors.
The knowledge and skills acquired will be instrumental in developing and implementing effective strategies to address current and emerging environmental health challenges in the islands. This includes improving food safety standards, enhancing water quality monitoring, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
The Environmental Health Department looks forward to applying the lessons learned and best practices shared at the AFDO conference to further its mission of safeguarding the health and environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
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.
