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The Environmental Health Department Personnel Participate in Association of Food and Drugs Officials (AFDO) 129th Annual Education Conference

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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/.

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TCI News

Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos Extends Condolences to the Family of Missing Tourist

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (July 16th, 2025) — The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos confirm, with deep sadness, that the body found on July 5th is that of Mr. Brian Tarrence, a visitor from the United States who was reported missing on June 25th.
Mr. Tarrence was vacationing with his wife on Providenciales when he left their accommodations in the early hours of the morning. Extensive efforts were made to locate him, including ground searches, drone surveillance, CCTV analysis, and the involvement of local residents, volunteers, and tourism stakeholders. The body was found following a coordinated search operation led by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Authorities have indicated there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr. Tarrance’s disappearance or death. A full investigation is ongoing, and the appropriate authorities will continue to liaise with Mr. Tarrence’s family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tarrence,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “We are grateful to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and to every individual, volunteer, and organisation who took part in the search. The entire Turks and Caicos community mourns this loss alongside the Tarrance family.”
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, added: “This is a deeply tragic outcome, and our hearts go out to Mr. Tarrence’s wife and family. We are committed to supporting them in any way we can during this difficult time.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to the safety and well-being of all who visit. This incident, while heartbreaking, has shown the strength and compassion of the local community.

Further details will be provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as appropriate.

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Health

TCI Hospital CEO Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 14, 2025 – InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is celebrating a major milestone, as its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, has been named a finalist in the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category of the Caribbean Global Awards 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands through transformative leadership, strategic development, and dedication to patient care. Under her guidance, the TCI Hospital has consistently raised its standards, expanded critical services, and improved community wellness outcomes.

“We are excited to share some wonderful news that brings pride to the TCI Hospital,” the institution said in a public announcement. “Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s visionary leadership has not only transformed our hospital facilities but has also significantly impacted the broader healthcare landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Caribbean Global Awards celebrate the achievements of professionals of Caribbean heritage who are making significant contributions in healthcare, innovation, and development around the world.                                                                                                                                                                         In the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category, Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant is one of five outstanding nominees. The other finalists represent the United States, Trinidad and Tobago (two nominees), and St. Lucia.

The 2025 edition of the awards will culminate with a black-tie gala on September 27 at the prestigious Cumberland Hotel in London, United Kingdom. The event will bring together leaders, professionals, and dignitaries from across the Caribbean diaspora to recognize excellence and visionary impact across sectors.

Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s nomination marks a proud moment not only for the hospital but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, positioning the territory alongside global leaders in healthcare innovation.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s achievements and are honoured to have her at the helm of the TCI Hospital,” the hospital’s statement continued. “This nomination is a testament to her dedication to the people of these islands.”

Supporters across the territory are being encouraged to extend congratulations and follow the awards journey as Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant represents the Turks and Caicos Islands on the global stage.

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TCI News

Rotary Club of Providenciales 2024-2025 Year in Review: Approximately 300 Children Assessed for Eyeglasses.  

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Some students who received free eyeglasses

Monday, July 7th, 2025 – “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Providenciales over the past year,” -Roma Stubbs. The period was characterized by a dedication to community development, educational support, and environmental responsibility. “As I reflect on the initiatives we carried out, I am proud of what we were able to achieve through collaboration, shared purpose, and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” shared the immediate Past President.

In the spirit of promoting peace and unity, the Rotary Club of Providenciales (RCOP) started the Rotary year by successfully planting two Peace Poles, one in Grace Bay and the other at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. These Peace Poles—each inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French, and Spanish—stand as powerful visual symbols of Rotary’s commitment to fostering harmony in our communities.

Education remained a core pillar of the Club’s work. Dictionaries were donated to primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), ensuring that students had access to essential learning tools. The Club also launched a reading initiative called Read-Rama across several primary schools. This included volunteer-led reading sessions designed to foster a love for reading and support early language development.

To support the development of confident, articulate young leaders, the RCOP contributed funds toward a high school speech competition. This event gave students a platform to express their views on critical social issues and practice public speaking. It was inspiring to see their talent and passion for positive change, and we are proud to have played a role in elevating their voices.

Finally, recognizing the direct link between health and academic success, the Club, in collaboration with Dr. Julian Petrucci from Menzies Optometry and Sailrock, organized free eye exams for primary school children on the Islands of South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk. The RCOP conducted nearly 300 eye exams and subsequently donated over 50 pairs of eyeglasses to students diagnosed with visual impairments. Many of these children had been struggling in silence due to undiagnosed issues, and the feedback from families and educators was amazingly positive.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the Club’s dedicated members, volunteers, and community partners. Together, everyone demonstrated the power of collective action and the impact of compassionate leadership.

Immediate Past President Roma Stubbs concluded by stating, “As I conclude my term as President, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. The seeds we planted this year—both literal and metaphorical—will continue to grow, nourished by the ongoing efforts of this incredible Club”. Thank you all for an unforgettable year of service and achievement.

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