TCI News
Turks and Caicos Premier says nation ‘elated’ over removal from Zika list; praises CARPHA and CARICOM
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 20, 2018 – A record 30 million stay-over visitors to the Caribbean region in 2017 did well to mask the damage that a classification by the World Health Organization, as a region still laden with cases of the terrifying Zika virus, was having upon travel bookings.
Ever since the emergence of the virus within our hemisphere, there has been fear about the mosquito borne disease, which can result in, among other things babies being born with microcephaly or a small head.
It is a frightening risk that pregnant women and women wanting to become pregnant have steered clear of taking, especially once the American Centers for Disease Control added the Caribbean to the damning list. It became immediately clear that Zika’s prevalence in our region – whether perceived or real – loomed largely in the decision of where people chose to spend their holidays.
Suffice it to say, CARPHA’s announcement on Thursday was a welcomed one for the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CARPHA’s statement explained: “This removal by the WHO comes on the heels of data released by CARPHA, giving evidence that the Zika virus transmission in the Caribbean had been interrupted for over 12 months, or was at undetectable levels, thereby posing very little risk to residents and visitors to the Region. This was matched by data shared with CARPHA by Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America, which showed that no Zika had been detected for over 12 months in travelers returning from the Caribbean to their countries.”
A year free of Zika and a letter penned to demand a re-classification has made all the difference for the region and CARPHA member states. The member countries are now removed from Category 1, where Zika is prevalent to Category 3, which means there is no Zika transmission.
“Last year I had the opportunity to engage with travel agents from around the world and was told of the importance of having the Turks and Caicos removed from the list, especially as my Government through the Change Document, to market the Turks and Caicos Islands as a wedding destination.”
Premier Sharlene Robinson in a Friday media meeting explained that it was a team effort including the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the US Consulate, however Robinson gave highest commendation to the diligence of the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA and CARICOM.
“Over the past year there have been efforts by my government to have the TCI removed, having had no new transmissions recorded and having seen other countries removed,” the Premier added, “But are thrilled at the positive results of the advocacy led by CARPHA and CARICOM which resulted in the removal of the entire classification.”
The Premier revealed that the tourism and travel agents of the Turks and Caicos Islands welcome the development.
In 2016, statistics shed an unfavorable light on Latin America and the Caribbean. An April 2017 report in NPR or National Public Radio online quoted the Centers for Disease Control. Figures exposed that in 2016 there were 1600 cases of Zika reported in pregnant women in the United States. Fourteen Latin American and Caribbean countries were cited as the places the women had visited and were considered the origin of the disease.
“Of those women with laboratory evidence of Zika virus, there were 77 reported pregnancy losses and 51 babies born with birth defects, including 43 babies with microcephaly or brain abnormalities. Other babies had eye abnormalities or neural tube defects,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the CDC at the time of the article.
The Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health reported in July that the country had gone 18-months with no new cases of Zika reported.
TCI News
CLEARING THE AIR ON T.I.D.E.S AND AMBASSADORSHIP: ELEVATING THE TOURISM EXPERIENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st May 2024 – The introduction of ambassador cards is a concept that is unfamiliar to many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Cards are now awarded to individuals who’ve completed the T.I.D.E.S certification or training program, which was previously primarily for taxis and VIPs but has now been expanded across the hospitality sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the department and ministry, aims to instil a sense of pride in recipients, signifying their role as ambassadors of the country. This was emphasised in the latest press conference hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Office of the Premier on February 26th that as representatives of a thriving nation, those on the frontline of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers and hospitality staff, should take pride in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card embodies what makes Turks and Caicos great and conveys this pride to all who interact with visitors and locals alike.
T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card: A Badge of Cultural Proficiency
The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is not just a card; it’s a symbol of excellence in service and a commitment to providing an incomparable experience for tourists. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card has been designed to embody the best that the Turks and Caicos have to offer: a tangible expression of cultural proficiency and local knowledge. As the tourism industry embraces the Ambassador Card, we hope to see the transformation of cardholders who are truly not merely employees; they are ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, well-versed in historical landmarks, local dishes, and cultural activities. This proficiency ensures that visitors receive an authentic and enriching experience during their stay.
Streamlined Certification Process
Obtaining the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a process that reflects the commitment to the highest standards of service. Cardholders undergo a comprehensive three-hour training programme, covering topics on TCI History and Culture, Customer Services and Tourism Safety and Sustainability. On successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador ID card and certificate which is valid for two years.
Government and Stakeholder Collaboration
The launch of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders. The initiative will continue to be refined through ongoing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the cards meet the evolving needs of our ambassadors and the tourism industry. There is currently a backlog of cards that are ready for collection.
“The TIDES Ambassador card is not just a symbol of excellence; it signifies a deep commitment to our country’s heritage and culture. We urge those working in the tourism sector to register for TIDES to not only gain valuable training but also to embrace the role of ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Collecting your card and certificate is crucial; it opens doors to a world of opportunities and sets you apart as a standard-bearer of quality in our thriving tourism industry,” said Talia Thomas, Deputy Director, of the Department of Tourism Regulations.”
QR Code Integration
The security of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is of utmost importance. The card’s most important feature is the inclusion of a QR code that establishes a direct link between tourists utilising the tourism product and the Department of Tourism Regulations. This innovative feature facilitates a quick and convenient verification method and safeguards against any potential misuse or fraudulent activities. The QR code, when scanned, leads visitors to a dedicated section of the government website, providing real-time validation of the card’s authenticity and the ambassador’s certification status. This advanced security feature not only instils confidence in tourists but also underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands government to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
Conclusion
Stakeholders can visit our office on the third floor of Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales, to collect their cards.
Education
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION’S DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES HOSTS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND FOR INCLUSIVE EVENTS.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), under the Ministry of Education, organized a series of inclusive events over the weekend dedicated to celebrating children with special needs and raising awareness about autism.
The weekend kicked off with the SNAP Center Fun Day on April 26th, which welcomed children with special needs from special education classrooms across Providenciales and clients of the SENS Department. The Fun Day offered a range of engaging activities tailored to the unique needs of the participants, fostering a sense of joy, inclusivity, and community.
“We are delighted to have provided a platform for children with special needs to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of SENS.
“Our goal is to create inclusive spaces where all children feel valued and supported.”
Following the success of the Fun Day, the Department organized a Rainbow Walk on April 27th in honor of Autism Awareness month. The early morning walk was well attended by over 100 individuals, including esteemed guests such as the Governor H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Jamel Robinson, Minister of Health and acting Minister of Education Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, and other dignitaries, and demonstrated solidarity and support for individuals with autism and their families.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and honored to have had distinguished guests join us for the Rainbow Walk,” remarked Hon. Shaun Malcolm.
“Their presence underscores the collective commitment to promoting understanding and inclusivity.” Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Special Education Needs Services, Mrs. Cherylann Jones was also present at the inaugural event and praised the department for the successful walk.
She also noted that in the next year the intention is to hold these walks across all islands.
Although the Minister of Education, Hon, Rachel Taylor, was away on official duties, she conveyed her full support for the walk and other initiatives conducted in the month of April.
She commented, “I am proud of the Department’s efforts in organizing these events and raising awareness about the needs of children with special needs. I look forward to greater support in the future as we continue to strengthen our special education needs services.”
The Department of Special Needs Services extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions made the weekend of events a resounding success.
For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and upcoming events, please contact sens@gov.tc.
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