PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8^th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions

The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.

Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.

“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”

Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”

The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 8^th May 2024: A case of malaria has been identified in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The individual is presently stable and receiving treatment. The Public Health team is currently conducting further investigations, however, initial findings indicate the case may be imported. The Ministry of Health and Human Services is working closely with its stakeholders to respond to this finding.

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. It is preventable and curable. However, without prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, a case of uncomplicated malaria can progress to a severe form of the disease, which is often fatal without treatment.

There are five species of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat. Not all Anopheles mosquitoes have malaria, but if they bite a person with malaria, they can become infectious.

Symptoms

Malaria symptoms range from very mild illness to severe disease and even death. The first symptoms of malaria usually begin within 10–15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Early symptoms can include:

• Fever and flu-like illness
• Chills
• Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur

If not treated quickly, the infection can become severe.  If Plasmodium falciparum malaria is not treated within 24 hours, the infection can progress to severe illness and death.

Severe symptoms can include:

• kidney failure
• seizures
• mental confusion
• coma

See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if:

• you are experiencing any of the symptoms of malaria, and
• you have traveled in the last year to or from an area where malaria occurs

Only a healthcare provider can diagnose malaria. A lab test via microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) will confirm malaria using a small sample of your blood.

Prescription drugs can treat and cure malaria.

Prevention

Persons traveling to countries where malaria is endemic should take precautions to prevent infection including taking chemoprophylaxis (use of medications to prevent infection).

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page onhttps://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

May 6th, 2024 – As co-chairs of the National Security Council, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier condemn strongly recent threats made against Turks and Caicos Islands airports and schools.

We have zero tolerance for these disruptions and the alarm that they cause. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continues to work closely with partner agencies and will keep the public updated as we manage the situation.

The National Security Council wishes to reassure residents, travellers and parents that the safety and security of our Islands is its highest priority.

All appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats and all required security protocols are being followed.

The Airports Authority and the Ministry of Education, with school principals are collaborating with the RTCIPF  investigations.

We encourage the public to be extra vigilant against phishing and malicious emails and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our airports, schools and communities.