TCI News

Former Human Rights Commissioner is new president at TCI Labour Tribunal

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2020

#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 16, 2019 — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government would like to announce the appointment of Mrs. Mary Doreen Quelch-Missick RGN., BS., LL.B., (Hons.) MBA. MBE., JP, NP, OBE as the new President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Tribunal.

Mrs. Missick’s appointment was approved by Cabinet at its 31^st meeting on Wednesday, 18^th December 2019 and is for a period three years with effect from 1 January 2020.

Mrs. Missick holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Miami School of Business in Miami, Florida; an LLB (Hons) from the University of Leeds Department of Law in Leeds, England; a Post-Graduate Diploma Bar Vocational Course (BVC) from the Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England; a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies (Cum Laude) from Barry University in Miami, Florida and is a qualified Registered Graduate Nurse (RGN) having obtained various qualifications from the University School of Nursing in Kingston, Jamaica and Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales.

Having extensive and wide-ranging experience, she has held several positions around the world, including: the United States Army – 346^th General Hospital, Perrine, Florida; Grand Turk Hospital, Turks and Caicos Islands (1980-1984); Dade County, Office of Health Services, Miami, Florida (1985-1999); Correctional Medical Authority, State of Florida (1993-1999); Law Training Pupilages: (2000-2002); Twa, Cochrane and Skatfield (7/2002-10/2002); Hallmark Trust, Providenciales (2003-2004); Ambergris Cay, Southern Shores, Providenciales, (2004-2005); National Insurance Board (NIB), Providenciales (2004-2007); Quelch-Missick and Associates, Providenciales, (2005-2008); Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (Chairman 2008-2014 and Director 2014-2017); Turks and Caicos Islands Government Interim Government (2009-2012); Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, Change Manager (2017- 2019).

Her responsibilities have included serving as a Councilor during the Interim Government, providing advice and support to His Excellency the Governor on legislative reviews of existing laws, drafting new laws, reviewed policies and regulations and made recommendations for amendments. Mrs. Quelch Missick accompanied the Governor to the UK and attended the Eleventh Overseas Territories Consultative Council Joint Ministerial Council during her service, and was a part of the Constitution team to the UK for talks on the 2011 Constitution Order. The Constitution Order that gave rise to, among other notable provisions, the Mixed System of 10 Constituency Seats and Five At Large Seats which were eagerly embraced.

She was tasked with the responsibility for setting up the Office of the Human Rights Commission and served as Chairman/and Director. Under her direction and leadership, the TCI Human Rights Commission became a model and was highly recognized for its Outstanding Outreach Educational Programs with such an initiative being emulated by other Human Rights Institutions in other Overseas Territories. Because of its success, St Helena adopted the Structure and Operational format of the TCI HRC.

Most notably was her work on the OECS Family Law review especially in the areas of Domestic Violence and support for the protection for children, she was an advocate for the victims of violence and was known to be at times, a lone wolf in the wilderness, bringing to light some of the heinous nature of violence perpetrated against women, she created a live weekly television show “FOCUS” to highlight the societal ills plaguing the country and a quest for solutions. She worked with the former Police Commissioner Mr. Dave Rhyder, and other senior members of the RTCIPF to bring about the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, a Unit that provided confidential support and advice to women traumatized by violence. She was awarded OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 for her work in Human Rights and attended Buckingham Palace with her family to receive such an honour.

Mrs. Quelch Missick continued on her quest to educate the public on the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and worked very closely with the former President, Labour Tribunal which saw joint visits throughout the islands conducting workshops to bring about an awareness of the Employment laws and the rights of Employees and Employers in the private sectors mainly the hotels and resorts. They both believed in the concept of Business and Human Rights and met with Director and Board members of the TCIHTA with the goal of fostering a continued dialog with hoteliers and employees that would have seen a sustained program of direct training and education to hoteliers on Employee/Employer rights.

Mrs. Quelch Missick brings her years of experience in various fields, she remains knowledgeable and resourceful and looks forward to the task ahead.

Commenting on her posting, she stated: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to once again serve the people of my country, this time, in the capacity of President, Labour Tribunal. I aim to do my utmost best in upholding the mission, goals and objectives of the Labour Tribunal and look forward to discharging its Statutory functions in accordance with the Employment Ordinance. I seek to dispense justice fairly and expeditiously and look forward to working with the Tribunal staff, members and assessors for whom, continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Employees and Employers receive a fair and equitable outcome.”

Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services with responsibility for the Labour Tribunal stated: “It is my esteem pleasure to congratulate Mrs. Missick and welcome her as the new President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Tribunal. As you know the position has been vacant for some time and Employees and Employers have unsettled matters to resolve. Mrs. Missick has served the people of this county well in her previous capacities and I am sure that she will continue to serve the Employees and Employers with fairness giving her experience, expertise and talent.

On behalf of my entire Ministry I reiterate my sincere congratulations on Mrs. Missick’s success and wish her well during her tenure as President.”

News

Signage regarding Prohibition of Jet skis in Protected Areas

Published

22 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

South Side Jet-ski Buoy

Providenciales, Tuesday 30 April, 2024 – The Department of Environment and Coastsal Resources (DECR) would like to make all jetski operators, jetski owners, jetski users, watersports operators, tour guides, and the public aware of ‘No jetski’ buoys that have been installed within the Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park and Nature Reserve.

Additional buoys will continue to be deployed and are strategically positioned along the perimeter of protected areas, serving as a clear boundary beyond which jet skis are not permitted. All jet ski users are to heed that jet skis are strictly prohibited within all protected areas in the Turks and Caicos Islands, in accordance with the National Park Ordinance (11 of 1975):

Section 3(1) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all National Parks

(g) Jet skis and hovercraft

Section 3(2) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Nature Reserves

(f) Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft

Section 3(3) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Sanctuaries

Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft

Emerald Point Buoy

Section 3(4) Prohibitions and permitted activities within all Areas of Historical Interest

(g) Water skiing, jet skis or hovercraft

A person contravening these regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000 or a term of imprisonment, or both, as per Section 13 of the National Park Ordinance.

The accompanying map delineates the protected areas (highlighted in red) and indicates the placement of the buoys. It should be emphasized that the regions shaded in red signify areas where jet skis are not prohibited.

Should you require further clarity, please contact the DECR at (649)338-4170 or email environment@gov.tc

Government

RECENT CHARGES AGAINST US NATIONALS FOR POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION OFFENCES

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2024

Shanieka

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government cannot comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts but confirms the following four (4) US nationals have been charged for possession of ammunition offences against the Firearms Ordinance (as amended).

MICHAEL LEE EVANS, 72, of Texas, pled guilty to possession of seven (7) 9mm rounds of ammunition. Appeared before the court on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, via video conference link. Currently on bail, with sentencing hearing adjourned to June 18th, 2024.
BRYAN HAGERICH, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to possession of twenty rounds of ammunition (rifle rounds). Currently on bail. Scheduled to reappear in court on May 3rd, 2024.
TYLER SCOTT WENRICH, 31, of Virginia, is currently remanded at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Grand Turk). He is charged with possession of two (2) 9mm rounds. He has not applied for bail.
RYAN TYLER WATSON, 40, of Oklahoma, currently on bail, charged with possession of four (4) rounds of ammunition. Appeared in court on April 24th, 2024. The matter was adjourned to June 7th, 2024

Persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands do not have a constitutional right to carry firearms. The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes all visitors but reminds travellers that the importation of firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons is strictly forbidden unless licence to do so has been issued by the Commissioner of Police.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have clear laws against the possession of firearms and or ammunition and strict penalties in order to serve and protect the community. Firearm and or ammunition offences carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of twelve years plus a fine. An Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal certified that where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion to impose a custodial sentence (less than the twelve years) and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory with a common law legal system.

Travellers are strongly advised to search their luggage before they travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure they do not bring in forbidden items inadvertently. The Turks and Caicos Islands reserves the right to enforce its legislation and all visitors must follow its law enforcement procedures.

The Transportation Security Administration screening in the United States may not identify ammunition in a traveller’s baggage; it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of ammunition and/or firearms. Permission from an airline carrier does not constitute permission to bring firearms or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands and will result in arrest.

Health

Increased cases of Chicken Pox Prompts Ministry of Health and Human Services Response

Published

5 days ago

April 27, 2024

Shanieka

PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25 April 2024 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services is issuing a public advisory regarding a recent increase in chicken pox cases, particularly within school communities in the regions of Grand Turk and Providenciales. The Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and is working closely with affected schools to provide support and education aimed at preventing further spread of the virus.

Chicken pox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious infection characterized by a distinctive rash of itchy red spots or blisters. Transmission occurs via droplets, aerosols, or direct contact with respiratory secretions, and almost always produces clinical disease in susceptible individuals. While mostly a mild disorder in childhood, varicella tends to be more severe in adults. It may be fatal, especially in neonates and in immunocompromised persons. The Ministry urges parents, teachers, and the general public to remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of chicken pox, which may include:

Rash: The primary symptom of chicken pox is a rash that typically begins as small red spots, which then develop into fluid-filled blisters over several days.
Fever: Children with chicken pox may experience a mild to moderate fever, often preceding the appearance of the rash.
Fatigue: Some individuals may feel generally unwell, tired, or lethargic.
Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat may accompany other symptoms of chicken pox.

Management aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications and may include:

drinking plenty of fluid (try popsicles if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration.
taking paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort.
cut your child’s fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching.
use cooling creams or gels e.g. Calamine lotion
speak to your health care provider about using antihistamine medicine to help itching.
bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)
dress in loose clothes.

do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections.
do not give aspirin to children under 16.
do not go near newborn babies, or anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them.
do not scratch the spots, as scratching can cause scarring.

To mitigate the spread of chicken pox within schools and communities, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

In the event that a child exhibits symptoms of chicken pox, parents and caregivers are advised to keep them at home and seek medical attention promptly. A sick leave for a period of 14 days is usually given. After the 14 day sick leave period, the individual must return to the physician or the public health nurse at one of the primary care clinics to obtain a fit for work or school certificate allowing them re-entry back into school or work. Anyone returning earlier than this time or without this certificate should not be allowed in school so as to prevent spread to other children. Additionally, it is crucial to inform school authorities to prevent further transmission among classmates and staff.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all citizens, and will continue to work diligently to address this current situation. For further information and guidance on chicken pox prevention and management, please visit Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.