#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 27, 2020 — Turks and Caicos is added to the growing list of places which are abandoning the standard that COVID-19 patient recovery is measured by two negative RT-PCR tests. Edwin Astwood, the Minister of Health on Wednesday said Cabinet has agreed to give clearance to previously positive patients after 10-days of having experienced no fever or symptoms of the coronavirus.
“The Ministry of Health has updated its standard operating procedures
for recoveries and people being relieved from quarantine which is based on
technical guidance received from PAHO, Public Health England, CDC, WHO and
CARPHA. These new protocols for
recoveries and persons being released from quarantine are now being instituted
by the Ministry of Health Agriculture Sports and Human Services (and) will come
into effect immediately.”
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The announcement, backed up by “new and emerging science”
was met with skepticism and labelled risky by some tuned into the national
press conference broadcast live from the Office of the Premier in
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
Still the world’s leading health regulators including the
World Health Organization (WHO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are promoting the research as a
recommendation.
The WHO updated its recovery recommendation since May 27,
2020. An excerpt from its website says
this:
Criteria for
discharging patients from isolation (i.e., discontinuing transmission-based
precautions) without requiring retesting[1]:
For symptomatic patients: 10 days after symptom onset,
plus at least 3 additional days without symptoms (including without
fever [2] and
without respiratory symptoms)[3]
For asymptomatic cases[4]:
10 days after positive test for SARS-CoV-2
The WHO says there is
some risk associated with this “isolation discharge criteria” and adds, “There is a minimal
residual risk that transmission could occur with these non–test-based criteria.”
Among the reasons for
the change is to bring relief to medical centers which need the bed space; to cut-down
workload on testing centers which are overwhelmed by new and repeated testing
demands; to support healthy patients with a more expeditious return to life in
the ‘new normal’ and to embrace the science which says COVID-19’s dead particles
are responsible for positive diagnoses long past the time a patient is
infectious.
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The WHO, in that June
17 brief, encourages countries that can, to continue laboratory testing. The Turks and Caicos has opted to go a new and
different route which should dramatically increase the figures on recoveries.
“If a person who had
recovered from COVID-19 is retested within three months of the initial
infection they may continue to have a positive test result, even though they
may be spreading COVID-19,” said Minister Astwood, who shared about individuals
held in long isolations: “…they have been in quarantine for some 25 days, some 35
days, some 45 days and they feel well, they feel healthy and they are wondering
why they have to stay this long in quarantine and the results now, the science
now backs up that we can now release those persons from quarantine much earlier;
10-days and 14-days depending on symptoms and if the person is asymptomatic.”
While some may say we
can trust the science, there is grave concern about whether we can trust the
patient. The Ministry of Health will
admittedly be relying upon patients to be honest about their state of health.
from Ministry of Health, Turks and Caicos Islands
“We have to rely on
persons to be honest and truthful but still they will be under the quarantine
order to remain at home and if they have fever and symptoms we want them to
report that, the Minister of Health continued with, “We have seen that persons
have not been giving full and complete information but we have more good people
out there than bad so, we know that we will get from our people here in Turks
and Caicos Islands, at least 95 to 95 percent compliance with this because we
have a lot of people who want to do the right thing.”
Minister Astwood’s
enthusiasm is not shared by many residents.
By admission, some positive patients were not forthcoming during the
contact tracing phase. By widespread
observation, individuals have shown a reckless tendency to shirk responsibility
of self-quarantine regulations in order to get out and about.
Thousands of tests
have been used up in the previous method of retesting before clearance is given. Scores of people have been waiting weeks for medical
clearance to return to work because Health personnel have been unable to
deliver timely follow-ups.
The Minister was
optimistic that reducing this painstaking process of sequential negatives for
the coronavirus will allow his team to move on to community testing, which had
been waylaid by a surge in coronavirus cases.
In the past two days,
81 new cases of the coronavirus were recorded for the Turks and Caicos Islands;
bringing the country’s total number of infections to 464.
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Academy Eagles FC were crowned champions of the Beaches sponsored Men’s Provo Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over defending champions, SWA Sharks, at the Venetian Road football field.
In a match that featured a mix of youth and experienced players, the Academy Eagles eventually broke through late in the game when Jean Innocent found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Innocent doubled the lead in the 95th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the championship.
Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence expressed immense pride in his squad’s performance. “I applaud the team for their discipline throughout the season and their ability to stick to the plan heading into this game,” Lawrence shared, adding special praise for team captain Myherwens Varis for “following tactical instructions throughout the game.”
“This victory would not have been possible without the thoughtful support from our main sponsor, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. This is the second year running with this relationship. This has provided exposure for the semi-professional players and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association,” Lawrence noted.
On the opposing sideline, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson was modest in defeat. While he noted that his team executed their strategy well, he recognized the Eagles’ determination. “I congratulate the Eagles team for wanting the win more,” Watson said. “We played to the game plan, but I fault a lapse in judgment that gave up two goals.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos, returning for a second year of sponsoring the competition, expressed ongoing dedication to youth football in the islands. General Manager Deryk Meany shared his enthusiasm, “I am satisfied with the impact that the league is having on youth development throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and our resort’s involvement in fielding a team for the competition.” The final phase of the tournament now transitions to a knockout format among the eight participating clubs.
League executives also weighed in on the success of the season. Provo Premier League President, Phillip Baptiste, expressed his satisfaction with the league format and highlighted the significant progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) over the course of the tournament.
“This is what true success looks like as corporate partners like Beaches Turks and Caicos resort joins forces with the TCIFA in providing an avenue for youth development and sports. While we are happy for the continued sponsorship, we are anticipating more support from other entities. This is not only a win for sports, it is a win for development here in the TCI,” Baptiste shared.
TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie echoed these positive sentiments, pointing to the league’s development as an avenue for showcasing local talent on a broader stage. “Our team continues to learn as they work on developing talents with the youth players, as well as providing a broader marketing avenue for the league to be seen internationally with FIFA+ streaming,” Ritchie said.
He added, “the TCIFA commends the growth of the coaching staff involved in the league and looks forward to further enhancing the competition to make them more competitive in the Caribbean leagues.”
Beaches FC and Cheshire Hall FC have both punched their tickets for the first two spots in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Teachers’ Young Strikers and 5-0 thrashing of Provo United respectively in the first two quarter finals.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The French Village main stage at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort was transformed into a dazzling beacon of green and gold as the resort celebrated its highest achievers. Under the inspiring banner of “One Team, One Vision, Endless Achievements,” the annual Prestige Awards recently closed the chapter on an exceptional 2025.
More than 120 nominees across twelve distinct categories walked the red carpet, greeted by flashing cameras and the cheering of their peers. The evening was laced with vibrant entertainment that kept the energy high between award presentations. Attendees were also treated to an exquisite five-course menu, carefully curated to match the prestige of the occasion and celebrate the rich culinary talent present at the resort.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the dedication required to operate one of the premier family resorts in the Caribbean. General Manager Deryk Meany took the stage to address the audience while reflecting on a year of resilience, innovation and unparalleled guest service.
“This is a celebratory milestone that as leaders we are happy to share with the stars of the hospitality industry,” Meany shared. “You have shown the world the true mettle of leadership and commitment here at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”
To further recognize unique contributions to the resort’s operational success, Meany personally distributed the General Manager’s Special Awards. These honours were bestowed upon Eric ‘Cookie’ Johnson from the kitchen, Harriet Beeput from administration, and Javier Sarita from the entertainment department for their exceptional behind-the-scenes dedication.
The climax of the evening featured the announcement of the resort’s most prestigious overarching awards. Felipe Luzardo Neira from the kitchen took home the MVP of the Year (Manager of the Year) award, while Chad Peterkin from engineering and maintenance was named All-Rounder of the Year (Supervisor of the Year). The loyalty & travel department proved their collective strength by securing the A-Team of the Year title.
Individual team members were also recognized for their ultimate service standards. Deandra Astwood from the front office earned the Platinum Team Member of the Year award. The highest individual honour, Diamond Team Member of the Year, was awarded to Javain Campbell from the restaurant department. Campbell used his moment in the spotlight to highlight the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and community outreach.
“This accolade is a testament to the commitment and teamwork within all the departments of the resort,” Campbell noted after receiving his award. “The opportunity to volunteer at different Sandals Foundation activities as well as be a mentor to other team members means the world to me. This achievement will allow me to do more in leadership as I have been tasked with representing the entire team here at the resort.”
The Prestige Awards ensured that every facet of the resort’s operations received proper recognition. From environmental sustainability to guest entertainment, the specific category winners showcased a wide array of talents:
Movers & Shakers was awarded to Katherine ‘Tinkerbell’ Jiminez from the entertainment department
Legendary Team Member was secured by Kadian Smith from the restaurant
Circle of Joy went to Emanie Jocelyn Seide from security and loss prevention
Earth Guardian was claimed by Bernard Florvil from engineering and maintenance
Sandals Foundation Sentinel was awarded to Tanya Swann from administration
Standing Ovation Award was proudly accepted by Richard Myers from the laundry team
Money Maker Award went to Teesha McCallum-Hamilton from the resort shop
Heart of the House Hotel Manager’s Award was presented to Carlton Biggs from stewarding department
People’s Choice Award was won by Claire Ann Balones from the off site department
Pacesetter Award was given to Kassandra Henry from accounts & cost control
Founder’s Circle Award was claimed by Susan Outten from the restaurant
As the night drew to a close, the focus shifted to the rigorous selection process that led to the evening’s celebrations. The Prestige Awards do not merely look at a single moment of excellence, but rather evaluate a full twelve months of unwavering dedication to the guest experience. Human Resources Manager Owenta Coleby highlighted the rewarding journey these team members took to reach the main stage.
“This event is a culmination of a number of activities for the resort’s leadership and the team members who have been exemplary and consistent throughout the year,” Coleby shared. “Congratulations are in order for each nominee as they have been crowned winners for the different months of 2025.”
With the trophies distributed and the 2025 season officially wrapped, the staff at Beaches Turks and Caicos now look forward. Fueled by the “One Team, One Vision” mantra, these award winners are already setting the standard for another year of endless achievements.
Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – A new era of digital finance regulation could be on the horizon for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the Financial Services Commission moves to establish a legal framework for virtual assets and cryptocurrency-related businesses.
The TCI Financial Services Commission on Friday launched a public consultation on its proposed Virtual Assets Business Bill, 2026, legislation designed to regulate virtual asset service providers, stablecoin issuers and other digital asset activities operating in or from the territory.
Globally, governments and regulators have been racing to catch up with the rapid growth of digital currencies, blockchain technology and online financial platforms. Concerns over money laundering, cybercrime, fraud and the collapse of poorly regulated crypto exchanges have pushed jurisdictions to tighten oversight while still trying to attract financial innovation and investment.
The proposed TCI bill appears aimed at positioning the territory within that evolving international framework.
According to the FSC, the legislation is aligned with international standards and guidance from bodies including the Financial Action Task Force, International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Financial Stability Board.
The Commission said the bill would introduce a “comprehensive licensing, supervisory, prudential and enforcement framework” for the sector. The proposed law includes anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations, cyber resilience requirements, enforcement measures and even a regulatory sandbox intended to support innovation.
Among the notable features are proposed reserve and governance rules for stablecoins, which are digital currencies typically tied to traditional assets like the US dollar. The draft legislation also outlines exemptions for certain technology providers and closed-loop token systems.
The FSC said the consultation period is intended to gather public and industry feedback before the bill is submitted to Cabinet next month. Written submissions must be received by June 8, 2026.
The consultation paper and draft bill have been published on the FSC website for public review.
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