TCI News
PCR Testing crisis; Gov’t low priority for travellers leaves terminated work permit holders stuck in TCI
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 2, 2020 — Work permit holders and other travelers who wish to leave the Turks and Caicos are stuck because of increasingly stringent airline and country entry requirements which demand a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
Individuals who need to travel are prepared to undergo the requisite test locally, even at a cost but the Ministry of Health is not prioritizing these requests and has yet to authorize any private laboratory in order to fill the void.
It is a vexing dilemma, explained veteran travel agency Marco Travel.
“It is a very serious problem here in the Turks and Caicos. We also have people who would just like to be tested for their own peace of mind. It is impossible to get onto a flight now without the negative for COVID-19 and it is forcing people who are legally supposed to leave to be here without a job, without any way to make a living,” said Chloe Zimmerman, CEO, Marco Travel.
During a Ministry of Health press conference on August 26, the Health Minister Edwin Astwood informed that Accu Diagnostic had been assisting the Ministry with testing for the coronavirus.
Less than a week later, on August 31, the Ministry issued a statement informing that only its Public Health Laboratory is authorized as an up to standard testing facility within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“At this time, no lab other than the National Public Health Laboratory has completed all of the requirements for performing Covid-19 testing.” It went on to warn, “Any testing which is carried out without the relevant written approval of the Ministry of Health is considered an offence in accordance with the Public and Environmental Health (Testing of COVID-19) Regulations 2020.”
It was a confusing contradiction.
Magnetic Media obtained this explanation from Minister Astwood on September 1.
“Accu laboratory has been reporting positive results to the Ministry from last week and in speaking with the owner/director they have to replace a filter on their biosafety cabinet, then have it recertified, and submit the certification report to the Ministry for signing off. They informed me that this task is scheduled to be undertaken and completed today, and is hoping to in operation soon after and persons will be at liberty to seek their services,” said Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health.
Accu Diagnostics seems to be mere inches away from full confirmation, and has been nearly there before.
Still, until this or any other facility is approved as a government endorsed facility, the Ministry of Health could be accused of holding up international travel for its own citizens, legal residents and yes, now illegal residents who make up the hundreds furloughed or fired as a result of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents have expressed that government must take a more energised approach to ensuring there are private testing centers and/or laboratories established in the Turks and Caicos to assist with the critical testing during the pandemic.
News
‘Ripple Effect’: Turks and Caicos Sports Commission set to release short film following the life of a female sprinter
May 21, 2024
The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission (TCISC) is set to release a short film about a female sprinter titled Ripple Effect. This film follows the life of Anita Been-Brown who is arduously preparing to compete in the CARIFTA Games while her life at home, paves a dangerous road to destruction. Ripple Effect is not just a story of track and field. It humanizes the experience of athletes while
beaming a spotlight on the dangers gun violence dispels in Caribbean communities.
This film was dependably created by students 14-21 years old in the TCI, who are enrolled in the TCISC’s early careers sports media programme Project I.D.E.A. Media Club. So far the trailer has amassed over 38,000 views on Facebook and Instagram among our islands and is looking to shake things up on the big screen. This short film will be premiered on Saturday, June 15th, at the Inspiring Change: Transforming Lives Through Sports event. The proceeds of this event will be in aid of the Athlete Development Fund and the Project I.D.E.A. Media Club. In addition, a mini-documentary on the Police Action League will premiere before the film screening. The event will consist of a cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment.
The sole purpose of this event is to raise funds for these two initiatives, and by purchasing a ticket each contribution helps to push these initiatives forward, making each person a donor. Each table has seating of up to 10 people of your choice for $2000 and individual tickets are also available at $225. To reserve a table, purchase a ticket, or receive further information, please email Calvina Andrews at candrews@gov.tc.
Watch the trailer for the short film here:
Facebook https://fb.watch/rOyUUW_DY_/
Youtube https://youtu.be/1ffUhOK_uQw.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – DAVANTE BRISCO, aged 30, the son of a senior female police officer of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, faces three charges:
- Robbery: Allegedly, Davante Brisco, along with accomplice FRENDY MERONE (already charged and appeared in court on Tuesday, April 16th), held up Wilson Alfred, robbing him at knifepoint of over $300.00 cash and a Samsung cellphone valued at
approximately $300.00. - Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority: Brisco and his accomplice allegedly took Wilson Alfred’s white Toyota motorcar (registration number 16697) and drove away without permission.
- Using Offensive Weapon to Cause Fear: It’s alleged that during the commission of the offenses, they used a knife to instill fear in the alleged victim.
The incident reportedly occurred near Clement Howell High School on Tumpa Avenue, Blue Hills, Providenciales, on Thursday, April 4th, 2024.
At the arraignment in the Magistrate’s Court before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, on Monday, May 13th, it was revealed that Brisco was granted $7,500.00 bail with certain conditions to follow.
His next court appearance (Supreme Court) is scheduled for July 5th, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.
Brisco was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Tassja Mitchell.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – On Monday, May 6th, 2024, five separate matters were presented before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, Chief Magistrate. Handling all cases was Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson, the public prosecutor.
- WATSON LOUIDOR (20 years old, Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales):
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Pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
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Granted bail, with the matter adjourned to June 11th of the same year.
- MUSELIN MEDACIER (36 years old):
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Brought before the court by Immigration Officer R. Cartwright for possession of an irregular certificate.
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Pleaded guilty and the matter was transferred to the Grand Turk Magistrate Court.
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Scheduled to reappear before Acting Resident Magistrate Ms. Patricia Arana on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Remanded in custody.
- FINAL VALCORT (38 years old):
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Appeared from custody for offenses of obstruction and unlawful entry.
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Did not enter a plea, and the case was transferred to Ms. Patricia Arana for mention on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
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Investigating Immigration Officer: Mr. A. Jones.
- MARIO JAMES TAYLOR (24 years old, Five Cays):
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Did not enter a plea.
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Bail extended to Friday, May 10th for mention.
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Charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (A.O.A.B.H) by PC W. Clair.
- DARLY FRANCOIS (27 years old, Blue Hills, Providenciales):
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Bail extended to May 15th for the offense of common assault.
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Charged by Police Constable (PC) T. Stewart.
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Pleaded not guilty.
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