#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam chaired the 11th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenicales.

All members were present with the exception of the Honorable Ministers of Tourism and the Environment and the Ministry of Home Affairs that were away from the islands on official duties.

At this meeting Cabinet:
• Approved the Border Force Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating the legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Customs (Amendment) Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating a legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Crime Prevention Strategy Targeting At Risk Youth
• Granted approval to establish the Juvenile Prevention and Intervention Council (JPIC), who will subsequently work collectively to develop policy and procedures, crime prevention strategy and service legal agreements that will govern all services upon completion
• Granted approval to TBH Provo Ltd. (The Hotel Operating Co. Ltd./Beach House) to extend a Refurbishment Order previously granted to complete refurbishments previously agreed
• Noted an information paper on the TCI National ID Concept Core Model
• Approved the reappointment of Mr. Joseph Connolly as a Member of the National Insurance Board (employer representative) effective April 15, 2024 for a period of 3 years
• Approved the appointment of Mr. Jermaine Fulford as a Member of the National Insurance Board (insured person) for a period of 3 years effective April 15th, 2024
• Noted an information paper on the Statutory and Good Governance Pay and Grading Review as of April 9, 2024 which is scheduled to take place from April to July, 2024 and establishing the Governance Committee
• Accepted the resignation of Bishop Vernal G. Clarke as a Member of the Health Regulation Board and agreed to rescind this appointment
• Approved the appointment of Bishop Andrew Stone as a Member of the Health Regulation Authority Board for a period of 3 years effective April 15, 2024
• Approved the appointment of the following individuals as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of 2 years effective April 1, 2024:
1. Mr. Edward Hall, Senior Member (representative of employees)
2. Mr. Samuel Williams, Senior Member (representative of employers)
3. Mr. Vernon Alco Williams, Senior Member (representative of employees)
4. Ms. Arnelle Taylor, Attorney (representative of employers)
5. Mr. Carlis Williams (representative of employees GDT)
6. Mrs. Kenya Forbes-Jagger (representative of employers)
7. Ms. Kerchelle Bain, Attorney (representative of employees)
8. Ms. Yolander Forbes (representative of employers)
9. Ms. Veronica Rigby (representative of employees) New appointment
10. Ms. Mary Cunningham (representative of employers) New appointment

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.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 30th April 2024 – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) would like to inform Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and environmental partners, as well as fellow environmental stewards, of the opening of the fourth round of Darwin Plus Local.

Darwin Plus Local is a new scheme within the existing UK government’s Darwin Plus fund, which funds projects to protect unique biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Darwin Plus Local has been introduced to support small-scale environmental projects exclusively in the UKOTs, aiming to build capacity in-territory and contribute to local economies.

This round will provide grants of up to £50,000 for organisations and up to £20,000 for individuals.

• Projects can last for a maximum of 6 months.

• The expected start date for successful projects is 1 October 2024.

• All projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.

The deadline for application is 23:59 GMT on Monday, 24 June 2024.

Further information can be found on the Darwin Plus website: https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/apply/

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please get in touch with DarwinPlusLocal@jncc.gov.uk

In February 2024 the DECR was successful in securing funding for two proposed projects, namely: “Drone-based environmental monitoring in the Turks & Caicos Islands” and “Conservation and Enforcement Mobility Support for Marine Protected Areas”. Funding for these projects will directly benefit the DECR’s continued efforts to conserve and protect the TCI’s natural environment.