TCI News
One day record 289 COVID tests; TCI Health Minister updates the House of Assembly
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – November 5, 2020 — The highest single day of COVID-19 testing in Turks and Caicos was the day before Halloween, October 30 and the results were far from scary; they were quite satisfying for the Ministry of Health.
“On Friday past, October 30, we completed more than 289 tests on that day; 142 performed in the National Public Health Laboratory and 147 performed in the Private Laboratories. This is our highest single day of testing to date. From this testing day, we identified 2 new cases of COVID-19,” said Minister Edwin Astwood during his ministerial statement in the House of Assembly on November 3.
Turks and Caicos has continued to experience declines in new cases of the coronavirus. The decrease follows a string of restrictions including curfews, limited numbers on social gatherings at hang outs and restaurants and a TCI Police-enforced ticketing system.
The Minister of Health believes the low number of positives from community testing supports a low prevalence of COVID-19 within Turks and Caicos; and he believes behavioral changes of residents have been key to keeping new cases down.
“As I mentioned on Thursday Press Conference, Mr. Speaker, we are seeing a decline in the rate of growth in COVID-19 cases, which is a positive early sign. It is proof that collectively, by making simple changes to our everyday lives, we can reduce transmission, bend, and flatten the curve. It is another reminder of our collective power. But, unfortunately, this is not a cause for relaxation,” said the minister on Tuesday.
Restrictions have been eased and include a later curfew; now at 12 a.m. ending at 5 a.m. Other relaxed restrictions were announced in a press conference last Thursday. Minister Astwood repeated them during his House of Assembly presentation: “Restrictions on businesses: From yesterday, the 2nd November, 2020, to 5:00 a.m. on 16th November 2020; All businesses shall suspend operations to the general public at 11:00 p.m.; and funeral services and burial grounds from 2nd November 2020, to 5:00 a.m. on 16th November 2020, a maximum number of forty persons may be permitted to attend a funeral service, provided that such funeral services shall be held outdoors. Wedding Ceremonies: from 2nd November 2020, to 5:00 a.m. on 16th November 2020, a maximum number of forty persons may be permitted to attend a wedding ceremony, indoor or outdoor. Restrictions on domestic travel: From 2nd November 2020, to 5:00 am on the 16th November, 2020, there will be NO RESTRICTIONS on Domestic Travel.”
The opening of domestic travel on November 2 marked the first time since March residents and guests have been able to freely travel between the islands of the TCI.
The Minister reminded residents to continue practicing the healthy protocols which have worked to stem the spread of the virus, which has killed at least six Turks and Caicos residents. It was made clear that personal behavior and the positive case rate will continue to govern whether or not restrictions continue to be rolled back or if they are tightened for the sake of public health.
“Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear: that the Government is very concerned about any addition to the COVID numbers, and would continue with the phased opening of the country. I want to reassure all that your Government is looking seriously at the spread, and determining, what our next steps should be. I know that – after more than half a year, we are all tired of COVID-19 and the restrictions. But, Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 is not tired of us, so we must remain vigilant Mr. Speaker.”
During a press conference today, November 5, the Ministry of Health confirmed there are currently seven active cases of COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos; six of which are in Providenciales and one new case in North Caicos which was identified through community testing. Ninety-eight percent of the 705 cases are listed as recovered.
There are no COVID-19 hospitalisations in Turks and Caicos.
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):
-
Pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
-
Granted bail, with the matter adjourned to June 11th of the same year.
- MUSELIN MEDACIER (36 years old):
-
Brought before the court by Immigration Officer R. Cartwright for possession of an irregular certificate.
-
Pleaded guilty and the matter was transferred to the Grand Turk Magistrate Court.
-
Scheduled to reappear before Acting Resident Magistrate Ms. Patricia Arana on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Remanded in custody.
- FINAL VALCORT (38 years old):
-
Appeared from custody for offenses of obstruction and unlawful entry.
-
Did not enter a plea, and the case was transferred to Ms. Patricia Arana for mention on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
-
Investigating Immigration Officer: Mr. A. Jones.
- MARIO JAMES TAYLOR (24 years old, Five Cays):
-
Did not enter a plea.
-
Bail extended to Friday, May 10th for mention.
-
Charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (A.O.A.B.H) by PC W. Clair.
- DARLY FRANCOIS (27 years old, Blue Hills, Providenciales):
-
Bail extended to May 15th for the offense of common assault.
-
Charged by Police Constable (PC) T. Stewart.
-
Pleaded not guilty.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
News15 hours agoEleven Senators, Three Governors make appeals for Leniency; Five Americans now face 12 Years in Prison
-
TCI News1 week agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
TCI News1 week agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
Bahamas News1 week agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News1 week agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man