TCI News

All gone; 4,684 Vaccinated in Turks and Caicos

Published

5 years ago

February 2, 2021

H.E. Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor, gets final jab of COVID vaccine

#TurksandCaicos, February 2, 2021 – Turks and Caicos residents have exhausted all of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccines sent to the territory by the UK Foreign Development & Commonwealth Office said the Deputy Governor and Premier on Monday following their second jab at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales.

“We would have been the first to get our second dose, fully vaccinated here in Turks and Caicos. And of course as usually we are being observed for the fifteen minutes, and we would have passed that period and again I am feeling quite fine. Last shot, I had no reaction whatsoever, not even soreness of arm, so it has been the same experience thus far (for the second jab),” said Sharlene Robinson, Premier and joint-chair of the Vaccine Oversight Committee for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Stood side-by-side, the country’s leading ladies marked the historic significance with an impressive report.

“Also today and tomorrow we are going to be wrapping up our first doses of administration. We have done quite well over the past three weeks, we’ve done extremely well and today we have vaccinated a total of 4,684 persons in the Turks and Caicos; that includes 392 persons in Grand Turk, 82 persons on the island of North Caicos and 140+ persons on the island of Parrot Cay,” said Anya Williams, Deputy Governor who is the co-chair on the Vaccine Oversight Committee.

It was also shared that clinics for vaccination against Covid-19 continued on Monday in Grand Turk and South Caicos and Salt Cay are due for their appointments to be met sometime this week.

Though Magnetic Media’s earlier report of Public Health being congratulated for success in administering over 2,000 vaccines appeared to paint the complete picture, it did not; that figure left out the private medical centers which supported the surge in demand for the shots.

“It is free of cost to the person receiving the vaccination, but under the MOU Government paid $85 per person vaccinated through the private clinics. They would have been assisting us and did so greatly in terms of the numbers (of people) that were vaccinated through the private clinics,” explained the Premier and Minister of Finance.

The Deputy Governor said two thirds of those vaccinated received their shot at one of five private practitioners who were grafted into the vaccination roll-out via a Memorandum of Understanding; signed last month.

As cases numbers spiked, as global reports grew more grim, as the local death toll to Covid-19 soared so did the interest for the vaccine.

“Now we are seeing a mad rush, when we are literally at the end and so there are persons who are coming up now, I say to you: don’t be discouraged, you have to now wait until the second batch. But we are still keeping for senior citizens and frontline workers because it is very, very important that we vaccinate that group,” said the Premier.

Registration for the Covid-19 Vaccine continues as the TCI feels confident of the next batch; though how it will get here is a work in progress with British Airways flights suspended until March.

“The complication for us is that persons may be aware that BA has cancelled their direct flights at the moment so we are still working on transportation and how we are going to get the vaccine here into the islands; so we are working very closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on that as well. Even the government we are leading to see how best we can assist, even if there is a cost to us because we know that the first batch of vaccines were provided completely free of charge by the united Kingdom,” said Her Excellency, Anya Williams.

If your preference is for the AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson branded vaccines; it is unlikely you will get them in Turks and Caicos, said HE Anya Williams.

“Turks and Caicos would have already started with the Pfizer vaccine, we have done a lot of work around that, we have done a lot of communication, a lot of education… certainly we are not going to turn away any opportunity for the vaccine but of course our preference is to continue with the Pfizer vaccine, which we would have begun with.”

The world is clamoring now for the coveted vaccines due production demands and shortage in supply; still co-chair of the TCI Vaccine Oversight Committee, Premier Sharlene Robinson explained Turks and Caicos remains in a good position to meet its target of vaccination for all adults due to its population size.

“I think we are in a very, very, good place in terms of being able to advocate to the UK, we are a very small population so that’s the beauty of it and they are very committed to assisting the overseas territories. Again, we have to appreciate what privilege this is because there are so many leading independent countries in the region that are trying to get into arrangements,” the Premier added, “We have demonstrated, in this first batch that there is an uptake, that people are interested that’s why it was so important what happened with the first batch so that we could make a case for the additional.”

Among the other country leaders getting that second jab at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre today were His Excellency, Nigel Dakin, the Governor and his wife Mandy; Hon Karen Malcolm, the Minister of Education and Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of the TCI Hospitals.

The remaining available doses of the vaccine are reserved for South Caicos, Salt Cay and priority people on those islands.

The UK, on January 7, 2021 sent enough doses of the vaccine to inoculate four thousand, eight hundred and seventy five people in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Related Topics:#coronavirus #covid19 #magneticmedianews

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TCI News

HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being

We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.

This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.

At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:

1. Evacuation Advisories

Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:

Middle Caicos

Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre

North Caicos

Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School

Providenciales

- - Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
  - Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
  - Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
  - Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
  - Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School

South Caicos

Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre

Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.

2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre

The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.

3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.

4. Shelter-in-Place

A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.

This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.

Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.

In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.

Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

5 days ago

October 25, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

6 days ago

October 24, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.