News
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET STATEMENT FROM WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25 MEETING
#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 24th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 25 August 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.
All members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Tourism and Hon Deputy Governor. Mrs Khalila Astwood-Tatem was also present as Acting Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Was given an update by the Ministry of Health on the measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country, including:
- a)Positive cases, in particular hospitalization of unvaccinated persons,
- b)Recent death cases,
- c)Specific breaches of Regulations, and
- d)Progress with the vaccination programme, now standing at 69% fully vaccinated and future introduction of booster shots.
- Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Control Measures Regulations coming into effect from 1 September 2021, unless otherwise stated, including:
- No person shall host an event consisting of 50 persons or more without approval from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer. (Definition of Event: Something that happens at a given time and place including Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants – e.g. show, party, karaoke, music festival, house party, private banquet, ball, dance, etc.),
- Work permits/temporary work permits should not be granted to performers for the purposes of hosting or performing at social events,
iii. All night clubs and bars should reduce occupancy to 50%,
- Patrons at night clubs and bars must provide proof of being fully vaccinated,
- Bars/clubs to be responsible for verifying the identification and vaccination status of all participants and a logbook kept with the same, and shared with the Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department every Monday, and
- We require the introduction of a customer tracking system (manual or electronic) be implemented for all events going forward from 14 September 2021.
- Approved a planning application PR 14707 for the renovation of an existing pier on parcel 60906/238 (adjacent), Providenciales.
- Approved a planning application PR 15057, for the development of a Farmers Market on parcel 60602/272, Providenciales.
- Were updated on the Turks and Caicos Islands Beach Vending and Coastal Vending Policy to include application processes, fee structures, vending zones, capacity of zones, enforcement and the building of appropriate facilities where required. Members also agreed a moratorium on new applications for specified categories of business licenses and activities.
- Approved the proposed short, medium and long term solutions to address the issues at the Sapodilla Bay. Members also agreed to work towards the relocation of vendors at the Sapodilla Bay location by 1 December 2021 after which no vending on the beach will be allowed.
- Approved guidelines for the operations of the existing Floating Bar/Restaurant also known as “Tiki bar” in the Turks and Caicos Islands ensuring safety of navigation, safety of life, protection of the marine environment and application process. Members also agreed a moratorium for new applicants.
- Approved amendments to the Schedule of the Ports Authority (Stevedores, Fees and Charges) Regulations 2008 to come into effect on 1 September 2021.
- Approved the appointment ofMr Deveraux Malcolm as Director of the National Insurance Board for a period of two years with effect from 30 September until 31 March 2023.
- Discussed proposed amendments to the National Health Insurance Ordinance and agreed next steps.
- Approved a proposal for the renewal of a lease agreement and expansion of office accommodations for the Ministry of Health and Departments, Grand Turk for a period of five years, with an option to renew.
- Approved a COVID Works Program Policy under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development to come into effect on 1 September 2021.
- Granted approval for a waiver against the first time work permit moratorium in accordance with the policy.
- Approved the appointment ofKitchandra Mcdonald as a Member of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal with effect from 30 August until 31 March 2023.
- Noted a paper covering guidelines supporting the amended Public and Environmental Health Arriving Passengers Travel clearance Regulations
- Approved amendments to the Citizen Stimulus Programme to allow: a) persons currently overseas for medical reasons, to have their cheques deposited into their bank accounts, and b) up to 25 persons who had applied for the Stimulus payments within the required timeframe, but for technical reasons with the portal, their applications were not processed, to be able to reapply.
- Discussed the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance 2019 and agreed steps required.
- Were updated on issues surrounding business licenses where external shareholders are involved.
- Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
- Education,
- Health,
- House of Assembly, and
- Office of the Premier.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
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