Minister Home Affairs Transportation and Communication Attends Conferences in Gibraltar and Spain
Hon. Vaden Williams returned to the country on Friday 2 nd March after attending the Commonwealth Data Forum 2018 in Gibraltar February 21-23 under the theme: Data
Revolution – Maximizing Opportunities and Managing Risks also GSMA Mobile World Congress Ministerial Programme, in Barcelona, Spain February 26-28, 2018
This conference was organized by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) and hosted by the University of Gibraltar; it attracted delegates from
various commonwealth countries from around the world.
Discussions were focused on data platform with the aim of finding solutions to facilitate economic and social change and to examine how better regulatory standards can help reduce privacy, security and other forms of data breaches. It also looked at ways to leverage the use of data for insights and to explore monetizing this growing resource. Hon. Williams was accompanied by Mr. Kenva Williams, Director of Technology and Mr. Russell Gardiner, Telecommunications Engineer of the Telecommunications Commission.
Both Hon. Vaden Williams and Mr. Kenva Williams were invited to participate in this event. The Minister chaired a session on “Big Data for Social Development” and
participated in a panel discussion on “Monetizing Data”. Mr. Kenva Williams participated in a panel discussion on “Data Centers”.
This was the first CTO event that was attended by a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Due to the discussions derived from this forum and the important role that CTO plays in fostering the development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for social development within its member states, Hon. Vaden Williams is committed to enrolling the Turks and Caicos Islands to full membership, and hopes to host future CTO events in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WOMEN'S DAY MESSAGE 2018
Today I am honored as always to join women around the world in celebrating each other.
This year we celebrate under the theme "Press for Progress".
I wish to share my initial thoughts as I saw this theme. Firstly, it is a call to action and it is a call to progress meaning to move forward.
In these Turks and Caicos Islands, we can easily fall into a trap of believing that we have arrived having over the years being celebrating more and more women in non traditional fields and rising to the top. But what we must be careful to do is not stop pushing for women in every field, in every aspect of life and to then do so together. Progress progresses when there is greater unity and togetherness and celebration of each other.
I was delighted to be a part of honoring and surprising women from all walks of life this week and I say congratulations to the many first ladies in TCI and especially those caught this year in the web of surprise: Mrs Almaida Wilson our first female Prison Superintendent, Miss Edith Cox, first female and local CPA, Ms Josephine Robinson, first female Post Mistress, Dr Linda Williams, first female Director of Education, Mrs Tina Fenimore, first female to own and operate a Hotel, Ms Shirley Morgan and Ms Rosita Smith, the eldest females employees in the private and public, Mrs Wendy Been, first female Architect, Miss Thomas and Miss Hamilton, first female Mechanical and Civil Engineer, Mrs Corena Walkin, first sports medalist overseas, and Dr Anniest Hamilton, first female Doctor. There is more to celebrate as we continue in the month of March recognising our first ladies. Kudos women in all spheres of life, you are a leader whether in your home or outside your home and we see you each day and we celebrate you.
We must therefore put off the old tale against us of not being our sister's keepers. We must understand that there are things that we can only do and we can do it much better together.
I encourage us to strengthen the sisterhood. I am strengthened daily by the strong women in my life: my mother, my sisters, my daughters and my sisters. Strong women remain the backbone of the Party that I lead and strong women are planted throughout the Government and those on which I rely to deliver on the change for my people. We are a country of strong women and we must use this for the greater good.
I wish to encourage each of us this day that causes the world to stop and notice us, we each have our struggles but that is what makes us strong. I truly believe that women are not built to break: We endure, we stretch but we bounce back. We must remember that no one has to endure what women do even when we create beautiful life, we carry load and great pain but we are a part of a beautiful process: we birth nations and nurture mankind. Let us put our gender's strength to work and build these Islands wherever it is that God has planted us; let us grow whilst watering each other.
I wish for us all a wonderful International Women's Day on behalf of the Government of the TCI especially myself and the Hon Karen Malcolm. May God continue to bless us all.
Crime Update
Arrests and Charges
On Wednesday March 7th, at 10:00 a.m., Grand Turk Police arrested and charged a 30-year-old male for the offence of Violent Language, attempted Bribery, and for the offence of Perverting the Course of Justice in relation to a report made on Monday, February 5th, 2018. The man is currently on bail in the sum of USD$3000.
Burglary
Grand Turk Police are investigating a Burglary that took place at home on East Back Salina on Wednesday March 7th, 2018, around 4:00 p.m. Missing were leaving two brand new flat screen televisions, one white Ikea cabinet set, two white Microwaves and a Silver circuit set.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force continue to appeal to the general public who may have any information that can assist in the detection of any crime to come forward, or contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901, 941-8082 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.
MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE, SECRETARY-GENERAL, CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
It is a distinct honour and pleasure for me to celebrate our women and girls across the Caribbean Community on the occasion of the 107th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day affords us the opportunity to reflect on gender equality and the advancement of women and to continue to #PressForProgress as this year’s theme and call to action suggests.
This year’s celebration is being observed in the wider context of significant global movements for women’s rights, justice, equality, development and peace, as well as movements against domestic abuse, sexual harassment and femicide.
These movements for change provide opportunities to combat sexual harassment, and gender-based violence and when linked with the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, additional gains such as good health and well-being, quality education and increased political participation may be realised. The global community is on a mission to close the gaps that hinder such achievement and leave some behind.
According to the World Economic Forum which measures gender equality on a global scale, “2017 was the first time in more than 10 years that the gender gap began to widen again.” The Report indicates that it could still take “another 100 years before the Global Equality Gap between men and women disappears entirely. A gender pay gap persists across the globe and women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics.”
Women across the world remain an underutilised resource in the labor force. Participation rates according to the International Monetary Fund in 2015 averaged around 80% for men and 50% for women. Therefore, nearly half of women’s productive potential remains untapped compared to one-fifth for men.
Latin America and the Caribbean saw the largest gains in female labour force participation in the world during the last two decades. Women in the Region are closing the gap with men, and catching up their counterparts in advanced economies at an impressive rate. Since the research shows that approximately half of the women in Latin America and the Caribbean are not in the labor force, increasing female labour force participation stands out as one of the under-tapped engines of growth. The share of women with a college education now exceeds that of men in several Latin American and Caribbean countries and their productivity and contribution to GDP is increasing. Yet women’s pay and employment opportunities still lag behind that of their male counterparts.
On International Women’s Day, women across the world come together to highlight the many inequalities, especially those experienced by groups such as rural women and girls, who will come into sharp focus as the Sixty-Second Session of the Commission on the Status of Women convenes at the United Nations (UN) in New York later this month. These women continue to till the soil and produce the food that feed their families, communities and nations. Yet UN Women reminds us that on almost every measure of development, because of deep seated gender inequalities and discrimination, rural women fare worse than rural men or urban women. They constitute less than 20% of landholders worldwide and while the global pay gap between men and women stands at 23%, in rural areas it can be as high as 40%. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Country Gender Assessment Synthesis Report 2015 reminds us that in our region, the agricultural sector remains male dominated in relation to land ownership, access to credit and other means of production.
People around the world, especially women, are mobilizing to press for a more just society, but women cannot do it alone; men and boys must become involved as we too have a shared responsibility in achieving gender equality.
On March 8, please join me and concerned citizens of the Caribbean Community and rest of the world to celebrate women and girls, but above all to PressForProgress!
Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Message for Teachers’ Appreciation Day
Today is another opportunity to acknowledge our teachers and say thanks for the significant contributions they make in our classrooms and communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a government, we want to acknowledge the vital role that teachers play in nation building; their dedicated commitment to developing globally-minded citizens; the assistance they give to families; and the work they do to establish strong foundations for our sons and daughters.
Irina Bokovo, former Director-General of UNESCO, posits that “Teachers determine our collective ability to innovate, invent and to find solutions for tomorrow. Nothing will ever replace a good teacher. Nothing is more important than supporting them.” I agree with Irina. Teachers, I salute you today as your observe Teachers’ Day 2018.
The goal is not only to celebrate teachers on this special day, but to also revitalize the image of and respect for teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness about the value of teachers to society. Teachers are the cornerstone of the education system. It is within their power to shape the attitudes and behaviour of our children. Teachers, working closely with the home and church, are among the first avenues through which knowledge is transmitted.
The Ministry of Education reiterates its pledge to open new opportunities for continued professional development and avenues through which our teachers can improve their craft so as to realize beneficial outcomes for all learners. The Ministry of Education will continue to negotiate an incentive package for teachers and improve working conditions so that we can attract and retain the best and brightest teachers.
I urge all Turks and Caicos Islanders and everyone living within our borders to show more respect and appreciation for our teachers. Use this opportunity to visit or call a teacher who influenced your life positively. Stop in at the school your child attends and thank the teachers for their hard work. For the most part, they work under challenging circumstances especially following the devastating hurricanes that impacted our education sector
On this Teachers’ Appreciation Day, and every day, let us support and work alongside our teachers. On behalf of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands I express sincere gratitude to each teacher, past and present, for the work that you do to positively impact the lives of our children.
Best wishes for a Happy Teachers’ Appreciation Day. God Bless You All.
TCIG Recognises World Kidney Day
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services joins the rest of the world in observing World Kidney Day on the 8th of March with various activities leading up to the day and continuing throughout the month. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide with kidney failure and premature death being the main adverse outcomes. Approximately 195 million women worldwide are affected. Currently, Chronic Kidney Disease is the 8th leading cause of death in women, each year approximately 600,000 women die.
This year, the main focus is on women and chronic kidney disease, the risk of developing chronic kidney disease is just as high in women as in men, and maybe even higher. Studies have shown that CKD is more likely to develop in women when compared with men, with an average prevalence in women of 14% when compared to 12% in men.
This is why we encourage Civil Society, decision makers, health professionals as well as patients to walk. Keeping fit reduces high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, two of which are the leading causes of kidney disease. Go for a walk, swim, run, go play your favorite sport, walk the dog or take the stairs – get moving!
Take a picture of yourself in action! Share it on your social media accounts with the hashtag #move4kidneys. You can also share it on our Health Promotion Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/tcihealthpromotions
Mrs. Aldora Robinson Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit stated; “We have a choice! And we should all make the choice to live healthier. Choose to exercise, choose to drink more water and less sugary drinks, choose to eat less processed foods. Let us as a nation be healthier by choice.”
The Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services Hon. Edwin Astwood voiced his concern; “There has been an increase in the number of dialysis patients and we must act. There are many reasons for the increase, including greater levels of obesity, increased numbers of diabetics requiring dialysis and this calls for concern. We must change our behaviour and live healthier lives.”
There is a long road ahead to raise awareness about the dangers of kidney disease, let us work together to make the Turks and Caicos healthier and empowered
For more information, contact the health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772.
Coming Soon - New Post Office in Providenciales
The Ministry of Home Affairs Transportation and Communication is pleased to announce the demolition of the old Post Office on Airport Road in Providenciales this week, in preparation of the site to start construction of a new modern Post Office. This new facility costing $1.15 million dollars is expected to be completed by March 2018. Among other things, it will provide brand new staff accommodation, an increase in the number of mail boxes and immensely improved parking and customer service areas.
Minister with responsibility for Postal Services, Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams commenting on the start of the project said; “Even though technology has revolutionized communication, the role and importance of postal services to communities have not reduced. Every week the Post Office receives a considerable about of mail from all over the globe as well as from origins here at home. In this regard, it continues to support commerce, friendships and family relations despite the many challenges faced by staff over the years. I am therefore very pleased that this project has begun and I look forward to the block laying ceremony in the not too distant future.”
The Post Office is presently located at the Town Centre Mall, Butterfield Square, Providenciales and provides service to the general public Monday to Thursday during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
JaMalCo Limited is the contractor for this project.
Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library for Education Week 2018, Education Week Remarks
Good morning everyone.
Distinguished guests
Principals
Teachers
Students
Other guests
Education Week offers an opportunity for all residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands to celebrate the important role that education plays in promoting equity, the achievements of our students and the invaluable work of our educators in building our society.
According to Christine Gregoire, “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” For this reason, when laying a foundation, one must put in place the essential elements which will cement the goals we have for our vision. I am not a building contractor, but I can appreciate the value of a good foundation. Hence, I am determined as the Minister of Education to further steer the construction of the right education system for this country.
My predecessors have all made significant contributions to the development of education in this country, and on this day; as we gather to give God thanks for the milestones we have achieved, I also pause to say thanks to those who have served before me as Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Education Officers, Principals, Teachers, and everyone who has contributed to our education system over the years. I recognize all of you as a part of the foundation which we have been laying.
The theme for this year’s education week is “Quality Education for Lifelong Learners”. Firstly, let us consider what can be defined as “Quality Education”. Quality education is an effective means to fight poverty, build democracies, and foster peaceful societies. Quality education empowers us as individuals, it gives us a voice, unlocks our potential, opens pathways to self-actualization, and broadens perspectives to open our minds to a pluralist world.
Based on this definition of a quality education, our country is still working on those objectives and I believe we are making good strides. Just over a week ago, the Ministry launched the Education Sector Plan and the Alternative Education Policy. Another new policy that is currently being implemented is the Special Needs Policy. Through these policies and other programmes, we are building the education sector in a manner which allows us to develop students and young adults who are confident, goal-oriented and lifelong learners. We are educating our students to leave school with more than skills or knowledge to gain a job. Instead, we are empowering them to dream about the future, a future where they can be more than a blue collar or white collar worker, but a future as an employer, the owner of business where they will be employing other persons. A lifelong learner has the vision to adapt to changes and be open minded to different cultures and beliefs but still able to hold fast to the principles engrafted in them by their parents and teachers. This is our theme for this Education Week “Quality Education for Lifelong Learners” which is so fitting for this era.
Remember, this is a partnership between Government, teachers, parents and students. Each person must play their role in developing lifelong learners. I want all parents to be real partners in education with their children’s teachers, from cradle to career. In this partnership, students and parents should feel connected and teachers should feel supported. When parents demand change and better options for their children, they become the real accountability backstop for the educational system. However, we cannot set objectives without equipping the stakeholders with the tools to achieve them. As Minister of Education, I am committed to provide the necessary resources needed to not just deliver a quality education, but to send lifelong learners into the global village.
Nelson Mandela wrote that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As Minister of Education, I am dedicated to the promise of my government and ministry officials to provide quality education for every learner. All children deserve to be given access to quality education without any compromises. We were able to put children back in the classrooms, during this country’s most challenging times because it is our obligation to prepare our children to change the world.
It is my pleasure to address you all and officially proclaim Education Week 2018. I hereby declare “Education Week open”.
Thank you and God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.
LCIS/ KPMG Football Fest - Nassau, Bahamas
For the third consecutive year, the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) participated in the “KPMG Football Fest” for Youth Teams of both gender. This Tournament was hosted by the Lyford Cay International School in Nassau, Bahamas. The 6-a- side round robin tournament played on a two day stretch (March 2-3, 2018) involved 24-minute games, each with 12-minute halves with a 2 Minute Half-Time interval.
Historically the tournament has drawn teams from “International” Schools all around the Caribbean and in 2014, the organizers extended an invitation to its neighbor, the TCIFA. During this edition, both TCIFA Boys U14 and Girls U14 teams were selected to participate.
Opportunities of this nature allow players to test their technical and tactical ability against multinational opponents. This in turn aids the TCIFA in assessing and identifying the strength and weaknesses of those players who need closer monitoring for upcoming contests. These tournaments also provide a tool for the Technical Staff of the TCIFA to make an educated decision as to which players would be able to matriculate to the National Youth and Senior Teams. Not only is there emphasis made on the physical aspect and the actual playing on the field, but the TCIFA recognizes and embraces the contribution these tournaments (with players from other countries and cultures) will provide in the social growth and development of its players. It provides an opportunity of the players to learn how to effectively work together as a team, communicate, independence, leadership, and fair play.
In concluding the tournament, the TCIFA Boys U14 team achieved 3 rd place in the competition, with George Ellis being awarded the MVP of Team TCI. The Girls U14
team placed 6 th in their fight for the gold. Jade Clarke was awarded MVP of Team TCI.
Turks & Caicos Islands To Compete in The New CONCACAF Nations League
This week in Miami Florida, The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) launched its new Nations League. This took the format of a series of workshops attended by the Presidents, General Secretaries and Men’s Football Directors of 40 countries. The program commenced on March 6, 2018 with a series of workshops detailing the structure and procedures of the new Nations League. This culminated on March 7, with an event at Temple House where the official draw was held. In addition to hosting the draw for its one-off qualifying phase, CONCACAF unveiled its new logo.
For the Qualifying Phase the games are scheduled to take place over the official FIFA match windows beginning in September of this year, with the Inaugural Nations League group phase consisting of three tiered leagues, kicking off next year. Following the preliminaries, all CONCACAF member associations’ men’s national
teams will be assigned by performance into one of three leagues, A, B or C, and continue to compete in a home-and- away round robin format over the course of the
group phase. The top league finishing off will determine which teams qualify and advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“The launch of the CONCACAF Nations League, conceived over the last two years and guided by the ‘ONE CONCACAF’ principles of unity and access for our region’s
football, is the defining moment marking the completion of our transition into a new era for our 41-member CONCACAF family. The Nations League assures that all our
members will have the opportunity to play more and compete more, which in turn will propel greater development of the sport at every level,” said CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani in a prior press release.
The Turks and Caicos Islands will play its qualifying games against three other Caribbean countries; namely, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guyana, and St. Vincent.
The league will witness over 34 member association men’s national teams playing in a total of 68 total fixtures
The Schedule for Turks & Caicos Islands Men’s National Team (TCI) is listed below:
Teams Dates
1. Away game - Cuba vs. TCI September 2018 FIFA window
2. Home game - TCI vs. Guyana October 2018 FIFA window
3. Home game – TCI vs. St. Vincent November 2018 window
4. Away game – BVI vs. TCI March 2019 FIFA window
Commenting on this new Nations League, TCIFA’s President Sonia Fulford (Bien-Aime) said that “one of the main challenges we faced as a Member Association was
the lack of games for our Men’s Senior National Team. This new league will provide regular sanctioned competitive International games which will obviously assist in the improvement of our National Team. The Players and Technical Department of the TCIFA are excited by this opportunity and we congratulate CONCACAF on this
enlightened initiative.”