TCI leads the Caribbean with the introduction of the VPD-SMART.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Primary Health Care Department recently conducted a three-day training workshop on the use of VPD-SMART from 3 - 5 November 2025. The training was conducted by Claudia Ortiz and Felipe Aguilera Millacura, consultants from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Washington DC and Chile.
VPD-SMART is built on district health information system (DHIS2) which is an open-source software developed and implemented by the health information system platform (HISP) network, a global collaboration between HISP centre and the University of Oslo in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The VPD-SMART tool was implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation in 2023. It is a modernised process in epidemiological surveillance for diseases under elimination in the Americas and the Caribbean like measles, rubella, and acute flaccid paralysis. The tool was introduced to the Caribbean EPI Manager’s group during their 2024 annual meeting. Following this introduction, the Turks and Caicos expressed their interest in using the tool to improve communicable disease surveillance and reporting.
Ten (10) nurses from the Primary Health Care Department were trained in the use of the VPD-SMART tool from across the TCI. Each clinic was represented in the first group. The first part of the training was done virtually over a period of three (3) days. The second part was an in-person training which allowed the participants to get hands on practice of the tool. The objectives of the mission were to analyse and map existing processes to understand data flow, note the strengths and weaknesses of our surveillance system and establish sustainable data processes to implement standardise protocols to ensure data quality, promote long-term system sustainability and facilitate the transition to VPD-SMART.
“PAHO’s visit for this training was significant as it marks the first android-based implementation of VPD-SMART in the Caribbean tailored to the regional needs. The TCI is the first in the English-speaking Caribbean region to introduce VPD-SMART. This gives us the opportunity to assess the usefulness of the tool and determine any challenges to make the introduction as seamless as possible. One of our team members will have the unique opportunity to share their experience with other countries and act as trainers once others decide to implement VPD SMART in their country. While the virtual training was good, it had its limitations, and the in-person training was more effective. We are always seeking innovative ways to make our work more efficient and effective and the introduction of VPD SMART is just another step in modernising our health information system”. Alrisa Gardiner – Primary Health Care Manager.
“The TCI Ministry of Health is proud to be the first in the English-speaking Caribbean to introduce the DHIS2-based VPD-SMART platform. This innovative digital system will significantly strengthen our surveillance and response to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio. By enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting, VPD-SMART enhances our ability to detect outbreaks early and make evidence-based decisions to protect the health of our people. This marks an important step toward modernising our national health information systems and ensuring a healthier, safer future for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”Hon Kyle Knowles - Minister of Health and Human Services.
TCI Ministers Cabinet Update
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 20th meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 13th August 2025 at the Office of the Premier, NJS Francis Building, Pond Street, Grand Turk.
All members were present with the exception of Deputy Governor H.E. Anya Williams, with the Permanent Secretary of Finance Mrs. Athenee Basden attending as the Acting Deputy Governor; the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove; and Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles.
In this meeting Cabinet:
- Received a Presentation from the Department of DDME and the National Security Secretariat on the projections and preparedness for Tropical Storm Erin.
- Approved the proposed Amendment to the Crown Land Act to formally place the National Land Secretariat under the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Premier.
- Noted TCIG’s 1st Quarter Financial Report 2025-26.
- Considered recommendations made in the CARTAC Technical Mission Report pertaining to the implementation of a Broad-Based Tax in the Turks and Caicos Islands and approved next steps.
- Approved amendments to the National Honours and Awards Act to establish term limits for membership and approved the appointment of members to the National Honours and Awards Committee and to amend the tenure of members in the act:
- Mr. James Malcolm, Chairman, 3 years
- Hon. John Malcolm, Government Nominated Member, 3 years
- Mr. Ranaldo Forbes, Government Nominated Member, 2 years
- Mr. Edward Hall Sr., Government Nominated Member, 2 years
- Ms. Holly Forbes, Opposition Nominated Member, 3 years
- Mr. Shirlen Joseph Stubbs, Opposition Nominated Member, 2 years
- Ms. Beverley Ann Simmons, Opposition Nominated Member, 2 years
- Approved the Policy Development Framework for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and agreed next steps.
- Received an Information Paper in respect of a litigation matter and agreed the next steps.
- Approved the Probates (Re-sealing) (Amendment) Bill 2025 for onward submission to the Parliament.
- Received a quarterly update on ongoing civil litigation matters and agreed next steps.
- Approved a rental lease agreement for the Environmental Health Department, Providenciales 60716/046 Leeward Highway, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill.
- Approved a request, in line with statutory requirements, for a variation of stevedoring tariff in accordance with Section 15 of the Ports Authority Stevedore Fees and Charges Regulation 2008 and for the variation of tariff be published within the Gazette and for the variation of tariff to take place effective September 1st, 2025.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Maxwell Hanfield as a member to the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal for a period of 2 years.
- Approved a Rental Lease Agreement for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Satellite Office, King’s Highway, Bottle Creek 51000/10 North Caicos.
- Approved the renewal of the Rental Lease Agreement for Radio Turks and Caicos Broadcasting Facility and the Ministry of Innovation Technology and E-Government, Stubbs Diamond Plaza (60804/058) Units 1, 2, 3 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Investigation launched in Grand Turk
RTC News responded to reports made on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, after Police confirmed that at approximately 7:17 p.m.,the Control Room received a report concerning a male lying at the rear of a vehicle along North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
The police responded immediately and upon arrival, officers observed a male at the rear of a vehicle. The individual was unresponsive and appeared lifeless.
RTC understands that the victim has been identified as MELVIN WELLINGTON of Grand Turk, and his death is
now being treated as a homicide.
A medical practitioner attended the scene and formally pronounced Mr. Wellington deceased.
A female relative remains in police custody, assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Wellington during this difficult time.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or has information about this incident to contact the Serious Crimes Unit at 231-1842 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
UN food agencies warn that millions of lives at risk as hunger crisis worsens
Haiti has been identified among 16 countries and territories worldwide by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) of a major hunger emergency, with acute food insecurity set to worsen between now and May 2026, putting millions of lives at risk.
A report released by the two UN agencies identifies six that are at the highest risk of famine or catastrophic hunger, namely Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti, and Yemen.
The report notes that in these areas, some communities are projected to reach famine or near-famine conditions.
Other countries of very high concern include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Afghanistan. Additional hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The UN said acute food insecurity means families cannot meet their basic food needs and often resort to desperate measures, such as skipping meals or selling essential possessions. At Phase 4 (Emergency) and Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine), hunger becomes life-threatening.
“Famine is not inevitable. We have the tools and the knowledge to prevent it, but we need the resources and the political will to act now,” said Cindy McCain, the WFP’s Executive Director.
The agencies say children are especially vulnerable. Malnutrition weakens immunity, making them more susceptible to disease and death. The report warns that delayed action will cost lives and increase humanitarian costs.
The report highlights four main drivers, namely conflict and violence, the leading cause in 14 of the 16 hotspots, economic shocks with fragile economies, high debt, and soaring food prices; climate extremes such as floods, droughts, and cyclones linked to La Niña conditions and reduced humanitarian aid where funding shortfalls have forced ration cuts and limited malnutrition treatment.
“Conflict remains the single biggest driver of hunger,” said Dongyu Qu, the FAO Director-General. “But climate shocks and economic instability are compounding the crisis, leaving millions with no safety net.”
The two UN agencies are calling for urgent action to prevent famine. They are urging humanitarian assistance to save lives and livelihoods, early interventions before crises escalate and investment in resilience to tackle root causes, not just symptoms.
The agencies stress that the international community faces a narrowing window to act. Failure to respond will deepen hunger, destabilize regions, and lead to preventable deaths.
Source- CMC
TCI Weather Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: A stationary front across the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to support some shower activity and breezy conditions along with rough boating and beaching conditions across the islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents along Atlantic-facing shorelines. Beachgoers and swimmers are advised not to enter the water.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly cloudy with a medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers this afternoon in Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos and a low (10 to 20 percent) chance elsewhere. Partly to mostly cloudy with a low (20 percent) chance of showers tonight. New total rainfall accumulation of about an inch.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory and High Surf Advisory in effect.
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic - 4 to 6 feet, building up to 10 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 05:07 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:03 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 08:36 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The frontal boundary will remain over the area and gradually weaken through Friday evening. A robust high pressure will build behind the front and maintain cool, dry, and breezy conditions across the island chain into the weekend.
THURSDAY: A medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81°F (27°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74°F (23°C). New total rainfall accumulation between a quarter of an inch to a half an inch.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect until 8pm on Thursday.
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet, building up to 8 feet offshore, then subsiding to 4 to 6 feet overnight.
SUNRISE: 05:59 AM
SUNSET: 05:06 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:20 AM (2.0 FT) 03:03 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:31 AM (0.7 FT) 09:33 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: A medium (50 to 60 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79°F (26°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: A medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73°F (23°C). New total rainfall accumulation between a quarter of an inch to half an inch.
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 05:59 AM
SUNSET: 05:06 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:28 AM (2.3 FT) 04:01 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:42 AM (1.0 FT) 10:24 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
New Book looks at Building a Nation Through Law
RTC News was reliably informed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey today received a courtesy visit from Attorney Mark Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association.
During the visit, Mr. Fulford presented Commissioner Bailey with a signed copy of his newly published book, “Law and Constitution.”
The book covers various chapters and looks at the two key pillars of the TCI.
Commissioner Bailey commended Mr. Fulford for his outstanding contribution to legal education and national development, stating, “Unless our mindset shifts toward understanding that we each have a duty to serve and be impactful, true nation-building will remain elusive.
“Mr. Fulford’s commitment to patriotism and his leadership through initiatives such as the
United Way embody the pride and purpose our nation needs. We must begin to see our roles, not merely as jobs, but as integral parts of building this nation. Too often, the appetite for wealth overshadows loyalty and genuine desire for progress. What you have started, is inspiring, and I hope it resonates across our society.”
Also, in attendance to witness the signing of the book was acting Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Dwight Gardiner.
Teen Pleads Guilty
Nineteen year old KERVENS CHERENFANT, of Grand Turk, has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.
Cherenfant entered his plea when he appeared before a Judge on 3rd November 2025 and remains
in custody at HM Prison – Department of Correction and Rehabilitation pending his sentencing in December.
Cherenfant was formally charged on February 10, 2025, by officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit (SPPU).
The offences against Cherenfant occurred between December 2024 and February 2025 and involved a 13-year-old victim.
Following a report lodged on February 6, 2025, the SPPU launched an investigation, which led to Cherenfant's arrest.
The SPPU strongly urges the public to IMMEDIATELY report any suspicions or allegations of child abuse through the following channels:
* Make a report at the nearest police station;
* Contact the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) -338-4013, Department of Social Development at 338-4008 or call 911.
All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.
COP30 opens with countries urged to push for faster climate progress
The 30th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) began here on Monday, with a clear message that the era of half-measures is over and that climate change is real, devastating communities and driving up costs, but solutions are within reach.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, said that commitments and agreements made by successive COPs were beginning to show impact, with the global emissions curve now starting to bend downward.
The former senior Grenada government minister acknowledged that much work remains but highlighted that Belém “home to the mouth of the mighty Amazon River” can serve as inspiration.
“The Amazon is not a single river, but a vast system sustained by more than a thousand tributaries. In the same way, implementation of COP outcomes must be driven by multiple streams of international cooperation.”
Stiell urged delegates to focus on turning ambition into action, saying “your job here is not to fight one another, your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together. This is the growth story of the 21st century – the economic transformation of our age.”
Stiell warned that “no national plan can solve this problem on its own,” stressing that no country can afford the economic shock of climate disasters that slash gross domestic product (GDP) by double digits.
“It makes neither economic nor political sense to stand idle while catastrophic droughts destroy crops and drive food prices sky-high,” he said, calling it “unforgivable” that extreme weather continues to claim millions of lives when proven solutions already exist.
Among the key priorities for COP30, highlighted by Stiell are a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency, mobilizing US$1.3 trillion annually for climate action in developing countries as well as approving a global framework of adaptation indicators and advancing the Work Programme on Just Transition and the Technology Implementation Programme.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in his address said the conference provides the moment to match opportunity with urgency, calling for a decisive defeat of climate denial and faster action to keep the 1.5°C goal alive.
A preliminary assessment by the UNFCCC, which convenes the yearly COPs, suggests these pledges could cut emissions by 12 per cent by 2035. It’s progress, but not yet enough to guarantee the 1.5°C goal. The challenge now is turning promises into action at a pace that matches the scale of the crisis.
President Lula warned that “climate change is not a threat to the future – it is a tragedy of the present.”
Citing Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and a tornado in Paraná, the President said described COP 30 as “the COP of truth,” warning that denial and delay are no longer options. “We are moving in the right direction, but at the wrong speed. Crossing 1.5°C is a risk we cannot take.”
He called for an end to climate denialism, underscoring that “in the age of disinformation, obscurantists reject not only scientific evidence but also the progress of multilateralism.
“They control algorithms, sow hatred, spread fear, and attack institutions, science, and universities. It is time to impose a new defeat on denialists. Without the Paris Agreement, the world would be heading toward catastrophic warming of nearly 5°C by the end of the century.”
President Lula pressed world leaders to adopt ambitious climate pledges and keep adaptation at the heart of national strategies. He called for “a roadmap for humanity to overcome, in a just and planned way, its dependence on fossil fuels, reverse deforestation, and mobilize the resources needed to do so.”
To back that vision, he announced a new fund to support energy transitions in developing countries, financed by revenues from oil exploration.
The Leaders’ Summit, held on November 6 and 7, has already mobilized US$5.5 billion for the Tropiccal Forests Forever Facility – a fund designed to reward nations for protecting rainforests.
Other collective commitments include recognizing Indigenous land rights, quadrupling sustainable fuel production, and linking climate action to the fight against hunger, poverty, and environmental racism.
Bringing COP30 to the heart of the Amazon was, in Lula’s words, “a difficult but necessary task,” giving the world a chance to witness the realities of the planet’s most biodiverse biome—home to more than 50 million people and 400 Indigenous groups.
“May the serenity of the forest inspire the clarity of thought needed to see what must be done,” he said.
COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, presiding over the official opening of the summit, urged delegates to make this the “COP of implementation, adaptation, and economic integration of climate policy – and above all, the COP that listens to and believes in science”.
He recognized the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of the Amazon, the region now at the centre of the world’s attention.
Meanwhile, the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said against the backdrop of a devastating hurricane season that once again underscored the region’s extreme vulnerability, it is taking will take the Caribbean’s climate agenda to the global stage.
The region’s premier financial institution ill lead and participate in a series of events, high level discussions and bilateral engagements aimed at securing greater access to concessional climate finance and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
“The Caribbean’s climate reality has never been clearer or more urgent,” CDB President Daniel Best said, adding that this intensified engagement reflects both the urgency and opportunity of the moment
“The recent passage of Hurricane Melissa has underscored what we’ve been warning for years: without predictable, concessional finance, small island states cannot keep pace with escalating climate impacts.
“COP30 is one of the most consequential arenas for advancing our case for climate justice and fair financing, and the Caribbean Development Bank will ensure our region’s voice is heard.”
At COP30, the CDB said that it strategically engage governments, international partners, and private investors to deepen partnerships and advocate for increased concessional financing and innovative mechanisms to mobilise resources for the region.
On Monday, November 17, CDB will co-host three side events that reflect key priorities for climate action and resilience in the Caribbean.
The first session, “Leveraging Private Sector Financing for Transport and Energy Sector Transformation in the Caribbean,” will explore strategies to unlock private capital through blended finance models, risk-sharing instruments, and innovative partnerships to accelerate investment in renewable energy and sustainable transport systems.
A discussion on “Agriculture and Food Security in the Caribbean: Scaling Innovative Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture” will spotlight climate-smart agricultural practices and investment opportunities that can strengthen food security and reduce the region’s dependence on imports.
CDB is also collaborating with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and the CREWS Secretariat to turn attention to disaster preparedness with a panel on “Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for Latin America and the Caribbean”.
That discussion will explore initiatives by the three institutions to finance and implement early warning systems for the region.
“CDB’s agenda at COP30 underscores our approach to climate action, which is practical, innovative, and built on partnerships. The Caribbean is helping itself by developing our own solutions to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and transform our energy, transport and agriculture systems to secure our future, but we need the global community to stand with us,” Best said.
CDB said that it is targeting 30-35 per cent of its resources to climate finance demonstrating its commitment to helping Borrowing Member Countries (BMC) adapt to the accelerating climate crisis.
“The Bank is also better positioned to deliver transformative regional interventions through a recent increase in its GCF financing threshold to US$250 million and its new Climate Change Project Preparation Fund, both of which will help countries design and finance concrete, high-impact projects faster and more effectively,” it added.
Source-CMC
More than 2,200 flights canceled Sunday amid nationwide air travel disruption
Nationwide flight disruption stretched into Sunday following cancellations or delays to thousands of flights on Saturday, as the Federal Aviation Administration limited capacity at 40 major U.S. airports amid the longest government shutdown in American history.
As of 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, more than 2,200 flights were canceled across the country, according to the FlightAware website, as the FAA grappled with sustained staffing issues in air traffic controller towers and centers. Some 7,500 flights also were delayed.
Saturday saw 1,521 flights canceled nationwide and more than 6,400 flights delayed.
Saturday's figures surpassed those from Friday, when 1,024 flights were cancelled. Since Friday, more than 3,700 flights have been canceled.
Source-ABC
Senate reconvene Monday after vote advancing potential deal to end government shutdown
The Senate scheduled on Monday to reconvene working toward ending the federal government shutdown, which is now in its 41st day.
Lawmakers in a rare Sunday session cleared a key hurdle toward potentially reopening the government by advancing a short-term funding bill by a razor-thin vote of 60-40, just meeting the threshold for it to pass.
Trump says he'll issue $2,000 tariff dividend to all except 'high-income people'
President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that a "dividend of at least $2000 a person" will be paid to all Americans except for "high-income people," saying the country is now wealthy as a result of his tariff policies.
"People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k's are Highest EVER," the president wrote.
"A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone," he added.
In an interview on ABC News' This Week on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he had not spoken with Trump about the proposed dividend.
Source- ABC