RTC Director

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON INTEGRITY COMMISSION

In December 2023, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Chairperson of the Integrity Commission, Honourable Justice Tanya Lobban Jackson, announced an independent Effectiveness Review of the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission. The purpose of the review is to ensure the effective fulfillment of the Integrity Commission’s duties and provide public confidence in our governance of public standards of accountability.

Crest, an independent organization specializing in good governance, has been commissioned to undertake this review. We would very much welcome input from members of the public to assist our inquiries. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who have been or are likely to be, subject to oversight by the Integrity Commission.

To guide your responses, we have set out some questions below, but these are not exhaustive. Please feel free to answer as fully and comprehensively as you are able. All responses will be treated as anonymous.

Please state clearly in your response whether or not you have been subject to oversight by the Commission.

Please return all responses to us by emailing integrity_commission@crestadvisory.com by 9th February.

Questions to help guide responses:

1. Do you clearly understand expectations of compliance with the Integrity Commission?

2. Are you aware of where responsibility lies for ensuring compliance with regulations
regarding conduct as a public officer?

3. Do you think the Integrity Commission provides clear and accurate guidance regarding
requirements?

4. Is the Integrity Commission Ordinance fit for purpose?

5. Does the Integrity Commission operate with the required independence from the government?

6. Is the Integrity Commission sufficiently accountable for its decisions?

7. Are the Integrity Commission’s decision processes accessible and transparent? Does it
clearly and accurately communicate the rationale underlying decisions?

8. In your opinion, is the Integrity Commission trustworthy? Please explain the reasons that
underpin your response.

9. What, if any changes would you recommend to the operation of the Integrity Commission?

by RTC Director

TCI Police provides update on Operation Shepherd

Operation Shepherd – a joint police, border force and regiment operation undertaken during the holiday season – has reported impressive numbers, and the government has decided to extend the operation.

The agreement to extend was made by the government and the governor during a special meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on January 5th.

The primary focus of the meeting was to review the incidents and multi-agency operations initiated over the festive period.

A statement on the meeting noted that Operation Shepherd marked a significant milestone in joint operations with the teams resourcing vehicle checkpoints, coastal surveillance for irregular migrant vessels and supporting the security of key community events.

The vehicle checkpoints were assessed to be particularly effective with 1524 vehicles being stopped, 199 traffic tickets being issued, and 48 cars being removed from the roads due to lack of insurance.

In reviewing ongoing security requirements, the National Security Council agreed to recommendations to extend the arrangement.

Accordingly, the Governor has issued a directive under the Defence Ordinance, to extend TCI Regiment support to the RTCIPF until Wednesday, January 31st.

Meanwhile, also coming up during that NSC meeting was the multi-agency assistance from regional and international partners that was secured to bolster security efforts.

These additional assets were brought in to provide aerial and marine support to the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force.

The NSC reports these multi-agency operations included a successful operation on Friday, January 5, involving a Royal Bahamian Defence Force Cutter, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service's helicopter and air support from the United States Coastguard to interdict a vessel carrying 215 illegal migrants.

The vessel was escorted safely to Providenciales, where its occupants were processed and repatriated by TCI Border Force.

The Security Council was further briefed on work to increase surveillance measures in support of marine domain awareness.

Members also discussed work to progress youth crime prevention programmes, with a key focus on addressing the root causes and creating opportunities for positive development.

by RTC Director

Ministry of Health and Human Services issues a public health advisory

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is issuing a public health advisory regarding the increase in acute diarrheal illness reported in our neighboring countries.

The rise in cases is of concern, as we have close travel and trade relationships with these countries.

As such, the Ministry of Health is committed to raising awareness and promoting preventive measures to curb the potential spread of these illnesses.

Acute diarrheal illness is a serious public health issue that can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. In light of the escalating cases in our neighboring countries, communities must prioritize and implement essential preventive measures to safeguard public health.

Acute diarrheal illness, has various causes, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Several factors contribute significantly to the spread of these infections. Such as:

ingestion of contaminated water and food sources
poor sanitation,
inadequate hygiene practices- such as poor hand hygiene
direct contact with an infected person and
touching contaminated surfaces or objects

Common causes of diarrheal illness include bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli), and viral infections such as Norovirus. Bacterial causes tend to spike in the warm season while viruses such as norovirus are more commonly seen in the drier cool months of winter.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services urges individuals, communities, and healthcare providers to focus on the following key aspects in order to prevent and control the spread of acute diarrheal illness:

1. Hand Hygiene Practices:

Promote regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before eating, before preparing food and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content can also be used when soap and water are not readily available.

2. Safe Water Practices:

Ensure access to clean and safe water sources. Communities should prioritize water purification methods and regularly check the quality of drinking water to prevent waterborne diseases associated with contaminated water.

3. Good Food Preparation:

Emphasize safe and hygienic food handling practices. This includes thorough cooking of food, proper storage to prevent contamination, and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked items. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook shellfish thoroughly before eating them.

Oral rehydration solutions can be used to prevent dehydration in cases of acute diarrheal illness. Individuals should however seek medical attention promptly if symptoms persist or worsen.

by RTC Director

NUTRITION GUIDELINES DEVELOPED FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES

The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the release of its comprehensive nutrition guidelines tailored specifically for early childhood centers.

These guidelines aim to promote healthy eating habits and provide essential nutritional support for young children during their crucial developmental years.

In light of the vital role that nutrition plays in the growth and development of young children, the Ministry's Early Childhood Unit collaborated with the nutritionist to organize several workshops for parents and educators that aim to raise awareness of the connection between nutrition and cognitive development.

Therefore the purpose of this guideline is to empower early childhood centers to create nurturing environments that support the overall well-being of the children in their care, as well as to promote healthy eating habits in these settings.

Heidy Williams Early Childhood Officer expressed enthusiasm for the release of the guidelines and the potential impact on young children's health and well-being. While Hon. Rachel Taylor Minister of Education, Youth Sports and Library Services, said, "By integrating nutrition education into their daily routines, we can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices."

Key features of the nutrition guidelines include nutrient-rich meal plans that emphasize a balanced intake of essential nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. As well as advice on food safety and food allergies.

The food and nutrition guidelines also offer strategies for engaging parents and guardians to reinforce healthy eating habits at home, creating a collaborative approach to children's nutrition.

by RTC Director