MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY FOR GOVERNMENT STAMP HOLDERS, WORK PERMIT HOLDERS, PERSONS APPLYING FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT CERTIFICATES (PRC) AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.
Cabinet at its meeting on the 14th April 2021, mandated that all persons seeking to renew their Work Permit, applying for Permanent Resident Certificate and Government Employees seeking a Government Stamp must show proof of vaccination for the COVID-19 Virus. In line with this mandate, the Customer Service and Employment Services Department have been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to fulfill this policy initiative that became effective on 1st May 2021.
Similar to many countries in the region and across the globe, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has implemented several policy initiatives as a response to the global pandemic.
Immunization is the most successful and cost-effective intervention – The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that immunization is a core health service that should be prioritized for the prevention of communicable diseases and safeguarded for continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where feasible.
There is Global Strategy to achieve herd immunity - Herd immunity is reached when enough people in a community are vaccinated to prevent the virus from spreading and impacting the unvaccinated. Once a critical threshold of vaccinated people occurs, that makes new community outbreaks less likely. Those that are immunized effectively form a protective shield around those that are not, which stops the virus from spreading. That threshold is generally achievable only with high vaccination rates, and many scientists estimate placing the threshold at 60–80% of the population gaining immunity. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government seeking to achieve this target of 70% vaccination is consistent with global targets and most scientific findings.
In order to achieve herd immunity in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Government has decided to implement the mandatory vaccination of all work permit holders, Government Stamp Holders and persons applying for PRC commencing immediately. These requirements are also applicable to the dependents of all the above-mentioned groups. The implementation strategies will be as follows:
1) Turks and Caicos Islands Government will not renew work permits when they expire unless persons are vaccinated by the stipulated deadline of 31st August 2021.
It is the policy position of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands that:
a) All Work Permits for persons who have not been vaccinated by 31st August 2021 will not be renewed.
If someone’s Work Permit is scheduled to expire on 31st December 2021, that individual must be vaccinated by the stipulated deadline of 31st August 2021 for this individual to be considered for a future renewal of their work permit / Stamp.
b) If such a person fails to be vaccinated by the stipulated deadline, when it is time for his work permit to be renewed, it would automatically be denied.
c) Once the deadline has passed, ALL PERSONS who are not vaccinated within the stipulated period, their work permits would therefore automatically be flagged for non-renewal.
2) Proof of Vaccination required to collect processed permits or receive Government Stamps.
a) All persons collecting their Work Permit Card or seeking a Government Stamp must present a copy of their COVID-19 Electronic Certificate. If collection is being made on behalf of the applicant, proof of vaccination of the applicant is required.
b) All persons applying for Permanent Resident Certificate must show proof of vaccination as well as their dependents.
The Policy also speaks to the responsibility of the Employer:
The onus is on each employer to notify Employment Services Department and provide evidence of vaccinated staff.
Employers should notify their work permit holder / Government Stamp holder staff of the vaccination requirement for employment as defined by this policy.
All new applications for a work permit (including those categories suspended and subject to the Minister granting a waiver to apply for labour clearance) are encouraged to be vaccinated before arrival, if the place of origin is a country where the vaccine is readily available.
It must be known that the Government remains concerned about the potential for forgery. As such, particularly for persons coming from countries in which access to the vaccine is limited, the Government would:
Permit such individuals to enter the country with a copy of the receipt showing that the work permit was approved and paid.
Immigration Department would be provided with a list of such approved work permits and requested to approve leave to enter the country.
In respect to countries for which their citizen requires a visa to enter, once Immigration grant the approval, the Immigration Department working in collaboration with the airline, can facilitate the entry of the first-time work permit holder.
Once on the island, they are mandated to be vaccinated within three (3) days of their arrival or the work permit will be automatically rescinded.
Employers are to provide employment services with a copy of the electronic certificates of fully vaccinated persons within 30 days of the fist dose, noting that failure to comply would result in the revocation of the work permit
The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services is encouraging all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands who are eligible to receive this vaccine, to take the opportunity to get vaccinated so that we can safeguard the health of all residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands and work towards the full reopening of the country. Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we are fortunate to have the COVID-19 vaccine so easily accessible.
Delta variant now accounts for about 58% of COVID-19 cases in US, CDC says
A highly contagious variant of the novel coronavirus that was initially identified in India now accounts for about 58 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Data updated by the CDC on Tuesday evening shows the so-called delta variant was estimated to be responsible for 57.6 percent of newly confirmed cases nationwide from June 20 through July 3. The proportion was estimated at just 31.1 percent for the two weeks prior.
In late May, the delta variant was estimated to account for approximately 3 percent of new cases in the U.S, according to CDC data.
The delta variant, which was identified in India in October, is expected to soon be the dominant coronavirus variant circulating worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Last week marked the fourth consecutive week that the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased globally.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus said deaths are also on the rise again after 10 weeks of decline.
The delta variant has shown to be particularly dangerous to those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against COVID-19, and preliminary data indicates it may increase the risk of hospitalization.
More than 184 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 159 million -- 48.1 percent of the population -- who are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.
Source-ABC
BOAT CONTAINING 20 BODIES BELIEVED TO ORIGINATE FROM WEST COAST OF AFRICA
In a follow-up to a press release issued on Thursday, June 24th,2021, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force believe that the human remains recovered from a vessel found drifting near Grand Turk originated from the West Coast of Africa.
Work is continuing to identify the deceased persons with the assistance of International law enforcement partners and United Kingdom Diplomatic Channels, says Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting.
"We have been working closely with our partners in the United Kingdom and other international law enforcement agencies to work as quickly and efficiently as possible to identify those who were found deceased and establish the circumstances that led to their death. The Her Majesty's Coroner has been heavily involved in that regard. It is believed the deceased persons originated from the West Coast of Africa, and neither the Turks and Caicos Islands nor the region was their intended destination. Although the details of the intended journe y are yet to be established, we believe the vessel is linked to a similar vessel found in the waters of Tobago. Weare liaising with theauthorities there",said Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting
Commissioner Botting added, "This is a terrible loss of life, and I would like to extend condolences to families of the deceased. Additionally, I would like to thank the RTCIPF investigators and support team for all the hard work done thus far in this tragic and distressing case.
We will continue to do our best to get the remains of those who have pass ed away home to their loved ones".
No plans to send troops to Haiti after government request
The U.S. will not be sending troops to Haiti, according to a senior administration official, after the Caribbean nation's government requested help to stabilize the country and secure critical infrastructure like oil reserves and its port and airport in the wake of the assassination of its president earlier this week.
The U.S. has agreed to send senior officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to Haiti to assist the government's investigation of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the White House announced Friday.
The deployment of U.S. forces would have marked a major escalation of U.S. involvement.
The pledge for FBI and DHS assistance comes after two U.S. citizens were among the 17 men arrested by Haitian authorities for the head of state's shocking murder, which threatens to plunge Haiti further into chaos amid competing claims to power.
One of the detained Americans has been identified as 35-year old James Solanges, according to Mathias Pierre, Haiti's elections minister, who declined to name the other American.
On a website for his charity, Solanges, a Florida resident, described himself as a "certified diplomatic agent" and said he previously worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti -- claims that ABC News could not independently verify.
Late on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the U.S. has sent the FBI in to assist with the investigation.
Source-ABC
Biden backs Cuban protests as island's president blames 'imperialist' provocations
President Joe Biden on Monday stood in solidarity with the thousands of Cubans who protested over the weekend about shortages and rising prices for food and medicine amid the coronavirus pandemic in what's being called an unprecedented rejection of the island nation's government.
Cuba's communist leadership has already denounced the protests as a "systemic provocation" by Cuban dissidents and the U.S. government, encouraged its supporters to counter-protest, and sent its armed forces into the streets, risking clashes with demonstrators.
Sunday's protests, in several cities across the island, are some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba's recent history, and President Biden had been called on to show support for the protests.
While he helped the Obama administration's efforts to ease tensions with Cuba and reopen trade and travel, the president has kept most of former President Donald Trump's sanctions and restrictions in place on America's close neighbor and longtime adversary -- earning the ire of progressives in the Democratic Party.
The administration says it is still reviewing its Cuba policy.
Source-ABC
TCI Cabinet holds 17th meeting on July 7th,2021.
Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 17th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 7 July 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Providenciales.
All members were present.
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:
Current cases and entry requirements for testing,
Progress with the vaccination programme incl. registration of 12-15 year-olds and the delivery of the 4th batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on 7 July,
Compliance with regulations,
The instillation of the oxygen generators at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk and at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center on Providenciales,
Progress with establishing a National Laboratory on Grand Turk, and
The issuing of e-certificates for vaccinations.
Approved the appointment of Anton Faessler (Chair) and Greschelle Been Missick a Members of the Financial Intelligence Agency Board for a period of one year with effect from 1 August until 31 March 2022.
Approved transitional amendments to the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance, following broad discussion and agreed for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly.
Were presented a recommendation for the construction of an office building on the Leeward Highway, Providenciales, for the Telecommunications Commission, representing broader benefits for the TCI Government going forwards.
Noted the acceptance of donations valued at $700 and $750 respectively, received from Sailrock Development and East Bay Resort in the form of drinking water during a time when the Reverse Osmosis plant in South Caicos was non-operational (13 May – 4 June 2021).
Approved for the production and sale of four (4) international commemorative stamps marking events relating to the Royal Family.
Approved a revised budget for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) capturing funding to strengthen the governance systems at the TCICC and for the effective implementation of the TVET Program.
Discussed the 3rd Quarter Financial Report for FY 2020-21 of the Government’s Statutory Bodies and agreed next steps.
Approved proposed amendments to the National Insurance (Financial & Accounting) Board Regulations.
In line with the process under the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance, approved the Procurement Board’s recommendation on the award of the following contract - TR 20/42, Operations and Maintenance of TCIG Solid Waste Disposal Site on Grand Turk. Members agreed a way forward on the tendering for waste management and disposal on Providenciales.
Approved the withdrawal of an offer of purchase of a property for the establishment of a National Hospitality Training Institute on Providenciales. Members agreed an alternative and more cost effective way forward.
Approved for the TCI Government to proceed with negotiations for the purchase of property on Grand Turk for tourism and related purposes.
Approved proposed Terms of Reference to establish a National Agriculture and Food Security Board to oversee the National Agricultural Development Plans for the Turks and Caicos Islands and an Implementation Strategy for the 200-day Strategy and other government priorities for Agriculture.
Was updated on work required by government to execute the budget incl. (but not limited to) new legislation, policies and structures required; the establishment of a Destination Management Office; community enhancement work; the creation of a policy unit; launching the E-government initiative; road safety works; offshore financing; and filling senior government vacancies.
Approved an amendment on the appointment of Joseph Connolly to the National Insurance Board as Employer Representative for a period of three years, instead of two, with effect from 1 July until 31 March 2024 as required by the Ordinance.
Discussed recent events in Haiti and possible implications. Members agreed to call a National Security Council meeting on 9 July.
Re-confirmed approval for the extension of the current measures under the Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 Pandemic) Regulations 2020 for a period of 3 months as follows:
Restriction on visitation
(1) Limited visitation will be permitted to— (a) a place of quarantine or an isolation station; or (b) a patient in a hospital or residential care establishment or facility, where the visitor has been fully vaccinated, proof of which must be provided by the visitor by presenting his vaccination card or a photo of his vaccination card.
(2) Limited visitation will be permitted for a detainee in a detention centre, prison or police cell.
(3) Nothing in subregulation (2) shall be construed as preventing an attorney from visiting a client who is in lawful custody.
(4) Limited visitation permitted under subregulations (1) and (2) shall be in accordance the application of physical distancing requirements and protocols issued by the Chief Medical Officer from time to time.
(5) For the purpose of subregulation (1) a person is considered “fully vaccinated”— (a) two weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine series; or (b) two weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Extension of the principal regulations Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 Pandemic) Regulations 2020 (to extend the requirements of wearing of face mask when in a public place, physical distancing protocols, power of CMO to order quarantine, screening, etc. to 30 September 2020).
Closure of cruise ports
Cruise ports shall remain closed until 30 September 2021 and no cruise ship shall be permitted to enter the Islands until after 30 September 2021, subject to guidance from the Ministry, the CDC and the cruise industry.
Taxis
Restrictions on occupancy levels to remain.
Re-confirmed approval of the draft Appropriation (2021/2022) Bill 2021 that supports the Estimates and granted permission for cost neutral adjustments and corrections.
Members congratulated the Hon Premier on his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Caribbean Development Bank.
Members expressed condolences on the passing of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse.
Batch 4 of the Covid19 vaccines arrives in the TCI
The Ministry of Health is pleased to inform the general public that batch 4 of the Pfizer Bio-N-Tech COVID-19 Vaccine arrived at the Providenciales International Airport on 5th July 2021. A total of 1170 vials which is approximately 7,020 doses, has been received, and once fully utilized, will allow the TCI to attain above 70% coverage. Recommendations by international public health agencies, including Public Health England, is to achieve at least 80% vaccination coverage to provide effective herd immunity for the TCI.
The Ministry of Health is grateful for the continued support of the UK in providing the precious commodity of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Ministry of Health is encouraging all eligible TCI residents to register on the TCIs vaccine registration portal at: https://covidvaccineregistration.gov.tc/. Vaccines can be accessed at Primary Health Care Clinics throughout the TCI at no cost as well as through private medical clinics.
All persons in the TCI are encouraged to comply with the COVID-19 Health Protocols from the Ministry of Health;
1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
3. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between persons
4. Wear face coverings in public settings (covering both your nose and mouth)
5. Avoid mass gatherings or crowds
6. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
7. Comply with public health measures
8. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhoea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please get tested and call the health hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911
9. Do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19 unless your symptoms are severe
10. If you are under quarantine by the Public Health Team, please remain at home and comply with the guidance provided to you
11.Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/
12. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and register online.
Bucks defeats Suns in Game 3
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks made the NBA Finals' return to Milwaukee a slamming success. Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, and the Bucks pounded Phoenix 120-100 on Sunday night, cutting the Suns' lead to 2-1.
The first NBA Finals game in Milwaukee since 1974 went to the home team in a romp, with Antetokounmpo and the bigger Bucks overwhelming the smallish Suns to the tune of a 20-2 advantage in second-chance points.
''We knew what type of game it was going to be,'' Antetokounmpo said. ''We knew we had to come here, play good basketball and compete as hard as possible.''
Game 4 is Wednesday night, with the series guaranteed to go back to Phoenix afterward.
Antetokounmpo, who missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference finals because of a hyperextended left knee and was no sure thing to even be ready to start this series, followed up his 42-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 2 by doing it all again - even making his free throws this time.
Back in front of his own fans and free of the loud counts he's been hearing on the road, Antetokounmpo went 13 of 17 at the line.
Chris Paul had 19 points and nine assists, but the Suns got next to nothing from his star backcourt mate. Devin Booker shot 3 for 14, scoring just 10 points.
Source-AP
Fires burning across West as heat waves affect millions around the country
Fires are continuing to spark in the West as a heat wave blankets millions of residents.
With another heatwave looming, extreme drought and dry conditions are persisting in the West, creating matchbox conditions. Dozens of large wildfires are currently burning in the West.
The entire state of California is in drought and 85 percent is in extreme drought, while nearly two-thirds of Utah is in exceptional drought, and more than one-third of Washington state is in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The Beckwourth Complex Fire in Doyle, California, is now the state's largest wildfire at more than 86,000 acres and is only 8 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire prompted mandatory evacuations, closed portions of U.S. Route 395 and has nearly crossed state lines into Nevada, ABC Sacramento affiliate KXTV reported.
The Bootleg Fire in Klamath County, Oregon, grew to more than 143,000 acres on Sunday, prompting evacuations in the area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The worst of the heat wave wrapped up Sunday, and the extreme heat will subside over the next few days.
Surfside building collapse latest: Death toll rises to 90
The death toll of the devastating partial collapse of a 12-story residential building in Surfside, Florida last month rose to 90, officials announced Sunday.
The recovery effort entered its 19th day on Monday and officials said 62 victims are now identified, 217 people are accounted for, and 31 are potentially unaccounted for.
Officials would not provide an estimated timetable for the end of recovery efforts.
Eight additional victims have been identified, the Miami Dade Police Department said Friday, including 3-year-old Luis Lopez Moreira III, the youngest so far; the boy's father, Luis Pettengill, 36; and his mother, Sophia López Moreira, 36, the sister of Paraguay's first lady, Silvana López Moreira. Two other children in the family remain missing.
The cause of the partial collapse to a building that has withstood decades of hurricanes remains unknown and is under investigation. Built in the 1980s, the Champlain Towers South was up for its 40-year recertification and had been undergoing roof work -- with more renovations planned -- when it partially collapsed, according to officials.
Source-ABC