RTC Director

Department of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) Bridge Series Addresses the Difference Between Normal Grief & Pathological Grief

On June 18th, 2025, the Department of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) continued its impactful Bridge Series with a session titled “Differentiating Normal Grief from Pathology.” With 46 attendees, from various professional sectors, but primarily medical personnel, the session sparked a much-needed conversation around how grief is viewed, managed, and supported in clinical and workplace settings. The Session Highlighted the Need for Empathy Over Pathologizing Grief – Especially Among Medical First Responders.

Hosted by Dr. Ingraham, the Department’s Clinical Psychologist, the session featured psychiatrist Dr. Roshida Brown-Clarke, who presented on the urgent need to recognize grief as a natural human experience, not a condition to be diagnosed prematurely. Dr. Brown-Clarke guided participants through the clinical distinctions between normal grief, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

“Grief is not a disorder. It is a necessary, human response to loss,” said Dr. Brown-Clarke, cautioning against the increasing number of grief-related psychiatric referrals made too soon after a loss. She described grief as “a roller coaster”, sometimes sharp and overwhelming, other times subdued and manageable.

She also highlighted the heightened physical and psychological impact of grief in older adults. Of note was a 21.1-fold increase in risk of heart attacks among individuals following the loss of a loved one, underscoring the importance of informed grief care.

Participants were introduced to Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), a therapeutic approach designed for individuals whose grieving process has become prolonged and disruptive. Still, Dr. Brown-Clarke firmly emphasized: “not everyone who grieves needs a diagnosis or clinical intervention.”

The session also featured key insights into grief in the workplace, especially relevant to medical personnel and high-stress professions:

“Let your humanity show,” encouraged Dr. Alicia Malcolm, the Department’s director, urging supervisors to lead with compassion when supporting grieving colleagues.
“Take things off their plate,” advised Dr. Ingraham, suggesting that coworkers temporarily share duties to reduce strain during grief recovery.
A third suggestion from Dr. Brown-Clarke included extending bereavement leave, allowing individuals more time to heal without pressure.

Dr. Brown-Clarke also offered practical tools to navigate grief, including:

Engaging in spiritual practices, support groups, and learning new skills
Planning ahead for birthdays, anniversaries, and other triggers
Prioritising self-care, rest, and meaningful social connection

Importantly, she cautioned against over-inquiring or intruding on grieving individuals under the guise of concern. “Check-ins should come from a place of care—not curiosity,” she said. Commenting on the training, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated: “Equipping our frontline professionals with the skills to navigate grief with clarity and compassion is essential. We commend the Department of Behavioural Health Services for delivering targeted training that supports sound clinical judgment while honouring the human experience of loss.”

The full session will soon be available for viewing on the Department’s official Facebook page. For individuals seeking grief support or mental health services, please use the booking link and referral form available directly on the DBHS Facebook page.

by RTC Director

Turks and Caicos Islands Joins Global Observance of World Blood Donor Day 2025

The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly joined the international community in observing World Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2025. This year’s theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact ordinary individuals can have through the simple, selfless act of donating blood.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), blood donation is more than a medical necessity—it is a community lifeline. Every day, safe blood is needed to support mothers during childbirth, treat children with severe anemia, support complex surgeries, care for accident victims, and provide ongoing treatment for patients with blood disorders and other chronic conditions. A stable and accessible blood supply can mean the difference between life and death in these critical moments.

Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, emphasized the life-saving importance of voluntary blood donation: “Blood donors are silent heroes whose generosity allows our health system to function at its best. I urge all healthy residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to rise to the occasion and donate. Giving blood is not just an act of kindness—it is a declaration that we care deeply for one another as a people. Let us give hope, and let us give life—together.”

The campaign also aims to elevate public understanding of how vital blood and plasma donations are to the health and survival of patients. By spotlighting real stories from both donors and recipients, the initiative hopes to inspire new and returning donors to commit to giving blood regularly—not just during emergencies, but as a consistent act of service to their community.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nadia Astwood, shared her call to action: “Blood is one of the most precious resources we have in health care—and it cannot be manufactured. It comes from generous people who choose to give. In the Turks and Caicos, we must build a strong culture of voluntary blood donation, so that we are prepared not just for today’s needs, but for any challenge the future may bring.”

The 2025 observance of World Blood Donor Day also highlights the values of solidarity, compassion, and civic responsibility. It is a celebration of those who give without expecting anything in return—and an invitation to others to follow their example.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is coordinating a series of community-focused activities across the islands, including blood drives, educational sessions, and public service announcements designed to inform and engage citizens about the importance of blood donation.

We are calling on every eligible resident of the Turks and Caicos Islands to take action. Become a blood donor. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Make blood donation a habit—not just a reaction. Your contribution could save a life, or many lives, right here at home.

by RTC Director

UNITED KINGDOM CARIBBEAN OVERSEAS TERRITORIES HOLD PUBLIC SERVICE SUMMIT

Under the esteemed Chairmanship of Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories Public Service Summit was successfully hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands on June 11, 2025.

Held under the theme "Collaboration, Innovation, Impact: Driving Public Value Together," the Summit provided a dynamic platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing and regional collaboration.

The Summit brought together high-level leadership from all six United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories.

Attendees included:
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In her official welcome and address, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, emphasized the significance of the Summit in uniting public service leaders under a shared vision:

"As the current Chair of the United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories Heads of Public Service, it is an honour to welcome my fellow Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service to the Beautiful By Nature Turks and Caicos Islands for this year's Public Service Summit.

This Summit, held under the theme 'Collaboration, Innovation, Impact: Driving Public Value Together,' speaks directly to the heart of what we aim to achieve and comes at a pivotal moment in our collective journey as public service leaders.

Across our territories, we are navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world, one that demands not only resilience, but also adaptability, innovation and strong regional cooperation.

Though our responsibilities as Heads of Public Service are as diverse as our islands, we are united by a common mission: to serve our people with integrity, efficiency, and purpose.

This Summit, followed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Leadership Forum, provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from one another, to share best practices and to identify impactful strategies to strengthen governance and service delivery across our region.

I encourage my colleagues to fully engage, to explore new perspectives and to foster the enduring spirit of cooperation that defines our region."

Acting Premier and Minister of Border Control and Immigration, Honourable Jamell Robinson, in his remarks, stated, "The decision to host this year's UKOT Heads of Public Service Summit in the Turks and Caicos Islands is both a powerful endorsement and a symbolic milestone, a clear affirmation of our territory's rising leadership and influence within the region. This Summit is more than a gathering of leaders, it is a bold call to action. It reaffirms our collective commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful public value that reaches every citizen, every institution, and every future generation."

Meanwhile, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam also offered opening remarks, stating, "It is a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service from across our sister Overseas Territories to the Turks and Caicos Islands. You gather at a critical moment, as we collectively navigate complex challenges and bold public service reform to meet the evolving expectations of a modern world. For the Turks and Caicos Islands, hosting this event and the Leadership Forum, featuring 200 of our brightest talents, offers a unique opportunity to share insights collectively and connect our future leaders with the wealth of experience of the Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service. It is through this kind of collaboration that we cultivate innovation, inspire excellence and ensure our public service remains resilient and responsive in a rapidly evolving world."

The Summit takes place during a week of activities hosted by the Office of the Deputy Governor and marks the first time the Public Service Summit has been held in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

by RTC Director

DECR Launches Public Survey on Marine Activity Management in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) is inviting the public to take part in an online survey aimed at promoting the safe and sustainable management of marine activities across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

This initiative builds on a series of community workshops hosted by DECR in July 2024, which focused particularly on the use of jet skis and other marine recreational activities. The department is expanding its outreach to gather wider public input and ensure that all ocean users, residents, businesses, and visitors have a voice in shaping future marine policies.

The survey is part of a broader effort to implement Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in TCI. MSP is a globally recognised approach that uses scientific evidence and stakeholder input to balance the diverse uses of marine environments reducing conflicts and supporting sustainable development.

The deadline to complete the survey is 22 June 2025. Full details and access to the survey can be found on the flyer below.

Responses collected from the online survey, along with insights gathered during the 2024 workshops, will directly inform future planning and decision-making processes concerning marine activity in TCI waters.

Please note that all personal information gathered through the survey will be kept confidential and used solely by the TCI Government and the Blue Belt Programme. No data will be shared with third parties.

For assistance in completing the survey or for more information, please contact DECR at 1 649-338-4170 or environment@gov.tc

by RTC Director

Statement by Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel- Selvaratnam:

Following the 2024 Supreme Court decision regarding 49 previously denied Islander Status applications, I wish to inform the public that I have granted Islander Status to the 49 individuals listed in Annex A.

Background
The individuals in question originally applied for Islander Status between 2016 and 2018. Their applications were reviewed by the Status Commission in 2021, at which point they were denied.

However, after legal challenges were brought forward, the Supreme Court found that the Status Commission acted outside of its jurisdiction by applying discretionary criteria. The Supreme Court ruled that the 49 applications had to be reconsidered using the legal standards that were in place at the time they were originally evaluated.

Reconsideration Process
The ruling of the Supreme Court confined the role of the Status Commission, in the reconsideration of the 49 applications, to whether the individuals met the statutory eligibility
requirements at the time of their original application.

In accordance with the Court’s ruling, I was required to consider each application fairly, without any presumption against a grant, and by applying the legislative regime that existed at the time of application. I also considered the applications on the basis that (a) there is no cap on the number of persons who may be granted Islander Status; (b) there is no points-based system under the prior legal regime; and (c) exceptional skills must be assessed as personal to the applicant and not by comparison to other applicants.

The Court further clarified that none of the considerations listed under section 4(7) of the 2021 Ordinance are prohibitive in nature. Accordingly, they do not serve as an automatic bar to the grant of Islander Status but are matters to which the Governor must have regard. The intention of the Ordinance was to create a pathway to Islander Status; not an impediment to its
achievement.

My Decision
As Governor, I am committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair decision-making. After carefully reviewing the applications against the applicable legal framework and the legal advice received, I am satisfied that the 49 individuals listed at Annex A have met the requirements to be granted Islander Status.

Looking Ahead: New Legal Framework
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, a new legal framework, the 2024 Turks and Caicos Islander Status Act was developed. It introduces a points-based system for Islander Status
applications, providing a clearly defined and transparent process for the evaluation of future applicants by the Status Commission. It outlines exactly what can and cannot be considered in assessing eligibility, with the aim of protecting the integrity of Islander Status while ensuring that all applicants are evaluated within a fair, robust and lawful process.

by RTC Director

PREMIER MISICK MARKS GOVERNMENT'S FIRST 100 DAYS WITH KEY INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and his government have concluded a series of events and initiatives commemorating their first 100 days in office. These activities, designed to highlight the government's early accomplishments, also serve to reinforce its unwavering commitment to transparency, keeping you, the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands, informed and involved in our service delivery and national development.

On May 18, 2025, marking 100 days since taking office, the Premier released a video message on his official social media platforms and the national broadcaster Radio Turks and Caicos. In his address, he outlined key achievements and reflected on his government’s strategic direction, stating:

"These achievements are not just checkboxes — they are building blocks. We are not claiming victory — we are claiming momentum. In our first 100 days, we've laid the groundwork for lasting change by leading with vision, discipline, and heart."

Demonstrating this ongoing momentum, Premier Misick appeared on the First Edition Show with host Cheryl-Ann Forman on May 27. They delved into matters of national importance, including healthcare reform, the migration of youth, and the persistent challenge of crime. Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, the Premier reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to tackling these issues head-on, providing reassurance and instilling confidence in our collective ability to overcome these challenges. Notably, he cited the deployment of tactical officers from Jamaica and Barbados as a signal of regional partnership and a firm step in reinforcing public safety.

Later that day, the Premier hosted a special luncheon at the Beaches Resort, celebrating 100 outstanding public servants from various ministries. The Premier's recognition of these individuals for their continued dedication and service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a testament to their value and importance in the governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In his remarks, Premier Misick stated: "Excellent public service is more than efficiency—it is about integrity, commitment, and accountability. It is the backbone of good governance."

The event also recognized Deputy Governor Anya Williams for her exceptional leadership and ongoing efforts to strengthen the public sector.

As part of the government's broader community outreach efforts, parliamentarians were dispersed across the Turks and Caicos Islands visiting all government primary schools on June 2. During these visits, they planted 10 trees at each school, engaged with students and staff, and reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship and education.

These initiatives underscore the Premier's continued focus on building stronger institutions, investing in people, and fostering a more secure, inclusive, and resilient Turks and Caicos IslandsAs the government moves beyond its first 100 days, it does so with a clear mandate, renewed energy, and an unwavering commitment to progress.

by RTC Director

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL POST MEETING STATEMENT

Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) National Security Council (NSC) on Monday 2nd June 2025 at the Office of the Premier, Providenciales.

In attendance, Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police, with apologies from the Hon. Deputy Premier and Hon. Min. of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

Also in attendance, the National Security Advisor, the Permanent Secretary for National Security, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, the Director General of the Border Force and the NSS Threat Lead.

Members were briefed:

By the National Security Advisor on ongoing developments to strengthen TCI’s national security architecture, which underpins a cohesive posture for national security oversight. The NSA highlighted the Multi-Agency Coordinating Task Force and the successful completion of the initial phase of the Intelligence Training across all sectors, which was facilitated by CARICOM IMPACS. NSC agreed to the development of a framework for vetting across all law enforcement agencies.
By the CoP on the state of major crimes, investigations and the RTCIPF strategic operations. The CoP also updated on the regional law enforcement support and the transitioning of the officers that arrived on island from Jamaica and Barbados, which increased the RTCIPF’s operational capacity. The NSC agreed to a review of the national firearms policy.
By the Commanding Officer on the operations of the TCI Regiment including joint operations with RTCIPF and Border Force and enhanced collaboration with other regional enforcement agencies. The Commanding Officer also updated on the developments of the Regiment, namely the acquisition of patrol vessels in support of maritime protection.
By the Director General on the efforts of the Border Force to enhance border security, outlining specific border risks, highlighting key joint operations with the RTCIPF and the Regiment to mitigate identified risks. The NSC agreed to proposals to address compliance risks at all entry points.

by RTC Director