RTC Director

PREMIER INTERVENES AT CARIBBEAN AVIATION DAY AT CTO STOIC 2014 IN USVI

A century after the first scheduled commercial flight in St. Petersburg, Florida back in 1914, Commercial Aviation remains a main area of focus, especially in the tourism dependent states of the Caribbean.

Day two of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (STOIC) was Caribbean Aviation Day, and the discussions, led by Mr. Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President of International Air Transport Association (IATA), touched on many hot issues, including safety of aircraft, cost of operations, cost of fuel and the impact of Government imposed taxes. Mr. Cerda said that despite the success of commercial airlift to the Caribbean, there is demand for increased capacity but that the factors listed above made it expensive for airline operation and that Governments need to commit to improving infrastructure, removing the barriers to inter-regional connectivity and to reviewing excessive taxation levies to ensure the sustainability of airline operations in the future.

The Premier made several interventions during this meeting, especially on the subject of "Aviation being the engine of economic growth and social development across the Caribbean." Premier Ewing gave his view on the challenges of regional Governments in relation to air transport taxes to support airport developments, and that even though Governments support and believe that reduction in air transport taxes will increase passenger arrivals and hence job creation and revenue, such taxes are ring fenced for repayment of loans for airport developments. These real issues, the Premier said, present challenges to Governments who in principle supports air transport tax reduction to remain competitive.

Mr. Cerda also spoke to the topic of One Stop Security (OSS), which proposes that the regional states operate as one Caribbean Territory and would allow passengers to be screened to a global standard at the originating airport and connect without being re-screened, to which the Premier made further intervention. Premier Ewing, in addressing the matter said that there are indeed benefits to OSS, as the removal of restrictions for intra-regional travel would facilitate passenger transit throughout the region and enhance the travel experience in the region while also reducing the cost of inter-regional travel so that the Caribbean can complete globally, but said that there are also very real concerns that must not be taken for granted.  The Premier raised the matter of the cost of technological infrastructure and training for the maintenance of border control and security. These advancements, the Premier said, while enhancing security controls and creating better passenger travel experiences are cost-prohibitive, especially for the Governments facing the economic challenges of small island developing states.

The second Caribbean Aviation Day (first being held in Barbados in 2007) ended with stakeholders’ commitment to improving collaboration between airports, airlines and Governments, and to exploring ways that the industry can assist Governments in reducing dependency on air transport taxes, which would ultimately increase the competitiveness of the region and increase revenues for airports and Governments, alike.

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by RTC Director

GOVERNOR WELCOMES TURKS AND CAICOS CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

The cross party review of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Constitution was welcomed by His Excellency the Governor Peter Beckingham today, Wednesday, 17 August 2014.

His remarks came the day after the first public ’town hall’ meeting on the Islands’ capital Grand Turk was convened by the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by Daniel Malcolm.

“I am very pleased that Islanders have this opportunity to have their say about the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011,” said Beckingham.

“I would encourage everyone to attend the public meetings on this very important subject to ensure that they have the opportunity to make their input, and I look forward to receiving the report in due course.”

The Committee welcomes private meetings with Churches, Civic Groups and other associations. Appointments can be made with the Commission by contacting Tracey Parker, on +1 649 338-3759, or +1 649 232-1472 or emailing tiparker@gov.tc. 

The Committee invites and welcomes written submissions before its deadline of Tuesday, 30 November 2014. Submissions can be emailed to: tcicrc2014@gov.tc, tcicrc2014@gmail.com, or hardcopies dropped off at the House of Assembly, Grand Turk, the Office of the Premier, Hon. Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales or the District Commissioners’ Offices throughout the Islands.  The Committee is required to complete all consultation and to produce a final report by Saturday, 15 November 2014. 

The committee members are chairman Daniel Malcolm, secretary Tracey Parker, Don Hue Gardiner, Akierra Missick, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Sean Astwood, Carlos Simons and Ashwood Forbes.

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by RTC Director

Ministry of Health Educates TCI on Caribbean Wellness Day

Ministry of Health is promoting Caribbean Wellness Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).  This day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in September throughout the Caribbean Region.

 

It is geared at increasing awareness and promoting activities to address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which continues to severely impact the health, economy and development of the region.

 

The theme “The Heart of a Healthy Workplace is a Productive Workforce” helps to recognize the threat posed by NCDs, CARICOM Heads of Government outline key strategies to prevent, control and reduce NCDs through the life course.

 

This includes the need to increase physical activity in the entire population, especially in the workplace.

                                                                                                                                                         

The Ministry of Health and Human Services joins CARICOM in their efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and eradicate NCDs. The Ministry recognizes that all individuals have a responsibility when it comes to healthy living and want to encourage individuals to make a least one lifestyle change. These changes can include but are not limited to:

 

• Walking, running or swimming for 30 minutes a day
• Reducing your salt intake
• Eating five servings of fruit and vegetables
• Not smoking
• Reducing your alcohol consumption

 

An invitation is extended to all of Government, Private Sector and Faith Based Organizations to join us by being a part of our Corporate Competitions which will be held on October 4, 2014 in Grand Turk at the Parade Grounds and October 18, 2014 in Providenciales at the National Stadium starting at 10.00 am. Activities will include Hula Hoop Competition, three leg race, sack race, needle and thread and tug-a-war, just to name a few.

 

Research has shown that there is evidence that a healthy lifestyle can prevent diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, strokes and up to half of all cancers. Add life to your life by making lifestyle changes.

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by RTC Director

Youth Department kicks off Youth Week 2014 by promoting leadership

The Department of Youth Affairs confirms arrangements for the Turks and Caicos Island’s (TCI) annual Youth Week 2014 commencing on the 21– 27 September 2014.

 

 

This year’s theme, “Serving Youth, Inspiring Bravery,” is the essence of promoting youth leadership and development in the TCI. 

 

 

Director, Department of Youth Affairs Ms. Jasmine Parker said; “Festivities will encompass much of our youth’s time with structured programs such as panel discussions, guest speakers, career guidance, group sports, and more.”

 

 

Approximately 100 students will take place in a Youth Conference on 22 September 2014 themed ‘Bringing out Youth Talent and leadership”

 

 

We’re also excited to be collaborating with Miss Teen Universe this year, as we are encouraged to further promote our youth.”

 

 

 

 

Youth Week Schedule: Sunday, 21^st September – Saturday, 27^th September

 

 

 

GRAND TURK

 

 

 

Date: Sunday 21st September

 

Event: Church Service

 

Description: Opening of youth day Church service

 

Venue & Time: New Testament Church 3:30pm

 

Participants: All Schools, Uniforms Groups and community invited

 

 

 

Date: Wednesday, 24^th September

 

Event #1: Paint the Classroom Day

 

Description: Bring paints to school paint (Paint your Classroom day)

 

Venue & Time: H. J. Robinson High School, Grand Turk 2:00pm

 

Event #2: Scavenger/Treasure hunt (All Island)

 

Description: Youth on island hunt learning History, island Culture and past events

 

Venue & Time: Emancipation Square Clock Tower 4:00pm

 

Participants: All Schools and community invited

 

 

 

Date: Thursday, 25^th September

 

Event: Speak out Speak Off primary, Community College

 

Description: Discussion on youth day theme Serving Youth Inspiring Bravery.

 

Venue & Time: Community College Auditorium, the Ridge Grand Turk @ 10: 30am

 

Participants:   Community College Students

 

 

 

Date: Friday, 26^th September

 

Event: National Youth Day Holiday and Celebrations

 

Description: Youth day, Pray for the Nation by youth on Radio Turks and Caicos, Youth Got talent, all community and country representation, past and present students, Horse race. Music by Band Boys V6

 

Venue & Time: Library Tennis Court Yard 4:00pm

 

Participants:   All Schools and community invited

 

 

 

Date: Saturday, 27^th September

 

Event: Youth Funfest@ Governors Beach Music by Band Boys V6

 

Venue & Time: Governors Beach 3pm

 

Participants:   All Schools and community invited

 

 

 

SOUTH CAICOS

 

 

 

Date: Monday, 22^nd September

 

Event: General Devotion

 

Venue & Time: 9am New Testament Church of God

 

Participants:   All schools and Community

 

 

 

Date: Monday, 22^nd September

 

Event: Youth Concert 

 

Venue & Time: 6pm Community Center

 

Participants:   All schools and Community

 

Date: Wednesday, 24^th September

 

Event: Movie Night

 

Venue & Time: Community Center

 

Participants:   All schools and Community

 

 

 

Date: Friday, 26^th September

 

Event: Fun Day/ National Holiday

 

Description: Parade, may pole dancing, activities for all ages

 

Venue & Time: Regatta Village 10:00 a.m.

 

Participants:   All schools and Community

 

 

 

Date: Saturday, 27^th September

 

Event: Softball and Basketball Matches

 

Venue & Time: Regatta Village 5pm

 

Participants:   All schools and Community

 

 

 

NORTH CAICOS

 

Date: Monday, September 22nd

 

Event: General Devotion

 

Description: Combine devotion for all schools

 

Venue & Time:  TBA 8:45am

 

Participants:   All Schools

 

 

 

Date: Tuesday

 

Event: Inter- Primary Speech Competition

 

Description: Each school will have three contestants for our Speech Competition

 

Topic:  Youth Week theme. Trophies will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Best Speaker. 9 participants

 

Venue & Time: Adelaide Oemler Primary, (Bottle Creek) 12:30 pm

 

Participants:   Primary School Students

 

 

 

Date: 22nd Thursday

 

Event: Open Forum

 

Description: To discuss with students the issues that our youths are faced with on a daily bases.

 

Venue & Time: TBD 10:30am

 

Participants:   Raymond Gardiner High School

 

 

 

Date: Friday   

 

Event: Fun day

 

Description: To discuss with students the issues that our youths are faced with on a daily bases.

 

Venue & Time: Charles Hubert James Primary grounds (10:00 am)

 

       

 

PROVIDENCIALES

 

Date: Sunday, 21^st September 

 

Event: Church Service

 

Venue & Time: St Monica, Leeward Highway 9:00 a.m.

 

Participants: All Schools and Community

 

 

 

Date: Monday, 22^nd September

 

Event: Panel discussion with different Governmental Agencies and how youth can get involved

 

Venue & Time: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex 10am – 2pm

 

Participants: High School students and Community members

 

 

 

Date: Tuesday, 23^rd September           

 

Event: Open Forum: Topic the Generational Gap

 

Venue & Time: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex 3-5pm    

 

Participants: All Schools and community Invited

 

 

 

Date: Friday, 26^th September  

 

Event: Fun Day

 

Venue & Time: Kids Park, the Bight 10am-5pm

 

Participants: All Schools and Community

 

 

 

Date: Saturday, 27^th September          

 

Event: Miss Teen Universe

 

Description: Pageant

 

Venue & Time: Williams Auditorium 7pm

 

Participants: Community Event

 

The Department of Youth Affairs is encouraging the community to support and attend Youth Day Events.

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by RTC Director

Amanyara Funded Learning Centre Unveiled At Oseta Jolly Primary

The Oseta Jolly Primary School (OJPS) officially opened the doors to its state of the art learning centre on Tuesday, 16 September 2014.

The inauguration of the OJPS ‘Peaceful Place’ learning centre is the result of a joint venture by the school and the staff of the Amanyara Resort on Providenciales to provide:

•        the 530 students ranging from ages 4 to 13 years, material that will improve study skills, knowledge, and understanding of the world at large

•        an opportunity for students and teachers to explore a wealth of information for projects and assignments

•        an independent approach to learning, helping learners to succeed in a knowledge and information based society

•        a wide range of literature to enrich students’ intellectual, aesthetic, cultural and emotional growth

Principal of Oseta Jolly Primary, Rachel Handfield, said; “We are all grateful for the contribution made by the Amanyara Resorts, they have made a considerable investment in our young people”

“It was a pleasure to work with Mrs Handfield and the Oseta Jolly community, to put this project together,” said General Manager, Amanyara Resorts, Marco Frank.

“They worked with a professional learning centre consultant from the UK, Neil Morley, and were able to customise the entire modular set up to meet their demands.”

“We at Amanyara hope that Peaceful Place allows the whole school community to benefit for many years to come whether learning for fun, to improve themselves or for a specific purpose.”

 

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by RTC Director

TCI Police are warning the public to be vigilant against crimes of opportunity

The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force is urging the public in Providenciales to be vigilant after three separate incidents in a three day period over the weekend. (Friday September 12th to Monday September 15th 2014). The incidents all involving crimes of opportunity.

The first reported incident over the weekend occurred in the Grace Bay area on 09/12/2014 at 10PM. A 33 year old male and a 31 year old female were approached by an unknown male who demanded all of their money. The suspect took a sum of cash from the victims and fled. The suspect was described as a black male around five feet ten inches, large built with dreadlocks and wearing all black with nothing covering his face or eyes.

The second reported incident occurred on 09/14/2014 at 2:57AM outside a home along Norway Road in the Kew Town area. The suspect, a dark male dressed in all black, placed what appeared to be a firearm to the victim’s head and demanded him inside the victim’s home. The suspect then took a cell phone and some documents before fleeing.

 The third reported incident occurred at a business place located along Airport Road on 15/09/2014 at 1:58AM. Two male suspects brandishing what appeared to be firearms entered the rear door of the business place and demanded valuables. The suspects took a Samsung Galaxy phone from a 21 year old male and a white hand bag containing documents and a sum of cash from a 46 year old female. Both suspects then fled the scene. No one was injured. One of the suspects was dressed in all black clothing. The other was dressed in black and red clothing. One of the suspects was also described as being short in height and the other as tall and slim.

The Police are offering suggestions to consider, should you become a victim of such an incident:

 ·         If someone tries to rob you, do not resist. Give up your property—not your life.

·         Call 911 immediately following the incident.

·         Do not talk to anyone about the incident until law enforcement arrives.

·         Do not discuss the amount of money or items taken with anyone other than law enforcement.

·         Try to recall as much as you can about the suspect’s appearance to include estimated age, race, height, weight, hair, complexion, scars, marks, tattoos, clothing.

·         If a vehicle is involved, try to note make, model, color, plate number and any other distinguishing marks.

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by RTC Director