TCIG CELEBRATES PARTICIPANTS OF INAUGURAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE TRAINING
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is delighted to announce the successful completion of its inaugural Administrative Excellence Training, celebrating the achievements of 21 administrative professionals, including Heads of Secretariats and Executive Administrators. The intensive four-day programme, which focused on enhancing essential skills for Administrative Professionals across all Ministries, concluded with a graduation ceremony held on Thursday, 17th October 2024 in Providenciales.
Facilitated through the Training and Development Directorate, the course covered key topics essential to government administration, including operating in an executive office, effective communication, policy drafting, organisational skills, government protocol, financial oversight, and workplace ethics. To graduate, participants were required to successfully complete a group presentation, the Effective Writing Skills for the Public Service course offered by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), and a final exam with a challenging pass mark of 80. Impressively, over 90% of the cohort achieved distinction, scoring in the 90th percentile for their overall grade.
The event was attended by Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, and the Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, both of whom delivered remarks commending the participants for their dedication and highlighting the importance of their contributions to government efficiency and effectiveness.
The event was further supported by the presence of other Honourable Members of Cabinet, Permanent Secretaries, and Deputy Permanent Secretaries, who were in attendance to express their support for their administrative staff.
Commenting on the programme, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Julianna Musgrove stated, “It is incredibly rewarding to see how the participants have embraced these concepts and applied them to their roles. Their success in this programme is a clear reflection of the importance of continuous learning and development within our Public Service.”
The programme aimed to equip participants with practical skills for day-to-day responsibilities while preparing them to take on more strategic roles in enhancing government efficiency.
Successful graduate, Ms. Terrica Walkin, gave a testimonial on behalf of the cohort, sharing her personal experience. "I found the information very useful and was able to apply it to my responsibilities right away," Walkin remarked, highlighting the immediate value of the skills and knowledge gained through the programme.
Her Excellency Anya Williams commended the graduates for their hard work, expressing her heartfelt congratulations and stating, “The successful completion of this course highlights our dedication to fostering professional development within the Public Service. This achievement, along with the impressive pass rate, demonstrates our administrative professionals' commitment to excellence and equips them to contribute to a more responsive and efficient government.”
This first cohort marks the beginning of a larger initiative, with additional cohorts planned to further develop the administrative skills of staff across the entire public service in the coming year.
Successful Participants:
- Aaron Garland
- Ali Williams
- Bernadya Smith
- Cynara John
- Cyre Ferguson
- Darlene Clerveaux
- Davis Gardiner
- Denika Been
- Gladisha Cox
- Grethen Been
- Jasmine Malcolm
- Keshaad Pratt
- Kissia Thomas-Cornwall
- Leandra Clarke
- Leandrea Missick
- Marah Smith
- Mellisa Rolle-Ariza
- Shanetta Thompson
- Terrica Walkin
- Vershina Forbes
- Wendy Saunders
Hon. Rachel Taylor hosts sports delegates from Commonwealth Sport and CANOC
To start the week of sporting activities, the Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister responsible for sports, hosted a delegation of high-level sporting officials from around the world for a cocktail evening on October 15th.
Turks and Caicos Islands was selected as the host country for the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) XI Workshop and XXII General Assembly, and Commonwealth Sport 2024 Americas & Caribbean Regional Meeting. These meetings have drawn in over 33 delegates to discuss important topics and inform decisions in sport.
The cocktail event which took place at South Bank Marina, was a special evening under the stars. In addition to Commonwealth Sport and CANOC delegates, local and international sports body representatives were present. Graceway Communities and South Bank Marina supported this event.
At this event, Hon. Rachel Taylor shared, "It is a great honor to host such a distinguished gathering of leaders in sport, development, and global athletic excellence. We welcome CANOC’s President Keith Joseph and Commonwealth Games Association President, Chris Jenkins to our beautiful by nature shores. This is a testament to the shared values that bind us—commitment to excellence, unity, and the transformative power of sport.
A huge thank you to the TCI Common Wealth Games Association under the leadership of President Godfrey Been and his amazing team for spearheading these events and ensuring that our guests are well taken care of and our country is well represented. As a country, we will leverage our natural beauty and strategic location for the further development of sport tourism. We view this as a growing sector within the region.".
No stepping up and No taking responsibility by Hon. Edwin A. Astwood, Leader of the PDM
My People, I address you as we gather under the shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our community to its core. On Tuesday of this week, in the heart of Five Cays, we witnessed a horrifying act of violence that claimed the life of yet another young man. This incident occurred during school hours, when our children should feel safe and secure. Instead, they were met with the chilling sound of gunfire and the sight of blood on their streets.
This is not just an isolated incident; it is a glaring indicator of a systemic failure in our approach to crime and public safety. How many more lives must be lost? How many more families must be shattered before we recognize that we face a crisis that demands urgent action?
It gives me no pleasure today to condemn the government’s soft stance on crime. And this is not me being political, this is the reality that we see, and their failure to prioritize the safety and security of our communities is unacceptable. This blatant disregard for safety could have been mitigated with a more proactive stance on crime prevention, which the PDM believes is sorely lacking under the current administration.
Innocent lives are being lost while the premier and his government remain soft on crime, they appear to be more focused on rhetoric than on action. The blood of our citizens is literally on the streets, and yet we see no decisive action from our government to ensure the safety and security of our communities. We cannot allow our streets to become battlegrounds. We cannot allow our children to grow up in fear. The images of blood-stained streets, the terrified faces of our children, and the cries of a grieving mother are a wake-up call to us all. We see today that the criminals are very bold with their actions, whether day or night, whether isolated or in public their mission is carried out without care or concern. We must demand more from our government. We need increased police presence in our neighborhoods, comprehensive crime prevention strategies, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence. It is past time for the leaders of the country to take a stand—not just in words, but in tangible actions that protect our families and restore our faith in the safety of our communities. We need a government that listens to the concerns of its citizens, one that takes decisive action to ensure that our children can walk to school without fear of violence.
I call on all of you to join me in demanding accountability from all those who have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our people and our country. Together, we can push for a safer future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Let us honor the memory of all those thirty-nine lost individuals by advocating for change, by ensuring that no other family has to endure the heartache of losing a loved one to senseless violence.
The PDM stands ready to work with all stakeholders to develop effective solutions that will safeguard the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our children. We must stand united in our call for a safer, more secure community.
Our People must be Our Priority!!
Unauthorized Occupation served in Five Cays
A multi-agency enforcement exercise, led by the Crown Land Unit (CLU) and coordinated by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), with security support from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), was conducted on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, in Five Cays, Providenciales. The operation aimed to inform occupants and land users of their unlawful presence on Crown Land and to ensure compliance with the Crown Land Ordinance, which prohibits illegal squatting and unauthorized development.
During the exercise, fifty-two (52) Letters of Illegal Occupation were served to occupants of illegally constructed buildings on several parcels of Crown Land. These Letters not only informed recipients of their unlawful occupation but also provided guidance on legal options available to them.
Additionally, three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were posted on unoccupied and incomplete structures during the exercise. These Notices instructed the cessation of any further development. The properties will be continuously monitored to ensure no breaches of this instruction occur.
The ISU, in partnership with the CLU and other government agencies, remains committed to ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted with fairness and respect for the affected communities. The ultimate goal remains to foster safer, more sustainable communities for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For more information, or to stay updated on the ISU's progress in informal settlement management, please visit www.isutci.com or contact the ISU at isu@gov.tc.
Turks and Caicos Islands Government Awarded the 2024 Transformative Solution Award
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG) was honoured with the 2024 Transformative Solution Award during the Hyland Innovation Awards programme at Community LIVE 2024, held from 22 –26 September. Hyland, the leading global provider of intelligent content solutions, announced the winners of its annual Innovation Awards at the Community LIVE user event.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) was facing several challenges with existing data and IT systems, including:
- Inefficient Manual Processes: Reliance on manual, paper-based processes in various departments led to slow processing times, high error rates, and a lack of transparency.
- Long Wait Times: Citizens experienced long wait times for services such as business licenses, citizenship applications, and accessing public records.
- Data Fragmentation and Security Concerns: Important records were fragmented across departments with limited accessibility and inadequate security measures.
- Record Vulnerability: Physical documents were susceptible to damage, loss, and theft, posing a risk to the integrity and availability of crucial records.
- Limited Public Access: Many government services were not accessible online, requiring citizens to visit government offices in person.
- Resource Constraints: Outdated IT infrastructure hindered the government’s ability to provide high-quality public services.
Using the Hyland Solution to address these challenges, the TCIG, in partnership with Patterson Pope (P2), implemented the Hyland OnBase platform. This allowed the government to develop a digital deployment platform to manage content and processes digitally and automated departmental workflows – streamlining operations or business license applications, immigration services and more. Other key components included:
- Electronic Forms and Approvals: Facilitated a seamless transition from paper-based to digital operations.
- Real-Time Reporting and Dashboards: Enabled data-driven decision-making.
- Secure Access and Audit Trails: Enhanced security measures to protect sensitive information.
- Onsite Document Scanning: Digitised 1,000,000 citizenship and naturalization records, with ongoing scanning of 1,000,000 land registry records.
The implementation of the Hyland OnBase solution resulted in several transformative outcomes for the TCIG, including:
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Reduced processing times for various government services.
- Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience: Majority of services are now accessible online, reducing the need for in-person visits.
- Improved Data Management and Security: Centralised digital repository and enhanced security protocols.
- Reduced Record Vulnerability: Digitised records are protected against natural disasters and other threats.
- Cost Savings and Resource Optimisation: Significant cost savings by reducing reliance on physical documents.
- Positive Public Impact: Improved citizen experience and greater trust in government services.
- Support for Future Growth: Flexible and scalable platform supports ongoing innovation and improvement efforts.
These transformative changes have positioned the TCIG as a leader in e-governance within the region, showcasing a commitment to modernisation and excellence in public service delivery.
SHOOTING INCIDENT NEAR THE ENID CAPRON PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to confirm that a shooting incident occurred near the Enid Capron Primary School on October 15, 2024. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority as we navigate this distressing situation.
At approximately 10:00 AM, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school. Though no students or staff members were harmed, the incident has understandably caused significant concern within our community.
In response, the Ministry of Education is taking immediate and proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff:
Increased Security Presence: We have coordinated with local law enforcement to bolster security on and around school grounds. Police officers and security officers will be present throughout the week to provide reassurance and support.
Communication with Parents and Guardians: We are committed to keeping our community informed. We have sent out a message to all parents and guardians outlining the event, our response, and resources available for support. Our communication lines remain open for any questions or concerns.
Crisis Counseling Services: Our counseling teams led by the school’s Guidance Counsellors is prepared to provide emotional support to students and staff. Additionally, our Student Support Services will be available for all students and staff during and after this difficult time.
Safety Drills and Training: The school’s Critical Incident Management plan has been activated to respond to an active shooter scenario, the Enid Capron Primary School will be reviewing its safety protocols and will conduct additional training for staff and students to ensure preparedness for any future incidents.
The Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP) was postponed on Tuesday 15th but will resume today October 16, 2024.
"We are heartbroken by today’s events and extend our thoughts to those affected by the incident," said Honourable Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education. "Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure this.
As the situation develops, the Ministry of Education will provide updates through official channels. We urge everyone to stay informed through our website and local news outlets.
Kendrick Lamar wins big at BET Hip Hop Awards 2024
There was a mix of old and new school at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024. The annual event aired Tuesday night, continuing its annual celebration of the genre and those in it.
Though on hosting duties, Fat Joe kicked off the show as an MC, welcoming viewers with a "Make It Rain performance." Bossman Dlow then entertained the crowd with live renditions of "Get in with Me" and "Shake Dat A** (Twerk Song)," followed by Juicy J, who was joined by 2 Chainz for "Bandz a Make Her Dance."
2 Chainz later returned for a medley of his own songs, including "Birthday Song," "I Luv Dem Strippers," "Watch Out" and "I'm Different."
The night continued with performances, with Soulja Boy and E-40 representing more veteran rappers, bringing fans back with respective hits "All the Way Turnt Up" with Roscoe Dash, who came out and surprised the audience, and "Tell Me When to Go." Trina put on for Florida when she took the stage alongside modern-day representative Yung Miami.
Big Boogie, GloRilla, Flaujae, and 310babii also performed at the award show, which paid homage to the late Fatman Scoop and Rich Homie Quan.
While very few awards were presented during the event, Sexyy Red was noted as 2024's Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist. Travis Scott was also honored with the I Am Hip-Hop Award, presented to him by Teyana Taylor and Tyla.
The night's big winner, however, was Kendrick Lamar, who took home eight of the 11 awards he was nominated for, including Hip Hop Artist of the Year.
Artists reminded people to vote, and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to Fat Joe and Too $hort about some of her goals if she becomes president. There were no cyphers.
Here's the full winner's list:
Best Hip Hop Video: Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"
Best Collaboration: Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar - “Like That”
Best Duo or Group: Future and Metro Boomin
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year: Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar
Hip Hop Album of the Year: Pink Friday 2 by Nicki Minaj
Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Best Live Performer: Missy Elliott
Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist: Sexyy Red
Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Kendrick Lamar - “Like That" (Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar)
Producer of the Year: The Alchemist
Impact Track: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Best Hip Hop Platform: Club Shay Shay
DJ of the Year: The Alchemist
Best International Flow: Ghetts (UK)
A Condemnation of PNP Government Coverup
A few weeks ago, on September 24, 2024, around 2:30 pm, an alarming incident unfolded at our Solid Waste Management site, Providenciales —an incident that should shake us all to our core. The manager of the site, while conducting his routine patrol, came under heavy gunfire from individuals scavenging for scrap metal. This brave employee of TCI Green company, who has a contract from the government to manage the Dump Site, narrowly escaped with his life, thanks to his quick thinking and the fortunate circumstance of leaving his vehicle idling.
This attack was not just an isolated event; it was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who manage our waste and keep our community clean. When the manager approached the individual to ask them to leave, he was met with a drawn gun and shots fired directly at him. Even more terrifying, he faced additional assailants near the entrance of the site, where shots were by two individuals, aimed not just at him, but also at his vehicle, intent on inflicting deadly harm.
What is truly unacceptable is the continued deafening silence that has followed this incident from the Premier and his Government, which has now become their norm. Since that day, there has been no statement of concern, no acknowledgment of the threat to our community, and no action taken to ensure the safety of our waste management staff or the public who rely on these essential services. This lack of response is not merely negligence; it continues to show the glaring failure of this PNP Government’s leadership.
The Premier’s inaction continues to speak volumes about the priorities of his government. Rather than addressing the urgent need for protective measures at our waste management sites, they seem intent on covering up the incident, hoping it will fade from memory. This is not just a failure to act; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the citizens they are meant to serve.
As a community, we must demand accountability. We need immediate and concrete actions to protect our Solid Waste Management staff and to enhance security measures at the site. The public deserves to feel safe when depositing their refuse, and our waste management personnel should not have to fear for their lives while performing their duties.
We cannot allow this incident to be brushed aside by the Premier. Our communities deserve better. We need a government that listens, that acts decisively, and that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens. We must continue to stand together and call for the accountability and action that our community so desperately needs.
Let us not be silenced by inaction. Let us raise our voices and demand the safety and security that every individual in our community deserves.
Our People’s Safety is our Priority
The Leader of the PDM
Turks and Caicos Islands Launches New Project on Mosquito Control in Collaboration with London School
The Ministry of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Department, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has launched a ground-breaking mosquito control initiative in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this pilot project will assess the feasibility of environmentally sustainable methods for managing mosquito populations, with the long-term goal of improving public health across the islands.
This nine-month project will identify mosquito species in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and explore eco-friendly methods for controlling their populations. By focusing on local ecological dynamics, the project seeks to inform a larger mosquito control strategy that balances public health with environmental protection.
The first phase will assess the threat of mosquito-borne diseases and evaluate breeding sites in North Caicos and Middle Caicos. A pilot survey of these sites is planned for November 2024 to guide future mosquito management efforts.
The project is co-led by distinguished experts, including Professor Jo Lines of LSHTM, Zatanya Handfield, Vector Control Coordinator TCI Environmental Health Department, and Dr Jolyon Medlock of the UKHSA. The core team is supported by Roz Taylor from LSHTM, Alexander Vaux from UKHSA, and Bryan Manco, Assistant Director of Research and Development at the TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).
From 7 – 10 October 2024, the project team engaged with key stakeholders on the islands of Providenciales and North Caicos, facilitating important consultations with the research team. These discussions focused on the potential impact of the project, allowing for critical input from local communities and ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands' unique environmental and public health priorities are fully integrated at every stage of project development.
Following these consultations, the team conducted field visits to significant mosquito breeding sites, including wetlands, ponds, swamps, and residential premises on North Caicos and Middle Caicos. These visits, guided by local experts such as Bryan Manco from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), Junel Blaise, DECR Nursery and Field Officer, and Christopher May, Environmental Officer from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, provided valuable insights into the ecological factors. TCI Vector Control Supervisor, Hilton Robinson and Vector Control Officer, Dwight Hall were also present, further contributing to the exploration of these ecologically important areas and providing valuable insights into human activities that promote mosquito breeding. These visits will provide vital data for the pilot survey, shaping future mosquito control efforts.
Mosquito-borne diseases pose a health challenge for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this initiative represents a significant step toward combating these risks through innovative, ecologically sensitive methods.
Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her support for the initiative, stating: “This collaboration marks a significant step in safeguarding the health of our people. Mosquito-borne diseases have long been a concern for us, and this research will not only identify the current threats but also explore innovative, environmentally friendly ways to control mosquito populations. We are deeply grateful to our partners at LSHTM and UKHSA for their expertise and commitment to this cause. By embedding local knowledge and priorities, we are ensuring that the solutions developed are sustainable and tailored to the unique challenges of our islands.”
Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services, also highlighted the initiative's importance for the nation's public health strategy: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UK Health Security Agency on this ground-breaking initiative. By investing in this research now, we are taking proactive steps to protect the health of future generations. I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot project and the long-term impact it will have on our community.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the public against vector-borne diseases. Through continued collaboration with regional and international partners, the Ministry is committed to maintaining robust health systems and protecting the well-being of all residents.