1200 Beaches Resort Employees gets screened for Food Handlers Certification
Beaches TCI continues to promote excellent food and health safety practices through its Environmental Health and Safety Department as this week the all-inclusive resort held its third annual Food Handlers Screening in collaboration with Grace Bay Medical.
The food handlers screening includes the examination of the ears, nose, throat, teeth, scalp and hands to exclude infections liable to be transmitted by food. Beaches EHS Coordinator Shuntal Gibson says that through staff completion of this exercise the resort remains in line with applicable environmental and safety laws and regulations which states that at least once in every calendar year a person carrying on a food business shall at his own expense cause any person engaged in the handling of food to be medically examined.
According to Gibson well-trained food handlers can improve food safety and decrease risks and behaviors normally associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. "It is part of our commitment not only to our guest but to our staff. We see to it that this is carried out annually and that the majority of our staff completes the program to ensure the highest level of health and food safety practices within the resort."
Although the course would only be required for those who deal with the handling, cooking and serving of food, the EHS Department has ensured that persons who do not deal with food directly completed this certification as well.
"Our aim is that everyone in the stewarding, kitchen, dining room, weddings, food and beverage, bar and concierge department be screened.
However, it is very important that at least one person from each department, even those that do not deal with food directly are screened to reduce the possibility of food contamination and exposure to foodborne illnesses even more."
A foodborne illness is a disease resulting from the food spoilage of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food. Such illnesses range from minor aches and pains to serious and life threatening complications.
Shuntal explained that the 1200 plus staff members that are certified make up more than 80% of the complete staff number. Grace Bay medical Certified Nurse Cynthia Joseph says that this year team members came in impressive numbers as the medical team examined more than 400 team members in the first week.
"It has been a very busy week for us but Beaches has for the past few years ensured that this exercise is carried out. The results have been impressive and as the program continues we plan to implement even more strategies to prevent food contamination and exposure to foodborne illnesses." She added, "With this exercise, in the event something comes up we are able to inform the talent, send them to the nurses office where they are further examined and if there is anything that contradict proper food safety then that person is treated and put on leave until the concern is rectified, they then need to get do another screening for safety before allowed back on the premises. It is a very complex but necessary process and it ensure safety for all guests and team members alike."
Shuntal says that with new Food and Safety laws in place the next step will be training for staff and proper food handling.
"This will take safety practices a step forward. We have used a method of training called Serve Safe before in the past and we plan to do it again pretty soon."
Food Festival begins today
This weekend the stage is set for 2 days of fun on Grace Bay Providenciales as one of the greatest culinary event is scheduled to commence July 1st through 2nd, 2016.
The Food and Culture Festival promises to be the most anticipated multicultural event throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and Worldwide so says the man behind the scenes, Chef Nick.
The Opening night that is tonight July 1st, will be held at the Tropicana Show Club which will consist of a Chop Off Challenge, while Nick would not show what's up his sleeves, all we got were lots of entertainment and surprises. That event starts promptly at 7:00pm.
And then on Saturday On July 2nd, it's day 2 of the festival structured and designed for the entire family and is inclusive of every multicultural ethnic group residing in this Country.
Taking after his Dad who was a former promoter and show business man, Nick will transform The Parking Lot area of the Salt Mills Complex in somewhat of a cultural village! That kicks off at 12 noon.
"Culinary traditions and food ways, just like the Anthems or Flags are among the fundamental building blocks of national identity". Says the Chef who has been receiving raving support for this summer event.
The Festival seeks to create tangible, emotional and translational connections through food, music and culture that can be felt even across language barriers added committee member Joanne Missick.
Missick says that the committee is looking forward to seeing the nation converge at both events.
Two Wanted Indian Males Captured
Police informed RTC news that at around 1:00pm today, as a result of a joint operation between RTCIPF Police and the Immigration Task Force, the two wanted Indian males reported by us here on this station were captured at a home in Blue Hills, Providenciales.
The duo, Harwinder SINGH and Kulwinder Kumar CHOPRA arrived on Providenciales on Sunday 19th June 201 from Nassau Bahamas via InterCaribbean Airways flight #JY271 and was in-transit for the Dominican Republic.
After being processed by Immigration and Customs, they were then escorted to the InterCaribbean check-in counter by the airline’s agent. Upon reaching the counter the two were unaccounted for and were not located even after an extensive search.
PRO Kevin Clarke confirmed the capture moments ago and are now arrested and is in the custody of immigration officials.
No word yet on when they will be deported.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL REVIEWS RECENT CRIMES, ROAD SAFETY, AND PRIVATE SECURITY
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, The Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing, The Minister of Border Control and Immigration, the Hon. Donhue Gardiner, the Police Commissioner and his deputy, and the Deputy Governor and Attorney General attended a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, 23 June, in Providenciales.
The Commissioner gave an account of recent criminal activities, and informed the NSC that further investigative teams would be supporting the Police Force in connection with unresolved cases.
The Council discussed the work of the road safety department, and agreed that the Commissioner should commission a study to consider a more joined up IT system across government, which should enhance the work of the Force.
The Council discussed the regulation and control of private security companies and agreed that Cabinet should consider a short paper from the Commissioner recommending measures to implement supervision, along a UK model.
The Council recommended that the matter of drinking & driving provisions of the Road Traffic Ordinance be referred to Cabinet and that the Attorney General draft regulations relating to the apparatus and calibrations for measuring alcohol content in the blood for consideration by Cabinet;
The Council also discussed changes to security at the National Detention Centre, illegal immigration, the use of drones for policing purposes and other issues.
In conclusion, the NSC agreed that a short ordinance about the National Security Council and its Advisory Group should be brought to the House of Assembly, and that a further meeting of the Council and the Advisory Group should be held in July or August.
NEWS RELEASE: TCI DEMONSTRATES ECONOMIC STABILITY WITH THIRD YEAR OF SOVEREIGN BBB+ RATING
Global ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has maintained its BBB+ rating with a stable outlook for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) it announced Wednesday, 29th June 2016.
This is TCI’s third consecutive year with such a strong grading. A team from S&P made the annual visit to the islands in May and met with a range of officials as part of the review process.
“This rating represents continued recognition of TCI’s economic growth and stability due to sound fiscal policy and prudent financial management. However, as pointed out by S&P, growth is now restricted by short supply in available rooms as new construction is being frustrated by ongoing litigation”, said Minister of Finance, Washington Misick.
The S&P report reiterated that TCI’s relationship with the U.K. provides a benefit to local economic policies and judicial and institutional stability, all of which further support the ratings.
“TCI continues to see strong economic growth in its tourist-based economy, largely due to the ongoing economic recovery in its largest visitor market, the U.S. However, we expect that with existing hotels at capacity, tourist activity is likely to moderate in 2016, with real GDP growing about 3% in 2016, down from nearly 6% in 2015. Real GDP growth has been very strong in recent years and we expect it return to more sustainable levels in the medium term. We project that per capita GDP growth could average 1.3% annually in the next three-to-four years,” quoted from the S&P Global Rating Report.
The BBB+ rating is a strong factor in attracting foreign direct investment to TCI and building confidence amongst its existing business community.
Commenting on the announcement His Excellency, Governor Peter Beckingham welcomed the decision, stating; “This is great news for the TCI, and a welcome re-affirmation from a top rating agency that our economy is fundamentally sound and that we continue to strengthen our finances.”
He added; “This is to the credit of everyone involved, and more significant given the recent market turmoil. I am delighted we have kept this rating for three consecutive years.”
“16th ANNUAL JADOT CUP DINNER (STELLE) & GOLF TOURNAMENT (PROVO GOLF CLUB) RAISES OVER $30,000 FOR THE TURKS & CAICOS AIDS AWARENESS FOUNDATION (TCAAF)”
Charity Golf Event, Dinner and Auction Raised Money for the Turks and Caicos AIDS
Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) and the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre
Sunday, June 26th 2016 – Twenty two teams took part in the TCAAF’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament which commenced at 1:30pm. It was a great turn out and fun was had by all who attended.
According to Jadot Cup Chairman and TCAAF Director Terry Drummey “The 16th annual Jadot cup was the most memorable and best so far. Almost 90 golfers came out this year, many of whom take part year after year and we would like to thank all of them for their continuous support. Our congratulation to this year’s winning team: The Casino Royale Team! A special thank you also goes out to all the companies that donated along with Wine Cellar, Dave and his the Provo Golf Club, who helped to make our 16th year huge success.” Director of Golf at the Provo Golf Club, Dave Douglas highlighted “This year’s Jadot Cup event and Silent Auction was a record breaking fundraiser for the Provo Golf Club in its 16 years of operation.”
In conjunction with the golf tournament the Wine Cellar hosted its 16th Annual Jadot Cup dinner at Stelle, Gansevoort on Friday, 24th June 2016 with a menu of delectable dishes and intriguing wines. The sold out event was enjoyed by all and a portion of the proceeds was donated to the TCAAF. A silent auction was held during the evening to raise further funds for the TCAAF. Mr. Galmo Williams, TCAAF Patron, said “Hats off to Gansevoort team for hosting an unforgettable food and wine pairing. Their staff’s professionalism and courteous manner was icing on the cake; A special ‘Thank You’ to our Silent Auction sponsors, who donated excellent prizes which inspired wallets to open eagerly. We would also like to thank the patrons that bid generously on the silent auction prizes knowing that it was all going to a worthy cause.”
The weekend’s event not only helps to raise awareness of the TCAAF but also assists with funds towards its flagship project - the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in Downtown, Providenciales. The Centre which caters to young people between the ages of 10-18 years old has had over 1600 young people registered.
The funds raised by TCAAF assists the Youth Centre with their various extracurricular programmes and projects for the young people who frequent the centre and the operational costs of the centre. Being able to make a difference in the lives of the youth in the Turks & Caicos Islands through the various programs, including volleyball, basketball, tennis, art & craft, computers and dance to name a few, is very rewarding.
We would like to thank all of our Silent Auction and Hole sponsors of the 2016 Jadot Cup, who helped make it a success:
Long Bay defeats Provo Christian
Taking you back to a story carried earlier on Monday. We have the official scores from the TCICA Summer School Cricket Competition, which was played on Saturday 25th June 2016, at the Downtown Ball Park Providenciales; with Long Bay defeating Community Christian.
Michael Pereria told RTC Sports that The match was played with great enthusiasm and interest.
Long bay high batted first and scored 63 runs from a 15 overs, with Terry Abel top scoring with 26 runs.
Bowling for Community Christian, Bradly Desronvil took 3 wickets for 10 runs.
In reply, Community Christian was dismissed for 21 runs from 13. 2.
Man of the match was awarded to Terry Abel.
Pereria told RTC Sports that the TCICA is hoping to have an inter-island tournament in October 2016 which will begin to identify the talent while rejuvenating cricket throughout the islands.
41 year old male charged
ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
**For Immediate Release**
41 year old male charged
On Monday 11th July 2016, Immigration Officials have formally charged and cautioned a 41-year-old male of Blue Hills Providenciales for two (2) counts of assisting illegal immigrants and one (1) count of harboring.
The charges stemmed from the report of two missing Indian nationals Harwinder SINGH and Kulwinder Kumar CHOPRA who arrived on Providenciales on Sunday 19th June 2016 from Nassau Bahamas via InterCaribbean Airways flight #Jy271, they were to be transited to the Dominican Republic on the same date but they escape before reaching the check-in counter and left the Airport.
Around 1pm on Friday 1st July 2016, during a joint operation by Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police and Immigration Task Force, the duo was found at a home in Blue Hills.
They were arrested and taken to the Detention Centre for processing.
The 41-year-old male was arrested and will be taken to court #1 on Thursday 14th July 2016.
Man arrested for numerous offences during protest
ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
**Immediate Release **
Press Release
Man arrested for numerous offences during protest
Around 5pm on Sunday 17th July 2016, a 36-year-old male from the Dominican Republic was arrested for numerous offenses.
The male who at the time appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, got angry and pushed a Police Officer after he was informed that he cannot consume alcoholic beverage during the protest and that it was illegal for it be sold at the time. When the officer approached the man, he noticed he had a small knife in his possession.
With the assistance of other officers, the man who was resisting and behaving aggressively was arrested. A group of persons approached the officers by making threats and use of abusive words in their native language while trying to take the man away from the police lawful detention.
A number of police officers were assaulted during this incident.
The man was later release on police bail.
Bolt, Shelly cruise; Asafa stumbles out of blocks
Olympic champions Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce safely navigated their way into the semi-finals of the 100m, while Clive Pullen stole the show capturing the triple jump with 16.90m and achieved the Olympic qualifying mark on day one of the Supreme Ventures Senior National Championships at the National Stadium last night.
Pullen, 21, a former Kingston College student now attending the University of Arkansas, soared to 16.90m with a wind of 1.9 mps and was the only jumper who surpassed the qualifying mark of 16.85m. Damon McLean was second with 16.46, while Wilbert Walker finished third with 16.42m.
Pullen, who punched his ticket to the Rio Olympics after improving on his personal best of 16.78m, said the distance didn’t surprise him.
Meanwhile, there was drama in the men’s 100m in which former world record holder Asafa Powell stumbled badly out of the blocks, but luckily for him, the race was called back quickly by starter Ludlow Watts. There appeared to be some issue with Powell’s block.
At the second time of asking, Powell wasn’t the best away, but recovered well and took the lead before easing down, but was relegated to third in 10.17 seconds. Jevaughn Minzie won the race in 10.15 seconds with Senoj-Jay Givans second with 10.16 seconds into a headwind of -1.1 mps.
Bolt won the final heat in 10.15 seconds, but not before the promising Julian Forte was disqualified for false-starting. It was anxious moments as Forte was drawn next to Bolt, and patrons held their breath for the outcome. Everton Clarke finished second in 10.16 just ahead of veteran Michael Frater in 10.31.
Double Olympic 100m champion Fraser-Pryce eased into the semi-final with a relaxed 11.38 clocking from heat two into a headwind of -1.3 mps. Remona Burchell was second in 11.59 with Natasha Morrison third in 11.61 seconds.
A relaxed Veronica Campbell-Brown won heat four in 11.39, while Elaine Thompson cruised into the semis clocking 11.39 into a headwind of -0.4. Simone Facey won heat two in 11.31 into a headwind of -2.1 mps ahead of Kerron Stewart with 11.44 seconds.
Action of the second day starts at 5:00 pm with the men’s pole vault final with the big races at 9pm tonight.