Sheba and Alyssa, Wilson and Krizia and De’Aihjah Simmons were crowned winners of the Abundant Life Ministries International Mother/Daughter Pageant, held at the church grounds on May 6. Sheba and Alyssa Wilson were winners of the Senior Category, while Krizia Lightbourne and De’Aijah Simmons won the Junior Category. The following are photo Highlights of the event.
Unit - $461.4,000 which is an increase of 78.5 percent; and
• Health Emergency Management Unit$323,000, which is an increase of 29.2 percent
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, in total, will be getting $51.1 million, which is an increase of 19.1 percent, plus $6.4 million in Capital projects.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Transportation is to get $26.3 million, which is an increase of 2.4 percent, plus $905,000 in Capital projects.
The Ministry of Finance, Investment & Trade is getting $26 million, which is a decrease of 28.5 percent, plus $3.1 million in Capital projects. Immigration and Border Services, in total will be getting $22.7 million, which is an increase of 44.7 percent, plus $14 million in Capital projects.
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development is to get $22.8 million, which is an increase of 1.5 percent, plus $19.7 million for Capital projects.
Finance Minister Saunders pointed out that the Office of the Governor as a category, is to get $7.6 million - an increase of 5.1 percent, plus $50,000 in Capital projects, while the Office of the Deputy Governor as a category is getting $3.0 million - an increase of 4.7 percent, plus $135,000 in Capital projects.
The Police as a category is earmarked to get $35.9 million - an increase of 13.0 percent, plus $6.2 million in Capital projects.
The Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage, Religious Affairs and The Environment, will be getting $14.2 million, which is a decrease of 1.0 percent, plus $5.4 million for Capital projects.
Work Permit is among the top five areas that government will be looking to raise the $414.9 spending budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year. Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. E. Jay Saunders announced during his budget presentation on Tuesday, May 16, that government was seeking to rake in a 2.8 revenue increase over the 2002/23 budget for the issuing work permit. He said government is seeking to raise $36,8million from that stream of revenue for this budget.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDM) and the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) have often butt heads over whether work permit should be used as a stream of revenue. However, while opposing it when in opposition, the PDM, when in power, also used the issuing of work permit as means to fill its revenue coffers.
Saunders, while delivering his budget speech, stated that his administration would be looking to collect $106.5 million from Accommodation Tax – an increase of 4.0 percent. Tourism continues to be the country’s bigging revenue earner, with import duties coming in at a close second. This year government will be looking to haul in $98.5 million from Import Duties – an increase of 2.5 percent. It will also be looking to fatten its kitty from Stamp Duty on Land Transactions, hoping to collect $58.3million – an increase of 205 percent.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services will
get the lion’s share of the budget - $84.6 million, which is an increase of 1.9 percent, plus $2.5 million in Capital projects. That sub budget is slated to cover:
• Policy Planning and Administrative Support for the Ministry of Health and Human Services is getting $64.1 million, which is equal to Financial Year 2022/23;
• Dental Department - $1.2 million, which is an increase of 26.7 percent.
• Primary Health Care Unit - $3.3 million, which is an increase of 12.2 percent.
• Health Promotion and Advocacy - $727 thousand, which is an increase of 13.1 percent, plus $55,000 for Capital projects.
• Public and Environmental Health - $6.7 million, which is a decrease of 4.6 percent, plus $100,000 for Capital projects.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse$2.1 million, which is an increase of 8.8 percent, plus $80,000 for Capital projects.
• Special Needs Unit - $2.0 million, which is a decrease of 25.4 percent, plus $1.2 million for Capital projects.
• National Public Health Laboratory$771,000, which is an increase of 44.5 percent.
• Emergency Medical Service (Ambulance) - $2.1 million, which is an increase of 51.2 percent, plus $1.2 million for Capital projects.
• Contract Management Unit = $980 thousand, which is an increase of 105.4%.
• National Epidemiology and Research
the Office of the Premier is getting $8.1 million, which is an increase of 5.0 percent, plus $4.1 million in Capital projects.
The breakdown is as follows:
• Public Policy and Strategic Management Unit (PPSM) for the Office of the Premier is getting $3.6 million, which is a decrease of 34.2percent, plus $4.1 million in Capital projects.
• Strategic Policy and Planning for the Office of the Premier is getting $3.0 million, which is an increase of 61.7 percent.
• Radio Turks and Caicos - $736,000.
• Communication Directorate$687.5,000, which is an increase of 119.9 percent.
The National Security Secretariat is to receive $5.5 million - an increase of 113.6 percent, plus $1.4 million for Capital projects.
the Attorney General’s Chambers as a category is getting $12.5 million, which is an increase of 24.2 percent, plus $820,000 in Capital projects.
The House of Assembly is getting $3.9 million, which is an increase of 2.1 percent, plus $150,000 in Capital projects.
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is budgeted $2.2 million, which is an increase of 35.8 percent.
“Overall, during Financial Year 2023/24 our government is seeking to spend on the good people of these beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands, $424 million, which is an increase of 18.0%, plus $65.1 million in Capital projects, which itself is an increase of 258 percent,” the finance minister said.
(-13.1%)
• FY2013/14 to FY2014/15: $44.9 million (21.6%)
• FY2014/15 to FY2015/16: $12.4 million (4.9%)
• FY2015/16 to FY2016/17: $1.9 million (0.7%)
• FY2016/17 to FY2017/18: $15.7 million (5.9%)
• FY2017/18 to FY2018/19: $35.2 million (12.4%)
• FY2018/19 to FY2019/20: -$3.1 million (-1.0%)
• FY2019/20 to FY2020/21: -$112.2 million (-35.6%)
• FY2020/21 to FY2021/22: $196.0 million (96.6%)
• FY2021/22 to FY2022/23: $14.4 million (3.6%).
COVID-19 pandemic years (2020 - 2022),” Saunders further pointed out.
Regarding government services and capital project spending, he gave the following:
• FY2011/12 to FY2012/13: spending declined by -$19.0 million (-9.4%),
• FY2012/13 to FY2013/14: spending increased by $2.1 million (1.1%),
• FY2013/14 to FY2014/15: spending increased by an additional $900 thousand (0.5%),
• FY2014/15 to FY2015/16: spending increased by a substantial $25 million (13.7%),
• FY2015/16 to FY2016/17: spending increased by an additional $23.2 million (11.1%),
The Washington Misick-led Progressive National Party (PNP) administration is growing over the situation that under their watch, revenue has skyrocketed. Finance Minister Hon. E. Jay Saunders told the House of Assembly that since his government assumed the reins of power just over two years ago, the national revenue has increased by an earth-shattering $105.2 million per year. This was achieved, Minister Saunders crowed, without the imposition of any new taxes on the populace.
“As I prepared this budget presentation, I delved into the Turks & Caicos Islands Government’s financials spanning 12 fiscal years – from Financial Year 2011/12 to Financial Year 2022/23 – and four administrations - the Interim Government, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing’s administration, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson’s administration, and our current administration.
“I will first speak to the revenue trends, over this period, annual revenues ranged from $174.2 million in Financial Year 2011/12 to $413.2 million in Financial Year 2022/23 – a remarkable growth of $239 million in 12 years, averaging about $20 million per year, especially considering the hurricane and COVID-19 pandemic years,” Minster Saunders said.
Listing the achievement of each year from Financial Year 2012/2013 to Financial Years 2021/22 and 2023/24, Saunders provided the following breakdown:
• FY2011/12 to FY2012/13: $65.2 million (37.5%)
• FY2012/13 to FY2013/14: -$31.4 million
“Our highest year-over-year revenue growth was in Financial Year 2021/22, during the period of this good government of the people, with $196.0 million in growth, and total revenue of $398.8 million,” Saunders boasted.
He continued: “Conversely, our lowest year was Financial Year 2020/21, with a decline of $112.2 million in total revenues. During the one full year of data that I have for the Interim Government, national revenues grew by $65.2 million.
“Under Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing’s administration, national revenues averaged a growth rate of $7.0 million per year.
“In contrast, during Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson’s administration, national revenues fell by an average of -$16.1 million per year.
“As for our current administration, in just over two financial years, we have increased national revenues by an astounding average of $105.2 million per year – and without imposing any new taxes.
“This exemplifies our commitment to: “Delivering on The Citizen’s Contract (manifesto): Achieving Social, Economic, and Environmental Progress for All.” He pointed out that the more money a government earns, the more it can spend on its people.
“…And as you will see, that is exactly what our good government of the people is doing,” he bragged.
He continued: “Total yearly expenditures ranged from $203.6 million in Financial Year 2011/12 to $360.0 million in Financial Year 2022/23 – a significant growth of $156.4 million over 12 years, with an average growth of approximately $13 million per year, despite the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017), and the
• FY2016/17 to FY2017/18: spending increased again by an additional $2.8 million (1.2%),
• FY2017/18 to FY2018/19: spending increased again by an additional $10.6 million (4.5%),
• FY2018/19 to FY2019/20: spending increased again by an additional $23.0 million (9.4%),
• FY2019/20 to FY2020/21: spending increased again by another $21.5 million (8.0%),
• FY2020/21 to FY2021/22: spending soared by a massive $36.4 million (12.6%),
• FY2021/22 to FY2022/23: our good government increased spending by another $33.7 million (10.4%).
“For reference, the highest spending year on record for a government investing in its people was FY2022/23, during this administration, with $360.0 million spent. The lowest year was FY2013/14, with $182.4 million spent.
“Under the Interim Government, spending was cut by $19.1 million. Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing’s administration, on the other hand, increased spending by an average of $11.8 million per year. Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson’s administration also increased spending, but by an average of $14.5 million per year,” Saunders pointed out.
He said the Washington Misick administration has outperformed its predecessors since the interim administration with an average annual increase in spending of $35.1 million over the period of FY2021/22 to FY2022/23.
“That’s money invested in our people, and that’s ‘delivering on The Citizen’s Contract: Achieving Social, Economic, and Environmental Progress for All’,” he continued.
With the Atlantic Hurricane Season approaching, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) urges residents to initiate early preparedness measures to ensure their homes, businesses, and families are ready. Reflecting on the 2022 Hurricane Season and the impact of Hurricane Fiona, the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated.
According to preliminary predictions by hurricane researchers at the Colorado State University (CSU) on April 13, 2023, the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be slightly below average. The CSU team forecasts thirteen named storms, with six predicted to become hurricanes and two expected to reach major hurricane strength (Category 3 or above). In comparison, a typical season experiences approximately fourteen tropical storms and seven hurricanes, based on historical weather records spanning from 1991 to 2020.
The presence of “El Niño” conditions, characterized by warmer-than-normal eastern and central tropical and subtropical Atlantic Sea surface temperatures, along-
side near-average Caribbean Sea surface temperatures, is identified as a significant contributing factor. However, the conflicting signals between a potentially robust El Niño and anomalously warm tropical and subtropical Atlantic conditions introduce additional uncertainty to the outlook.
Despite the slightly below-average forecast, residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions, as it only takes one storm near our location to make the season active for them. Preparedness remains paramount, as the potential impact of any storm can be significant.
The DDME, in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA) Meteorological Department, will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates throughout the season. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
The first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be ‘Arlene’.
“Tonight I mentioned to people, and it is really factual, that if the healthcare system didn’t pull together, if nurses, doctors, the Ministry of Health, TCI Hospital, the private sector didn’t pull together and combat COVID-19 and stabilize things, so we could open our borders, we would have suffered a significant economic impact,” Braithwaite-Tennant asserted,” insinuating that it was without question that much credit should be given to the healthcare sector for the TCI returning to normality at the time it did.
“So, we are very proud of that, for the lives that were saved, and we are very proud of that for the economy that was saved,” she continued.
She pointed out that one of the sub sectors to which credit should be given is that of nursing, since they represent a critical area of healthcare.
“The nurses formed the backbone truly of our healthcare system, and it is important that we recognize them for the work that they do,” she noted, stressing that the awards function in honor of the country’s nurses, as they celebrated Nurses Week, was well deserved.
“In life we would have hoped that every time, every moment, we deliver care to people that there is a ‘thank you’ coming back. And we don’t necessarily do it for the ‘thankyou’. But it shows that the more you recognize people for what they are doing and make them feel valued, the better they are in delivering care, and the better they are at enhancing the patient experience.
“So, it is very important to recognize nurses. And it is important to recognize the integral role they play in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Braithwaite-Tennant further noted. For those planning on making nursing a career, Braithwaite-Tennant has this advice: “Show that you love people. Don’t go into healthcare for money. Don’t go into healthcare for what you think is fame or notoriety, because there are going to be some days that you don’t feel like you are the star in the room.
Had it not been for those in the healthcare field who stared down the dreaded COVID-19, and exhibited bravery and resilience, the Turks and Caicos Islands economy would have crashed and burned. These sentiments were expressed by CEO of Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Inter-Health Canada, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, who was addressing the Second Annual Nurses Awards Ceremony at the Atrium Ho-
tel in Leeward, Providenciales on Thursday, May 11.
Speaking later with reporters, Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant reiterated that much credit should be given to those in the medial field for ensuring that COVID-19 was brought under control so that the country could be reopened to commerce and international travel including tourism on which the country’s survival is critical depend.
“But go for it because you care about people…you want to serve people. if you have that passion on the inside already to care for people, to have a passion for people, on the hard days you would go the extra mile , on the good days it is like icing on the cake. You must have a care for people and a passion for people.”
A sufficiency hearing for an American Tourist caught allegedly with a firearm as he tried to leave the country is scheduled for July 7.
Authorities give the entity of the man as Alex Julian Guzman, 23, of Wyoming, Michigan.
According to Denyse Renne, the information officer of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, on Tuesday April, 25, 2023, Guzman booked in at the Providenciales International Airport to depart the country, when security personnel at the facility discov-
ered a firearm and ammunition in his luggage.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition by the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. When Guzman appeared before the Supreme Court on May 5, he was granted $20,000 bail with the following conditions: one or two sureties or $20,000 cash; visit the Grace Bay Police Station every Wednesday between 8am -5pm; and surrender all travel documents.
death and for those responsible.
“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has officially classified his killing as a murder and investigations are continuing by the Serious Crime Unit,” said Denyse Renne, the RTCIPF Information Officer via news release on Thursday. Police reports are that passersby saw a motionless male figure near the Selverado Road in the vicinity of Mompremier Towing off the South Dock Main Road on Sunday, May 7, and alerted 911. On arrival, police found Siffard’s decomposing body.
The police is asking members of the public, who might have information about Siffard’s death, to come forward with the information, by either visiting the nearest police station or to call Crimestoppers anonymously.
“The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information on this murder or any illegal activity anonymously.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has recorded it fourth murder for the year after a post mortem examination conducted on his body on May 10, revealed that he was
shot multiple times.
As a result, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTICPF) has launched a full-scale murder investigation into his
“Please note, that Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency,” Renne said in a statement.
The Abundant Life Ministries International staged its Annual Mother’s Day Awards and Concert at the Leeward Highway Church on Sunday, May 14, where nine mothers from across the Turks and Caicos Islands were honored. The event also featured a number of local and international artistes, including Osilien Jadorte and Davian Chase, the Gospel Pioneers and Jay Morley. Deaconess Hamutal Handfield was declared Mother of the Year, while Pastor Mary Forbes received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The following are photo highlights of the event.
This week on Lifeline Featured Church we showcase House of Prayer Ministries, located at 180 Long Bay Road, Providenciales. House of Prayer Ministries is pastored by Senior Pastor, Bishop Edwin Lightbourne and Prophetess Rev. Sandra Lightbourne. Sunday School begins at 10:20am; Sunday Worship Service begins at 11am; Wednesday at 7pm is Midweek Service; Friday 6:30pm is the Bi-weekly Youth Meeting, and on Saturday at 6:30am is prayer meeting.
If you desire more information how to share in the worship experience, contact 649-231-4132 pr 649-9418309. You can also follow House of Prayer Ministries on Facebook: @ House of Prayer Ministries Inc or @ Bishop James Lightbourne Jr.
Looking for a worshipping house to praise God and fellowship with members of the body of Christ, here is a list of some of the available sanctuaries you can attend throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Christ is the Answer Ministry, George Alley Off Aviation Drive, Providenciales
Tel: 241-8030
One Nation Empowerment Center Church Ministry, Suite #12 Alliance Business Center, Princess Drive, Grace Bay, Providenciales. Tel: (649) 244-6194. Email: apostleyoung1952@yahoo.com.
Touch of Love Ministries International Center
Industrial Park, Five Cays, Providenciales
Tel: 941-4903 Fax: 941-7731
Abundant Life Ministries International
P.O. Box 696 Christian City, Leeward Highway, Providenciales
Tel:941-941-4750 Fax: 941-4755
Anglican
Turk, Front Street, Grand Turk Tel:946-2289
Bethany Baptist Church, Blue Hills, Providenciales
Tel:941-4803 / 941-5632 / 941-5118
Church of God of Prophesy, Lower Bight, Providenciales
Tel: 941-8854
Bible Study Ministries, Grand Turk Tel:946-1866
Calvary Baptist Church, South Caicos
Tel:946-3212
Church of God of Prophesy, Providenciales Tel:941-3438
Roman Catholic Church, Providenciales, Tel: 941-5136
Faith Tabernacle Church of God, Providenciales, Tel:946-4073
New Testament Church of God, Orea Alley, Grand Turk Tel:946-2175
New Testament Church of God, South Caicos Tel:946-3631
Methodist Church, Grand Turk Tel:946-2352
Healing Waters Ministries, Blue Hills Providenciales Tel: 941-5867
House of Prayer Church of God, Long Bay Road Providenciales Tel: 941-8309
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Darrell Road, Grand Turk Tel:946-2727
Mount Mariah Baptist Church, Conch Bar Middle Caicos Tel:946-6205
New Beginning Harvest Ministry, Pond Street, Grand Turk Tel:946-1759
New Testament Church of God
Orea Alley
P.O. Box 495 Blue Hills, Providenciales Tel: 946-1255
Airport Road, South Caicos Tel:231-2402
Paradise Baptist Church, Five Cays, Providenciale
Tel:941-4349
Revival Faith Center, North Backsalina, Grand Turk
Tel:946-2349
Salem Baptist Church, Mission Folly, Grand Turk
Tel:946-2565
Solid Rock Apostolic Ministries
International, Discovery Bay Providenciales
Tel: 946-5181
St. Monica’s Anglican Church
P.O. Box 866 Cheshire Hall Providenciales Tel: 946-4046
Fax:946-4046;941-8499
Turks and Caicos Mission of Seventh Day Adventists, P.O. Box 803, Providenciales
United Pentecostal Church, Brown’s Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel: 956-5852
Wesleyan Methodist Church, Blue Hills, Providenciales Tel: 946-4075; 941-4223; 941-3596
Editor’s Note: If your Ministry is not listed and/or you would like for it to be part of the NEWSLINETCI Church Diary, contact us at:contact@newslinetci.com
Renowned local author Rachel Gregoire is making waves by releasing her highly anticipated illustrated children’s book, which aims to teach youngsters about money.
The book, which is titled ‘Gracie and Aero’s Wallet’, is a financial literacy story that is told through the eyes of two enthusiastic kids and follows their exciting adventures as they work and learn clever budgeting and savings tips.
“I am so excited about this book as it touches on a topic, I am passionate about,” Gregoire said. Gracie and Aero’s Wallet aim to help parents and guardians teach kids about money, budgeting, and savings while highlighting the importance of teaching these basic skills,” she said.
Gregoire, who writes under the moniker Rachel Gregory and has already penned two bestselling books, said in a statement that her books are inspired by her passion and her deep desire to help others.
“My first children’s book, The Great, is focused on helping kids deal with grief and loss, while the second book, Cry or Boss Up, is an adult inspirational novel that provides a blueprint to help people navigate their hardships and to turn their adversities into a bold purpose,” she added.
While these two first books are vastly different in genre, Gregoire returned to her roots for this third publication, and she is back to telling children’s stories and teaching important life skills through illustrations.
Gracie and Aero’s Wallet will be the first of a three-book series for her and will focus on savings, entrepreneurial spirit, business,
and investment. The story is told through the eyes of two spirited children, Gracie and Aero, who, with the encouragement of their parents, began their quest to save enough money each month to buy a telescope. On their journey, they learned the importance of hard work, budgeting, and how to make decisions about saving and purchasing.
Gregoire, who is a mother, a financial professional, and a hotelier, said that the book was a personal project for her, one that allowed her to use her background to educate youngsters about financial literacy. She said that it is her hope that families appreciate such literature, which will allow them to introduce the topic of money in their homes in the most kid-friendly and engaging way.
“There is a big disparity in our community when it comes to teaching financial literacy at an early age,” she said. “My goal is not only to provide a fun and interactive avenue for children to learn about money but also to teach basic life fundamentals and to use that tool as a blueprint for creating good financial habits.”
She gives credit to her long-time illustrator, Jack Foster, for encouraging her as the story gradually took shape and the characters
came to life. When asked what her inspiration was behind the book, she said she wanted to tell a fun story with a purpose and also use it as a tool to teach her 4-yearold daughter.
In addition to the colorful illustrations, Gracie and Aero’s Wallet also features a fun and interactive budget chart and ideas for kids to earn money, which is included in the back of the book.
Gracie and Aero’s Wallet first made its debut at the Christmas fair held on December 17th, with an official book launch being held on April 22nd at the Grace Bay Market. Gregoire extends profound and special thanks to her sponsors: Grace Bay Market, Beaches TCI, Global Capital, Let’s Get Personalized, Cardinal Points International, Rent-an-Event, Bowtie, and Been’s Global LTD.
Gregoire also shared the book at Barnes and Noble Fort Lauderdale on April 15th, where she carried out a successful book signing and reading.
Gracie and Aero’s Wallet is now available on Amazon.com and BarnsandNoble.com, Unicorn Bookstore, or by contacting them via Instagram @rachelgregwrites
She said winning Nurse of the Year Award was a shock and honor at the same time, since she did not expect to top the field, even though she believed it was a matter of her hard work paying off.
“It was a shock, and it was an honor, but I guess it was deserved. It pays to be humble and not be seen…remain in the background. But it is on honor to know that I add value to this team of primary healthcare in Turks and Caicos, and I am looking forward to seeing how the next year comes around, and whether I can be of more service,” St. Bernard continued. She said the period of COVID-19, like for so many caregivers, was a depressing time for her, especially that she was far from home. “So, whenever I talk about COVID, I kind of cry because I am not from here…I am the only one of my kind that lives in Turks and Caicos. And being stuck here, making sure that no one dies on my watch, I still think of the people at home and my family abroad in my country Grenada.
“At times I was depressed and sad, like so many people. But I continued to try my best, and every day I woke up, I was motivated that I had people to serve…there were persons depending on me…these patients who are my neighbors are depending on me to save them, and that was kind of how I kept pushing through,” St. Bernard continued.
She added: “I am glad this (COVID-19) is no longer a problem because 2020 to 2022 was trying for any nurse in any part of the world. But I think for us who are foreigners here had to put aside the fact that we are worried about other people…our home…to put the people of Turks and Caicos first…that’s our main goal, and I think we’ve stuck to that.”
Minister of Tourism Hon. Shaun Malcolm, who delivered the main address, assured medical practitioners that the government had their interest at heart, and planned to stop at nothing to ensure that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Nerissa St. Bernard, Senior Nurse at the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos was voted Nurse of the Year at the Second Annual Nurses Week Planning Committee’s Awards Presentation held at the Atrium Hotel on Thursday, May 11. Carol Frith walked away with the title of Most Outstanding Client Care Assistant of the Year, while Shakita Misick was voted Most Outstanding Clinical Nurse/ Nursing Assistant of the Year.
St. Bernard, a 12-year veteran, who told re-
porters that she finds joy in helping those who need help, took home the top prize from a talented bunch, nominated for the enviable prize.
“I am a third-generation nurse, so it is kind of in my blood. But seeing that people need help…people need other people regardless of where they are in life, I said to myself, ‘I am going to be that person that you need’, so, it is just part of me, I guess,” the Grenadian-born caregiver explained.
He said that government was also aware of the chronic world-wide nurse shortage, and had endeavored to cultivate homegrown nurses. For her part, Jackurlyn Sutton, Chief Nursing Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that the Nurse of the Year Award takes place in many countries across the world, and so deemed it fitting to get together with other nurses to come up such an event, with the hope that it becomes institutionalized.
“We would recognize the hard work that our nurses are doing here in Turks and Caicos. Last year we recognized our retired nurses, and we really paid homage to them. And so, this year, we are recognizing those who are in active service,” Sutton said.
A URINARY tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria get into your urinary tract – kidneys, bladder, or urethra. The role of the urinary tract is to make and store urine. The bladder stores urine until it is emptied by urinating through the urethra, which is at the end of the penis in a male and above the vaginal opening in a female.
When you have a UTI, the lining of the bladder and the urethra become irritated and can cause pain in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, and even lower back. This will usually make you feel like urinating more often. Overall, females are more likely to develop a UTI than males, with 40 to 60 per cent of females developing an infection at least once in their life and 10 per cent of females developing a UTI once a year. Females are at a higher risk than males because their urethra is shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical Centre in Old Harbour, St Catherine, a UTI is a common problem that occurs mostly in women.
“UTI is a common problem that plagues many women and men to a lesser extent, but more
so women. It tends to be named the ‘honeymoon cystitis’ because it tends to occur right after sex within a few hours or a few days,” Dr Thomas said.
According to Dr Thomas, the symptoms of a UTI are very common, and a regular general practitioner or family doctor can diagnose it easily. Some of these symptoms, he said, include burning on urination, frequent urination, small amounts of urine that cause intense lower abdominal pain.
“You may even pass blood in the urine, and occasionally, the UTI may become complicated where the infection spreads to your kidneys. That can cause back pain and fever,” he said.
A UTI infection, he said, must not be taken lightly and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. “So if you are pregnant, diabetic, or if a child has the infection, these can warrant significant medical intervention. Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having. While fever is the most common sign of a UTI in infants and toddlers, most children with fever do not have a UTI,” he added. UTIs are normally treated with a short-term
course of antibiotics. Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women, and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course.
Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment. Make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you have been prescribed even if you are feeling better.
Dr Thomas also indicated that for less chronic cases of a UTI, there are a number of natural remedies that can be utilised, including drinking plenty of fluids, drinking cranberry juice, use of garlic, cloves, and oregano oil. “Drinking water increases urine output and flushes the bacteria from your bladder and urethra. Sometimes that is enough. However, you can add cranberry juice as it acidifies the urine and kills the germs that cause a UTI. The concentrated form is the best. There are also cranberry tablets now available especially for recurring UTIs,” he said.
Women, he said, should also desist from holding their urine when they need to urinate. Also, after sex, he recommends that women use the bathroom right away to prevent UTIs.
Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, has urged regional immigration and customs officials to establish seamless border control systems to help stem transnational organised crime and other criminal activities within the region. Chang made the call while addressing the opening session of the 26th Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Standing
Committees of Chiefs of Immigration and Comptrollers of Customs in Montego Bay, St James this morning. He argued stronger border control systems are critical as transnational crimes within the region are supported by illegal trade and manipulation of these systems. According to the national security minister, the long-term consequences of these
criminal activities damage countries’ social and economic development, degrade governance systems and erode trust in public institutions.
“As a community, we must continue to organise, pool resources where possible, and integrate systems that will allow us to leverage information and intelligence to improve regional cooperation on security,” said Chang.
Five people have pleaded guilty in South Florida to participating in a wire fraud scheme that created an illegal shortcut for aspiring nurses to get licensed and find employment.
Krystal Lopez and Damian Lopez, both of Palm Beach County, Florida; Francois Legagneur, of Nassau County, New York; Reynoso Seide, of Union County, New Jersey; and Yelva Saint Preux, of Suffolk County, N.Y., pleaded guilty last Wednesday in Miami federal court to wire fraud conspiracy.
They each face up to 20 years in prison at a July 27 hearing.
A total of 25 people were charged earlier this year in a scam that sold more than 7,600 fraudulent nursing degree diplomas from three Florida-based nursing schools, according to grand jury indictments.
The schools involved — Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing and Sacred Heart International Institute — are now closed. During guilty plea hearings, Damian Lopez, Legagneur, Seide and Saint Preux admitted to soliciting and recruiting people who sought nursing credentials that would allow them to work as registered, licensed practical or vocational nurses.
Krystal Lopez admitted that, in her role as the Palm Beach School of Nursing’s finance director, she processed applications for individuals who were issued fraudulent nursing school diplomas and transcripts and that each student paid the school $15,000 for the documents.
The fake diplomas and transcripts qualified those who purchased them to sit for the national nursing board exam. If they passed, they were able to obtain licenses and jobs in various states, prosecutors said.
On Saturday, May 14, the Turks and Caicos Islands joined many members of World Athletics, formerly the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) in staging Kids Athletics Day. The event actually started on May 7, but the TCI, along with many other countries across the Caribbean and the world decided to host their Kids Athletics Day on the 14. Events were held on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Providenciales. activities included track events – short and middle distance, throws and long jump. Some of the track events included obstacles races.
President of the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association (TCAAA) told NewslineTCI that Kids Athletics Day is a move to develop athletes across the world, while to garners greater interest and strengthening the sport globally. She pointed out that Kids Athletics Day, years ago, was being staged across the world, but went dormant. And so, World Athletics decided to revive it. The month of May has been designated at Kids Athletics Month, with May 7 named as Kids Day.
Skippings said Kids Athletics Day operates under a club system, where children would compete under the banner of an athletics club at the event.
She said due to logistical challenges, all the clubs could not congregate at the national stadium for the event, and so the decision was taken to have events staged on the respective islands. She noted however, that the children from North Caicos, which has one club, were able to land a sponsorship, enabling them to journey to Provo to compete against the various clubs on that island.
She said the TCAAA was now working on a club system for athletes.
“We have had a club system before, now we are reviving it, and we are encouraging the children to join the clubs at their schools and such forth,” Skippings urged, explaining that students do not necessarily have to join the club at their school.
“You can go to another school and be in a club with kids from various schools,” she said.
She pointed out that the Kids Athletics Day was not a competition, but merely to develop the children through the club system.
“North Caicos has one club, which makes up the Junior and Senior categories. But they were fortunate enough to get donors, and were able to bring them over here to Providenciales, to be a part of this event here,” Skippings said.
She added: “There are six registered clubs in Providenciales, and are made up of kids from age 5 up to age 19 or 20 years old. She said also that Grand Turk has four clubs and one in South Caicos.
Skippings further noted that so there were no club winners to declared, and so, at the end, the participants were presented with certificates of participation.
She pointed out also that Kids Athletics Day would give the TCAAA an idea of the children who would be invited to try-out for selection to the biennial All Age Championship that would be staged in June.
“Those championships are multi-events, where kids have to take part between five to seven
events. So, it had to be a strong child…they don’t have to be the fastest child, but they have to have endurance,” Skippings said.
She added: “For the All-Age Championship, only eight athletes are allowed to from each country, and they would be competing in just two categories – 11-12 and 13 to 14.
“Each country is allowed two males in the lower category and two females in that same category. And also, two males in the 13 to 14 and two females also. We are looking to fill all of our spots. We are looking to send hopefully all eight athletes to the championship.”
She said two males and two females would be invited from each island to take part in the trial at the National Stadium.
“We have applied to the Sports Commission and asked for four tickets from each island, two males and two females, and they would come to Providenciales to take part in those trials. But if the islands have more kids that want to come they can pay and come with their parents. It is not limited to the number of kids from each island that can participate in the trials,” the TCAAA Head explained.
Cartagena, Colombia, 10th May 2023 - Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes, attended the General Assembly American Sports Council CADE 2023 held in Cartagena Colombia.
The three-day conference commenced on Wednesday, 3rd of May and continued through Friday 5th May, 2023. Sports leaders from thirty-plus countries from across South America, Central America, North America and the Caribbean were represented. There were four meetings held during the three-
day period: CONSUDE (Meeting for South America); CONCECADE (Meeting for Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean); CADE (meeting with South America, Central America and the Caribbean and North America) and Ibero – American Sports Council (Meeting with Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Countries in the Americas).
Amongst the topics discussed were: best practices in hosting major games such as the Pan-American Games in Santiago Chile 2023 and its projected leg-
acies; Transformation of Recreational Sports and Active Living through Active Management; Empowering our Athletes Beyond Medals; Differential approach in Sport, an approach towards an inclusive public policy; the commitment and social benefits of physical activity in schools; Para – Olympic sports; resumption of sports challenges post-pandemic and anti-doping in sports.
The Director of Sport, Mr. Jarrett Forbes had the opportunity to meet with a number of sports leaders in the region representing the various governments as well as executive members of various sporting bodies and representatives from UNESCO and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Mr Forbes stated, “I was very delighted that the Turks & Caicos Islands had participated in a sports assembly of this magnitude, consisting of sports leaders from the North American Region, Central & South American Regions, and the Caribbean.
“The topics and presentations were extremely beneficial for the TCI. Many countries shared their approach to utilizing sports to combat crime and violence while others saw the benefits of sports to reduce the sedentary lifestyle in their countries. The benefits of sports are so immense. Member countries expressed how sports improved their GDP; provided opportunities for sustainable growth and development; promoted peace and inclusion; and there was a common position amongst member countries to utilize sports as a tool for sustainable development and growth.”
Concluding the General Assembly, a common position for the future of sports in the Americas was taken with a final declaration and bilateral agreements of the CADE Assembly 2023.
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