“As the PDM continues to reengineer, reimagine, rethink, reboot and reconnect with the wonderful people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I want to assure the Official Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin Astwood, the NGC, our various branches, especially the Provo Branch (my home branch), PDMs everywhere and all people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, that I remain committed to the orderly development of our party and country,” said Astwood in a statement issued on Sunday May 30.

The former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos said he never anticipated rising to such ranks in his early days as a member of the People’s Democratic Movement, but is grateful for his experiences in the political arena.

“As a believer in the Party of JAGS MCCartney I started this political journey nearly two decades ago. Initially, as political neophyte who always assisted people but never contemplated political service. My journey began with great hope and soon what I thought, at the time, was a devastating legal and political defeat. Since then, this journey with its many ups and down has afforded me to raise to the position within the party politically as Interim Leader and from governance standpoint of Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands holding multiple Ministerial posts. This journey has provided me a profound appreciation for the beauty and potential of our country and its people.”

One day from commemorating the impact of the first chief minister and founding father of his party, the People’s Democratic Movement and Rt Most Excellent JAGS McCartney; Sean Astwood has decided that on June 4, 2021 his resignation should take effect.

“I take pride in my membership of the PDM and the outstanding work we have done; especially in the past term in protecting the environment, positively impacting every constituency throughout our islands, particularly through infrastructural works, and our focus on transforming the way Government does business. I am proud of my service in the various capacities over these many years. I do not claim perfection, but I am resolute in my belief that every single day I got up thinking and doing what I could to provide better for all the people of the TCI; and to protect our country and its environs for those yet unborn. On Monday, May 31st, 2021, our Country will be celebrating JAGS McCartney Day, formerly National Heroes Day. We will be celebrating the father of our Nation and of the PDM. As the JAGS McCartney holiday quickly approaches, the party of JAGS must continue to rebuild,” he penned in the statement.

The People’s Democratic Movement suffered a staggering loss at the polls on February 19; the day after its party leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson resigned from the leadership position.  Now, 100 days later so does its deputy and interim leader, Sean Astwood.

“As I step aside as Interim Leader and the position as Deputy Leader of the PDM effective this 4th day of June 2021, I know our party will continue to be strong, and represent the people of these beautiful islands, we call home.”

The party has been silent.  Holding no media conferences or in person sessions with the wider press core since its 14 to 1 defeat in the 2021 General Election.  The PDM lost significant ground; nine seats lured away by the now governing Progressive National Party, even as the PDM held 45 per cent of the vote. 

Sean Astwood’s Five Cays and Chalk Sound constituency was one of the major upsets.  The two-term member of parliament, who had enjoyed huge popularity just four years prior, was unseated by Rachel Taylor.

“My undying love for our people, our country and our party, the People’s Democratic Movement, will forever burn. My passion for modernizing our government systems, party, and country, I trust, will continue to be advanced as we grow from strength to strength,” he added a thank you, “I am thankful to God and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; especially my people of Five Cays, South Dock and Chalk Sound for the wonderful opportunity.”

1. mandatory vaccination as a condition to obtain a work permit (both new and renewal).
2. mandatory weekly testing of public facing public servants who decide not to be vaccinated.
3. requiring vaccines to obtain benefit in certain circumstances (e.g., easier re-entry into TCI for vaccinated residents, etc.)

The Human Rights Commission is mandated to take appropriate steps to protect the rights of all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands and in doing so must act in accordance with the Islands’ Constitution which enshrines various human rights as fundamental rights and freedoms to be enjoyed by all residents of the Islands. Whilst some human rights are absolute, others can be derogated when required by circumstances of public emergencies. The Constitution, like other human rights conventions, allows for the Government to derogate some of the non-absolute fundamental rights during periods of public emergency.  

The Commission has considered the policies of the Government and agree that it is empowered under both the Constitution and international conventions to derogate some of the non-absolute rights.  In so doing, the government is required to balance the protection of rights against public safety while ensuring that absolute rights are maintained. In the case of the Covid-19 policies, the right of one individual not to be vaccinated must be weighed against the right to life of the general population.  This balancing act is a key component of democratic societies. In seeking to balance, the Government must act reasonably, proportionately and in the best interest of the greater population.

The following is a consideration of relevant fundamental human rights:

The right to life (Section 2 of the TCI Constitution)

This is an absolute fundamental human right and cannot be derogated. Accordingly, the Government cannot deliberately take a person’s life. This includes a duty to take proactive, reasonable steps (not all possible steps) to protect a person’s life; and applies when Government knows (or ought to have known) that life is at serious and immediate risk. In a health setting, reasonableness is judged against broadly accepted medical opinion. It is the Commission’s view that the Government has taken reasonable, proportionate, and pro-active steps to protect the lives of its citizens and residents.  None of the Government’s actions places any life at serious and immediate risk.

The right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment (Section 3 of the TCI Constitution)

This is an absolute right and protects against serious physical or mental harm from the Government, whether that harm is intentional or not. The Commission views the Government’s action as proportionate and adequate to protect the general public of harm (both mental and physical).  None of the actions will result in inhumane or degrading treatment or harm.

Right to liberty (Section 5 of the TCI Constitution)

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated.   A person is deprived of their liberty when they are living under constant supervision and/or control and they are not free to leave.  The right can be restricted when necessary, under very specific circumstances.  A deprivation of liberty is only allowed if it is lawful, legitimate, and proportionate including for the purpose of ‘the prevention of the spreading of infectious diseases. ’Government’s action to implement the policies for the purpose of the prevention of Covid-19.  The actions are reasonable and proportionate and does not extremely restrict people’s movements.

The right to private and family life (Section 9 of the TCI Constitution

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated.  It protects our right to respect for private and family life including physical and mental wellbeing and autonomy (e.g., being able to make decisions about your health and care).  Condition of vaccination to enjoy certain benefits (entry into public places, hassle free travel, etc.) may in normal circumstances be a contravention of this fundamental right.  It is the Commission’s view that the Government action to derogate this right is warranted under the period of emergency and the derogation of the right is both reasonable and proportionate.  Persons are allowed to make the choice about their health however, the government has placed reasonable and proportionate restrictions based on the choice made in the best interest of the population at large.    

The right to be free from discrimination (Section 16 of the TCI Constitution):

This is NOT an absolute right and can be derogated.  This right seeks to protect our right not to be discriminated against and means that we should all be able to enjoy our human and fundamental rights without discrimination.  Differential treatment of people may not be discriminatory if it can be objectively and reasonably justified.  In this case with the ongoing public health emergency the action by the Government can be objectively and reasonably justified in the best interests of the population.

Case law in the EU and Caribbean

Courts in both Europe and the Caribbean have considered contravention of human and fundamental rights claims in relation to mandatory vaccines and derogation of citizens’ rights in times of emergency and crisis.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Czech Republic did not contravene any of the EU Human Rights conventions by requiring mandatory vaccinations (it was not, however, in relation of the Covid-19 vaccine).

The Court in Trinidad and Tobago ruled that the Governments action to refuse entry of citizens into Trinidad and Tobago was not in contravention of any constitutional and fundamental human rights during a time of crisis.

Conclusion

The Commission is not persuaded that the Government’s policies have contravened any rights enshrined in the Constitution. Further, that the policies as implemented are so done for the protection of the public in this time of emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is reasonable and proportionate and it is in their opinion in the best interest of the greater good.  We do not think that any of the actions by the Government described herein contravenes any human right or fundamental constitutional right of any resident of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Human Rights Commission continues to exercise its role as a watchdog institution and for the protection of rights for everyone residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Media Statement provided by the Human Rights Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands

“There is no place in the region safer than Turks and Caicos for vacations.  It’s like our guests are living in a safe bubble and now with the great work of the Ministry of Health, local numbers are down as well; so to me, Turks and Caicos is the safest vacation spot,” said Ken Patterson, CEO Seven Stars Resort.

Patterson informs his resort, which sits on World’s Leading Beach, Grace Bay has conducted 6,228 tests since the travel requirement came into force for the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in January 2021.

“Since January 25, we have tested 6,228 people and over that time only eight people have tested positive.  When they did, we turned that information over to the Ministry of Health which tested them again using the PCR method,” informed Patterson.

Like other resorts, there is a contingency plan for isolation and quarantine of guests who do end up with a positive for the coronavirus. 

Since the new travel requirements of leading source markets have kicked in, the TCI Ministry of Health Covid-19 dashboard reveals there have been 20,896 tests performed and 94 of those tests are returning positives for Covid-19.

Evidence that mandatory public health regulations for physical distancing, face mask wearing, reduced capacity at restaurants, bars and on pleasure boats are working to stave off any surge in cases of Covid-19; an enviable feat for the tiny islands which sit about 90-minutes, by plane, off the southern coast of Florida.

A report by Magnetic Media raised alarm and was a wrong reflection of the Ministry of Health situational report.  The Ministry explained that actually, the positives shown on the dashboard are reflective of new tests performed in a day and not positives for the coronavirus. 

“Nine hundred and two tests were carried out on March 19, 2021, with a total of three positive results reported for that date (0.3%).  The number of positives pale in comparison to the number of negatives.  Positive cases undergo confirmatory testing at the National Public Health Laboratory and are included with the total number of positives reported,” said a Saturday statement issued by the Ministry.

The Ministry of Health adds the rapid antigen testing, approved for 21 sites around the Turks and Caicos since January is taking samples from both locals and guests.

Vaccine distribution in the Turks and Caicos is also well underway, with over 32 percent of the adult population having had their first jab of the UK-gifted Pfizer/BioNtech brand of the Covid-19 vaccine.  Ken Patterson said most of his staff has already been inoculated; as many as 11,283 people across seven islands in the British overseas territory have receive the first shot 

Magnetic Media, on Saturday, issued a statement explaining the misinterpretation of the data on the dash board.  Our apologies for any inconvenience the report would have caused.

An elderly patient with known confirmed COVID-19 disease passed away at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Friday, March 5th, 2021, shortly before midnight. The patient was under isolation and clinical management at the hospital, and their condition worsened. The next of kin has been notified of the death, and relatives were supported.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health wish to extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family and friends on the unfortunate loss of their loved one.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health wish to remind the general public to practice the relevant public health measures to suppress the spread of COVID-19.

If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, please stay at home and contact the Ministry of Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911. Please do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19. If your symptoms are severe, please call 911. Consult with your health care provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

PRESS RELEASE

Samples were sent by the National Public Health Laboratory in the TCI, from a selection of positive samples identified through PCR testing. Genomic analysis/sequencing was undertaken in order to identify whether any of the variants reported overseas, were in circulation in the TCI. 

Four samples were sent for analysis, one of which has been confirmed as the UK variant or B.1.1.7. This individual has completed quarantine and recovered. 

Today’s results were not unexpected due to the TCIs borders being open to international and regional travel as well as the recent increase and spike in the number of new cases reported locally, however, it does highlight the need for all TCI residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and one another through the use of face coverings, frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing and getting vaccinated. 

The COVID-19 virus like any other virus, can undergo mutations. This is well documented in viruses such as seasonal influenza (flu). The B.1.1.7. variant was first detected in the UK and was first sequenced in the UK in September 2020. A number of variants have been identified globally and there is concern that variants could cause additional challenges with controlling the pandemic. COVID-19 variants have been shown to spread more easily (more infectious), have a higher mortality rate and possibly may not be as responsive to the different vaccines being rolled out. This particular variant includes a mutation in the ‘spike’protein which is responsible for the more infectious characteristic described. 

Approximately 91,626 cases of the UK variant have been detected in England and Wales and it is responsible for the surge in cases seen in the UK since the end of 2020. It was first identified in South East England and since its identification, became the predominant strain in the UK with a preponderance to spread more rapidly between persons resulting in high case counts as well as having a higher rate of mortality. The UK variant or B.1.1.7. has been identified in a number of other countries including the US with cases being found in Florida which the TCI has close travel links, where it is becoming more and more prevalent.  

The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which is being rolled out in the TCI to residents, has been shown to be effective against this variant, however the general public is reminded to be vigilant in adhering to all public health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the community. 

In the interim, Deputy Party Leader, Hon. Sean Astwood, will fulfill those duties until a new party leader is selected at June’s convention.

On behalf of our party, I would like to thank Hon. Robinson for her years of dedicated service to our party and country. History will be kind to her as she blazed a bright trail for many others to follow and admire and made us proud, regionally, and internationally.

Hon. Edwin Astwood is the Leader of the Opposition. He will be joined in the House of Assembly by our Appointed Member, Attorney at Law Mr. Alvin Garland.

We are confident this dynamic duo will represent you well in Opposition to the PNP Government. Thank you to all our candidates who offered themselves in the last elections.

You will be supported in your role as seat caretakers by our Movement. You worked hard, you had great vision but ultimately the electorate wanted a new direction. Continue to do your part in the uplifting of your various communities , as the success of our communities and country depends on all of us.

To our supporters, for your loyalty and support and for sharing in the vision we had for our country we express our love and appreciation for you and we thank you! Our party is now in the process of rebuilding, which includes diagnosing our loss, modernizing our party’s constitution, and making the necessary changes to ensure we our successful in the next general elections whenever they are held.

Our Movement continues.

Douglas Parnell, National Chairman Peoples Democratic Movement

A statement from the Ministry of Health in The Bahamas explained: “COVAX, a coalition led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi (Vaccine Alliance), informed Bahamian health authorities that The Bahamas could receive 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, starting the second half of February through the second quarter of 2021.”

The dispatch is enough for 40,000 residents of The Bahamas and the plan is to get frontline health care workers that shot in the arm first.  Experts say the jab will arm them against the potential ravages of Covid19 which has killed 176 people across the archipelago. 

As many as 72 health care workers in The Bahamas had been infected with the coronavirus up to September 2020; there have also been a concerning number of deaths of medical staff to the contagion.

The Bahamas Government was among the countries which committed $2 million for enough vaccines to inoculate around 20 percent of the population.  In January, the Vaccination Strategy was unveiled.

Now, the WHO’s consortium has come through it seems, for The Bahamas, home to 400,000 people.

“The Government of The Bahamas has received formal notification from COVAX of the estimated COVID-19 vaccine dose allocation for the first phase of delivery to The Bahamas. The AstraZeneca vaccine has received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval from WHO.”

The announcement comes amidst growing skepticism about taking any of the vaccines and just as France discourages the double-dose vaccine from being administered to anyone under 65-year- old, citing a lack of research to support effectiveness.

Still, the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and EU and has an efficacy of 76 percent without the second booster shot; people are protected from 22 days after the jab.  The effectiveness of this brand increases to 82.4 percent once patients have had the second jab.  The shots should be within three months.

Bahamians will learn more when the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee holds a press conference on Thursday 4 February 2021 at 5pm.

The National Public Health Laboratory tested a total of 183 samples and 74 were positive.The distribution of the new confirmed cases is as follows:

Providenciales 59

Grand Turk 9

South Caicos 3

North Caicos 3

This will be reflected in today’s dashboard which will be published later today.The Public Health Team have already commenced aggressive contact tracing activities across the islands in response to this development.

The general public is being reminded to do their part to prevent the further spread of this disease within the TCI.Persons are reminded to stay home and contact the health hotlines if experiencing symptoms or signs of Covid-19; which may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, joint/muscle pain and loss of the sense of smell/taste.

If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, please call 911 immediately and inform the operator of your symptoms so all necessary precautions can be taken.

Everyone is asked to take the relevant precautions at all times to protect one another and in particular those in the vulnerable groups:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds

2. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not accessible

3. Cover your cough/sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of it

4. Wear face coverings in public

5. Practice social distancing of 6 feet

6. Stay home if you have symptoms of Covid-19 and call the health hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911

7. Symptoms of Covid-19 include: cough, headache, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell

8. Avoid mass gatherings and social gatherings

9. Avoid non-essential travel including local, regional and international travel

10. Cooperate fully with contact tracing teams if you are contacted

11. Comply with quarantine to prevent any further spread of Covid-1912. Do not discriminate against persons suspected of having Covid-19, it can happen to anyone

13. Stay informed-visit the Ministry of Health website for up to date information on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/.

14. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated. Register online today at https://covidvaccineregistration.gov.tc.

The thoughts and prayers of the Ministry of Health are with the family and friends of this individual. 

The Ministry of Health wishes to remind the general public to practice the relevant public health measures in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 throughout the TCI. 

iPRAY Caribbean is encouraging every individual who lives in or loves the Caribbean to join in prayer at any point during the 24-hour period, for any length of time. As the Caribbean grapples with the damaging economic effects of travel restrictions amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and grieves the loss of family members and loved ones to COVID-19, the goal of the prayer initiative is to bring peace and healing to every individual and the region at large. “Though the effects of the virus have been horrendous for many, the pandemic has created the greatest opportunity ever for all in the Caribbean to come together as one in prayer,” said Barbadian Errol Griffith, president and founder of The Power Of Choice Inc. and one of the organizers of iPRAY Caribbean. With so many people forced to isolate and do most things remotely because of the pandemic, iPRAY Caribbean offers a chance for connection and fellowship by uniting people across the region and beyond. Persons can choose to pray privately on their own, as families, with friends, work colleagues, team members, prayer groups and others whether in person, on telephones or virtually.  

The livestream will be available for anyone to tune into during the entire 24-hour period, but it is not a requirement to participate. People are encouraged to join the initiative in prayer wherever they are, for as long as they are able.

“This Caribbean-wide prayer initiative is also possible because of the large number of persons in the Caribbean who do pray,” added Trinidadian Andy O’Brien, who came up with the initial idea and wrote the official song for the event, entitled “24 Hours”. iPRAY Caribbean’s hope is that people will seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the rebuilding of individual lives, families, communities, institutions and economies in the Caribbean through knowing, hearing and obeying God in every aspect of their lives.   “We can recalibrate and rebuild a better Caribbean, and one that is the best that it can possibly be,” Griffith added. “We can together as one with God, turn the greatest challenge faced by the Caribbean since the slave trade, into something for good.”

Another organizer, Dr. Orlando Seale, a pastor and president of the Caribbean Nazarene College, said, “Our Caribbean region has been blessed tremendously by God. We are asking God to ‘heal our land’ – healing that only divine intervention can provide. Domestic abuse, pedophilia, crime and violence have polluted our land. COVID-19 has now made it absolutely critical for us to come together as one voice praying to one God, Jehovah, for our healing.” The organizers of iPRAY Caribbean say they hope everyone who participates will realize their God-given potential, and encourage participants to take some time to reflect in the days leading up to the event. It is suggested that each person ponder the following questions to prepare for the prayer initiative:

• What do I wish for the rest of my life?
• What do I no longer wish, or not at all wish, for the rest of my life?
• What promises am I making to God, myself and others going forward in my life?

 For more information or to register, visit www.ipraycaribbean.com or contact info@ipraycaribbean.com.