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Overcoming the Stigma of Depression: Let’s Talk

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Port of Spain, April 7, 2017 – Trinidad and Tobago – Depression, one of the leading causes of disability, affects nearly 50 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean.  This disease is treatable, yet six out of every ten people who have depression do not seek or do not receive the treatment they need.   “This disease is a major public health problem that affects us all.  It does not discriminate.  It impacts people of all ages, from all walks of life,” stated Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr. C. James Hospedales in observance of World Health Day.   The CARPHA Director went on to say “despite being so common and because of the stigma attached, people affected may hide it, not seek treatment or not talk about it.”

“Depression: let’s talk.” is the theme chosen for this year for World Health Day.  It calls attention to this serious public health concern and advocates for recognising and addressing the disease.  The goal is for more people with depression, everywhere in the world, to both seek and get help.

Strong links between depression and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity have been identified. Mental and neurological disorders in the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and depression, contribute to the burden of NCDs.  Mental disorders can also contribute to unintentional and intentional injury.   Patients who are depressed are less likely to take their medicines, and persons with chronic NCDs and disability are more likely to be depressed.

Dr. Hospedales said “Depression is an important risk factor for suicide, which claims the lives of many Caribbean people, including our young ones every year.  There are effective strategies and treatments for preventing depression, and ways to alleviate the suffering it causes. This includes talking therapies or antidepressant medication or a combination of both. Addressing stigma and discrimination are also important strategies in programs for mental health and depression.”

Health professionals are reminded of their duty of care to all persons, whether they have physical and/or mental issues.  To persons who may be experiencing depression, remember with the right help you can get better.  CARPHA urges you to talk with someone you trust about your feelings or seek professional help.

World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO), provides a unique opportunity to mobilize action around a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.

Press Release: CARPHA

#Depressionletstalk

 

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Men who had Murdered Man, Marley Higgs’ cell phone face Court

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Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

The prosecution intends to try two young North Caicos men, both age 21 for the offense of possession of property of a murdered man, property that was stolen and landed in their possession.

The phone belonged to Peureton ‘Marley’ Higgs, who is believed to have been an innocent gunned down at his apartment complex in the Glass Shack area in a spray of bullets on February 2 that killed another man and wounded two others, including a ten-year-old little girl.

The cell phone was described as white in colour, an iPhone, in a hard black case. 

On Monday, March 18th, JEFFVANO HANDFIELD of North Caicos pleaded not guilty to the offense, and the matter was adjourned to April 2024. He was granted bail in the matter.

A second North Caicos man was charged similarly.  

SARENO CAPELLAN aka, Kino Williams is the second individual brought before the court pertaining to the said cellphone. He appeared in court a week after JEFFVANO HANDFIELD, the date being Monday March 25th 2024.

The case for the Crown is that both men sometime in February of this year possessed the cellphone knowing or suspecting it to be stolen property.

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Supreme Court Closed for Easter

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NOTICE is hereby given that the Easter Recess shall commence on Friday 29th April, 2024 and end on Friday 5th April, 2024. During the Easter Recess Judge Selochan will be available to deal only with matters that are urgent or require prompt attention.

Court Business During the Easter Recess

A person who wishes to have a matter heard during the recess must file a certificate of urgency along with an affidavit, which must set out the reasons why the matter is urgent or requires prompt attention. The matter will not be listed during the recess unless the Judge deems it fit for urgent hearing.

Opening Hours During the Easter Holiday

The Supreme Court’s last sitting day for the first term is Thursday 28th March, 2024. The Court will officially resume sittings on Monday 8th April, 2024. The Supreme Court Offices in both Grand Turk and Providenciales will continue to operate while the Court is not sitting during the recess.

The Court Office will be closed on the following public holidays:

  • Friday 29th March, 2024 (Good Friday) CLOSED
  • Monday 1st April, 2024 (Easter Monday) CLOSED

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS DELEGATION ATTENDANCE AT THE NORTH CARIBBEAN SECURITY SUMMIT 21-22 MARCH 2024

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Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, is in Nassau this week, leading a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Third Annual Northern Caribbean Security Summit. The forum brings together security leads from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, the US and the UK to focus collective critical efforts against shared threats in the region.

The delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands includes the Hon. Minister of Immigration Arlington Musgrove, the Hon. Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles OBE KC and senior leaders from Border Force, the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision, the Financial Intelligence Agency, the National Security Secretariat, the Regiment and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Additionally, the UK delegation includes the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Deputy Director, the Head of the UK Joint Maritime Security Centre and regional leads from the Ministry of Defence and the National Crime Agency.

Her Excellency the Governor opened the Turks and Caicos Islands’ contribution with a strategic overview of the security situation and growing capabilities. Presentations were given by members of the delegation on the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security posture to tackle transnational organised crime, coordinated efforts in developing the intelligence picture, cyber security, border security, financial crimes and wider impacts from the deterioration of Haiti.

Her Excellency the Governor held meetings with partners to discuss and prioritise areas of tactical focus and joint operations around irregular migration and securing maritime borders, including with the Commissioner of the Royal Bahamian Police Force (with his senior leadership team), the Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, senior leaders of the US Coast Guard and the US Customs and Border Protection. Outcomes of which, underpin increased operational coordination and information sharing. 

While in Nassau, Her Excellency also made courtesy visits to Her Excellency the Governor-General Cynthia A Pratt, Hon. Speaker of the House of Assembly Patrcia Deveaux, the Rt Rev Bishop Laish Boyd, the British High Commissioner to the Bahamas Tom Hartley, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Diaspora Office.

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