Connect with us

News

TCI Hospital Prepares for Ebola

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Thursday, November 6th, 2014: The outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the West African Countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia is a Public Health Emergency of of International concern. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has begun its preparedness by the development and implementation of protocols and training activities. The strategies of their preparation are related to early recognition and identification of a suspected patient, patient isolation, strict adherence to infection control protocols, appropriate donning and doffing of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) and supportive medical care.

The protocols for management are based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines. The TCI Hospital was visited by consultants from PAHO and WHO reviewed the protocols and inspected the facilities at both sites. They expressed confidence on the hospitals preparedness efforts and pledged ongoing technical support through the Ministry of Health and Human Services. The Ministry of Health and Human Services recently conducted a work shop of the clinical and environmental management of Ebola virus disease and the TCI Hospital’s Chief of Medical Services Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant presented on the clinical management and Nurse Surbrena Pedican presented on the donning and doffing of PPEs.

“Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is demonstrating significant and proactive leadership to help our country prepare for and effectively manage any outbreak of Ebola within its many borders”, says CEO Jill Magri.  She added, “We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, WHO and PAHO as we continue to develop evidence-based international treatment and case management protocols.  We have already placed orders for the required supplies and materials to protect our patients and our care providers and a training plan for all staff has been developed. ”

Patients presenting to the TCI Hospital are asked about travel history and contacts to ensure early detection of a suspected case. If a suspected case is identified upon screening the patient is transported to an isolation area that is away from the general patient population and with a separate access. Staff will be adorning PPEs when transporting the patient to the isolation area. The staff at the hospital will contact the Ministry of Health and Human Services as soon as a suspected case is identified. The laboratory confirmation will not be done at the hospital but at the CDC in Atlanta which has facilities for testing Category A type infections. Category A infections are those agents such as Ebola virus, that:

  • can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person;
  • result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact;
  • might cause public panic and social disruption; and
  • require special action for public health preparedness.

“We do not want to see Ebola virus disease in the Turks and Caicos Islands” says Chief of Medical Services Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant”.  She added “We have to plan so that we can be prepared and mitigate the risk of our health care workers becoming infected and avoid transmission of the disease within the community by isolating and effectively treating suspected cases. Part of our training program involves the identification of a rapid response team that can be activated to care for suspected patients. We continue to revise protocols as new updates are published by the CDC, PAHO and WHO.”

TCI Hospital will be providing updates to the community as these plans further develop.

ENDs.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

Published

on

PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Continue Reading

News

Decomposing Body Found

Published

on

***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.

At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard.  A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital

Published

on

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.

Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”

S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.

For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING