News

Health Ministry Provides Resources To Treat Persons Affected By Riverton Smog

Published

11 years ago

March 18, 2015

KINGSTON, March 15 (JIS): The Ministry of Health has provided additional resources to its main hospitals in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine to treat persons who have been affected by the smog from the Riverton City disposal site.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, informed a press briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston, on Sunday (March 15), that additional supplies and equipment have been provided to the Spanish Town and Kingston Public hospitals, as well as the University Hospital of the West Indies, and Bustamante Hospital for Children.

“Equipment and supplies provided include nebulisers, humidifiers and pharmaceuticals to deal with persons with respiratory symptoms,” Dr. Bullock-DuCasse said.

She also informed that five health centres were opened on Saturday (March 14), four in Kingston and St. Andrew and one in Spanish Town; and two on Sunday(March 15).

Dr. Bullock-DuCasse further said that the Casualty Department of the National Chest Hospital is now operating on a 24-hour basis as at Saturday (March 14), noting that the institution usually opens only in the days.

“This is to allow easy access to persons who require health care,” she said.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer reported that 642 persons were treated at health care facilities between Friday (March 13) and midday Sunday (March 15), four of whom were admitted.

“I must point out that no deaths have been reported or recorded in any health facility associated with this event,” the Acting Chief Medical Officer said.

The Ministry is also responsible for air quality testing in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and Dr. Bullock-DuCasse informed that two additional sampling sites have been established. These are located at the Jamaica Fire Brigade in Half Way Tree, and at an office on Spanish Town Road.

“Both 24-hour samples were retrieved yesterday and testing for particulate matter is being conducted by the Bureau of Standards,” Dr. Bullock-DuCasse said, explaining that the results should be available by late Sunday (March 15) or Monday (March 16) morning.

She further noted that testing for other chemicals, such as volatile organic compound, will be done by a Canadian company and the results should be forthcoming by Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer continues to recommend that persons, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, avoid the affected areas as much as possible or remain indoors. “Keep windows and doors closed; andcover nose and mouth with a damp rag or cloth,” she stressed.

Dr. Bullock-DuCasse also advised that “at the first sign of any symptoms, such as shortness of breath or any difficulty in breathing, take your medications as prescribed by your doctor and make a visit without delay.”
The Acting Chief Medical Officer assured that the Ministry continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates.

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

4 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

7 days ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.