Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17th September 2024 – In recent years, the community has been plagued with violence, particularly among Youth. It is a significant concern that requires urgent attention and intervention. It is important to explore innovative and effective solutions that empower young individuals to reclaim their communities and foster environments favourable to peace and collaboration. Considering this positive approach, the theme for National Week Celebrations 2024 is “Reclaiming Our Community- Youth Solutions to Violence”. The goal is to continue to explore various strategies that can be used to mitigate youth violence, underlining the importance of community engagement, education, and the cultivation of resilience.

Commenting on the National Youth Week Activities for 2024, The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services commented, “By empowering Youth to take initiative, communities can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for sustainable change. Moreover, youth engagement can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches that are often overlooked by traditional leadership. For example, young people may be more adept at utilizing technology and social media to spread awareness and mobilize their peers, thereby amplifying their impact”.

National Youth Week 2024’s key features are the upskilling opportunities focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employment. These sessions will target employable-aged Youth, as well as our 4th and 5th formers, exposing them to various presentations by key stakeholders, focused panel discussions, and breakout sessions promoting interviewing and resume writing skills. Furthermore, there will be a deep dive into how art and music can be used as a tool for Youth to express themselves safely and emotionally. This year will also feature the famous Youth Week speech competition.

Additionally, a major highlight is the extensive collaboration with key agencies that focus on intervention, rehabilitation, and child safeguarding. We seize this opportunity to thank the Departments of Social Development & Welfare, Rehabilitation & Community Services, Community Policing Unit, and the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force for their partnership.

The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the Youth and community to support the Family Fun Day, commencing with a Peace March, as we work together to reclaim our communities. In addition, the Department promotes youth engagement by inviting school bands, choirs, cultural groups, and performing arts groups to showcase their talents.

The attached infographics provide logistical details on the various events across the country. The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the community to contact the Department of Youth Affairs’ representative on the respective islands for further information.

KINGSTON, September 20 (JIS): The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has, to date, completed 14,516 household damage assessments under the ‘Rebuild Jamaica Initiative’.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (September 17), added that the Ministry will complete any further assessments, as necessary, within the next two weeks.

“Of the assessments that have been done, a little more than 7,000 have been validated. This means that the information collected has been verified and the Tax Registration Number (TRN) could be validated to allow for the printing of cheques,” he informed.

“Of all of those that have been validated, all cheques have been printed… [and] 100 per cent of those cheques have been distributed to parish offices across the country. Of those cheques which have been distributed, to date, based on average across the parishes, more than 80 per cent of our beneficiaries [have] received those cheques. The value of [those] is more than $646 million,” he added.

The Rebuild Jamaica Initiative is aimed at restoring households and communities that have been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

This engagement has been pivotal in ensuring that the most vulnerable Jamaicans receive the support necessary to recover from the resulting devastation.

Meanwhile, a partnership involving the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has facilitated the provision of financial support to persons whose homes were either destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Minister Charles said this financial relief is being disbursed in phases to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

“The UN World Food Programme has provided $219 million in cash grants for 3,400 of the worst affected households. These are families with young children (0-6 years old), persons with disabilities and elderly members. Over 11,500 individuals will receive that support,” he indicated.

Mr. Charles further informed that the payments are being disbursed in two tranches over a period of two months, through Western Union.

The first half of these funds was disbursed between September 12 and 13, with the second tranche slated to be dispatched to the same beneficiaries in October.

Mr. Charles said that under a second partnership, UNICEF has provided $42.75 million in support for 7,000 households in the parishes of St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

Of this amount, $36.5 million has been designated for families on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) with children ages zero to six years and pregnant/lactating women, and a further $6.25 million for persons with disabilities.

“I can confirm that disbursal of funds under the UNICEF partnership commenced on September 16,” the Minister said.

Mr. Charles added that the first phase of cheques disbursed has been focused on families whose homes were destroyed, single-parent households, senior citizens and persons with disabilities who have lost their dwellings or belongings.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

RELEASE: JIS

Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – As schools and day-care centres across the community welcome children back, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents and educators to stay alert for cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). To date, 16 cases of HFMD have been identified in school-aged children on the island of Providenciales between July and September 2024. HFMD is a common viral illness that typically affects young children under the age of 5 years but can affect anyone. While HFMD is generally mild, it spreads quickly in environments such as classrooms and playgrounds where kids are in close contact. This is why it is important for families and schools to take simple, effective steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus. Parents and caregivers should keep an eye out for these symptoms:

1. Fever
2. Mouth sores – small, red spots inside the mouth that can be painful
3. Skin rash – often on the hands, feet, and buttocks
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of appetite
6. Irritability – particularly in infants and toddlers

Although most children recover fully within a week or so, HFMD can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, lead to dehydration if eating or drinking becomes painful.

The virus can be passed from one person to another through:

1. Close contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, or stool.
2. Touching contaminated surfaces and toys.
3. Droplets in the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

This is why schools, day-care centres, and playgrounds are high-risk environments.

Here are some practical tips to help stop the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

1. Frequent Handwashing:  Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent HFMD. Children should wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing outdoors. Teachers and caregivers can help by making handwashing a regular part of the day.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Toys, countertops, and doorknobs should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially in shared spaces like classrooms and play areas.
3. Avoid Close Contact:   If your child has symptoms of HFMD, it is essential to keep them home from school or daycare. Allowing them time to rest at home prevents the virus from spreading to other children. Make sure they stay at home until their fever has gone down and their sores have healed.
4. Practice Good Hygiene Habits: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Remind them not to share utensils, cups, or personal items with others.
5. Stay Hydrated: If your child has mouth sores, drinking fluids can be difficult, but staying hydrated is important. Offer soothing drinks like cold water or milk to help them stay comfortable.

In most cases, HFMD will clear up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment is for symptoms. Take paracetamol (NOT ASPIRIN) to help soothe the sore mouth or throat.  Avoid hot, spicy or salty food. Antibiotics are not needed.

However, if your child is having trouble swallowing, shows signs of dehydration (such as not urinating much), or has a high fever that lasts more than a couple of days, it is time to consult your healthcare provider. By monitoring symptoms, practising good hygiene, and staying informed, we can all help reduce the spread of HFMD. Working together, parents, schools, and day-care centres can ensure that children stay healthy and continue to enjoy a safe learning environment.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.