#TurksandCaicos, December 10, 2023 – A combined team of Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) and TCI Hospital personnel recently represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at a three-day UKHSA AMS Workshop, which was held in Anguilla between November 29^th and December 1^st, 2023. The team included Mrs. Winsome Hayles-Parker – Lead Medical Technologist in Microbiology, TCI Hospital, Mr. Andre Morgan – National Pharmacist, MoHHS and Ms. Arlene Siebs – Director of the National Public Health Laboratory, MoHHS. The workshop was well attended by physicians, pharmacists and laboratory personnel who hailed from the United Kingdom, St. Helena, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman and Montserrat.

The workshop involved both laboratory and non-laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions were practical sessions that were geared toward the diagnostic technologies used by the various UKOTs in the detection of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens and the use of BioFire in diagnostics. Most territories are now equipped with the BioFire Assay Technology, which forms part of the laboratory setup for molecular resistance markers.

The non-laboratory sessions included parallel professional development sessions on topics including AMS, the use of the MicroGuide antibiotic prescribing App, antibiotic surveillance, situational analysis of AMS in the UKOTs and AMS accreditation. Importantly, the attendees were able to discuss case presentations on clinical management and infection prevention and control.

In providing comments, Ms. Siebs stated, “Medical Laboratory Scientists must continue to improve their skills and competency as we work together in combatting AMR through laboratory services. I was thrilled at having the opportunity to compare disc susceptibility testing with automated analysers for the detection of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms.”  

Mrs. Hayles-Parker believes that “the information gathered will be of value in helping us in the TCI to uphold the standards on AMS and in the long term with the fight against AMR. As we move forward as change agents, we are better able to assist with safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the people of the TCI.”

Mr. Morgan concluded that “the three-day workshop was a major success and I am excited to utilise the information acquired in strengthening the TCI’s National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, which will, in turn, develop and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I hope that these advances will continue to safeguard against this emerging AMR global threat by implementing strategies that will ensure sustainable pharmaceutical care for the present and future.”

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis on Thursday, December 7 noted the company is a “beacon of national pride” and evidence that all Bahamians can thrive, when giving the keynote address at a ceremony for Bahamas Mineral and Manufacturing Corporation Ltd., at the company’s site on Queen’s Highway.

The Groundbreaking and Cornerstone Laying Ceremony were held at BMMC Ltd. grounds on Queen’s Highway where the headquarters for the new establishment will be.

He said two companies manufacturing pipes, one in Grand Bahama and one in Nassau, have gone out of business, and added that this one will not. Once the company can meet the demand, it will be too costly for businesses to import the product due to tariffs.

The government is committed to assisting young entrepreneurs like Mitchell Thurston by providing the necessary tools to ensure they are not alone on their journey to success.

“This approach is not just an investment in individuals, but an investment in the very fabric of our nation’s economy and future.”

With the company being 100 percent Bahamian owned, and “perfectly aligned with our governments Blueprint for Change,” he said, “by reducing reliance on PVC products and establishing a local production facility, BMMC is not only supporting Bahamian infrastructure, but also aligning with the nation’s environmental sustainability goals.”

The ceremony heralds a future where industry and economy are strengthened.

“Grand Bahama” said the Prime Minister, “must and will be the blueprint for growth and development.”

He added, “It is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more sustainable and prosperous future for The Bahamas and all Bahamians.”

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey described the day as “grand” in being present for the groundbreaking and cornerstone laying for the state-of-the-art facility which will “revolutionize the construction and manufacturing industries” throughout the country, especially Grand Bahama.

“This new venture envisions opening doors to innovative learning for our students, innovative careers and jobs for Bahamians and spin-off opportunities for new and existing businesses.”

She added that innovation is “critical to the growth and sustainability of our island’s economy. This is why Grand Bahama has been deemed the Home of Innovation in our Blueprint for Change.”

BMMC’s president, Mitchell Thurston, said the project was two years and eight months in the making. Grand Bahama is the perfect location for their headquarters because of the affordability and availability of land; reliable infrastructure; and the proximity to the Container Port, the gateway to the global market.

To date, 13 jobs have been created and filled and through subcontracts throughout the various phases, it is anticipated that 80 jobs will be available during the construction phase. It is hoped they will be able to have a workforce of 33 skilled and unskilled labourers.

Additionally, BMMC will introduce a cadet programme in the Grand Bahama schools, and the top students will be offered jobs to join their team.
Also present were members of the Board of Directors, shareholders of the company led by President Mitchell Thurston, along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, family and friends all of whom gathered for the occasion.

#Kingston, December 10, 2023 – Students attending the St. Catherine-based Homestead Primary and Infant School  now have access to a smartroom, which is equipped with information and communications technology (ICT) devices to enhance learning.

Digicel Foundation retrofitted an existing space to accommodate the smartroom, which represents an investment of US$60,000.

It boasts 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a smart board, a printer, air-conditioning units and is furnished with desks and chairs. There is also a smart lock for safety, and the school installed a camera system.

The room can accommodate 24 students at any one time.

Teachers received several days of intensive training on how to use the smart board.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, who delivered the keynote address during Wednesday’s (December 6) opening of the facility, said she was pleased that “a private corporate entity has reached out to another of our public educational institutions to help with its infrastructure and teaching and learning programmes”.

“We are also happy for this project, as it fits right in with our focus in introducing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics  (STEM) education and technical, vocational education and training in a more expansive way at the lower levels of the system than we now do,” she noted.

Minister Williams said the rapid technological advances and the move towards a knowledge-based society require a reassessment of the content and delivery of education to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21^st century.

As such, she said that children must be provided with a good foundation that will enable them to perform with confidence in the digital age.

Social Development Consultant with the Digicel Foundation, Miguel Williams, in his remarks, informed that the company has invested more than US$630,000 in the establishment of 10 smartrooms in primary schools across the island by 2024.

He noted that the smartroom initiative forms part of Digicel Foundation’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics  (STEAM) project, which is  aimed at helping to bridge the digital divide.

“We believe that by investing in education, particularly in STEAM, we are investing in the future leaders, scientists, engineers, and creative minds who will drive our nation forward,” he noted.

“The world is rapidly evolving, and it is imperative that our young minds are equipped with the skills and knowledge that will empower them to thrive in an ever-changing landscape,” Mr. Williams said.

Principal of the school, Sophia Deer, noted that the smartroom will not only advance STEAM education but support the institution’s special education programme.

“We are really grateful,” she said.

Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Central, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, said that the investment is good for the school and the community and urged the students to make good use of the investment.

“We are advancing the education process at Homestead, and this smartroom falls in line with the Government’s commitment to establish smart communities and promote greater appreciation for technology,” he said.

Contact: Garfield L. Angus

Release: JIS