News

TCI: It’s Flu Season: Cover Your Cough and Sneezes

Published

6 years ago

January 31, 2018

#TurksandCaicos, January 31, 2018 – Providenciales -The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services wishes to advise the general public to be vigilant during this Flu season. Influenza (Flu) season reoccurs annually during the cooler months and is characterized by a prevalence of outbreaks of Influenza. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, however, most of often flu activity peaks between December and February.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported recently that thirty children have died from confirmed Flu related causes (CDC Jan 22, 2018). The Ministry is committed to keeping the Turks and Caicos healthy, and persons are advised to visit the Primary Health Care Clinics within their communities where the Flu vaccine is being offered free of charge.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu: –

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (very tired)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months have a flu vaccine annually. In addition to having a flu vaccine, the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services would like to recommend the following health tips which can prevent the spread of the infection:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or long enough to sing the birthday song twice.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rubs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth).
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
If you or your child is sick with the flu stay home from work, school, daycare. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, manage your stress, and be physically active.
Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against the flu.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Flu virus travels through the air in droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplet directly, or you can pick up the germ from an object, then transfer them to your eyes, nose and mouth.

For more information, contact your Health Care Provider or the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 338-2772 or 338-4942.

Press Release: TCIG

News

Senior Police Woman’s Son Charged with Robbery and Other Crimes

Published

3 mins ago

May 21, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – DAVANTE BRISCO, aged 30, the son of a senior female police officer of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, faces three charges:

Robbery: Allegedly, Davante Brisco, along with accomplice FRENDY MERONE (already charged and appeared in court on Tuesday, April 16th), held up Wilson Alfred, robbing him at knifepoint of over $300.00 cash and a Samsung cellphone valued at approximately $300.00.
Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority: Brisco and his accomplice allegedly took Wilson Alfred’s white Toyota motorcar (registration number 16697) and drove away without permission.
Using Offensive Weapon to Cause Fear: It’s alleged that during the commission of the offenses, they used a knife to instill fear in the alleged victim.

The incident reportedly occurred near Clement Howell High School on Tumpa Avenue, Blue Hills, Providenciales, on Thursday, April 4th, 2024.

At the arraignment in the Magistrate’s Court before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, on Monday, May 13th, it was revealed that Brisco was granted $7,500.00 bail with certain conditions to follow.

His next court appearance (Supreme Court) is scheduled for July 5th, 2024, for a sufficiency hearing.

Brisco was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Tassja Mitchell.

News

Five Accused Individuals, Five Separate Matters Heard on Monday, May 6th, 2024

Published

6 mins ago

May 21, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – On Monday, May 6th, 2024, five separate matters were presented before His Honor, Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, Chief Magistrate. Handling all cases was Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson, the public prosecutor.

WATSON LOUIDOR (20 years old, Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales):

Pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
Granted bail, with the matter adjourned to June 11th of the same year.

MUSELIN MEDACIER (36 years old):

Brought before the court by Immigration Officer R. Cartwright for possession of an irregular certificate.
Pleaded guilty and the matter was transferred to the Grand Turk Magistrate Court.
Scheduled to reappear before Acting Resident Magistrate Ms. Patricia Arana on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Remanded in custody.

FINAL VALCORT (38 years old):

Appeared from custody for offenses of obstruction and unlawful entry.
Did not enter a plea, and the case was transferred to Ms. Patricia Arana for mention on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
Investigating Immigration Officer: Mr. A. Jones.

MARIO JAMES TAYLOR (24 years old, Five Cays):

Did not enter a plea.
Bail extended to Friday, May 10th for mention.
Charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (A.O.A.B.H) by PC W. Clair.

DARLY FRANCOIS (27 years old, Blue Hills, Providenciales):

Bail extended to May 15th for the offense of common assault.
Charged by Police Constable (PC) T. Stewart.
Pleaded not guilty.

News

Godet Trial begins; case of alleged sex assault at Funeral

Published

11 mins ago

May 21, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – At the funeral service for her late brother, RYAN MUSGROVE, who was allegedly murdered by beheading, Ms. Ethlyn Musgrove, aged 51, flew in from the United States of America (USA). While at the burial site, she alleged that she was sexually assaulted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

Shortly after returning home, she reported the alleged sexual assault to the local police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The police investigation, spanning from November 30, 2023 (the date of the alleged attack), to February 13, 2024 (the date the accused was charged), resulted in the arrest of JAMES STANLEY GODET, a 60-year-old TCI senior citizen.

He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court earlier this year and pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has arranged for the alleged victim, Ms. Musgrove, to return to the Turks and Caicos to testify before Her Honor The Resident Magistrate, Mrs. Oreika Selver Gardiner, in the trial scheduled to commence and run for two or more days between Monday, May 20th, and Tuesday, May 21st, 2024.

The defendant’s counsel is senior defense attorney Mr. Finbar Grant.

Magnetic Media will keep you updated on the outcome of this trial.