PUBLIC ADVISORY

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to remind the public to be vigilant during this influenza season. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as September, however, most of the flu activity often peaks between December and February.  This is also the most favourable season for other respiratory infectious diseases including COVID19.

Worldwide, respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID19 result in an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths, particularly among high-risk groups including the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, health workers and those with serious medical conditions. Influenza (flu) and COVID19 are caused by contagious viruses resulting in respiratory illnesses with the following signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headache
• Loss of taste
• Loss of smell

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is committed to keeping the Turks and Caicos Islands population healthy, and persons are advised to visit the Primary Health Care clinics within their respective communities to receive the influenza and the COVID19 vaccine which are offered free of charge.

The COVID19 vaccine is bivalent which offers protection from the original strain of the SARS-CoV2 and the Omicron variant. It also triggers a response to newer subvariants of the omicron variant.  The bivalent vaccine is available for those over the age of 18 years as a booster. Those aged 16 and 17 years can receive the Pfizer vaccine as the booster.  Boosters are needed to boost immunity if persons have received the vaccine more than 3 months previously as immunity is known to wane with time.

In addition to having the vaccines, the Ministry of Health and Human Services would like to recommend the following health tips which can help to 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 frequently 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 rub.
• 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, particularly those who are in the vulnerable group.
• If you or your child is sick with the flu or flu-like symptoms, stay home from work, school and daycare.  You will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
• 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.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Get your Flu shot today!!!

For more information, contact your health care provider or the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 338-2772 or 338-4942.  For information on the vaccine contact the Primary Health Care Department on 338-5469. Please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Turks and Caicos, December 9, 2024 – What defines a person’s legacy: their struggles, their triumphs, or the impact they leave on others? For one Grand Turk native, Clyde Holiday, better known as “Crab”, the answer lies in an unwavering commitment to perseverance, faith, and community.

Born to an American Air Force father and a Turks Islander mother, this fearless son of the soil grew up in a small island community. From a young age, he embraced challenges, first as a motorcyclist and later as a skilled operator of heavy equipment and a businessman.

A passion for machinery and mechanics led him to Florida, where he perfected his craft and also worked in the restaurant industry. He later earned a certification as a marine mechanic. His entrepreneurial spirit, however, was not without hurdles.

Like many self-starters, he encountered failures in his early ventures. Yet, he refused to let setbacks define him. His first business venture came with a partnership chance with a Bahamian businessman in the meat industry which was a major breakthrough.

It proved that opportunity often arrives disguised as hard work, but success was fleeting. Entangled with the wrong crowd, he succumbed to addiction—a devastating chapter that brought legal troubles and shattered dreams.

What followed was a journey of redemption. While incarcerated, he experienced a moment of spiritual reckoning, drawing strength from his faith and a Bible verse that stayed with him: “God gave men dominion over all things, but only He can change a man.”

Rejecting despair, he leaned into his community, church, and family, finding support in his first wife and guidance from local leaders. Emerging from this crucible, he rebuilt his life, uniting his faith and entrepreneurial drive.

His turning point came in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, when the storm devastated Turks and Caicos, leaving the government financially crippled.

This was his opportunity to step up and as a heavy equipment operator, he worked for years under an IOU agreement, repairing infrastructure and helping his country rebuild.

His sacrifices eventually paid off, enabling him to invest in a thriving grocery business and apartments.

What others viewed as disaster, he transformed into opportunity—a lesson in resilience for a nation still grappling with systemic challenges.

Today, he oversees seven businesses, embodying the potential of self-made success. Yet his greatest pride lies not in personal wealth but in community impact.

A staunch advocate for youth empowerment at an earlier age.

He calls for targeted education programs in schools to nurture trade skills, because not everyone is college bound. He also calls for unionization of suppliers to lower costs of goods, and reforms to strengthen economic self-sufficiency.

His philosophy challenges politicians and citizens alike to rethink their roles in how they can help shape the country’s future.

For skeptics, his story raises difficult questions about the role of personal responsibility versus systemic reform. Is it enough to inspire individuals, or must societies provide the structures to support their potential? His life suggests both are necessary. By turning personal struggles into public contributions, he exemplifies how individual resilience can intersect with collective progress.

When asked how he wishes to be remembered, his response is as inspiring as his journey: “For my love, charity, and care for the people of this great country.”

His life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and a vision that extends beyond self-interest—a legacy that challenges us all to think bigger.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Employment Services Department is happy to announce the opening of our Online Work Permit Portal, effective 13^th January 2025. This new system will make the work permit application procedure more efficient and straightforward.

Both will be able to access the portal:

• Corporate Applicants: Businesses or groups submitting applications on behalf of their staff members.

• General Applicants: People who apply for work permits directly.

A link to the portal APS Login and a demo video Application Processing System 18.Nov.2024.wmv with step-by-step instructions https://borderforceapps.gov.tc/download/guide.pdf is provided to ensure a smooth transition and ease of use. These resources will guide users through the registration process and demonstrate how to navigate and use the portal effectively.

This initiative is part of our commitment to improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and enhancing accessibility for all applicants.

We encourage all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the portal before its launch. Training resources and detailed instructions are available to ensure a smooth transition.

For more information or assistance, please get in touch with the Employment Services Department at:

• Phone: 338-5639/4115

• Email: lsgibbs@gov.tc or cjoutten@gov.tc
• Website: APS Login

The Department appreciates your cooperation as we transition to this innovative platform to serve you better.