Turks and Caicos, September 13, 2024 – With the summer heat intensifying, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, which can pose serious health risks. Heat-related illnesses include conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash. Vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions, are at increased risk.

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses:

1. Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature rises above 103°F. Symptoms include confusion, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.
2. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. It can lead to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.
3. Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms usually occurring in the legs or abdomen, often due to heavy sweating and loss of salt and water.
4. Heat Rash: Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating, presenting as red clusters of small blisters.

 Prevention Tips

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
2. Stay Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned environments.
3. Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing. Use hats and sunscreen when outdoors.
4. Limit Outdoor Activities: Limit strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor events for the cooler morning or evening hours. Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors if you must be outside.
5. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that family members, friends, and neighbours, especially those who are elderly or have health conditions, are staying cool and hydrated.

If someone shows signs of heat-related illness:

1. Move them to a cooler environment
2. Apply cool, wet cloths to their body or have them take a cool bath.
3. Offer sips of water if they are conscious.
4. Call 911 immediately if you suspect heat stroke.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, commented, “We want to ensure that everyone stays safe during these extreme heat conditions. By taking simple preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Our goal is to inform and protect the community, especially our most vulnerable members.”

United Kingdom, September 13, 2024 – A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands will visit the UK Parliament for the Good Governance and Public Finance Forum.

This week, delegates from the Turks and Caicos Islands are among 39 Overseas Territories representatives attending the Sixth UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finance, hosted in the UK Parliament and UK National Audit Office.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ delegation includes members of the House of Assembly and National Audit Office. Held between 10 – 12 September 2024, the UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finances is an important event for many parliamentarians, parliamentary officials, and government auditors across Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the flagship annual conference, focused on enhancing good governance and oversight of public finance, the Forum stands as an important opportunity for parliamentarians, officials, and auditors alike to meet and share best practices.

Sarah Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of CPA UK, said: “Over the past eight years, the UK Overseas Territories Project has brought together people from across the Overseas Territories, the UK, and the Crown Dependencies to share good practice and exchange ideas. The Forum in London will be a great opportunity to strengthen the existing networks and partnerships across the Overseas Territories and build new ones.”

Hon. Gordon J. Burton, MHA, Speaker of the House of Assembly, said: “The CPA UK has been an invaluable partner to the House of Assembly for many years by providing training opportunities to members and by conducting post-election seminars through the UKOTP. This seminar is a continuation of that collaboration which strengthens our members ability to carry out their duties as members of the oversight committees of the House.”

The Forum is hosted by the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the UK Government Internal Audit Agency, and the UK National Audit Office.

Since 2016, the three organisations have worked with the authorities in the British Overseas Territories to deliver training, spaces to share knowledge learnt and insights gained, as well as opportunities for professionals to visit their counterparts overseas.

Wilkie Arthur and Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 13, 2024 – A barking dog is what drew attention to the baby left abandoned on a couple’s front porch in Kew Town, Providenciales on the morning of Tuesday September 3.

Discovered by a husband and wife, they reported to Eagle Legal News Media that they emerged from their residence to see what was going on, and were stunned to discover a most unexpected cause for the fuss; a baby boy, clad only in diapers, sitting outside on their porch.

“…it left me wondering and baffled as to how or what could have gotten into a mother and/or possibly a father to just abandon their baby on a total stranger’s porch…” said Wilkie Arthur, who picked up on the story and spoke to those involved in the sensitive case.

The Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit of the Royal TCI Police Force was immediately called in to investigate the peculiar matter.  It was described as emotional by an officer who opted to speak off the record, but candidly about the rare situation.

“Speaking to a female officer, whom we can’t name, due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of this case, she stated this was the most painful incident she’s ever heard of in all her years serving as an officer.”

It broke her down to tears informed the news blast which went out early on the morning of Wednesday September 4.

Communication with the TCI Police revealed that: “On Tuesday, 3rd September, the police responded to a report from a resident in the Dock Yard area of Providenciales that a child was found alone on their porch.

Officers responded to the address where a male child, approximately one-year-old, was found in the resident’s custody. Officers transported the child to the police station, and the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit of the RT&CIPF and the Department of Social Development were informed.

Enquiries commenced, and investigations revealed that the child had been left in the care of an elderly relative who had fallen asleep. The child managed to unlock a door and wandered off.

Given the circumstances, the relative was given a stern warning by officers.”

Residents of Dock Yard in Kew Town were in a state of shock over the situation.  Initially no one had claimed the child.  As stated by police, the child has since been reunited with his family.