#Nassau, December 13, 2019 – Bahamas – The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that as a part of its daily routine screenings in the hurricane shelters, one case of Tuberculosis (TB) was suspected and the patient admitted to the hospital for treatment. Once active TB was confirmed, the contact tracing protocol began and persons who may have come into contact with the individual (a student) are being contacted and tested for TB exposure/infection.
As of 11th December, 2019, two hundred seventy-three (273) persons in the Kendal G. L. Isaacs shelter have been screened. Of that number sixty-three (63) had positive skin tests, indicating an exposure to TB at some time in their past. As a part of the TB protocol those persons will also receive a chest x-ray to determine whether they have active TB or were merely exposed to someone with TB. At the school that the student attends, thirty-six (36) persons were also screened. As the results from the skin test have to be read between 48 hours and 72 hours after placement, those results are pending.
Although the active case was identified in the shelter, it does not mean that is where the infection originated. According to Health Minister, Dr. Duane Sands, “the person has active TB, we do not know where it was acquired, and all of the contacts have to be traced.”
In The Bahamas the TB rate is less than 20 per 100,000 making The Bahamas a low “incidence” country. The Ministry of Health wishes to remind the public to always practice proper handwashing, coughing and sneezing hygiene to help prevent the spread of any infections. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacteria that usually affects the lungs or throat where the disease may be infectious.
TB can also attack other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain where it is usually not infectious. TB is a disease that is spread through the air. When a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, talks or spits, people nearby may breathe in the bacteria and may become infected.
People with active TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This can include family members, friends, and co-workers.
For
some people who breathe in the Tuberculosis bacteria and become infected, the
body is able to fight the bacteria and it remains inactive in their body. This
is called latent TB infection.
People
with latent TB infection-
· have no symptoms
· do not feel sick
· cannot spread TB to others
· usually have a “positive”, TB skin test reaction and
· can develop active TB disease if they do not receive
treatment for latent TB disease infection.
In
other persons with latent TB, especially those who have weak immune systems,
the bacteria can become active and cause TB disease.
Symptoms
of Tuberculosis depend on where in the body the bacteria grows. TB in the lungs
may cause symptoms such as-
· a bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks,
· pain in the chest and,
· coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the
lungs).
Other
symptoms of active TB disease include-
· weakness or fatigue,
· weight loss,
· no appetite,
· chills,
· fever and
· sweating at night.
People
with active TB disease can be treated and cured with medical help. Additionally
people with latent TB infection can take medication so that they will not
develop active TB disease.
You
should get tested for Tuberculosis if-
· you have spent time with a person known to have active TB
disease or suspected to have active TB disease.
· you have HIV infection or another condition that puts you at
high risk for active TB disease. · you think you might have
active TB disease.
#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.
Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.
The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.
In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.
The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.
(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)
Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.
The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships.
The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.
“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.
Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.
Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”
The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives.
In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.
It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.