TCI News

Fulford calls for establishment of COVID19 Medical Council

Published

4 years ago

August 26, 2020

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – August 26, 2020 — SUBMITTED – After a careful analysis of the daily Ministry of Health (MOH) COVID-19 updates for the week of August 17^th, one needs no convincing that the Ministry of Health needs urgent nonpartisan private sector help in tackling this pandemic.

In our beloved TCI, concerns have heightened to uncontrollable levels, as we continue to observe the tremendous increase of positives cases. During the week of August 17th, 2020 in the midst of daily double digit increases of COVID19 positives, we have seen a number of troubling signs such as:

The key MoH Lab Official charged with testing was terminated, without any public explanation for his immediate dismissal. Many are suggesting this is cause for concern;

Private facilities were directed to stop doing covid19 tests due to the abrupt introduction of a new policy without wide consultation with the industry.

The Police Force announcement of positive covid19 cases within the Force administration where several members were placed into quarantine.

The MoH temporarily shut its office in the epicenter of the virus- Provo, for deep cleaning because its own staff tested positive.

The public was advised that community spread continues.

Without any explanation we note a drastic and sudden increase of recoveries on the dashboard in the past 48 hours.

The MoH ran out of COVID19 Tests; the Minister was warned about this happening, when my article scrutinised the donation of 10,000 of our country’s much needed Covid19 test kits to the Bahamas. I had specifically asked for an inventory check of test kits on hand and had questioned whether we were giving away supplies that we ourselves needed in order to increase our on-island testing capacity. To date, the only answer received from the Minister of Health in that regard, is still in question, as the amount he stated had been given to the Bahamas was extremely lower than the amount officials in the Bahamas declared they received from our Government.

The MOH Covid19 dashboard continues to show it is not adhering to key established guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) which is “to test and isolate all confirmed cases, even mild cases in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care”.

So my question to the Minister of Health and the MoH Oofficials, is why are we not isolating all COVID19 positives in a facility? this is a crucial part of WHO’s recommendation that seem to be falling on deaf ears in the TCI and clearly is one of the main reason contributing to the rise of this dreadful disease within our communities. If we are to tackle the fight of COVID19 head on, this government must be seen as one that is spending the people’s funds on the necessary facilities and systems to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.

A PROPOSED SOLUTION

I am recommending the MoH immediately establish a Nonpartisan Covid19 Medical Council (CMC) made up of Physicians and Health Care Professionals from both the Private and public Sector. The CMC should be tasked with effectively monitoring and responding to covid-19 pandemic in the TCI. The CMC responsibilities should also involve a range of efforts relating to the diagnosis, response, and treatment of COVID-19 and supporting solutions to bring an end to this crisis.

The MoH must remember, that this pandemic is far from nearing an end, as there are various other aspects it will need a pool of resourceful professionals within the industry to lean on in the coming months, with regard to new tests for COVID-19, new therapeutics, and the long awaited vaccines which may soon be available.

Covid19 is EVERYBODY’S business and if we are to combat this pandemic, the government must find a way to enlist as much of our own local expertise to overcome the widespread effects of this illness and save the health and overall wellbeing of our nation’s populace.

The CMC will allow for a wider Action-Tank to provide swift and rapid suggestions including a way forward for facility isolation of COVID19 positive patients. Whilst I welcome this week’s MOH most notable adjustment of the dashboard role reflecting cases by island, it is evident that this fight cannot be undertaken by them alone. The hope is that the CMC will greatly assist MOH as the challenge to combat COVID19 continues to evolve. We are all in this fight together and must remember that the health of our nation is the wealth of our nation.

We can only emerge from this emergency be working together. It is my sound advice that the MoH should establish our own Covid19 Medical Council and should do so now.

Mark A Fulford

Related Topics:#coronavirus #covid19 #lettertotheeditor #mafchambers #magneticmedianews #markfulford #medicalcouncil #turksandcaicosislands

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Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 11 DECEMBER 2024

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41^st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11^th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the TCI Airports Authority.
Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:

PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration

PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna

PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 4TH DECEMBER 2024

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40^th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4^th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

News

Collaborative Operational Training for RT&CIPF Officers

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, 20th January, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI’s remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.

“The partnership with the DEA under Op BAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF’s operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement.”

DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: “As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands’ safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.”

The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.

#PartnershipsMatter #safertci

Courtesy of RTCIPF Facebook