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Magnetic Media response to TCI Minister of Health Edwin Astwood

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – August 28, 2020 — It took nearly two days, but the Minister of Health informs that he was aware but unprepared to reveal to the country that there was a third COVID-19 death at the time of his Wednesday August 26 press conference.

The information was withheld intentionally admits Minister Edwin Astwood in that statement issued today. 

The reason given by the Minister is he needed more time for his team to notify next of kin or family of the death of the person in question.

‘Next of kin notification’ is the reason officials may provide for withholding the identification of a deceased person; the goal is to ensure the loved ones of the deceased is well aware of their death before personal information is released to the general public or media.   

In this instance ‘Next of Kin’ as a reason for not informing of a COVID-19 death is utterly irrelevant. 

Here’s why:  The statement, which was eventually issued on Wednesday night to inform of the death still had no identity, no time of death, no sex or age of the person. 

In the end, the Minister in his Wednesday press release only said, what he could have said earlier… that there was a third COVID-19 related death.

The Minister claims he is deeply concerned and goes on to try to chastise Magnetic Media for exposing one of two possible scenarios.  And there were two…

We questioned if it was a convenient truth intentionally left out at the press meeting.

We also offered that it was possible the Minister was unaware of the death at the time of the press conference.

We now know that he did intentionally leave it out.  We also now know that he was well aware of the death and suspicion for possible cause of death.

Magnetic Media takes this opportunity to state that in our obviously powerful, little WhatsApp blast we are speaking solely about Minister of Health, Edwin Astwood;  no one else. 

This clarification must be made since the Minister tries to promote the hypothesis that my piece was directed at his ‘health professionals’.

It was not.  It was just directed at the Minister with responsibility for Health, Agriculture, Sports and  Human Services.

It is concerning that the Minister of Health found the time to draft and issue a two page media statement on our report which is of unquestionable accuracy.  From where I sit, there is much critical work to be done.  From what we are told, the Health Team is overwhelmed with an enormous work load.   It is not useful to us for our Minister of Health to be “catching feelings” every time something of essence is said related to his ministry.

We are thinking, participating beings and this is our country too.

We are in a multi-faceted crisis, together.  That people are dying as a result is a vital fact.  It should not have been left out of a national press conference.  It actually would have worked to underscore the urgency of residents to adhere to the health messages.

To the Minister:  Magnetic Media will not shrink from citing what is noteworthy and news worthy because you are chaffed Mr. Minister…  and perhaps if there was any response to Magnetic Media’s emails, texts, voice note or calls – I could believe you were truly sincere when you say you want a partnership.

Accountability.  Transparency.  Kudos when you nail it.  Call out when you drop it. Get used to your job and welcome to the new normal.

Deandrea Hamilton, CEO – Magnetic Media

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Health

Ministry of Health and Human Services Launched Electronic Patient Care Report (Ambpro)

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly announces the successful launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR), marking a historic milestone in emergency healthcare services. The official unveiling ceremony took place on March 12, 2024 at the Atrium conference room.

In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including  Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Culture, Heritage and Religious Affairs, Honourable Josephine Connolly; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honourable Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove; and the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, who recognized the significance of the ePCR system in promoting public health and safety. Their presence underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements to better serve the needs of the population. Thus reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at improving emergency healthcare services and strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service’s capabilities.

During the launch event, the Minister of Health and Human Services highlighted the transformative impact of the ePCR system on patient care and emergency response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare, the Minister expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who contributed to the development and implementation of the ground breaking technology. The Deputy Premier praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the ePCR system, affirming its potential to revolutionize emergency medical services especially the pre-hospital management of citizens and visitors across the country.

The Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing technology to advance patient care. “The introduction of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services,” said Mr Brijmohansingh. “This innovative system empowers our teams with the tools they need to deliver swift and effective care, while ensuring that patient information is accurately captured and securely shared.”

The Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) represents a significant advancement in the National Ambulance Service’s mission to deliver efficient and high-quality emergency medical care to citizens across the nation. Developed with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, the ePCR system streamlines the documentation process, enhances communication, and ensures the seamless transfer of patient information between emergency responders and healthcare facilities.

The launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in the evolution of emergency medical services, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. With its implementation, the National Emergency Medical Services reaffirms its dedication to providing timely and effective care to individuals in their time of need.

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Education

Ministry of Education launches 2024 Season of Scholarship Applications

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 6th March, 2024– The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services would like to announce the launch of the 2024 scholarship application season which opens on March 11th 2024. This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.  For more information on our priority areas please visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat

Estimated awards within each award category as follows: –

  • Standard Financial Assistance ………………………………………………….(55) including:

o    Cadet Financial Assistance …………………………………………………(2)

o    The TCI Hope Award …………………………………………………………..(2)

o    Intl. Associate’s Degree / A-Level awards ……………………… (3)

o    TCICC Academic Excellence Award …………………………………..(7-preselected)

  • Athletic Financial Assistance ……………………………………………………..(3)
  • National Scholars Awards ………………………………………………………….(4 -preselected)
  • Special Needs Students Financial Assistance Award ……………(2)
  • BWIC – GCE Advanced Level …………………………………………………….(3)

Explanatory notes in the link provided above outlines the criteria for each award category.

Our new application method

Our new application method for financial assistance marks a departure from traditional email or paper submissions; all applications must now be submitted exclusively through tcig-nefa.grantplatform.com/. Utilizing the Good Grants platform, an internationalized grant-making platform, applicants can easily apply online by clicking the provided link.

Dates

  • Application deadline: 30th May, 2024 at [11:59 pm] [EST]
  • Please note the application deadline, this date is final and there will be no extensions provided for the initial submission. The system will automatically prevent application submission after the deadline.
  • There is an extension date for the below documents IF NECESSARY up to June 30th.
    • Acceptance Letter
    • Transcript
  • Successful applicants will be notified in early August 2024.

Support

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Scholarship Secretariat Unit by email to [scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc]. DO NOT SEND APPLICATION SUBMISSION TO THIS ADDRESS.

  • You may edit your application after submitting, up until the deadline date.
  • Please make sure all your personal details are entered accurately, including contact details, so that we may contact you if your application is successful.
  • You are allowed to submit to more than one category, as long as the work submitted meets the criteria. However you can only be awarded 1 award.
  • You can use the ‘copy’ feature to create a copy of your application and change the category as required.

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Education

Department of Special Education Needs Services makes strides at CEC 2024 convention and Expo

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The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing services for exceptional learners through its participation in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2024 Convention and Expo, held in San Antonio, Texas March 12th to 16th 2024. This event, renowned for its dedication to advancing the field of special education, provided a platform for our team to immerse themselves in a wealth of knowledge and resources.

The convention, with a rich history of fostering collaboration and innovation, focused on sensitizing attendees to global initiatives in special education. Our team, consisting of four professionals from the Department of Special Education Needs Services; Mrs. Paulette Simmons – Special Education Teacher at SNAP Center, Jamiliyah Jordan – Speech and Language Pathologist, Christina Joseph – Behavioural Analyst, Lashaunda Skippings – Coordinator of Assessments and one representative from the Department of Education, Mrs. Faaida James – Special Education Officer benefited immensely from four days of information-packed workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge assistive technologies and programs.

 CEC 2024 Convention and Expo has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of special education. Each year, it gathers professionals, researchers, and advocates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to support individuals with exceptional needs.

 Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, and a part of the team, shared her thoughts on the convention, stating, “ The CEC 2024 Convention exceeded my anticipations. It was incredibly enlightening and stimulated thoughtful reflection. I am grateful for the openness of presenters who shared their exemplary practices in Special Education, that address the needs of students with disabilities globally.”

Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of Special Education Needs Services, expressed her excitement about the department’s progress, stating, “The thrill that fills the department and the parents as initiatives in Special Education Needs falls into place remarkably is tangible. We are dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained from events like CEC 2024 to further enhance our services and support for exceptional learners.”

 Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, expressed her commendation for the Department of Special Education Needs Services, stating, “I commend the Department of Special Education Needs Services for their unwavering dedication and proactive stance in participating in the CEC 2024 Convention and Expo. The Ministry acknowledges the pivotal role of such initiatives in elevating the standards of special education services and fostering the comprehensive development of exceptional learners nationwide.” 

 The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive and inclusive support to individuals with special needs. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every exceptional learner can thrive.

 For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and its initiatives, please contact sens@gov.tc.

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