TCI News
Argentina and the UK host Joint Covid Vaccine Webinar with focus on Latin America and the Caribbean
#Caribbean – December 17, 2020- Argentina and the UK hosted a virtual seminar on access to vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean addressing the portfolio of emerging vaccines against Covid-19, the challenge of equitable distribution and how best to tackle vaccine disinformation.
On 14 December 2020, Argentina’s Health Minister, Ginés González García and the UK’s Minister of State for the Americas, Wendy Morton MP opened the virtual seminar “Vaccine profiles, distribution challenges and countering vaccine disinformation in Latin America and the Caribbean”.
The event brought together senior officials and medical experts from across the region to discuss efforts to bring the Covid-19 pandemic to an end and how best to ensure equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
Representatives from 25 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and 11 nations from other regions joined leaders from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Caribbean Health Agency, and The Vaccine Confidence Project.
Doctor Seth Berkley, Gavi CEO, updated attendees on the rapid progress of the COVAX Facility, the global initiative working with governments and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that all countries, no matter their economic circumstances, will have fair and equitable access to vaccines. Both Argentina and the UK back the COVAX Facility and its work to pool the international community’s collective resources, to share and mitigate risks, and to expedite vaccine development and manufacturing.
Diverse Portfolio
The seminar reviewed the emerging portfolio of Covid-19 vaccine candidates and the importance of a diverse range of safe and effective vaccines to enable distribution and delivery at the scale required to end the acute phase of the pandemic. Given the global scale of that challenge, the answer will not lie with one successful vaccine or one single country; a wide range of vaccines, as is being supported by the COVAX Facility, is needed to take into account the many different country contexts and to ensure diverse population groups can be reached as quickly and effectively as possible. Participants addressed the urgent need for investment in specialised distribution infrastructure for that mass vaccination effort, both in the short and long-term, to ensure that we have the structural resilience in place to tackle Covid-19 and future health emergencies.
The event also shared emerging best practice on efforts to counter disinformation and vaccine hesitancy, factors which risk prolonging the crisis by inhibiting people taking up Covid-19 vaccines. Participants agreed transparency, openness and proactive and positive communications were key to overcome vaccine hesitancy and combat disinformation.
This UK-Argentina seminar is the third in a series of joint events with the region. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister Wendy Morton, representing the UK, said:
“I am delighted that the UK is hosting this event with Argentina, a key partner in the global and regional response to Covid-19 playing a vital role in vaccines development and manufacturing in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The UK is committed to ensuring a truly global response to Covid-19, both through events like today’s and through our investment in the world’s multilateral response, including the COVAX Facility. We are proud backers of COVAX as the best mechanism to deliver a truly global response to the pandemic and to realise our goal of equitable access to safe and effective vaccines for all.”
Argentina’s Health Minister, Ginés González García said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is more than a health crisis, it is a human crisis that has revealed, as never before, the vulnerabilities of health systems around the world. However, it provides a unique opportunity to rethink more equitable, inclusive and sustainable societies”.
The UK has pledged up to £548m to the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment, which supports access to vaccines for lower and middle-income countries. This is in addition to the UK’s commitment to COVAX as a self-funding nation.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated
culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.
Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:
Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.
The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.
In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.
TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”
The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the
former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.
This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.” The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:
- Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
- Spa Adventure: July 14–18
- Lit’l Chef: July 21–26
Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.
The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.
Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.
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