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All gone; 4,684 Vaccinated in Turks and Caicos

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H.E. Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor, gets final jab of COVID vaccine

#TurksandCaicos, February 2, 2021 – Turks and Caicos residents have exhausted all of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccines sent to the territory by the UK Foreign Development & Commonwealth Office said the Deputy Governor and Premier on Monday following their second jab at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales.

“We would have been the first to get our second dose, fully vaccinated here in Turks and Caicos.  And of course as usually we are being observed for the fifteen minutes, and we would have passed that period and again I am feeling quite fine.  Last shot, I had no reaction whatsoever, not even soreness of arm, so it has been the same experience thus far (for the second jab),” said Sharlene Robinson, Premier and joint-chair of the Vaccine Oversight Committee for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Stood side-by-side, the country’s leading ladies marked the historic significance with an impressive report.

“Also today and tomorrow we are going to be wrapping up our first doses of administration. We have done quite well over the past three weeks, we’ve done extremely well and today we have vaccinated a total of 4,684 persons in the Turks and Caicos; that includes 392 persons in Grand Turk, 82 persons on the island of North Caicos and 140+ persons on the island of Parrot Cay,” said Anya Williams, Deputy Governor who is the co-chair on the Vaccine Oversight Committee.

It was also shared that clinics for vaccination against Covid-19 continued on Monday in Grand Turk and South Caicos and Salt Cay are due for their appointments to be met sometime this week.

Though Magnetic Media’s earlier report of Public Health being congratulated for success in administering over 2,000 vaccines appeared to paint the complete picture, it did not; that figure left out the private medical centers which supported the surge in demand for the shots.

“It is free of cost to the person receiving the vaccination, but under the MOU Government paid $85 per person vaccinated through the private clinics. They would have been assisting us and did so greatly in terms of the numbers (of people) that were vaccinated through the private clinics,” explained the Premier and Minister of Finance.

The Deputy Governor said two thirds of those vaccinated received their shot at one of five private practitioners who were grafted into the vaccination roll-out via a Memorandum of Understanding; signed last month.

As cases numbers spiked, as global reports grew more grim, as the local death toll to Covid-19 soared so did the interest for the vaccine. 

“Now we are seeing a mad rush, when we are literally at the end and so there are persons who are coming up now, I say to you: don’t be discouraged, you have to now wait until the second batch.  But we are still keeping for senior citizens and frontline workers because it is very, very important that we vaccinate that group,” said the Premier. 

Registration for the Covid-19 Vaccine continues as the TCI feels confident of the next batch; though how it will get here is a work in progress with British Airways flights suspended until March.

“The complication for us is that persons may be aware that BA has cancelled their direct flights at the moment so we are still working on transportation and how we are going to get the vaccine here into the islands; so we are working very closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on that as well.  Even the government we are leading to see how best we can assist, even if there is a cost to us  because we know that the first batch of vaccines were provided completely free of charge by the united Kingdom,” said Her Excellency, Anya Williams.

If your preference is for the AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson branded vaccines; it is unlikely you will get them in Turks and Caicos, said HE Anya Williams.

“Turks and Caicos would have already started with the Pfizer vaccine, we have done a lot of work around that, we have done a lot of communication, a lot of education… certainly we are not going to turn away any opportunity for the vaccine but of course our preference is to continue with the Pfizer vaccine, which we would have begun with.” 

The world is clamoring now for the coveted vaccines due production demands and shortage in supply; still co-chair of the TCI Vaccine Oversight Committee, Premier Sharlene Robinson explained Turks and Caicos remains in a good position to meet its target of vaccination for all adults due to its population size.

“I think we are in a very, very, good place in terms of being able to advocate to the UK, we are a very small population so that’s the beauty of it and they are very committed to assisting the overseas territories.  Again, we have to appreciate what privilege this is because there are so many leading independent countries in the region that are trying to get into arrangements,” the Premier added, “We have demonstrated, in this first batch that there is an uptake, that people are interested that’s why it was so important what happened with the first batch so that we could make a case for the additional.” 

Among the other country leaders getting that second jab at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre today were His Excellency, Nigel Dakin, the Governor and his wife Mandy; Hon Karen Malcolm, the Minister of Education and Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of the TCI Hospitals.

The remaining available doses of the vaccine are reserved for South Caicos, Salt Cay and priority people on those islands. 

The UK, on January 7, 2021 sent enough doses of the vaccine to inoculate four thousand, eight hundred and seventy five people in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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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