Health
Opposition Leader has advice for TCIG now that Delta variant landed
#TurksandCaicos, August 20, 2021 –
We should Be Concerned about the Delta Variant
After a year and a half, we are still in the pandemic. It is the survival of the fittest between humans and the coronavirus Variants. We are racing to herd immunity, to get more people vaccinated and to get more effective antiviral medications.
We are seeing people dismiss COVID as a just another common cold, and even worse not wearing masks in public places or social distancing. We are also seeing a lack of compliance to the established COVID-19 protocols. We are seeing most safety protocols being abandoned and persons going back to business as usual pre-COVID. We are seeing persons, some who are vaccinated, travelling to cities with high rates of new COVID-19 cases and returning back home to the Turks and Caicos Islands without knowing their COVID status.
With new cases now emerging daily in the TCI the situation could deteriorate very rapidly. We should not allow the flood gates to be wide open. We as a country cannot ease up our efforts at this time, and should not stop fighting until the virus has been defeated. We have to do whatever it takes to battle this unseen enemy.
Therefore, we should be very concerned about the newer, faster transmitting, Delta Variant (B16172). This Variant seems to be the prevalent strain circulating in the TCI at the moment, and has been seen to be two times more infectious than the original G-Variant. Recent reports from the UK indicate that the Delta Variant is infecting younger people more than the original variant, and that the symptoms are different.
With the original variant infected persons would present with symptoms of high fever, muscle pains, cough, severe chest pain etc., but with the Delta Variant, many infected persons are presenting with symptoms of stuffy or running nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild headaches. Younger people usually show little or no symptoms, and are less likely to get tested, hence not knowing their COVID status and possible spreading the virus more.
Additionally, scientific data sources are now showing that vaccinated persons with a good immune system may also become infected and show little or mild symptoms, and not get tested, and possibly spread the virus to susceptible individuals. 
Viruses have one goal, that is to make more copies of themselves (to multiply), and since they can’t do it on their own, they use us (a host). They infect our body cells and use them to make copies of themselves. They replicate themselves many times, making millions of copies of themselves, but eventually it makes a mistake. The mistake is referred to as a mutation, and it changes the instructions for making the virus. That slightly altered virus is a Variant. Mutations in viruses happen all the time, producing new variants. Most of the time these mutations are insignificant or make the virus weaker, and they naturally disappear. But sometimes a series of mutations makes the virus stronger, and gives it an edge over its host. These advantages include giving the viruses the ability to bind to the human cells better, and the ability to enter the cells easier, making the virus more transmissible, allowing it to become the dominant strain in many places around the world.
It is important to remember that mutations are random errors, but the longer a virus is around, and the more people it infects, the more it will change, and the more those changes accumulate, the more chance the virus has to evolve into a more dangerous variant.
The Delta Variant which is the most recent addition to this list of dangerous Variants, is described as a “Double Mutant”, whose mutations seems to make it more transmissible, as it binds to the cell receptors better than other variants, thus blocking those other variants from binding. Its mutations also made it more easy to infect people who have had COVID-19. This means this Variant has a greater change to evade our body’s natural immune response.
Scientific Data has shown that the immune response we get from vaccines are stronger than what we get from a natural response to the virus. Therefore, we would see some persons who previously contracted COVID-19 becoming re-infected, and there would be persons who have taken the vaccine becoming infected with COVID-19 (breakthrough cases). But the difference being seen is that the effect on vaccinated individuals is less severe with possibly no symptoms and are less likely to be admitted to the hospital.
The virus has evolved, and will continue to produce variants, some which may give it an advantage. So if we want to prevent the possibility of a deadlier, and more transmissible strain from developing, we need to stop the Virus.
The Pandemic is not over, even if it feels that way to some of us. The virus has mutated to become more transmissible. Now is not the time for the Turks and Caicos, nor the rest of the world to let its guard down.
The Delta Variant is now presenting as the prevalent variant in a number of countries, and certainly it is now present in the Turks & Caicos. The more we test the more we pick up on silent cases in our communities.
We are now better equipped to respond to the pandemic, and our ability to test is now so much better. Our hospital capacity is now much better to deal with COVID patients, including the availability of oxygen generation.
The New PNP Government must now do its part and insure that our Health Care System stays adequately staffed with the necessary health professionals to care for our hospitalized individuals, and that the right complement of health workers is employed to respond to Outbreaks and Pandemics, that is, having trained staff to perform Surveillance and Monitoring activities, Compliance activities, Testing and research, quarantining, vaccinating, community work, and School Health.
Additionally, the new PNP Government needs to make the tough, and sometimes unpopular decision to ensure that the right policies and guidelines are put in place for the mitigation of further spread of Variants, and for protecting our country and our people.
We should never just focus on what we are seeing today, but must always try to keep a few steps ahead of the virus, by looking at what future advances and abilities are needed. The Government should be looking at what are the technologies and enhancements we could make based on the lessons we have learned, and making the containment, monitoring, and reduction in spread of COVID Variant, and other new viruses much better the next time around.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with United
Nations officials now warning that the disease has spread across multiple eastern provinces and become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of May 26 the outbreak had reached 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Six healthcare workers are among those who have died.
The United Nations says humanitarian teams remain actively engaged in treatment, surveillance, community outreach and disease containment efforts. However, the response is being complicated by insecurity, population movement and restrictions affecting the delivery of supplies and personnel.
While the outbreak remains confined to Africa, authorities in The Bahamas recently activated emergency health protocols after two men who had spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport aboard a British Airways flight.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the travelers were isolated after presenting low-grade fevers upon arrival on May 22. Officials later
reported that the fevers subsided and neither individual displayed symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.
The two men, identified as a British national residing in Australia and a French national, were transferred to the Modular Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for continued monitoring.
Health officials emphasized that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in The Bahamas and assessed the risk to the public as low.
Still, the growing outbreak overseas has prompted increased vigilance. Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is reviewing whether additional travel measures may be necessary for countries affected by the outbreak.
The United Nations this week announced up to US$60 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, warning that rapid action remains critical to preventing further spread.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
May 27, 2026 – Today, Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada proudly joins the global healthcare community in observing International Emergency Medicine Day, recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication, courage, and compassion of emergency healthcare professionals who stand on the frontlines of patient care every single day.
International Emergency Medicine Day is observed annually on May 27 to promote professional, competent, and timely emergency medical
care for all people around the world. Emergency medicine professionals provide lifesaving care for patients facing critical illnesses and injuries, often during the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.
At the heart of every emergency department is a team of highly skilled and committed professionals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and allied healthcare professionals who work tirelessly together to save lives and provide hope when it is needed most.
Emergency medicine focuses on the rapid assessment and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, severe bleeding, and sepsis. Emergency teams care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care according to the urgency of their condition through the triage system.
As the safety net of the hospital, the Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving patients during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and daily medical emergencies. The demanding nature of emergency care requires teamwork, resilience, professionalism, and compassion.
“Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to emergency medicine,” said Dr Monnique-Chadee Waite, Head of the Emergency Department. “Our emergency team is there during some of the toughest moments in people’s lives. Their commitment, expertise, and compassion make a difference every single day. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and we deeply appreciate every member of our department.”
Shantell Gardiner, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, highlighted the dedication of the nursing team and support staff.
“Emergency nursing requires strength, compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork. Every day our nurses and support teams provide comfort and care to patients and families during stressful and emotional situations. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our team demonstrates every single shift. We appreciate each and every member of our Emergency Department family for the vital role they play in saving lives.”
Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, added, “Emergency medicine professionals are among the most vital frontline caregivers in healthcare. Their ability to respond quickly, work collaboratively, and remain calm under pressure saves countless lives. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for continuously striving to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to every patient.”
Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, also expressed gratitude to the department. “On this International Emergency Medicine Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to our emergency teams for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. They represent the very best of healthcare, courage, teamwork, professionalism, and humanity. We thank them for standing ready every day and night to care for our community when it matters most.”
The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within Emergency Departments. Emergency Departments follow a system called Triage, where patients are treated according to the severity and urgency of their condition rather than arrival time. Supporting emergency healthcare workers and respecting the triage process helps medical teams provide safer, faster, and more compassionate care to all patients.
Today and every day, the Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada salutes its Emergency Department team for their dedication, resilience, and lifesaving work.
Teamwork makes the dream work and we appreciate you.
Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2026 – Residents in Grand Turk raised concerns last week after a cruise ship previously linked to a major
norovirus outbreak was cleared to dock in the Turks and Caicos Islands days after passengers were reportedly denied disembarkation in The Bahamas over health fears.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak sickened 115 people — including 102 passengers and 13 crew members — during a voyage which ran from April 28 to May 11. The illnesses involved symptoms commonly associated with norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea.
The outbreak became public on May 7 and quickly triggered concern across the region.
Authorities in Nassau reportedly refused to allow passengers off the vessel because of public health concerns connected to the outbreak.
That decision later fueled anxiety among some Turks and Caicos residents when the ship proceeded to Grand Turk on May 15.
Residents’ concerns were not without cause.
Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness often associated with cruise ships, hotels, schools and other environments where large groups of people share close quarters. The virus primarily causes sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea, and spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces and person-to-person contact.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most healthy people recover within one to three days, but norovirus can become serious — and occasionally fatal — for elderly individuals, young children and people with weakened immune systems because of severe dehydration. While the overall fatality rate is considered very low, the CDC estimates norovirus contributes to hundreds of deaths annually in the United States, mainly among vulnerable populations.
The Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health and Human Services had said in a press statement on May 15, it believed the risks had been
effectively neutralized before the vessel arrived in Grand Turk.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry said the ship had already returned to Florida, where passengers disembarked and “comprehensive sanitization and deep-cleaning procedures were completed” before operations resumed.
The Ministry also stressed that its Public Health Team maintained “close and continuous communication” with the ship’s medical personnel, Carnival Cruise Line officials and stakeholders at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre before approving the docking.
Routine inspections and standard port health procedures were also carried out, according to officials.
The Ministry further reassured the public that there were “currently no public health concerns” associated with the vessel’s arrival.
Still, the situation once again highlighted the delicate balancing act Caribbean nations face between protecting public health and sustaining tourism economies heavily dependent on cruise arrivals.
Officials are now encouraging vendors, taxi operators, tour companies and businesses to continue practicing strong sanitation and hygiene measures as an added precaution.
Residents were also reminded that frequent handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of norovirus and other infectious illnesses.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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