Connect with us

Health

US Changes its mind, now all FOREIGNERS must be Vaxxed

Published

on

#USA, September 21, 2021 – The US Embassy yesterday confirmed in a press release that foreign travellers to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated for Covid 19 and the new rule will come to force in early November.

Specifically the update informed:  “As announced by the White House on September 20, beginning in early November, all adult foreign nationals traveling to the United States by air must demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.”

The Monday announcement is touted as an equalizer, but could also be the reason the vaccine-hesitant finally give in to the jabs.

“This requirement will end the need, as of early November, for travelers from certain geographic regions to obtain national interest exceptions under the current presidential proclamations in order to travel to the United States.”

It is reported that already, in places like The Bahamas lines were longer with news that the requirement for vaccination is mandatory in order to travel to the United States by flight.

“Adult foreign nationals will be required to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination prior to boarding a U.S.-bound international flight.”

Already enforced for cruise lines, which resumed in June, is the requirement for all passengers to be fully vaccinated and pre-tested before boarding.

Increasingly, vaccine mandates are becoming the norm for travellers, club-goers, for dine in at restaurants and on the job.

Turks and Caicos on September 1 activated its vaccinated tourists only policy, which requires travellers over 16 to be fully inoculated with one of four of the top-rated vaccines.

The CDC has not yet advised with vaccines will be on the accepted list; the US Embassy office in Nassau said:  “We will look to CDC to guide which vaccines will be accepted, as part of their standard role in determining who is considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of recommended or required international travel protocols.”

We will provide further information for visa applicants and U.S. citizen travelers as it becomes available on our website: travel.state.gov.

In the meantime, Americans who are not fully vaccinated, are cautioned to stay put.  In fact the notice advised: “With the new order, unvaccinated U.S. citizens and LPRs or legal permanent residents who return to the United States will be required to do the following prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight: one, Provide proof of a negative test result taken within one day prior to their departure and Provide proof that they have purchased a viral test to be taken after arrival.”

 

Continue Reading

Health

Ministry Clarifies: No Suspension of Overtime in The Emergency Medical Services Department  

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3 July 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services addresses a memo currently circulating that suggests cessation of overtime within the Emergency Medical Services Department. The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify that this communication does not reflect its current policy or operational plans.

The Emergency Medical Services Department operates on a shift system that ensures that there are staff working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and that more than one ambulance is operational.  The Ministry remains committed to supporting and strengthening emergency medical services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. In fact, the Government has recently invested in the acquisition of eight (8) new ambulances, which are expected to be distributed throughout the islands. This strategic move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance response times and ensure that individuals in need of urgent care receive assistance as quickly as possible.

Currently, there is no plan to suspend overtime for the Emergency Medical Services personnel, however, there is a plan to better manage work schedules to ensure that there is better alignment. The Ministry appreciates the hard work and dedication of all emergency staff and continues to collaborate to ensure services are provided efficiently and safely.

We encourage all staff and members of the public to refer only to official Ministry of Health communications for accurate and current information. An internal review in relation to this matter is in progress.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains focused on improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring the readiness of emergency services across the country.

Continue Reading

Health

Setting a New Standard for Caribbean Wellness Retreats

Published

on

From sunrise meditation to sunset sails, Wymara invites guests to reconnect through a holistic schedule grounded in movement, mindfulness, and place

 

Wymara is redefining the wellness resort experience in the Caribbean. With a bold focus on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and nature, the resort pairs luxurious amenities with purposeful programming designed to reset body and mind. This season, a new daily wellness schedule deepens Wymara’s commitment, offering guests unlimited complimentary classes that encourage reconnection, restoration, and real results.

Designed around the resort’s natural rhythm, the new schedule transitions effortlessly from dynamic activity to intentional stillness. Guests can take part in Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga in the Caribbean’s only in-ocean pool, Revitalizing Sunset Yoga, Sound Bath Meditation, HIIT Workouts, and Mat Pilates, all grounded in a philosophy of space, setting, and connection.

“We see wellness not as an amenity, but as a defining part of the Wymara experience,” says Sarinah Sari, Spa Director. “We aim to create experiences that restore, rebalance, and stay with you, long after you leave the island.”

Classes are led by a team of experienced practitioners like Deep Singh, whose background spans therapeutic yoga, Ayurvedic bodywork, and energy-based healing.                                                                                                                                                                                                          His experience includes time at acclaimed wellness retreats across the Maldives and India, reinforcing Wymara’s commitment to cultivating one of the most compelling in-house wellness teams in the Caribbean.                                                                                                                                   Private sessions are also available by request, allowing guests to personalize their wellness journey with one-on-one instruction in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and energy healing. For a more immersive approach, curated itineraries are available to align movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into a stay designed for lasting impact.

Wymara approaches wellness as a 360° experience, aligning expert-led programming, best-in-class spa treatments, and curated experiences across land and sea. The resort continues to set the pace for integrative wellbeing in Turks and Caicos through:

  • At the heart of Wymara’s spa experience are results-driven treatments by 111SKIN, the science-led luxury skincare brand. This fall, two exclusive 111SKIN treatment rooms will launch at the Villas, elevating the partnership even further.
  • Sunset Cove Beach Club, an expansive wellness destination featuring a 25-metre lap pool, full fitness centre, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi, and courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce.
  • Wymara’s recent Green Globe Certificationsignals its ongoing commitment to sustainability as an essential pillar of the resort’s integrative wellness ethos.
  • plant-forward culinary program, praised for its creativity and balance. Specialized vegan and vegetarian menus are integrated across restaurants, in-villa dining, and custom menus.
  • Complimentary ocean experiences, including reef snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and clear-bottom kayaking, just steps from the sand.
  • Anewly launched Wymara Experience Book, featuring curated recommendations across wellness, adventure, cuisine, and culture to help guests shape their ideal stay.

Continue Reading

Health

TCI receives six (6) additional Certificates of Analyses for commonly prescribed antidiabetic medicine

Published

on

Press Release 

 From the ministry of health and human services

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 24 June 2025 – The Pharmacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) is pleased to report that it has received six (6) additional certificates of analyses following the testing and analyses of six (6) samples of the commonly prescribed antidiabetic medicine, metformin. This brings to a total of 11 samples following the receipt of five (5) certificates of analyses earlier this year. The samples – which have been confirmed as achieving the required quality standard – were selected from batches that have been utilised on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) market.

Certificate of Analysis is a legal document that certifies the quality of a medicine and/or its ingredients known as excipients. The certificate demonstrates that the batch/ sample tested meets all the required quality control standards which confirms product quality and safety.

The Unit continues to partner with the Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department (MQCSD) of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as a part of their risk-based Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) Programme for medicines to conduct these tests and analyses. The TCI’s involvement in the PMS Programme continues to strengthen and support the effectiveness of its medicines regulatory system by:

  • Providing data and information that will better inform the government on the appropriate and effective regulatory actions and strategies to implement (that will improve the availability of safe and essential good quality medicines), and
  • Identifying in a timely manner, possible substandard and falsified products/medicines on the TCI market.

Importantly, the Minister of Health and Human Services – Honourable Kyle R. Knowles declared that “it is essential to improve fair access to safe, effective and quality medicines as these are hallmarks of effective disease management/treatment.” As such Hon. Knowles notes that “the MoHHS and by extension, the Pharmacy Unit, will continue to strengthen the systems and capacities required to improve the effective monitoring of drug/patient safety.”

The MoHHS will continue to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all TCI residents are positively impacted by actively monitoring and regulating all medicines used within the TCI. The MoHHS is also encouraging persons to utilise the Adverse Drug Reaction Form – found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf – to report any suspected:

  • adverse events – suffered from the use of medicines and/or
  • substandard or falsified medicines.

These reports are paramount as they aid in determining whether medicines will be submitted for analysis and testing.

For further information, please contact André Morgan, National Pharmacist at: (649)338-3072 or amorgan@gov.tc and visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING