Ministry of Health & Turks and Caicos Media Meet; but was it good?

#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – When the newest Minister of Health invited media to an informal, some on the record/some off the record lunch date with himself and leaders from Team Health, there was curiosity about what he was after.  Within minutes of the meetings start, it was clear that this session was designed to build a relationship with the Media, who are key actors in any sensible society. It was also stated that the session was a beginning.

From Hon Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health & Human Services:  “The purpose of the meeting was to simply meet the media in a private setting away from a press conference or an audience; a meeting that allowed for general interaction without limits on questions or subject matter.

I am of the belief that a Government and its Leaders need the media as an ally to help us communicate with our citizens as well as provide avenues or platforms from which we can articulate and defend our policies.

With a primary focus on the COVID-19 pandemic the media encouraged Team Health to also be aware of public’s interest in other functions of the Ministry. (e.g waste management health programmes and special needs issues). It was also realized from our luncheon that our TCI media is willing to act as a mechanism in assisting us with promotion public awareness of key or critical information.

My team and I certainly deemed the luncheon a success and promise to schedule them quarterly or at least biannually in an effort to ensure sustained communication with both the media houses and the public.”

Vivian Tyson, a veteran journalist in the Turks and Caicos and owner of Newsline TCI, an online publication which enjoys a keen following on Facebook said:  “I think it was frank, open and seemingly honest that the minister considers the media an integral part of nation-building, and that a meaningful partnership can be forged, where the media is considered and upheld as vital artery through which the relevant government information can flow to the public in a timely manner.

I believe that he also valued our input concerning making government being effective with communication. With that said, we still have to call their remembrance to these commitments made during the luncheon and allow them to make good on them…because after all, we are the watch dog on behalf of the people.”

Among the Health Executives at the lunch session were:  Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions & Advocacy Unit; Dr. Jeremy Myers, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Kenrick Neely, Director of Environmental Health Department.

“The meeting was great and a much needed one for persons to understand what is going on and what plans are in place. I also think it we gave more insight on certain things such as vector control management, solid waste and the Health Strategy Plan (past 2015-2020/21) and present 2022-2025/26.”

Latoya Walkin, anchor with People’s Television; Hayden Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of the Turks and Caicos Sun Newspaper and Deandrea Hamilton, CEO and Journalist-owner of Magnetic Media also attended the sessions.

“It is always important that Government and Media have a behind the scenes rapport.  After all, we serve the same country and the same people and it makes good sense to have the kind of relationship where that goal is always kept front and center.  Relationships are how we keep it together, how we make things happen and it was satisfying to have the insightful exchange over the tranquil ambience at the Shore Club.  Health shared with media, Media shared with Health and I believe in the end our islanders will be the better for it,” said Deandrea Hamilton, Magnetic Media.