Health
Edwin Astwood weighs in on PNP Government management of Covid-19 resurgence
#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2022 – It is clear that the Hon. Premier and his Cabinet have lost all control of the spread of COVID-19 in the Turks & Caicos Islands. We all have seen a lack of action, and a lack of complete information, and the lack of innovation and proactivity in response to Pandemic. The local picture of COVID-19 is now worse than it has ever been. We are seeing a lack of urgency and a lack of leadership in response to this new COVID-19 wave in our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.
The daily COVID positive numbers being reported continues to be alarming high, and making things worse is the fact that the reported numbers do not include the lateral flow COVID positives, which are roughly 4 times higher than the daily reported positive numbers of the dashboards. It is suspected that for every one case reported on the dashboard, five lateral flow COVID-19 positives go unreported, and not positive persons not followed up or monitored. Also, there is no requesting of contacts to report for testing, no compliance or enforcement of
regulations being carried out and they are not visible as complaints are been heard by the Public at large.
It is also very alarming to hear the government now resorting to handling the responsibility of the management of the Pandemic to the individual person, as they are now vigorously pushing this “personal responsibility “tag line.
- COVID-19 is a “public health” disease, which caused a “global Pandemic”, hence it is the responsibilities of all Governments in all countries for public health. Our elected Governments has to bear the responsibility of safeguarding our citizens and borders, bear the responsibility to make decisive, timely, and proper decisions, bear the responsibility of strengthening the country’s public health response, bear the responsibility for preventing the spread, and bear the responsibility of increasing and improving the treatment and care options. This is the Elected Government’s work, not the personal responsibility of our citizens.
It is evident that the Government is suffering from Decidophobia, which is the irrational fear of making decisions.
With all the advances and information available, with all the infrastructure that had to be put in place (Lab PCR testing, High Dependency Units, Oxygen Generators, Vaccine availability, epidemiological software, private providers lab testing, approved rapid COVID-19 testing, travel portal, proven compliance and viral spread mitigating measures, the Hon. Premier and his Cabinet response shamefully underperforming in their response to the work they said that they came for; they are definitely not ready for the Pandemic work!
The Hon Premier and his Cabinet has not provided for the increase and expansion of Health Care Professionals in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to prevent the possibility overwhelming of the Health Care System.
The Government has not learned from the first two waves of the pandemic, and has not been proactive (anticipating possible future outbreaks and increase in positive COVID-19 Cases, and preparing for the occurrence ahead of time, like we do each year for hurricane season). What we are seeing now is them being reactive (trying to take action after the damage is done, and great increases in positive cases are happening).
The Government has not:
- expanded Government operated testing facilities, in particular in Grand Turk, who is now receiving Cruise Ship Passengers. By now a testing site should have been place near the cruise center.
- The Government has not implemented any lifesaving early treatment options that have been approved, and are available.
- The Government has not made proper adjustments to the country’s COVID-19 mitigating measures, that can prevent high increases in viral spread and hospitalizations, while protecting livelihoods.
- The Government has not provided complete and timely information to our people, bringing the people along by providing credible, evidence based scientific information, that can cultivate buy in and restore trust.
- The Government has not expanded the availability of face masks, like was done with condoms during the peak of the AIDS epidemic (where condoms were made freely available in all public places- Public and Private offices, restaurants, bars, etc.)
- The Government has not increased policing and compliance activities (which now appears to be nonexistent).
- The Government has been slow to respond and to make suitable adjustments to the measures before the
further progressing of the spread of the virus. - The Government has been inconsistent in the restrictions that are in place; preventing and closing down some forms of gathering, while allowing others which has the potential to be a “super spreader” event.
- The Government has not any advancements to the monitoring and tracking of COVID-19 positive persons.
- The Government has not adapted nor adjusted their policies on vaccines, natural immunity, vaccine mandates, with all the new knowledge information available now. There has been no updating or coming up with a different plan from the knowledge of vaccinated and bolstered individuals are still becoming infected, and still able to spread the virus, and still being hospitalized. Rather it appears that the Government’s only focus, is to promote the vaccine as if that is the only measure that is needed.
The Government has failed in protecting the family islands with a small and older population, in particular Salt Cay and Middle Caicos, from viral spread.
No one wants to go through another lockdown, and we do not want to see our country in one. Lockdowns are bad for our economy and for our people, as was explained by the Deputy leader and myself in our last PTV interview.
No one want to see another person lose their life from being infected with COVID-19, when there are effective early treatments options available.
We the PDM again urge the Premier and his Government to make the appropriate decisions that could prevent further increases in positive cases, further deaths, further economic losses, and further time away from school and work.
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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