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TCI Hospital Relaxes COVID-19 protocols

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#TurksandCaicos, April 7, 2022 – The safety of our patients, their families, and our hospital team is always a priority.  The COVID-19 pandemic continues and we have used a risk-based approach to revise a number of our protocols to allow for a phased and safe approach to hospital visits and access to the facilities.

During the month of March 2022, there has been one patient admitted to the inpatient units across both Centres with COVID-19 and that person was detected on screening and was asymptomatic. We have seen a significant reduction in persons presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of COVID-19 and the overwhelming majority of the PCR results are negative. There is also a significant decline in the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the community and we have been advised the positivity rate for the Turks and Caicos Islands is less than two percent.

As a result of the decline in COVID-19 cases, we shall be making the following changes to the visitation and facility access protocols effective April 4th, 2022.

  • Increase the number of visitors per patient from one visitor to two visitors.
  • Visitation shall take place between 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a view to gradually introducing additional visitation times over the next 4 to 6 weeks depending on COVID-19 level activity.
  • Re-opening of the main entrances of both hospitals.

The following measures remain in place within the facilities in an effort to ensure all hospital visits can occur as safely as possible:

  • Mandatory mask-wearing.
  • Frequent hand sanitization.
  • Social distancing.
  • Persons with viral symptoms or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 are to present to the tent for triage located at the entrance of the emergency departments.
  • Visitation outside of the 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. period will continue to be organized by the supervisor on duty for special considerations such as critically ill patients, children and persons coming from the family islands.
  • COVID-19 antigen screening prior to visitation continues.

All protocols and measures shall be reviewed by 30th April 2022 and any changes will be communicated to the public.

“The gradual return of general visitation times will support patient and family engagement and we believe this initial time chosen is most appropriate for anyone visiting their loved ones at the end of the working day. Our aim is to support visitation while continuing to have some precautionary measures in place to protect our patients, relatives, visitors and staff. I am thankful for the patience of our patients, families and visitors and for the hardworking teams for their ongoing service”, said Chief Executive Officer, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.

“We are pleased that the main entrances to our facilities are now open, giving the patient easier access as we have done in the past. I want to thank the public for their patience. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all our Facilities Management staff for their assistance and support during the pandemic and continued support whilst we work towards the gradual reopening of the Hospital. We continue to do our best to ensure all safety protocols are followed so that everyone benefits”, Martin Dawtry, General Manager- Facilities Management.

 

Release: InterHealth Canada

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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