News
Eradicating Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health
#TurksandCaicos, May 16, 2022 –
Introduction
When a person is viewed negatively by others because of a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait, it is called– stigma. Stigma is nothing less than obvious or direct discrimination that may lead to the fear of seeking treatment. Reliable research suggests that more than half of people who are affected with mental illness do not receive help with their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment because of concerns about being treated differently or fears about losing their jobs and livelihood. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination can be compared to oxygen; whether or not you see it, it does exist in our community and it is a deterrent that needs to be addressed appropriately. What is unknown to people, though, is that most of the time, some sort of mental condition affects the same person who stigmatizes you he or she is just not aware of it.
Who needs mental health support?
This is a question that many people just miss the mark in making attempts to answer. Depending on the level of their knowledge and understanding of mental health, answers can be varied. However, one popular belief is that bipolar people commonly called “crazy people” need mental health support. This is a myth that triggers stigmas and causes so many complicated mental health issues because people are afraid of being stigmatized, discriminated against, and therefore, resisting treatment. Perhaps, asking this question can shed light on this crucial issue.
Who are we?
The common consensus is that we are all human beings. And if it is so, we all have work and personal life. We have relationships with other human beings and face different personality types. For example, we have families, co-workers, customers, employees /employers, friends, and why not enemies. This implies that none of us can deny that we all go through issues of life that require mental health support. Therefore, it is best practice that individuals
are aware of their mental health conditions early. People must be aware that the longer you let it go unchecked, the harder it becomes to get cured or treated. It is estimated that 50% of the general population in middle- and high-income countries will suffer from at least one mental disorder at some point in their lives.
Literature review
The father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud theorized the defense mechanism. One component of this broad base of knowledge that speaks volumes about the impact of mental health issues in our society, in general, is called, ‘Displacement’ which is the process of shifting the aggressive impulses toward a weaker force. Here is how it works in a cycle that affects the whole society. For example, a man (manager) who was denied access to his comfort bed at night by his wife, tends to shift anger toward his employees, and the employees will be bitter toward each other. In turn, they tend to shift aggressive impulses toward the customers. At the end of the day, everyone goes back home to only shift aggressive impulses to the little one or even the cat that rushes to the gate to welcome dad or mom– gets kicked. This is not the end of it; think about the little one who cannot retaliate against dad or mom but consumes the aggressive impulse. He or she will then shift it to the classmates and then the classmates shift it to social groups. Just think about a police officer who works at crime scenes that triggers significant trauma and does not have psychological support. What can be his/her behaviors toward colleagues, community, or family?
Discussion
as opposed to the common belief that psychopaths (commonly called crazy people) are the one who needs mental health support, may I suggest that apparent sound-minded people do need it as well if not the most since we accept the fact that prevention is better than cure. As a matter of fact, when a person becomes a psychopath at a severe level, he or she becomes very resistant to mental health treatment. So, the earliest a person seeks mental health support is better and gives the mental health professionals a better chance to help.
In conclusion
Do not allow the fear of being labeled with a mental illness to prevent you from seeking help. Knowing that every human being needs psychological support. Early intervention or treatment can provide relief by identifying what does not go well and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life. Do not allow stigma to create self-doubt and shame. Stigma does not come from others alone but can become a self-fulfilling prophesy once absorbed and accepted.
Alces Dor
Psychologist
For comment, please, contact the author
1649-242-4551
Email: alcesdor@yahoo.com
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
Government
Parnell Urges Premier to Step Aside, Proposes Bipartisan Board to Guide Healthcare Transition
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Opposition Leader Douglas Parnell is calling on Premier Charles Washington Misick
to step aside, arguing that the Government has failed to provide the leadership, transparency and public engagement needed as the Turks and Caicos Islands prepares for one of the most significant changes in its healthcare system.
Responding to Government statements following InterHealth Canada’s contract termination notice, Parnell said residents were only now learning officially that negotiations with the hospital operator had been underway for more than a year, despite several previous opportunities for Government to inform the public.
He questioned why no detailed explanation was provided during the State of the State Address, Budget Debate or recent healthcare announcements, including the opening of the new polyclinic.
Parnell argued that while the PDM supports reforming or replacing the existing hospital arrangement, the process must be transparent and centred on the public interest.
The Opposition Leader reminded residents that the PDM had challenged the InterHealth agreement while in government, pursuing arbitration and preparing further legal action over concerns about the contract before leaving office following the General Election.
To guide the next phase, Parnell proposed establishing a bipartisan Health Transition Board comprising Government and Opposition
representatives to oversee the transition, monitor public accountability and manage the procurement process for any future healthcare provider.
He also outlined what the PDM believes should form the foundation of the next healthcare system, including guaranteed continuity of care, automatic employment protection for hospital workers, recruitment incentives for specialist physicians, expanded intensive care services, comprehensive mental health care, enhanced geriatric services and accelerated efforts to attract qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders in the medical profession back home.
Parnell also presented ten questions for Government covering outstanding payments, borrowing plans, legal implications, transition arrangements and the future structure of healthcare delivery.
He said the changes now unfolding require decisive leadership, openness and a carefully managed transition that places patients, healthcare workers and the long-term interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands first.
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