Education
Cleveland Clinic Florida teams up with Kingdor Parkinson Foundation and local neurologist to talk about Parkinson’s disease
Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, MD, Neurologist, Cleveland Clinic, Florida
July 12, 2022 – To help raise awareness in The Bahamas about Parkinson’s disease, a leading neurologist from Cleveland Clinic, Florida, Dr Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, recently teamed up with the Kingdor Parkinson Foundation and local neurologist, Dr Edwin Demeritte, in a Zoom interview to talk about life with the disease.
With hundreds of Bahamians suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, said one of the best therapies for the disease that has no cure is exercise.
Describing it as a “condition of the aging brain”, Galvez-Jimenez said Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that typically impacts people over the age of 50.
While there are treatments on the market to help manage the symptoms — tremors, stiffness, slower movement, among others — Galvez-Jimenez said his best patients are those who exercise regularly.
“I can tell you that I have patients with Parkinson’s disease who are in their 90s and they still go on the treadmill, they walk,” he said.
“And I have to tell you, of the exercises, the ones that have shown to be helpful is Tai Chi for balance, biking, either stationary or non-stationary, has been shown to be helpful, and boxing has also shown to be helpful.”
Galvez-Jimenez said all those exercises keep participants moving, but noted that Tai Chi, tennis and boxing are particularly good for balance and reflexes.
Mavis Darling-Hill, President, Kingdor Parkinson Foundation
“So, you know, I just tell patients you need to keep active,” he said. “And whatever you do is better than nothing, because the normal tendency for someone with Parkinson’s is to just slow down and become a couch potato. Read books as well, cognitively speaking, and keep social.”
Parkinson’s is believed to impact far more Bahamians than those who seek professional help, according to Parkinson’s Foundation President Mavis Darling-Hill, who described it as a “closeted disease.”
“We imagine, looking at our population of older persons over 60 years old, there could be a couple of thousand [cases] here, because…the signs and symptoms are very difficult in the early stage, a lot of persons will try to hide the disease,” she said.
“And only when it gets to the point where they cannot hide it enough, they’d come forward or admit to it.”
Dr. Edwin Demeritte, one of just three neurologists in The Bahamas and the only Paediatric Neurologist, said the lack of uniform medical record keeping also complicates the issue.
“When we look at our record keeping systems, we’re not uniform with electronic medical records,” he said.
Dr. Edwin Demeritte, Neurologist, Bahamas Neurological Center
“So, again, one of the issues is using paper records instead of electronic medical records in coming up with the exact numbers. So, at this point in time, we probably may have maybe somewhere between 500 and 1000 people who have come forth, but a lot of those persons are not captured in our system because there’s no uniform medical record keeping.”
However, Demeritte noted that work is underway to correct the matter.
As it relates to the issue of social stigmatization, Galvez-Jimenez said better education on Parkinson’s is important.
“I can clearly understand what was said about having some sort of social stigma about some of these things because, you know, we need to educate our patients and the population,” he said.
“You know, there’s nothing wrong with Parkinson’s. It’s another condition that affects the brain. And one thing that I try to tell them is if somebody has diabetes or has high blood pressure, usually you don’t think about it. You just say I’m going to take my medication for high blood pressure or take my medication for my diabetes.
“Well, we have to start thinking about Parkinson’s disease and all the Parkinsonian syndromes the same way. You know, we have treatment options… but the idea is to make people comfortable enough to open up and speak about it.
“So, education is important.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.” Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.
We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.
Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.
Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success
of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.
As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.
Education
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos is reaffirming its commitment to national youth development through ongoing initiatives that mentor and train young people to reach their full potential.
The resort’s management believes that every young person deserves the tools and guidance for turning potential into purpose. Managing
Director James McAnally said the resort’s philosophy is grounded in providing opportunity for growth, regardless of background.
“We create an environment where, with the right disposition, the team members’ start does not determine where they will end up,” McAnally said.
Through its learning and development department, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers training, mentorship and exposure to different career paths. Phildreka Mayham, manager of the department, explained that the resort actively recruits young, motivated individuals and helps them develop both personally and professionally.
“We take in bright, driven individuals with no prior experience and give them the chance to prove themselves, grow and level up,” Mayham said. She noted that the Sandals Corporate University, an educational arm of the Sandals group, provides accredited training and degree-level study through partnerships with regional and international universities.
The success of the resort’s youth development approach is evident in stories like that of Deandra Astwood, a front desk agent who joined the
resort shortly after completing secondary school. Recently named Diamond Team Member of the Month – a prestigious monthly recognition at Beaches – Astwood credited the resort’s supportive environment for her success.
“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It motivates me to continue growing and giving my best every day.”
Her manager, Shaneque Grant, described her as one of the youngest yet most dedicated team members in the department. “Deandra’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the chance to learn and shine,” Grant said.
Beaches Turks & Caicos, through the Sandals Foundation, continues to expand its investment in education and career development. The resort views its role in youth empowerment as more than corporate responsibility; it is a national commitment to preparing the next generation for leadership.
Photo Captions:
Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort shares with students and educators from the Clement Howell High School in a fine dining training experience at the resort
1st Insert: Oseta Jolly Primary School Guidance Counsellor Carane Hall-Brodber (standing left) shares in a conversation with Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan while students enjoy a chill time on one of the chairs in the green space at the school as the resort continues to invest in youth
2nd Insert: Clement Howell High School students receive fine dining etiquette training led by Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Food and Beverage team leader Claude Williams at one of the 22 dining outlets on the resort
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