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COVID Vaccine mandate expires Dec 31, TCIG stalled on ending it sooner

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By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 30, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos does not seem primed to do away with its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for entry to the islands just yet, Magnetic Media learned from Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health and Human Services.

Robinson maintained that “As usual all remaining regulations are continuously under review. Current regulations expire December 31st.”

Despite them being under constant review, the Minister gave no indication that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government would accelerate any change to the rule.

The question though, is why? The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has continuously stated that it is following the science and the UKs lead when it comes to the country’s Covid-19 response.  The UK dropped its vaccine mandate for entry back in March as the country was coming off of the Omicron wave and dozens of other countries have done so since.

In terms of the science, not only does vaccination not stop the virus from spreading to vulnerable islanders, the earliest vaccines and boosters have notoriously little efficacy against the circulating variants.

In addition, there is little evidence to suggest that allowing unvaccinated individuals within borders has a negative effect on that country’s Covid case count.

Not only are the islands missing out on a major chunk of their source markets who are unvaccinated, homeowners who are unvaccinated have not been able to return to or see their property investments since the mandate was adopted in September 2021.

Deputy Premier E Jay Sanders had explained that, “thanks to the country’s over performing tourism sector when the decision is made to pull back that requirement it will be done not out of pressure but with the TCI people in mind.”

It’s unclear what the reasoning behind keeping the mandate is when it now has been proven to provide so little protection.

Additionally, it was explained that multiple attempts by the Ministry of Health to secure avenues for unvaccinated homeowners in the Turks and Caicos to visit their properties have been rebuffed at the Cabinet level.

Robinson was addressing the continued COVID-19 vaccine requirement for travel to the TCI which blocks unvaccinated tourists and homeowners from entering the island.

“On several occasions, I have presented possible pathways for homeowners to be able to visit their properties outside of a full repeal of the vaccine entry mandate and each time there was not full support for it moving forward in Cabinet,” he said.

Magnetic Media has spoken to irate and broken-hearted  homeowners who have not been able to visit their properties in a year despite spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes and other fees to have a home on the islands.

The Health Ministry however says his team is now preparing a cabinet paper to weigh the pros and cons of continuing with the vaccine mandate.  Robinson said that paper has not made the agenda as yet, taking a back seat to more pressing issues including the passing of Hurricane Fiona.

The paper should reach cabinet “soon” but this is not a guarantee that the measure will be dropped. Robinson also defended the TCIG’s current policy.

“Based on the numbers I have received from the (tourism) industry to date, being one of the few only remaining destinations with a vaccine mandate doesn’t seem to be hurting our projected occupancy rates for the months of December, January, and February across all segments of the Industry.”

The issue of why the vaccine mandate persists are heightened due to major announcements in recent days including, Joe Biden, US president declaring that the Coronavirus Pandemic “is over”; Canada moving to end its vaccine entry requirement on September 30 and The Bahamas calling off mandatory testing as of September 22 and rescinding the mask rule (for most public places) on October 1.

The mandatory vaccine measure came into effect in September 2021 prior to the widespread emergence of Omicron and lowered vaccine efficacy.  It is also a mandatory requirement for guest workers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Bahamas News

National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats

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By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– In an effort to strengthen the public health system in the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Inter-American Development Bank facilitated the signing of an estimated $2 million contract for the National Reference Laboratory.  The contract signing ceremony was held during a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Meeting Street on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The agreement was entered into with Scorpio Construction Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.  The project is being carried out in partnership with the IDB for Health System Strengthening.

“Today marks an important milestone for my ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public health system of The Bahamas,” said Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

The reference lab will be located at the former Mortgage Corporation Building on Russell Road in Oakes Field and will provide accessible services in New Providence.  Dr. Darville pointed out that in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, healthcare facilities sustained an estimated $37.7 million in damage.

With construction of new ones, and renovations to healthcare facilities throughout the country, the ministry is focusing on three main areas:
resilience to natural disasters; sustainability and energy efficient design incorporating EDGE “green building” certification; and adequate design for infectious diseases.

Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations/The Bahamas underscored the importance of IDB’s support in such undertakings.

“The health programme is an important aspect of the IDB’s portfolio in The Bahamas,” she said.

Through two investment loans, one non-reimbursable grant, and one non-reimbursable technical cooperation totalling approximately $65 million, she said that the bank is pleased to support the Government of The Bahamas and The Ministry of Health.

“Through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme of The Bahamas, we will finance renovations to the National Reference Lab (NRL),” she said.

And added, “While labs are essential to providing diagnostic information — data on the efficacy of treatment plans, indications of improvements in patient outcomes, early warnings of public health threats — the National Reference Lab is the central mechanism for ensuring quality and reliability of those results.”

Signatories to the contract were Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness and representative, Scorpio Construction Ltd.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Pictured L-R: Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations, The Bahamas.

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Health

More Than 300 Participants Attended TCI Hospital’s Kidney Health Lecture Series: Early Detection Is Key

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, May 15th, 2025): InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital hosted an engaging and informative Kidney Health Lecture Series, drawing over 300 participants both locally and internationally, including medical professionals and special members of the community. The series focused on the theme “Early Detection is Key” and aimed to raise awareness about the detection, diagnosis, and management of renal disease.

The virtual lectures featured experts in Nephrology and Paediatrics, starting with Dr. Merle Clarke, Consultant Internist/Nephrologist at TCI Hospital. Dr. Clarke presented an overview of the detection, diagnosis, and staging of renal disease in adults, emphasizing the vital role of early detection in improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Zaheeb Choudhry, also a Consultant Nephrologist/Internist/Immunologist at TCI Hospital, provided insights on the comprehensive approach from diagnosis to management of renal disease, discussing clinical management techniques that can enhance patient care.

Further, the series benefitted from presentations by Dr. Sani Amatti, Deputy Chief of Medical Services and Head of Paediatrics & Neonatology, and Dr. Sebastian Ilera, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist. They focused on the detection and management of renal disease in pediatric patients, highlighting the unique challenges faced in treating younger populations.

The lecture series concluded with a session from Dr. Wilmer Rivero, Urologist and Head of Urology Service and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at the International Hospital of Columbia-FCV, together with Dr. Zaheeb Choudhry. Their presentation addressed renal transplantation and access to care in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

All sessions were tailored for medical professionals, allowing participants to earn 1.5 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits per session.

Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing and chair of the TCI Hospital’s Academic Committee, expressed her satisfaction with the event, stating, “The Kidney Health Lecture Series is not just an opportunity for learning; it’s a vital platform for enhancing awareness and understanding of renal health issues that affect our community.  We believe that equipping our healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and best practices is essential in ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. Early detection and effective management can make a significant difference in outcomes, and it’s our responsibility to spread this message among professionals and the public alike.”

Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of the TCI Hospital, emphasized the organization’s dedication to community health, “We are exceptionally proud to facilitate this critical dialogue on kidney health within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our commitment to education and professional development is an integral part of our mission. By hosting events like this, we not only enhance the skills and knowledge of our medical professionals but also strengthen the overall healthcare system in our nation. Together, we can work towards better health outcomes and improved quality of life for our community, making a real impact on renal health and beyond.”

The TCI Hospital extends heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants for making the Kidney Health Lecture Series a tremendous success. The TCI Hospital is committed to continuously supporting the community in promoting health awareness and medical education.

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TCI Hospital Kicks Off Nurses Week with Brunch Celebrating Nursing Teams

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 9th, 2025): InterHealth Canada—TCI Hospital proudly inaugurated Nurses Week with a delightful brunch for the nursing teams of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This spirited event, designed to honour nurses’ incredible contributions, was celebrated on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and was met with an enthusiastic turnout.

Nurses Week is a special time to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that nursing professionals exhibit daily in providing exceptional patient care. The TCI Hospital embraced this occasion with a vibrant and engaging program that brought together nurses from various departments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, celebration, and gratitude.

In addition to Nurses Week, the event also recognized the BPSO (Best Practice Spotlight Organization) champions who have played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at the TCI Hospital.

During the brunch, nurses were treated to a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities. The dynamic schedule included interactive games, opportunities for sharing experiences, and a range of delicious culinary offerings, allowing nurses to relax and connect with colleagues.

In attendance and offering remarks of support of Nurses Week was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles who said, “Today, we have a special occasion to commemorate as we congratulate InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital on their remarkable achievement in transitioning from a Predesignated Best Practice Organization to an official Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization. This is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care that is deeply embedded in the culture of this institution.

Hon. Knowles acknowledged nurses’ vital role in our healthcare system, “You are the backbone of patient care, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support and comfort to those in need. Your compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families”.

Also bringing remarks was Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. She elaborated, “I take this opportunity to first congratulate the TCI hospital on this significant achievement. The quality of care that you provide as nurses has contributed greatly to the success of this new designation as Best Practice Spotlight Organization. You should be proud of yourselves, and if no one else cheers for you, I want you to take this opportunity to stand up across the room and cheer for yourselves. This would not have been possible without you. Stay the course. Even if you move on from TCI Hospital, take your standards and best practices wherever you go”.

In congratulatory remarks, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, said, “As we celebrate Nurses Week, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nursing teams, from direct patient care to innovative practices in healthcare. The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is more than the physical structure but the dedicated and naturally excellent people advancing service excellence and people centred care. The nurses are a part of the life blood of our services and the wider health sector. This brunch is a small token of gratitude for all that they do. It was fantastic to see nurses connecting, celebrating their achievements, and appreciating one another’s efforts; it’s essential for their well-being.”

The kickoff event not only highlighted the importance of the nursing staff but also set a positive tone for the remaining days of Nurses Week. The TCI Hospital aims to continue showing appreciation through its social media platforms throughout the month of May to recognize the commitment and hard work of the nursing teams.

A similar event will be hosted for the nursing teams of the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on May 11th, 2025.

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