Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

July 19, 2025 – Haiti is just four months away from general elections scheduled for November 15, yet the nation is paralyzed by hunger, violence, and despair. The country is facing a humanitarian disaster on nearly every front, while hopes for democratic renewal hang in the balance.

“We are on the brink of famine.” — CARICOM Communiqué, July 2025

According to the United Nations, over 5.7 million Haitians — nearly half the population — are starving. Children go days without food. Women and girls suffer horrific violence. Families are displaced. And an overwhelmed police force has all but collapsed.

Starvation and Desperation

Humanitarian agencies report families surviving on a single meal a day or none at all. In key farming regions like Kenscoff and Artibonite — once the breadbaskets of Haiti — food production has halted due to gang activity and conflict. The UN and CARICOM have both warned that parts of Haiti are “bordering on famine.”

While the UN World Food Programme has reached over 1.1 million people since January, aid workers say they’ve only been able to support 38% of those targeted for food assistance — due to underfunding, insecurity, and gang blockades.

Lawlessness and Fear

Gang violence has claimed over 5,000 lives in the past year alone. Women and girls are facing systematic abuse, from mass rapes to kidnappings. Children are being recruited into armed groups, and the elderly and disabled have been left with no protection.

UN reports show that nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by armed groups. Less than a quarter of hospitals remain fully operational. The national police force has lost thousands of officers since 2021, and morale is at its lowest point in years.

Is the Security Mission Working?                                                                                                                                                                The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, led by Kenya, was launched with global approval and promises of reinforcements. But nearly a year into the effort, only 991 personnel are deployed — less than 40% of what was pledged. Equipment and funding are dangerously low. Two bases have been established, yet gangs still rule the capital.                                                                                                                                                        CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Transitional Presidential Council continue to push for stability, but international response remains sluggish. Haiti’s 2025 humanitarian appeal is the least-funded in the world, with just 2% of the needed $425 million received.

Can Elections Even Happen?

Despite plans for elections in November and a new presidential transition by February 7, 2026, many Haitians are doubtful. With millions displaced, security in shambles, and widespread hunger, the feasibility of a free and fair vote is under serious question.

“We just need more money to do our work,” said a UN spokesperson this week. “The world cannot look away.”

At a Glance: Haiti in Crisis

• 5.7M+ people starving
• 5,000+ killed by gangs since 2024
• 991 MSS troops deployed (of 2,500 planned)
• 90% of Port-au-Prince under gang control
• Less than 25% of hospitals fully functional
• 2% of humanitarian food appeal funded

Sources:

UN Press Briefing, July 16, 2025
CARICOM Communiqué, July 8, 2025
Reuters, Associated Press, UN OCHA, Amnesty International

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

July 19, 2025 – A major shift is underway in America that could directly enhance the food quality of staples imported to the Turks & Caicos Islands and The Bahamas.  Under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative—a joint effort by President Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr.—dozens of major U.S. food brands are pledging to remove synthetic dyes and harmful additives from their products.

Among the most notable changes, ice-cream manufacturers responsible for over 90% of U.S. sales have agreed to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colours (including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) by 2028.  This is part of a broader wave: PepsiCo, In‑N‑Out, Nestlé, Kraft‑Heinz, Tyson Foods, and General Mills are all steering away from synthetic dyes and additives.

MAHA centers on reducing ultra-processed foods, artificial ingredients, and dietary chemicals linked to chronic health issues, particularly in children. The movement also targets high fructose corn syrup and emphasizes whole-food nutrition.

Why does this matter here? Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas import nearly all their food from the U.S. and follow American food safety standards. These ingredient changes mean future shipments—from cereals to frozen desserts—will contain fewer artificial ingredients.

Local nutritionists and public health officials see long-term benefits. “Cleaner imported food directly supports our goal of better overall health and preventing diet-related diseases,” said a regional health officer. “It’s a promising shift for our islands.”

But there’s a catch: these reforms are voluntary. Critics point out MAHA relies on peer pressure and promises, not binding regulations. Plus, while removing dyes is a strong first step, concerns remain about sugar, saturated fats, and bottled vs. real ingredients in U.S. exports.

Local Takeaway: Expect cleaner labels on imported U.S. goods by 2028—starting with ice cream, cereals, snacks; this aligns with efforts in TCI & Bahamas to improve nutritional standards and public health outcomes and it is vital to note, that the long-term impact will depend on enforcement, transparency, and maintaining momentum beyond dye removal.

Here are the commitments listed by the White House:

• Steak & Shake moved to 100% all-natural beef tallow and replaced its “buttery blend,” which contained seed oils, with 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter.
• McCormick announced it will drop certain food dyes from its products.
• PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from popular food items — including Lay’s and Tostitos chips — by the end of the year.
• In-N-Out announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and artificial flavors from its menu items.
• Tyson Foods eliminated synthetic dyes in its food products.
• Mars removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles product.
• Sam’s Club committed to removing 40 harmful ingredients — including artificial colors, additives, dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup — from its private-label products.
• Kraft-Heinz announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products.
• General Mills announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools.
• Nestlé announced it will remove all petroleum-based food dyes from its food and beverage products.
• Conagra Foods announced it will remove certain color additives from its frozen products, no longer offer products with artificial dyes in K-12 schools, and stop using artificial dyes in the manufacturing of its products.
• JM Smucker announced it will remove synthetic colors from its consumer food products.
• Hershey announced it will remove synthetic dyes from its snacks.
• Consumer Brands announced it will urge its members to remove artificial colors in food and beverage products served in schools.

In short: an American health initiative may soon ripple into Caribbean kitchens—bringing small changes with potentially big health benefits.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17th July 2025 – The Health Regulation Authority (HRA) proudly announces that it has achieved full operational status as of January 2025, marking a transformative moment in the healthcare landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  As the first authority of its nature in the territory, the HRA represents a significant milestone in elevating healthcare standards by establishing a robust regulatory framework aimed at ensuring quality care for all residents and visitors.

“A fully-functional regulatory authority not only establishes what is an integral part of the healthcare system but represents a fundamental shift in the paradigm of delivery of healthcare services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through its works, the HRA will continue to play a key role in developing a health services sector that consumers can place a high reliance on standards of care of the highest quality across its continuum.” Stated Mervyn Mills, Chairman of the Health Regulation Authority Board (HRAB).

During the initial operational period, the HRA processed 58 applications for healthcare facility licensing.

From these applications, 28 licenses were issued, including;

• 11 – Outpatient clinics
• 7 –   Pharmacies
• 6 –   Dental facilities
• 2 –   Hospitals
• 1 –   Optometry
• 1 –   Chiropractic

The licensing process continues with the review of applications and the scheduling of inspections. The listing of licensed facilities will be updated on our website and social media platforms.

The HRA has prioritised stakeholder education and support, hosting educational sessions with healthcare facilities to ensure seamless navigation of regulatory processes. This collaborative approach has fostered positive relationships with healthcare providers while maintaining rigorous standards.

“This marks a significant milestone for healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Romaine Missick-Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Regulation Authority (HRA). “It’s the first authority of its nature, fundamentally changing the landscape of healthcare and adding quality of care for all who access it.”

CEO Missick-Smith further elaborated on the HRA’s operational progress, noting, “As of January 2025, the HRA became operational and is actively fulfilling its obligations to stakeholders by building public confidence in our healthcare system while supporting providers in meeting the highest standards. The HRA is committed to continuous improvement as we work toward our vision of accessible, quality healthcare for all.” She added, “. The HRA’s collaborative approach with healthcare providers demonstrates that regulation and innovation can work hand in hand to benefit everyone.”

The HRA’s strategic focus for the coming year emphasises continued advancement in regulatory compliance, licensing efficiency, and digital transformation. The organisation is committed to maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery and patient safety across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, stated that, “This marks a pivotal moment in the history of healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Health Regulation Authority achieving full operational status represents our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every resident and visitor to our beautiful islands receives healthcare of the highest quality and safety standards. This achievement reflects our government’s vision of a modern, regulated healthcare system that meets international standards while serving our local communities.”

The establishment of the HRA represents more than regulatory oversight,  it signifies the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to healthcare excellence and patient protection. By implementing comprehensive licensing standards, educational programs, and proactive monitoring, the HRA is creating a healthcare environment where quality, safety, and accessibility are paramount.