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Respiratory Protection Program Training, including ‘Train the Trainers’ for Mask Fit-Testing, Turks and Caicos Islands

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#TurksandCaicos, March 1, 2023 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the UK Health Security Agency, conducted a two day “Respiratory Protection Programme, Training of Trainers for mask fit testing” workshop, for twelve (12) health care professionals from both the public and private sector. This event was held at the Atrium Resort, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 26 – 27 January, 2023

The objectives of the training workshop were to:

  1. Build Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) capacity within the TCI by conducting a training programme for Infection Preventionist and Occupational Health staff in line with international safety standards.
  2. Train health care and other front line workers to be able to undertake fit testing of respirator masks and to be confident to cascade training to other staff members where needed.
  3. Increase knowledge and training capacity around respiratory hazard identification, the controls that can be implemented and the safe use of personal respiratory equipment including donning and doffing (putting on and taking off), alternative respirators, maintenance and decontamination.
  4. Introduce the Respiratory Protection Programme Manual for use in healthcare settings.
  5. Provide the tools and knowledge to develop and implement a local Respiratory Protection Programme.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a major role in heightening our awareness of the risk of respiratory diseases and the effects of these diseases on our health, economy and society. It has provided the opportunity for the health care sector to strengthen their Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Programmes in order to avert or control the introduction of other infectious diseases which can become a public health emergency. As a country, our health work force is small, it is therefore of paramount importance that we employ all means necessary to ensure the safety of our health professionals and population at large. It is against this background that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are supporting the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to strengthen the implementation of its IPC program.

PAHO in their concept note stated that “In order to effectively prevent disease transmission via the airborne and droplet route of spread, healthcare facilities require the capacity to understand and implement the key elements of a respiratory protection program, including the necessary infrastructure, human and material resources that support the program, along with the appropriate guidance on how best to implement the program successfully.”

In order to build an effective and sustainable respiratory protection program, it is critical that the proper respiratory protection equipment is selected in the right quantities and proper guidance on technical standards is developed and adhered to. Fit testing procedures and protocols for training healthcare workers in their use, how to introduce them into health facilities and finally, how to monitor their implementation and use should be developed and implemented within all health care facilities.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is the first English speaking Caribbean country to be trained under this initiative and also to benefit from face-to-face training.

Mrs. Jackurlyn Sutton, Chief Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health and Human Services and the National IPC Focal Point stated that “this training of trainers workshop is one of many initiatives supported by PAHO. The participants are now equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to build capacity by training other colleagues in the healthcare system. Previously in 2021, PAHO assisted the TCI by conducting assessments on five (5) of our healthcare facilities in relation to IPC. We had been anticipating this training in mask fit- testing to take place in 2022, however, due to the high demand for fit-testing kits, we had to delay this until this year. We are also grateful to UK Health Agency for supplying the TCI with the kits in order to make this training workshop a reality”.

Our future plans for IPC in the TCI is to plan for and implement the recommendations made during the health facilities assessment; such as the development, sensitization and implementation of our national IPC Policy and conducting of ongoing IPC training and refreshers for health and other front line staff in proper hand washing procedures and “donning and doffing” of personal protective equipment (PPE). This is to ensure that health care and other frontline personnel, follow the correct procedures when putting on and taking off these PPE’s, a very essential technique to ensure that they are properly protected from the COVID-19 virus and other emerging and re-emerging respiratory infections.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends sincere thanks to PAHO Consultants, Mr. Jose Espino, Mrs. Kathryn Johnston, Ms. and to Mrs. Janice Toplass, UK Overseas Territories Programme Global Operations, UKHSA for their commitment to the successful completion of this training initiative.

 

Photos of Facilitators and Participants engaged in Mask Fit-Test Training

Government

Alpheus Smith appointed Commissioner of Labour in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services

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#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alpheus Smith to the post of Commissioner of Labour within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Mr. Smith’s distinguished career within the Turks and Caicos Government commenced on February 1, 1985, as an Immigration Officer under the guidance of the then Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Thomas Saunders. Over the years, he has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, serving in various capacities within the Immigration Department.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith has ascended through the ranks, demonstrating outstanding leadership and proficiency. In 1988, he was promoted to the role of Senior Immigration Officer, subsequently advancing to the positions of Assistant Director of Immigration and Deputy Director of Immigration.

In 2002, Mr. Smith transitioned to the Labour Department, assuming the role of Assistant Commissioner of Labour. His tenure in this capacity provided him with invaluable experience, during which he frequently acted as the Commissioner of Labour, showcasing his capabilities and commitment to public service.

Mr. Smith’s professional development has been further enriched through participation in numerous training programs, encompassing various facets of Industrial Relations, Court Procedures, Employment Laws, and management training, among others. Notably, in July 2019, while maintaining his full-time employment, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, augmenting his educational foundation and expertise.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Smith stated:

“I give thanks to the almighty for his continued blessings on my life. I am humbly thankful to have been selected for appointment as the new Commissioner of Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I have full confidence that the experience and training that I have gained over the years has greatly prepared me for this role and I will do my best in carrying the duties that this post requires me to do.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on Mr. Smith’s appointment stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Alpheus Smith on his official appointment as the new Labour Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Labour Department is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s most heavily focused costumer service departments. With over 30 years of combined experience in the Immigration and Labour Departments and having had the opportunity to act in this role for an extended period, Mr. Smith has demonstrated his ability to perform this role.

I wish him well on his new appointment and look forward to working with him and the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services to reform the operations of the Labour Department to better serve the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Smith!”

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Fresh feel for Turks & Caicos House of Assembly in return to NJS Francis Building

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – Renewed and better than ever the NJS Francis building has once again been christened as the home of the House of Assembly following a March 21 reopening ceremony.

“As we gather on this auspicious occasion I am filled with a sense of pride, duty, hope and determination. Across our islands we are proud of our resilience and our ability to navigate various challenges including natural disasters,” said Anya Williams, Acting Governor as she spoke on behalf of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.

Williams detailed the history of the establishment  The NJS Francis building served as the home of the House of Assembly for 11 years, from 2006 when the Legislative Council was changed to the HOA until 2017 when it sustained heavy damages during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The following year the auditorium of the HJ Robinson High School was appointed the meeting place for the House of Assembly and repairs began at the NJS Building. Those repairs have only just been completed and the members are back in the true home of the Assembly.

“I believe it is fair to say that some five years and four months later we had overstayed our welcome,” Williams said. She continued “Following significant investment it is with great pride that the  House of Assembly is now able to return to the NJS Francis building in the nation’s capital and to once again proclaim it is the official House of Assembly on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Williams urged those in the HOA to fight for justice progress and the common good.

Washington Misick, TCI Premier, raised a motion of thanks, which was seconded by Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, acknowledging those who had worked to make the building renovation a reality.

Thanked were Olympic Construction, Gordon Burton, House Speaker; Tracey Parker, the HOA Clerk, the HJ Robinson High School body, the Ministry of Physical Planning and others.

“This honourable House thanks the public for their patience during the period that the House of Assembly was away,” Misick maintained.

Stressing the importance of architecture, he said:

“I have a deep sense of pride to be back in the people’s house after five years— the authority we exercise here is given to us by the people, and we must never forget it.“

The police band was on hand to add to the festivities as Members on both sides of the house expressed excitement about the reopening.

“To my colleagues whose first time it is in this chamber, take it in, take your pictures and enjoy this moment, this is an amazing moment,” said Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Parliament TCI Branch.

The House of Assembly has traded the warm interior walls for a fairer shade and the decision for a brighter lighting treatment in the decor appears to let the sunshine in on the people’s business.  What has returned is the classic emerald green carpeting and wood finished furnishings.  There has been an upgrade in the utilities and as is customary, photos of previous leaders and Speakers of the House adorn the hallowed walls.

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Hon. Edwin A. Astwood – Response to Premier’s Absence at CARICOM Meeting

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Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2024 – Weak, ineffective, and afraid are the best words to describe Premier Washington Misick’s most recent inaction as it relates to the international crisis in Haiti that has directly impacted TCI.

With the recent escalation of violence in Haiti causing our country to assemble its national security to plan to tackle an influx of now potentially illegal armed and dangerous Haitian migrants to our shores, we have heard nothing decisive or definitive from the Premier on what his government is doing to protect our country and our people.

Additionally, with the recent announcement of HAITIAN GANGSTERS AND CRIMINALS ARRESTED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, surely this should have catalyzed the Premier to treat with urgency the situation unfolding in Haiti.

Instead, what the public is witnessing is a complete turnover of elected powers to the British Government by this out-of-touch Premier. I dare say he has even turned the TCI power over to the Bahamian Prime Minister, as in his words he has said that the Turks and Caicos Interest was represented by the Government of the Bahamas.

It is said that adversity often reveals a person’s true character. Observe how they respond to difficult situations, setbacks, or failures. Do they take responsibility for their actions, do they give their responsibility to others, do they blame others?

We have seen Premier Misick crumble or hide over and over again when facing critical and difficult matters being faced by our people and our country.

What could be occupying this sleepy Premier time so much so that he cannot attend the high-level meeting of Caricom convened in Jamaica for the specific purpose of addressing the Haitian crisis taking place on our doorsteps and presenting a clear and present danger to our people?

Having read the embarrassment of a statement issued by the Premier, he has not stated why he did not attend in person or virtually. This is unacceptable, and he is duty-bound to explain to the public his absence from an invited meeting of the heads of Caricom. Outside of Death in the family or Sickness, there is no excuse that the Premier could give that would be acceptable.

I would go on to say that Premier Misick and his Cabinet have embarrassed the Turks and Caicos, locally, regionally, and internationally.  His absence from this meeting shows that he does not care about us, our security, our lives nor our livelihood.

With all due respect, no one in the Turks and Caicos Islands elected the Hon. Fred Mitchell to represent them. Does the Hon. Mitchell work for the Governor’s office? Is he our new Deputy Premier? Is the Hon. Mitchell a Member of the House of Assembly of the Turks & Caicos Islands?

However, I have to thank him for standing in the gap to represent the Turks & Caicos Islands, when neither the Premier nor the Governor saw it fit to be in attendance at this high-level meeting, dealing with an issue that potentially causes the Greatest danger to Turks & Caicos lives and livelihood.

I, as Leader of the Opposition, would have happily gone in his stead to represent my people and my country.

As Premier, I – Edwin A. Astwood, would have been the first person in that Caricom meeting, traveling with a team of government heads, in particular the Minister of Immigration, the Permanent Secretary responsible for National Security, and the Commissioner of Police. The Turks and Caicos concerns and experience would only be presented by us on behalf of our people, not by someone representing another country’s interest. “He who feels it- knows it”.

Such careless behavior is the modus operandi of an uninterested Premier Misick, who just can’t seem to be bothered with what matters most to our people and our country. Should he persist with this unconcerned behavior, and to save our country, the people will have to fire him before elections like how he fired Honourable EJ.

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