Connect with us

Government

World Kidney Day marked in TCI with Kidney Screening Day

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2023 – The absence of health check-ups has led to a high instance of KIDNEY DISEASE in the Turks and Caicos Islands, now the Ministry of Health in partnership with the TCI Hospitals is running an intervention program aimed at getting residents ‘in the know’ about the health of their kidneys.

Ahead of World Kidney Day, which is on Thursday March 9 residents of the Turks and Caicos were invited to check up on their kidneys for earlier detection of damage or risk.

Because the statistics are so alarming, the TCI Hospitals in collaboration with the TCI Ministry of Health and Human Services will host a free kidney disease prevention drive in Providenciales, today Tuesday, March 7th where you can get your kidneys screened free by doctors at the government’s Mobile Clinic.

The program opened from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Butterfield Square in down town, Providenciales.

In Turks and Caicos, there is cause for concern when it comes to kidneys. The organs which are responsible for: removing waste products from our bodies; removing drugs from our bodies; balancing our body’s fluids; releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure; producing vitamin D which promotes strong, healthy bones and the kidneys manage the production of red blood cells.

“Up to 50% of persons starting dialysis were not previously being monitored by a Nephrologist. It is therefore important that high-risk individuals check their kidney function on a regular basis. High-risk persons include those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and those with kidney disease in their families,” said Vancelee Forbes, Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) at the TCI Hospitals.

Dr. Forbes revealed that there are currently 60 individuals with renal failure receiving dialysis across both sites at Cheshire Hall Medical in Providenciales and Cockburn Town, Medical in Grand Turk. However, it is the nearly 300 other residents who were unaware of chronic kidney disease which raised red flags; only detected when these hundreds sought care at clinics across the country.

Renal failure means the kidneys cannot clean the blood on their own any longer and affected individuals require hours of dialysis weekly to stay alive. Chronic kidney disease which has very few symptoms until it is in the late stages can cause this. It can occur over months or years with early detection increasing patients’ survival chances.

Dr. Forbes shared with Magnetic Media the workings of their Hemodialysis Unit.

“Persons requiring dialysis are managed in dialysis clinics. Services include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. These persons require a living donor.” The doctor said, “Additional support services include access to a dietician, physiotherapy as needed, psychology and psychiatry services as needed.”

And locally, transplant surgeries are not possible but donors are welcomed. Dr. Forbes said a UK overseas territory programme allows for the procedure.

“A TCI resident received a kidney from a relative via the programme. Currently, we need healthy people who are willing to donate one of their kidneys,” the specialist implored.

Patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis are treated in the Renal and Internal Medicine clinics but, for the TCI Hospitals, the aim is to catch these issues early before they balloon into complete renal system failure.

These partners in health agree that the Free Clinic is a good first step.

Caribbean News

Confidence in Gov’t Low following resignations says Cayman Chamber of Commerce 

Published

on

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

 

Cayman, November 6, 2024 – The business community in the Cayman Islands, has expressed “grave concern” over the stability of the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led Government, after three Ministers quit the Cabinet.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the resignations amounted to a “seismic political shift”, and the reasons they gave for their departure raised serious unease.  This came despite reassurances from former Deputy Premier André Ebanks and Governor, Hon. Jane Owen that the Government is still functioning as normal, after the resignations.

“This moment demands clear and steadfast leadership. As our country faces critical decisions on matters such as funding major projects, the upcoming referendum, and sustaining our international reputation, stability is paramount,” said Chamber President, Joanne Lawson.

Adding that the situation has implications for business stability and international partnerships, she said the business and international partners are “watching closely”, and they cannot afford to let uncertainty damage confidence in the Cayman Islands

The Chamber warned that the Government’s instability could impact local businesses immediately, and that many are delaying or reconsidering investment decisions until there is clarity on governance. “This period of uncertainty “poses risks for our entire community, threatening to slow progress on crucial issues and diminish the confidence of local and international stakeholders alike”.

The President said her group wants to see swift action to restore confidence in the Government, protect the economy, and maintain a stable environment for business. “The Chamber will continue to support the business community and push for a Government that prioritises the well-being and prosperity of all Caymanians.”

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Government Breaks Ground on Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre

Published

on

The Bahamas, November 6, 2024 – The Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville, Minister of Health & Wellness, joined by Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, officially broke ground today on the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre. This groundbreaking represents a critical investment in the expansion of healthcare services throughout the archipelago.

This Advanced Health Centre will cover approximately 14,500 square feet on a four-acre site and hold the main health centre inclusive of a modern surgical suite and recovery wards, an attached morgue, medical waste building and emergency services quarters. With features such as hurricane-impact windows and doors, handicap accessibility and EDGE certification for sustainability this Centre is designed to meet the present and future healthcare needs of the community.

Prime Minister Davis highlighted the significance of the project stating, “This groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to equitable healthcare across The Bahamas, aligning with our vision outlined in our Blueprint of Change.”   

Minister Darville expressed, “This event is about more than constructing a building, it is about delivering on our commitment to improve the health and well-being of our people.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by healthcare professionals, government officials and stakeholders who contributed to the project’s development. Similar to the new Mangrove Cay Clinic, which broke ground on October 16, 2024, the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre is expected to be completed within 15 months of the contractor’s mobilization.

Continue Reading

Government

Ministry of Tourism Participates in 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference  

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND MARINE AFFAIRS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE, AGRICULTURE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AND GAMING

 

 

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos, 1st November 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Fisheries, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, and Gaming actively participated in the 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, held from 22 to 26 October 2024, in collaboration with the Government of St. Maarten. Mr. Brian Been, the Ministry’s Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, represented the ministry at this significant event.

The FCCA Conference is recognised as the largest gathering of cruise industry stakeholders in the Caribbean. Attendees engaged in numerous one-on-one sessions, allowing destinations to connect directly with cruise operators. The agenda also featured discussions on training opportunities, capital investments for various destinations, and the latest trends in cruise tourism.

Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the sustainable development of the cruise industry, stating, “We are proud to have elevated our status to Platinum Membership, enhancing our connectivity in product development, marketing, and crucially, in capacity building through training. Recently, Experience TCI organized a series of workshops with FCCA trainers from Aquila in Grand Turk. We are dedicated to the integrated development of cruise tourism in collaboration with our partners.”

A highlight of the conference was the release of the BREA Study, which showcased the continuing success of the Turks and Caicos Islands in cruise tourism. The study revealed an economic contribution of US$116 million from the 2023/2024 cruise season, a significant increase from $86.47 million in 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism extends its gratitude to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, and other partners for their invaluable contributions to the data submission process.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the overall visitor experience, with participation in events like the FCCA Platinum Member Conference playing a vital role in achieving these goals.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING