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Minister and Director Speak out on Mental Health 

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, May 15, 2023 – The Ministry of Health is on a mission to get Turks and Caicos Islanders used to talking about their mental health with a suite of new activities during Mental Health Awareness Month.

In a recent luncheon and panel discussion, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence explained what simply speaking up could achieve.  Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department led the charge.  Acknowledging that mental health was still somewhat of a taboo topic in the country, she detailed the scientific approach that the department was taking to change that.

“It is supported by empirical evidence, that when persons with lived experiences step forward and speak out about their experiences, a shift does take place; attitudes will change, negative perceptions fade, acceptance will increase and help seeking behavior will become more common,” she said.

It was with that theory in mind that Malcolm and her team began to seek out TCI Islanders who had struggled with mental health to share their stories.  Several islanders stepped up to the plate, along with the panelists at the luncheon, there was a video featuring the official ‘Stigma Fighters,’ a group of residents who detailed their journeys and were featured on billboards across the country to help normalize the issues and encourage more people to seek help.

In addition, Malcolm explained the theme “dismantling stigma one mind at a time” was specifically chosen for the TCI to keep educating residents, until there was a tangible reduction in stigma in the country.

“Mental health challenges are real, they do not discriminate and it is absolutely OK to reach out for help,” she emphasized.

Minister of Health Shaun Malcolm added his voice to the call, imploring residents to educate themselves as this would facilitate a more comfortable and accepting environment for all.

“Stigma exists in these Turks and Caicos Islands as it does in most countries– and we have to continue to tackle it through events such as this,” he said.

Malcolm stressed that unity and support could work wonders for suffering residents.

“Let us be here for each other.  Let us encourage persons who need help to take advantage of the services that are available and most importantly let us remember that the more we talk about mental health the more normalized it will become.”

The panel discussion was held Friday May 6, 2023 at the Shore Club.

Caribbean News

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

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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.”

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Bahamas News

Government Breaks Ground on Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre

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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.

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Government

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

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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.

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