Kingston, Jamaica, March 10, 2025 – The Government has significantly increased investments in healthcare and should another crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic hit the island, the country will be better equipped to deal with it, according to Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

Speaking at the unveiling of a monument in honour of healthcare workers who died while tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, today (March 10), at the National Chest Hospital in St. Andrew, the Prime Minister said out of a commitment to strengthen the healthcare system and to strengthen the healthcare workforce, the Government instituted the Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship in 2024.

“We are investing $2.5 billion to support 607 students pursuing studies in medical technology, nursing, biomedical engineering, and other critical health-related fields,” he said, adding that the fund is ensuring the building of a robust pipeline of professionals “dedicated to service in the health sector.

“This is a solid commitment of how the Government is dealing with building resilience in the system, supporting our professionals, and at the same time ensuring that we can deliver healthcare with care,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that while July has been earmarked to recognise the “selfless contribution of those who carried us through the crisis, more needs to be done”.

“Our appreciation cannot be confined to a single month or a single event. It must be reflected in how we value and support our healthcare professionals every single day. To the families of the fallen, I know that no words can fill the space left, especially for your loved ones,” Dr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister underscored that the legacies of the healthcare workers live on in the patients they treated, the lives they touched, and now in the monument that has been erected.

“Let us commit to a Jamaica where those who dedicate their lives to caring for others are themselves cared for. Let us also commit to upholding the values these healthcare workers have embodied – care, compassion, resilience and unity. In their action and sacrifice, they made a choice,” the Prime Minister said.

March 10 marks the fifth anniversary since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the country, and the fourth year since the start of the recovery with the administration of vaccines.

Contact: Garfield L. Angus

Release: JIS

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, March 15, 2025 – The disease is Type 1 Achalasia; which blocks the esophagus and makes eating a difficult and painful experience.  It is so rare that each year only one case in every one hundred thousand people is detected.  It’s likely why a North Caicos family found themselves in a frightening guessing game when the disorder attacked the esophagus of their ten-year-old son; driving him to a scary state of malnutrition as his body rejected just about every meal he tried to eat.

“Post surgery, he has recovered well.  He is eating and back to his normal diet.  I just want to give thanks to the doctors, and the Almighty for giving them the wisdom to recognise what was the necessary procedure and for taking us through it safely.”

On the other side of this medical dilemma was a team skilled with correcting the problem; they are based in Colombia, at the International Hospital of Colombia.  Experience with the surgical procedure among the adult population had already prepared the doctors, which was easily able to transfer that expertise and attention to younger patients.

“Under the leadership of Dr. Juan Javier Acevedo, a specialist in Gastrointestinal Surgery and Digestive Endoscopy, and Dr. Carlos Augusto Cuadros, a specialist in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, the medical team conducted a high-resolution esophageal manometry, a test that evaluates pressure and coordination of esophageal movements. The results confirmed the diagnosis of type 1 achalasia, allowing them to determine the most appropriate treatment approach,” explained a statement from the hospital which is part of the pool of medical facilities in the TCI’s Treatment Abroad Program.

The TCI National Health Insurance Board manages the Treatment Abroad Program, TAP.

Tivon Wright was enjoying a typical existence as an outstanding achiever of the Charles Hubert James Primary School in Kew, North Caicos.

The fifth grader, who recently earned second place prize at the FortisTCI primary school Science Quiz, is a gold medal singer in the Music Festival of the Department of Culture and secured first place in the Department of Education’s Math Speed Quiz, was growing well and doing well when classic achalasia hijacked his health.

Today, he is beaming and eating and for everyone who participated in his return to a normal, happy existence, this is a relief and a miracle.

“It was very scary because before that, we did not know what was happening, just that he was not eating and losing weight and everybody was worried.

I want to thank the almighty God and I want to thank the medical personnel here in Turks and Caicos because the diagnosis started here.

Dr. Gomo Laidlow examined him and he realized that there was something wrong.  He (Tivon) would eat something, whether liquid or solid, and throw it up. Over time we saw him losing weight, drastically,” said Kwabena Katakayle Wright, Tivon’s father.

The recommendation from the North Caicos Clinic was for Tivon to see a pediatrician in Providenciales.  That visit resulted in an x-ray which exposed the issue and gave the doctors in Colombia the information they needed to prepare for their first international patient for type 1 achalasia.

An image sent to the team from the Turks and Caicos revealed the blockage; the doctors knew immediately what needed to happen and activated a life-changing plan.

“There was a blockage in the esophagus, and the pediatrician said there is no pediatric surgeon team in the Turks and Caicos, that we would have to go overseas.

That is when Nurse Mickel of the National Health Insurance Board contacted me and told us that we would be accepted in Colombia.”

The family embarked on the one-day trip to Colombia last November, and the effort to get Tivon back to good health was tireless.

“They were very professional.  From the time we arrived, the doctors and the nurses there were working around the clock.  I really admire their professionalism and the type of service that we received,” said Mr. Wright.

In a virtual interview with Magnetic Media earlier this week, the joy on the faces of the doctors who performed that life-altering surgery was unmistakable and heartening.

“From the time they saw the image sent to them from the Turks and Caicos, they already had a plan in their minds.”

Mr. Wright confirmed the same, adding that an endoscopy was performed for further evaluation of Tivon’s condition.

“They verified that yes, there was a blockage but the pediatrician and the surgeon wanted to see a little more.”

Tivon was taken to a second facility for that evaluation and then the surgery was scheduled.

“To correct this condition, the specialists performed a peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive procedure. Using an endoscope, we made a controlled incision in the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce pressure and allow food to pass normally,” explained Dr. Acevedo. “This is the first POEM case in an international pediatric patient at HIC.”

The doctors said they are truly excited at the results for Tivon and reiterated that it was their experience that qualified them for the task.  We asked them about the possible origin of the condition.

“The specific cause of the disease is unknown, but there is a hypothesis that it is a viral infection and another hypothesis that it is an auto-immune disease that affects the throat and the esophagus.  But the actual cause is unknown.”

During the virtual interview, Tivon had an opportunity to also share his gratitude and feelings.  The student said that he was happy, that he trusted God the whole time and confirmed that his first meal, following the surgery, was an island favourite, “rice with chicken.”

It was prepared Colombian style and yes, it went down and stayed down to cement that master Wright was well on the road to full recovery.

“He can now eat normally, but it is important to continue with the follow up with the specialist and also with endoscopic images.”

A follow up visit to his doctors in Colombia is planned for this Summer.

Photos courtesy of Wright Family

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 13 March 2025: The Ministry of Health and Human Services joins the global community in observing World Kidney Day 2025 under the theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.” This annual observance raises awareness about kidney health and highlights the importance of early screening to prevent serious complications.

Kidney disease is a growing global concern, affecting an estimated 850 million people worldwide. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, severe health complications, and even premature death. By 2040, kidney disease is projected to be among the top five causes of premature death, making early detection and prevention more critical than ever.

Many people with kidney disease don’t experience symptoms until the condition is advanced. Several factors increase the risk of developing kidney disease, including:

• Diabetes – High blood sugar can gradually damage the kidneys.
• High blood pressure – Puts extra strain on the kidneys over time.
• Heart disease – Linked to poor kidney function.
• Obesity – Increases the likelihood of kidney disease.
• Family history – Having a close relative with kidney disease raises your risk.
• Smoking and tobacco use – Can contribute to kidney damage.
• Frequent infections – Especially untreated urinary tract infections.
• Exposure to harmful substances – Certain chemicals, toxins, and even extreme heat can harm the kidneys.
• Long-term use of certain medications – Regular use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can affect kidney function.

The good news? Kidney disease can be prevented, and when detected early, it can be managed to avoid severe complications. The Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages everyone to take these simple steps:

• Get tested – A simple blood and urine test can check your kidney function.
• Know your numbers – Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol helps lower your risk.
• Make healthy choices – Stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods, reduce salt, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
• Understand your risk – If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, schedule regular check-ups.

Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Kyle Knowles, urges residents to prioritise their kidney health, “Many people don’t realise they have kidney disease until it’s too late, but a simple test can detect it early. I encourage everyone to check their numbers, make healthier choices, and look after their kidneys. To those living with kidney disease—you are not alone. The Ministry is working to provide greater support for clients receiving dialysis.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services invites everyone to take part by:
Spreading awareness – Talk about kidney health and encourage loved ones to get tested.

• Supporting those affected – Show solidarity with people living with kidney disease and their caregivers.
• Getting screened – Take advantage of free health screenings and check your kidney health.

Taking care of your kidneys means taking care of your future. Get checked, stay healthy, and spread the word!

For more information, visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/