Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – As schools and day-care centres across the community welcome children back, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents and educators to stay alert for cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). To date, 16 cases of HFMD have been identified in school-aged children on the island of Providenciales between July and September 2024. HFMD is a common viral illness that typically affects young children under the age of 5 years but can affect anyone. While HFMD is generally mild, it spreads quickly in environments such as classrooms and playgrounds where kids are in close contact. This is why it is important for families and schools to take simple, effective steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus. Parents and caregivers should keep an eye out for these symptoms:

1. Fever
2. Mouth sores – small, red spots inside the mouth that can be painful
3. Skin rash – often on the hands, feet, and buttocks
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of appetite
6. Irritability – particularly in infants and toddlers

Although most children recover fully within a week or so, HFMD can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, lead to dehydration if eating or drinking becomes painful.

The virus can be passed from one person to another through:

1. Close contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, or stool.
2. Touching contaminated surfaces and toys.
3. Droplets in the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

This is why schools, day-care centres, and playgrounds are high-risk environments.

Here are some practical tips to help stop the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

1. Frequent Handwashing:  Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent HFMD. Children should wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing outdoors. Teachers and caregivers can help by making handwashing a regular part of the day.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Toys, countertops, and doorknobs should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially in shared spaces like classrooms and play areas.
3. Avoid Close Contact:   If your child has symptoms of HFMD, it is essential to keep them home from school or daycare. Allowing them time to rest at home prevents the virus from spreading to other children. Make sure they stay at home until their fever has gone down and their sores have healed.
4. Practice Good Hygiene Habits: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Remind them not to share utensils, cups, or personal items with others.
5. Stay Hydrated: If your child has mouth sores, drinking fluids can be difficult, but staying hydrated is important. Offer soothing drinks like cold water or milk to help them stay comfortable.

In most cases, HFMD will clear up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment is for symptoms. Take paracetamol (NOT ASPIRIN) to help soothe the sore mouth or throat.  Avoid hot, spicy or salty food. Antibiotics are not needed.

However, if your child is having trouble swallowing, shows signs of dehydration (such as not urinating much), or has a high fever that lasts more than a couple of days, it is time to consult your healthcare provider. By monitoring symptoms, practising good hygiene, and staying informed, we can all help reduce the spread of HFMD. Working together, parents, schools, and day-care centres can ensure that children stay healthy and continue to enjoy a safe learning environment.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government wishes to advise that the portal for the (Senior Citizens) Financial Assistance Programme (FAP) is opened.

To receive the Financial Assistance Programme payment, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Be receiving a pension that is below $1,000.00 per month from one or multiple sources or is receiving no pension at all.
2. Be a Turks and Caicos Islander or a British Overseas Territory Citizen.

III.      Have attained the age of seventy (70) years old.

1. Be ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the last 5 (five) years.

Applicants should have a completed and signed affidavit verifying their residency and sources of pensions ready to upload into the portal.  However, if you have not received the affidavit, you may download one from within the portal, complete it, and have it signed by a Justice of the Peace. Without this affidavit, the FAP cannot be processed.

If applicants receive pensions from multiple sources, and the aggregate benefit is less than $1,000.00, then documentation should be uploaded for each source other than the National Insurance Board (NIB).

If the applicant’s pension from multiple sources exceeds $1,000.00, the applicant is ineligible for the FAP.  An application with an aggregate pension of more than $1,000.00 will be denied.

For the first phase of the FAP, the applicant will receive an email originating from the portal using the email address that was provided during the Citizen’s Inflation Relief Stimulus. The email will provide instructions for the use of the portal, including uploading of the relevant document(s).

First phase pensioner’s information is already in the database but may need updating. If there is a need to update, the applicant will be contacted via the same email to do so.

If you haven’t received an email to the known address, check your junk and clutter folders to ensure that it was not lodged there.  Eligible persons who have not received an email will have an opportunity to apply in phase two, which will follow shortly thereafter.

Once you open the portal, you will be required to enter your date of birth which will give you access to another window and form to be completed.

If you are having problems with your submission email us at: tciassistance@gov.tc

Portal Opens:       Thursday, 19 September 2024 at 11:59pm

Portal Closes:       Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 11:59 pm

Abaco, Bahamas – The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has announced the delivery of a brand-new tractor for farmers on Abaco.

This critical piece of equipment was a focal point of discussion during a recent town hall meeting hosted by, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell and key officials from the Ministry.

The town hall, held at the Friends of the Environment building in Marsh Harbour, provided a platform for local farmers and fishers to voice their concerns and needs. One of the most pressing issues raised by farmers was the lack of access to essential farming equipment, particularly tractors.

“We have a tractor presently at the dock in Nassau that has been earmarked for Abaco,” Minister Campbell shared. “It’s a great feeling to know that we have recognized their needs and met them.”

The arrival of the tractor is expected to significantly enhance farming operations on the island, providing much-needed support to farmers as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Dorian.

Minister Campbell added, “I can definitely say that the passion for agriculture and fisheries is still alive here in the Abacos.

“We accept the fact that there is still more work to do, but the beauty of it all is that our hardworking farmers and fishers are willing to help us along the way,” he said.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen agricultural production across The Bahamas, helping reduce reliance on imported goods and promoting local food security.

The announcement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the needs of Abaco’s farming community, marking an important step forward in boosting local agriculture.

Daphne DeGregory-Mialous, co-owner of Abaco Neem Farm, said, “I thought the meeting was excellent and timely.

“We haven’t had an agricultural town hall meeting since Hurricane Dorian. So, it was very much needed.”

DeGregory-Mialous added that she’s most excited about the minister’s energy.

“The entire team seems to have a new vigor – a younger approach. They seem to be taking action. So, that’s encouraging,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Ministry donated a new tractor with equipment and a new patrol vessel to Cat Island.

Minister Campbel said he intends to continue visiting family island farmers and fishers until he’s confident that their pertinent needs are met across the archipelago.