Cheers!

Ed Forbes 

Turks and Caicos, August 22, 2024 – Without a doubt, these are very extraordinary times in the lives of our people in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The economic impact and  inequality between the different Islands has drawn huge differences between those who can afford to continue thriving, and those who are barely making it.

Therefore, we need to take extraordinary measures to move beyond the suffering left by the pandemic, such as looking at the escalating cost of food prices and start with making provisions to alleviate this strain.

In my opinion, it should remain high on the priority list of this administration’s agenda, along with the other competing issues.

Currently, the minimum wage in TCI is $8 per hour, which is over a 20 percent increase within the past three years. Despite the increase, it has done very little to match the rising cost of inflation and is incomprehensible.

Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, with the exception of seafood, practically all other consumable goods are imported and the service industry dominates the job market.

Is it time to raise the minimum wage again? There are several benefits to higher minimum wage. As a matter of fact, many experts have said it will help create jobs and grow the economy. The declining value of the current minimum wage in these islands is one of the primary causes of wage inequality, especially when the price of groceries continues to increase.

There is also a huge wage disparity between low- and middle-income workers; and that’s the majority of Turks Islanders. I’m inclined to believe if you were to poll TI’s, a large majority will support increasing the minimum wage again.

Income in these islands is a major determinant factor when it comes to the quality of life affecting the health and well-being of individuals and families.

This varies by social factors such as age and ethnicity. Medical experts have concluded over the years that the impact can also lead to obesity and other health related issues.

Although there is a minimum wage law in TCI, due to the  long-held traditions, you will find that it is not uncommon for some employers to still pay employees what they feel the job is worth.

As a small business owner myself, I realized that it could be difficult at times putting payroll together at the end of the week, but paying employees a fair wage is the right thing to do.

Many opponents may say given the economic challenges we are faced with, their businesses cannot afford to pay employees more, or will be forced to reduce hiring. I beg to differ, as there is never a perfect timing. As a matter of fact, it could further increase productivity in the long run.

Perhaps, if low-income workers earned more money, their dependence on working two jobs may be reduced, thereby creating more opportunities in the job market.

Being forced to work two jobs to make ends meet, could be very taxing on families especially those with children. In some cases, it could be contributing to the delinquency of our youth due to the lack of two fulltime parental homes.

Prior to the pandemic, improvements in productivity and economic growth in this country have outpaced increases in the minimum wage and housing affordability.

The current minimum wage as it stands, has not kept up with worldwide inflation.

Grocery stores prices are normally one of the tell tale signs for rising inflation. Although price increases are usually “transitory” in nature, this wave of increases appears to sticking around for far to long.

Monopolies can raise prices and keep them high, because they don’t face enough competition charging lower prices and pulling consumers away.

For example, the cost of a gallon of low fat milk in Grand Turk in literally $8-$10 plus, unless on sale, and probably higher is a few of the sister islands.

What that means is, you would literally have to work almost 2 hrs to afford a gallon of milk, that’s insane. Eating healthy is a choice, but with these prices, it could be very difficult for some working families to choose.

As pointed out by a team of International Election Experts who visited the islands in 2021, the eligible voters population in TI is approximately 8581, with an estimated population of about 45K to 50K. Now ponder this for a moment.

This data paints a disturbing picture, and it leaves one to wonder whether or not these chain grocery stores are catering to the working class in terms of affordability and income levels, or are the prices being driven by the high-end targeted population.

With that being said, don’t expect the prices of groceries to get lower anytime soon or get back to pre-pandemic levels. This makes it unsustainable for a minimum wage worker and many marginalized families.

To be quite frank, I think it’s about time the government require big corporations or publicly traded companies to disclose more about their costs and pricing strategies. These big corporations have enough monopoly power in the islands to keep prices high.

Despite government efforts to reduce the import duties on the “ bread basket items”, what we lack in this country is price control and worker protection. At some point it will have to be addressed in order to slow the widening gap of class disparity.

In order for the government to truly protect the interest of the people, it must regulate businesses in a way that supports the ability of ordinary Turks Islanders to prosper. When it’s all said and done, it must start with price control and enforcement of any signs of price gouging.

Of course, the upcoming election will also hinge on some of these issues. When consumer sentiment and confidence are trending down or upwards, it will weight heavily on the minds of the people.

Henceforth, it’s high time we have a call to action on this initiative. Although it may be an inflated expectation, hopefully this government with take a pragmatic approach to this matter, while balancing it with the economic needs of the country.

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

August 14, 2024 – In response to dislocations caused by Hurricane Beryl, in sections of Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has donated essential public health supplies to assist in improving hygiene, sanitation, and the prevention and control of vector-borne and other infectious diseases.

Hurricane Beryl which made landfall in the Caribbean as a Category 4 Hurricane on July 1, 2024, impacted lives and livelihoods, resulting in fatalities and injuries.  It caused unprecedented damage, with many homes being destroyed and critical infrastructure including healthcare facilities severely damaged.

“Post-disaster health consequences of heavy rains, floods, and large numbers of displaced persons in shelters, increase the likelihood of infectious disease spread; food, water, and vector-borne diseases; mental health issues; and a strain on health systems. CARPHA’s public health response included rapid needs assessment, laboratory, surveillance and response, prevention and control of infectious diseases, health and safety promotional materials, and shelter surveillance tools,” said Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA.

With funding through the Pandemic Fund grant, CARPHA procured essential public health supplies to prevent and/or reduce disease outbreaks in the impacted countries. This first tranche of the donation included nitrite gloves, non-woven gowns, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Test kits, insect repellents, vector control products, rehydration salts, and chlorhexidine gluconate.

The supplies were received by Grenada’s Health Minister, Philip Telesford, who expressed appreciation for the donation and acknowledged CARPHA’s leadership.

“I express my profound gratitude to the leadership of CARPHA for the generous donation. The medical supplies including mosquito repellents which we know are very useful at this time as we grapple with the challenge of the proliferation of mosquitoes. The mosquito repellents that we are receiving along with this shipment are indeed very timely,” Minister Telesford said.

In addition to the donation, CARPHA produced promotional material which addressed post-hurricane health and safety measures for distribution in the affected islands. CARPHA Shelter Surveillance Guidelines, and Guidelines for Portable Toilets, have also been shared with health, and emergency response officials.

CARPHA’s mandate includes public health response to emergencies, and as such it remains committed to working with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and other regional and international agencies to support the health response to the hurricane-affected Member States.

#Kingston, Jamaica – June 19, 2024 – Lasco Financial Services, a leading provider of financial products, including their LASCO GOLD Visa prepaid card, proudly announces its strategic partnership with FirstCare Medical Plan. This collaboration aims to expand access to financial services and affordable healthcare for individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Jamaica.

As part of this groundbreaking partnership, cash-based customers can now load their LASCO GOLD Visa card to pay for their FirstCare membership online, further broadening the healthcare plan’s accessibility. This partnership allows Lasco’s clients to use their cards to pay for their healthcare plan as well as provide another payment option for FirstCare members.

“We are excited about this partnership as it opens new avenues for financial inclusion and healthcare accessibility,” stated Jacinth Hall-Tracey, Lasco Financial Services Managing Director. “Our goal is to empower cash-based and underserved communities by providing them with the tools they need to lead healthier, more financially secure lives.”

Cash-based customers can use the Lasco prepaid card to pay for their FirstCare membership online, significantly broadening the accessibility of this essential healthcare plan. Additionally, LASCO Microfinance Ltd, with its nine branch locations island-wide, provides financing up to $2.5 million for personal loans and up to $10 million for business loans, supporting SMEs in their growth and development.

Addressing the partnership, Jheanell Thompson, FirstCare Country Manager, highlighted the company’s dedication to creating sustainable healthcare solutions.

“At FirstCare, we believe in the power of partnership to transform our community’s health. Our strategic alliance with Lasco is designed to expand affordable primary healthcare access to all. This initiative will empower individuals and small and medium-sized corporate groups to maintain their health without sacrificing their bottom line, reinforcing our commitment to helping build healthier, more productive individuals and teams.”

Meeting the Healthcare Needs of Jamaica

Today, many individuals and small business owners are struggling to afford comprehensive medical care. FirstCare addresses this gap by providing free doctor visits and significant discounts on specialist services, labs, imaging, optical, pharmacy, and dental services. The plan’s vast network includes more than 300 medical providers, with over 100 General Practitioners spanning ten parishes, ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to all Jamaicans.

“Recognizing the critical gaps in healthcare accessibility in Jamaica, together with Lasco Financial, we aim to bridge these gaps,” shared Thompson. “SMEs often struggle to provide comprehensive healthcare benefits to their employees due to the high cost of healthcare services. Our collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring that business owners and their employees can thrive professionally and enjoy healthier lives with access to essential medical services.”

Key Benefits of FirstCare:

• No Cost Primary Care Visits: Free unlimited visits to more than 100 in-network general practitioners, plus discounted ambulance services and 24-hour urgent care.
• Discounted Labs & Imaging: Up to 15% savings at in-network labs and imaging centers.
• Specialist Doctors: Discounts at more than 100 in-network specialists across major cities.
• Optical Benefits: Save up to 40% and enjoy a free eye exam at over 20 locations.
• Pharmacy Savings: Instant savings of up to 15% at participating pharmacies.
• Dental Services: Save up to 20% on dental services.
• Lifestyle Rewards: Discounts at spas, restaurants, hotels, and more, which enhance overall well-being and lifestyle enjoyment.

Enhanced Financial Solutions for SMEs

Lasco Microfinance Ltd (LASMF), a subsidiary of Lasco Financial Services Ltd., will now offer FirstCare Medical Plan as an added benefit to their loan packages.

SMEs who secure loans from LASMF will also receive healthcare coverage through FirstCare Medical Plan, ensuring that essential healthcare services are more accessible. This initiative helps ensure that business owners and their employees can prioritize their health while focusing on growth and development.

FirstCare is at the forefront of digital innovation in healthcare, making it effortless for individuals to sign up and manage their health plans entirely online. Customers can easily enroll in the FirstCare plan from their smartphone or any device with internet access in under five minutes using their Lasco prepaid card and begin using their benefits immediately within the local network.

This streamlined, digital-first approach not only enhances accessibility but also empowers all Jamaicans to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health efficiently and affordably. Once enrolled, members can present their FirstCare membership card at any of the over 200 medical providers in the network to access their benefits.

For more information, visit FirstCare Jamaica and Lasco Microfinance.

Photo Caption:

Strategic Partnership Announced to Provide Enhanced Healthcare Benefits: Jheanell Thompson, FirstCare Country Manager (left), and Jacinth Hall-Tracey, Lasco Financial Services Managing Director (right), sign partnership agreement, marking a new era of healthcare accessibility and financial empowerment for individuals and SMEs across Jamaica.