Connect with us

Government

Ministry of Health Delegation attends the 29th CARPHA Executive Board Meeting and 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 3 October 2024: The 29th Executive Board Meeting of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) took place on 26th September 2024 at the State Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. The meeting focused on key objectives, including:

  1. Approving the strategic direction of CARPHA for the next five (5) years;
  2. Receiving administrative and technical updates regarding CARPHA’s operations;
  3. Reviewing and approving policy initiatives undertaken by CARPHA; and
  4. Providing advice to support the smooth management and operations of CARPHA.

Following this, the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which convened both virtually and in-person from 27th -28th September 2024, also took place in Washington, DC. This meeting brought together Ministers of Health and other relevant sectors from CARICOM member states to address critical human and social development issues within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) were represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, and included Mrs. Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer, Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Director of Health Policy and Planning, Ms. Betty-Ann Been, Director of Aged-Care and Rehabilitation, and Mrs. Kissia Thomas-Cornwall, Executive Assistant.

The objectives of the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) focused on advancing critical aspects of human and social development within CARICOM. Key objectives included:

  1. Addressing pressing health-related issues within the region, such as social determinants of health, public health concerns, and their impact on the quality of life of Caribbean citizens.
  2. Collaborating on strategies to improve health systems and policies to enhance the well-being of communities, families, and individuals.
  3. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, to bolster the region’s resilience to future health threats.
  4. Strengthening public health systems and aligning regional strategies to mitigate the risk of future pandemics and health emergencies.

The meeting served as a platform for government officials, health ministers, and other key stakeholders from CARICOM member states to exchange insights and strategies for improving regional health outcomes.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Armstrong Alexis, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the significance of social determinants on health, functioning, and quality of life. He noted that social determinants are contributing to many societal issues, including crime and violence, which are adversely impacting public health and communities. Dr. Alexis reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to providing technical and administrative support for policy formulation and implementation, emphasising the need for collective commitment to addressing the region’s pressing health and social issues.

Honourable Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services of the TCI, underscored the importance of regional collaboration to successfully address the major health challenges facing the Caribbean, with a goal of improving health outcomes.

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