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Turks and Caicos Islands Participates in Regional Workshop on Networking for Improved Mosquito-Borne Disease Response

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 28 November 2024: The Ministry of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce the successful participation of two of its representatives at the Regional Mosquito-Borne Disease Workshop on Networking for Improved Responsiveness, held from 19-21 November 2024, in the Cayman Islands.

Ms. Sasha Walrond, National Epidemiologist, and Ms. Zatanya Handfield, Vector Control Coordinator, joined public health leaders, vector control experts, and researchers from across the Caribbean to address pressing challenges and advancements in mosquito-borne disease management.

The collaborative workshop, organised by the Cayman Islands and with the support of regional and international health bodies, including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), focused on key issues including:

  • Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs): Analyzing the burden of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and other arboviruses of public health significance like yellow fever, oropouche, Mayaro, and West Nile virus.
  • Laboratory Diagnostics: Enhancing diagnostic capabilities in member states, including the delivery of rapid diagnostics and exploring point-of-care testing.
  • Malaria and Leishmaniasis: Updates on these diseases within the region and strategies for monitoring and control.
  • Integrated Vector Management (IVM): Discussing the roles of PAHO, CARPHA, and the UKHSA in vector control, addressing challenges specific to UK Overseas Territories, and exploring innovative strategies for sustainable mosquito management.
  • Capacity Building and Public Health Communication: Highlighting the importance of education through initiatives such as the VBD eBug module for schools and communities.

Ms. Walrond emphasised the importance of epidemiological data sharing and diagnostic advancements, noting, “This workshop has provided us with current and relevant information to inform and improve the components of integrated vector borne disease management for the prevention, control, and response to vector borne diseases in our territory.”

Ms. Handfield commented on the workshop, stating, “The networking opportunities and knowledge shared during this workshop are invaluable for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Understanding the latest strategies in vector surveillance and control will strengthen our efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases locally.”

The workshop underscored the importance of regional collaboration, research, and community-based approaches in tackling vector-borne diseases. The knowledge gained will directly inform ongoing public health initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands, enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to safeguard the health of residents and visitors alike. As part of this effort, the Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to enhancing the expertise of its team to ensure the highest standards of public health are upheld across the territory.

For more information, please visit our Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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