Health
Colombian Medical Team saves North Caicos Boy from rare throat disorder
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
Health
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates Successful Completion of 2026 Summer READY Programme
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 18, 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Summer READY Programme, a two-week internship initiative designed to provide high school students in Forms 3-5 with hands-on exposure to the healthcare environment and an opportunity to explore careers within the sector.
The programme, organised and hosted by the Training and Education Department, welcomed students into various clinical departments,
where they gained first-hand insight into the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility and learned directly from healthcare professionals.
Throughout the two-week internship, students were exposed to different aspects of patient care and clinical operations while developing important workplace competencies, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, punctuality and responsibility. The experience was designed to complement classroom learning while helping students make more informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.
Vernessa Forbes, Training and Education Manager, said the Summer READY Programme reflects the hospital’s commitment to developing young people and creating meaningful opportunities for them to explore the healthcare profession.
“Summer READY is about giving our young people an opportunity to experience healthcare beyond what they may have seen or learned in the classroom. Over the two weeks, our students were able to interact with healthcare professionals, observe different clinical environments and gain a better understanding of the dedication and teamwork required to care for our patients. We were impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn, and we hope this experience has inspired them to consider the many rewarding careers available in healthcare.”
By rotating through and gaining exposure to various clinical departments, students were also able to see that healthcare extends beyond the roles most commonly associated with a hospital. The programme introduced them to the range of skills, disciplines and professionals that work together to deliver safe, compassionate and high-quality patient care.
Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, said the hospital has an important role to play in building the human capacity needed to support the future development and sustainability of healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“As a hospital, our responsibility extends beyond providing healthcare services today; we also have an important role in helping to develop the people who will deliver and lead healthcare tomorrow. Human capacity building is essential to the long-term sustainability of our health system, and programmes such as Summer READY allow us to introduce young people to healthcare careers early, nurture their interests and help them understand the educational and professional pathways available to them.
By opening our clinical environment to students and providing mentorship and practical exposure, we are helping to build a pipeline of
future nurses, physicians, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers. We want our young people to see that there is a place for their talents within the health sector and, importantly, that they can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are proud to play our part in investing in the next generation and strengthening our country’s future healthcare workforce.”
The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates of completion to the students, recognizing their successful participation and commitment throughout the two-week internship.
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital congratulates all of the students who successfully completed the Summer Ready Programme and extends its appreciation to the clinical teams, supervisors and staff members who provided mentorship, guidance and practical learning opportunities throughout the programme.
Through the Summer READY Programme and its wider education, training, internship and professional development initiatives, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains committed to supporting national human capacity development. By partnering with educational institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders, and by providing mentorship and practical learning opportunities within the healthcare environment, the Hospital aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals needed to meet the evolving health needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Americas has recorded 47,459 confirmed measles cases and 44 deaths in 2026, the region’s highest case count in 22 years, prompting the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to urge stronger vaccination, surveillance and rapid outbreak response.
As of July 18, cases were already more than triple the 15,011 recorded during all of 2025. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Peru
account for 95% of confirmed cases. Guatemala leads with 30,371 cases and 26 deaths, followed by Mexico with 12,255 cases and 17 deaths.
PAHO classifies the regional public health risk as very high, citing active outbreaks, immunity gaps, international travel and populations with inadequate vaccination coverage.
The organization says prevention starts with vaccination. Countries are being urged to achieve and maintain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly protecting children and under-vaccinated communities.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
PAHO is urging health authorities to detect suspected cases early and respond rapidly to stop transmission. Unvaccinated and under-vaccinated people, young children and communities with limited healthcare access face increased risk of severe illness and death.
