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Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit Hosts Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education in Collaboration with PAHO

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: On 25 February 2025, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully hosted a hybrid Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education, equipping participants with the skills to educate and empower youth and communities on key health and social issues.

The training was facilitated online by experts from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), including:

  • Dr. Anton Best, Advisor for Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Ms. Sandra Jones – Advisor, HIV/STI, TB and Viral Hepatitis, Sub Regional Programme based in PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Mrs. Tanya McFall-Major, Communications Consultant, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

Deputy Permanent Secretary Howell-Robinson delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening peer education as a key strategy for health promotion.

PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Eldonna Boisson commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in peer education, emphasising the vital role of trained youth in promoting health, bridging awareness gaps, and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

Dr. Anton Best further reinforced the importance of this initiative, stated,“This training programme underscores our collective commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health promotion and education. By targeting vulnerable individuals, including youth, we are laying the foundation for healthier communities and a more resilient public health system.”

This Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education is the first step in a larger initiative to expand peer education programs across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The trainers who successfully completed this programme will go on to train student peer educators within their respective schools and organisations, ensuring that youth are empowered to lead health promotion efforts among their peers.

Representatives included members from the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, the TCI Health and Wellness Foundation, the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, the Cadet Corps, and guidance counsellors from primary and secondary schools, as well as Department of Education Officer, Ms. Stacey Jogie.

Schools represented included: Primary Schools: Ianthe Pratt Primary, Oseta Jolly Primary, Enid Capron Primary, Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Eliza Simons Primary, Ona Glinton Primary, Iris Stubbs Primary, Doris Robinson Primary, and Adelaide Oemler Primary.

High Schools: Raymond Gardiner High, Helena Jones Robinson High, Marjorie Basden High, Clement Howell High, and A. Louise Garland Thomas High.

The workshop covered critical topics to enhance peer education, health promotion, and community outreach, including:

  • Peer Education Strategies – Leadership and effective facilitation skills.
  • Communication Skills – Active listening, assertiveness, and empathy.
  • Conflict Resolution & Peer Support – Mediation and negotiation techniques.
  • Health Education – Sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, and physical activity.
  • Mental Health Awareness – Reducing stigma, self-care, and well-being strategies.
  • Self-Care & Stress Management – Building resilience and coping mechanisms.
  • Substance Abuse Prevention – Understanding peer influence and legal/social consequences.
  • Gender Equality & Social Justice – Preventing gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity.
  • Digital Literacy & Online Safety – Responsible social media use and internet safety.

Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of Health Promotion, emphasised, “Empowering our trainers with the knowledge and skills to educate others is a key step in fostering healthier communities. Through this initiative, student peer educators will play a crucial role in supporting and guiding their peers, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the country.”

 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Astwood added “Peer education is a powerful tool in public health, especially among youth. By equipping young people with accurate health information and essential skills, we are not only empowering them to make informed decisions but also fostering a culture of prevention and wellness. This initiative strengthens our healthcare system by promoting early intervention, reducing health disparities, and building healthier communities from the ground up. Investing in peer education today means a healthier, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands tomorrow.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to advancing peer education and youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are equipped to promote health and well-being within their schools and communities.

For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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