Connect with us

News

Department of Behavioural Health Services Hosts Second Session of the Bridge-Series: ‘Brief Intervention Guiding Change’

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Behavioural Health Services successfully hosted the second session of the Bridge-Series, titled Brief Intervention Guiding Change. This impactful session, aimed at bridging the gap between mental health practices and the community, was presented by Mrs. Yvette Elliott, a seasoned mental health professional with extensive experience in psychological counseling and substance use intervention.

Mrs. Elliott holds degrees in Psychology and Marriage & Family Counseling and has worked in the field for nearly two decades. She has trained professionals across the region and is committed to helping individuals navigate life transitions, mood disorders, grief and loss, and substance use challenges.

During the session, which was attended both virtually and in person, by professionals from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force – Safeguarding Unit, Gender Affairs, and medical professionals, Mrs. Elliott provided an engaging and accessible explanation of the Stages of Change model. She likened the six stages to a baby learning how to take its first steps or to someone learning how to rollerblade. Just as these processes require patience, practice, and support, so too does the journey of change for individuals facing behavioural health challenges.

A key focus of the session was Motivational Interviewing, a counseling approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence and find internal motivation for change. Mrs. Elliott emphasised the importance of meeting clients where they are in their journey and using open-ended questions, affirmations, and reflective listening to guide them forward. She also highlighted the difficulty that many people experience when attempting to change and stressed that rolling with resistance is a crucial technique. Instead of confronting opposition, professionals should explore a client’s hesitations and reinforce their ability to make positive changes. Supporting self-efficacy and encouraging clients to believe in their own capability to change; is essential in helping them navigate the often challenging process of transformation.

Director of the Department, Dr. Alicia Malcolm, commented: “the Bridge-Series is more than just a training opportunity—it represents the Department of Behavioural Health Services’ commitment to bridging mental health knowledge and practices to the community. By fostering collaboration with other agencies and empowering professionals, we are hopeful that these trainings will spark meaningful change at the community level. The series provides an essential platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building that supports the growth of mental health and substance use intervention efforts in the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

The Honorable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services commented: “the Ministry of Health remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for continued professional development, with the goal of enhancing community mental health care and encouraging greater collaboration among stakeholders”.

For more information on upcoming sessions in the Bridge-Series, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services at 338 3613 for Zone 1 (Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay) and 338 3616 for Zone 2 (Providenciales, North & Middle Caicos). Also, be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd  and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS  and @TCIDBHS  on Instagram.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING