NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas supports and embraces persons with disabilities and will continue to ensure that the requirements of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act (2014) are enforced through positive and continuous actions, inclusive of new amendments to the Act, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said Thursday.

The year 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the passage of the Act which was implemented to end discrimination against persons with disabilities as well as promote their rights and provide equal opportunities, amongst other provisions.

Mr. LaRoda said “disability inclusion” is an overarching goal of the Davis Administration. He was addressing the fifth in a series of ‘Let’s Talk Disability’ Town Hall Meetings hosted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities – two each in Andros and Long Island, and one in New Providence.

The Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting expanded upon the significance of disability inclusion – in action.

“Inclusion, in action, is the demonstration that we, in The Bahamas, are an inclusive society and that we celebrate and encourage persons with disabilities in the same way as we do others,” Minister LaRoda said.

“We are no different than other countries with regard to the range of disabilities which include physical, behavioural, emotional, sensory, neurological and developmental. As a country, we must focus on the role that we, the community, must play as it relates to persons with disabilities, recognizing that there should never be a distinction between one member of society over another. Disability Inclusion is an overarching goal of countries across the globe.”

Mr. LaRoda said “unfortunately,” people living with disabilities are still often marginalized and are seen as outsiders in the communities.

“But my Ministry and its partners are making every effort through events such as these Town Halls to correct this gross misconception and stereotypical belief.”

He told Persons with Disabilities, their families, friends, and advocates attending Thursday evening’s Town Hall Meeting (held at the Cleveland Eneas Primary School) that they too have a role to play.

“This also means that you too have a responsibility to share with us and to let us know how we might improve the quality of your life; let us know instances of unfair treatment or discrimination; let us know when our service to you needs to be improved. After all, we are the Ministry of Social Services and we are here to serve you and to understand how we might serve you better.

“Today, we address the concerns of this community in New Providence and I urge you to take this opportunity to voice your concerns to those who work every day, promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities and celebrating them.”

Minister LaRoda said embracing the needs of the community of persons with disabilities “shows that we are serving in very pragmatic ways.”

He pointed to the efforts undertaken by corporate entities such as ALIV, NAD, Rotary, the Chinese Embassy and others, whom he said demonstrate, by their actions, that there is a serious attempt at inclusion.

“ALIV for example worked with the Ministry of Public Personnel to employ some 20 persons with Disabilities; NAD initiated the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities and continues to initiate trailblazing programs to ease travel conditions on behalf of persons with disabilities. Rotary consistently provides wheelchairs to the physically disabled as does NCPD, and with donations from the Chinese Embassy, we were able to donate educational toys and devices, hearing aids and other items.

“We are so very grateful for such corporate partnerships as it is important that the community is embraced at both a public and private level so that persons with disabilities can feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome with open arms other corporate entities that may wish to become partners in this cause to improve the lives of those who live with a disability,” Mr. LaRoda added.

Providenciales, Tuesday 30 April, 2024 – A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently undertook a pivotal visit to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The visit, which took place from April 21st to April 23rd, 2024, was held under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of Health of the British Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming.

Led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE, the delegation included Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services. This strategic meeting was an integral part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the visit, representatives from the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided comprehensive insights into their operations, sharing valuable expertise and offering collaborative initiatives for the development of the TCIs emergency services. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including training and mentoring programs tailored to empower emergency personnel within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The visit marked a significant step forward in our strategy for the advancement of emergency services,” stated Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support extended by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we look forward to implementing the insights gained to further enhance emergency care within our country. Permanent Secretary Lewis also expressed the Ministry of Health’s gratitude to Professor Ian Cumming for his assistance by way of arranging the visit.”

Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored the importance of the discussions, emphasizing the poignant exchange of ideas and the potential for meaningful collaborations which signifies a commitment to improving emergency services and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services expresses its sincere appreciation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their warm hospitality and invaluable contributions during the visit.

For additional information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

Over a year after opening its doors for candidate applications, the People’s Democratic Movement is ready to reveal the 10 individuals who will contest the electoral districts in the 2025 general elections.

Ezra Taylor communicated with the media on April 30th following reports that several candidates had received confirmation letters in the weeks prior.

“After an extensive exercise conducted by the People’s Democratic Movement, we are pleased to announce to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that an official launch of our ten district candidates will take place on May 6, 2024, at 11:00 am,” Taylor indicated.

The team is being kept under wraps until the reveal date but at least one candidate is certain as the team will be: “Under the strong, caring, and trusted leadership of the Hon. Edwin Astwood assisted by a dynamic group of candidates, who together, will forge a future where Turks and Caicos Islanders will feel safe, prosper and fulfill their potential,” Taylor said, indicating that Astwood would reprise his role as Opposition Leader, and likely as candidate for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay based on his own comments.

Astwood was the only PDM candidate to hold onto a seat in the last election, an overwhelmingly yellow victory for the PNP.

In the selection of their five all island candidates which have already been revealed, the PDM placed trust in quite a few of the candidates from that failed election bid, including Karen Malcolm, Robert Been, Ralph Higgs, and Sean Astwood. It remains to be seen whether voters are ready to embrace again, the PDM as the government of the islands.

Edwin Astwood has however stressed that it was the vote of the people that decided who got a spot in the all-island lineup. The opposition leader indicated that surveys had been carried out with over 1,000 respondents indicating who they wanted to run.

“We don’t know how things happened in the past with other parties but we wanted you the people to make the decision and whatever decision you made we were going to live with it. You made this decision for me and I thank you,” he had said to the public.

The PDM has not confirmed whether that was the deciding factor in the second round of candidates as well.

However National Chairman Taylor is confident in their selections maintaining that:

“During this crucial time in our country, Turks and Caicos Islanders need a people-centered government that will address the needs of our country, and lead our country with a sense of purpose. The People’s Democratic Movement is ready, willing and able.”