Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – 11th May 2024: On Thursday, 9^th May 2024, results of testing for two suspected measles cases were received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency, confirming that both cases were positive for measles. These represent the first cases of measles in the TCI since 1991.

The public health team has been responding since initial reports of the suspected cases, carrying out contact tracing, isolation, public education and outreach in anticipation of yesterday’s results. No additional suspected cases have been identified at this time. All unvaccinated contacts of the confirmed cases have been vaccinated. Additional vaccination efforts will be conducted throughout the TCI.

The public health team has been receiving technical support from its key stakeholders including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily between people. Symptoms typically start between 10 and 12 days after catching the infection. The signs and symptoms of measles are:

• A high fever
• Runny or blocked nose
• Cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes

Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, cheek, and throat may appear a few days later. A rash usually appears 2-4 days after the cold-like symptoms start. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

Measles is spread through close contact with someone with measles. This could be through droplets in the air which are generated by the coughs and sneezes of infected persons or by touching things that someone with measles has coughed or sneezed on.

Measles spreads easily within households and in other places where people mix closely together. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. The period when a person is infectious and can spread the virus is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days.

Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease and serious complications are more common in children under the age of 5, or adults over the age of 30 and individuals whose immune systems have been weakened. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, ear infections, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Women infected while pregnant are also at risk of severe complications, and the pregnancy may end in miscarriage or preterm delivery. People who recover from measles are immune for the rest of their lives.

Any non-immune person (who has not been vaccinated or was vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected.

No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus.
Severe complications from measles can be avoided through supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration with WHO-recommended oral rehydration solution. This solution replaces fluids and other essential elements that are lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Antibiotics should be prescribed to treat eye and ear infections, and pneumonia.

A number of measles outbreaks have been detected globally and regionally. While the TCI has high vaccination coverage in the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) (>95%), unvaccinated persons can still acquire measles through contact with an infectious person.

Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. The vaccine is safe and effective in providing long term protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccines are offered free of cost to all children at government-operated primary care facilities across the TCI.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages parents to ensure that their children’s vaccines are up to date.  If you are unsure if you or your child has had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, please visit your health care provider. If you have missed a dose, you can still be vaccinated at any age.

The public is being advised to remain vigilant and report any fever with rash or fever followed by rash to their doctor/health care provider as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is grateful for the support of its stakeholders, including CARPHA, who provided the results of testing in such a prompt manner.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services will continue heightened surveillance for fever and rash and take necessary actions to mitigate against further cases.

For additional information please call 649-338-5469 or visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Sean Astwood, the former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Island (TCI), says he has returned to front-line politics to stand up for what is right, and to fight for persons who cannot fight for themselves.

Mr. Astwood who was also a former Minister of Border Control and Employment and Member of Parliament for Five Cays (ED 9) Constituency, during the Sharlene Cartwight-Robinson led administration, said his move was not a “decision I have made lightly, it is not for personal gain or glory.

“I came back because I believe that we have a responsibility to balance the playing field for all of those who feel marginalised, to protect the vulnerable, and empower the powerless,” Mr. Astwood said in statement.

The All-Island- (At-Large) candidate in the upcoming general elections, added that he has chosen to re-enter “this often-challenging world” of politics, and to them, “now, more than ever,” more voices are needed, and “our actions are crucial, and our commitment to positive change is non-negotiable.

“I have spent my time away from politics reflecting on the state of our country. I have witnessed the struggles faced by so many of you, the injustices that persist, and the urgent need for leaders who are not only passionate but also compassionate, who are not only ambitious but also empathetic,” he said.

He stressed that his return has to do with what he said is the “crime is out of control,” and the island’s borders are still unprotected, the sloops are still coming, and “over $8M of the Carnival Infrastructure Fund slated for our nation’s capital Grand Turk remains untouched,” Mr. Astwood said.

The All-Island candidate also stated that another issue that influenced his decision, is the Housing Department not producing a “single home”, infrastructures are crumbling, road and traffic systems need immediate attention, and “I have seen the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the potential for progress when we come together with a shared vision for a better future,” he stated.

Urging citizens not to be deterred by naysayers, the cynics, or the skeptics, Mr. Astwood said people should be inspired by the courage of those who came “before us, as always, I must pay homage to Rt Hon JAGS McCartney, the resilience of those who stand beside us, and the hope of those who will follow us,” he argued.

Press Statement*

From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.

The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.

It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.

Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.

The critical issue is that of this PNP government’s continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.

The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being.

At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.

By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.

It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”

The Premier and his government’s lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.

Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.

As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?

On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.

it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement.  Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.

Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

People’s Democratic Movement