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Clement Howell High School Triumphs at the 27th Annual Inter-High School HIV/AIDS Debate

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 28 February 2025: The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully hosted the 27th Annual Inter-High School HIV/AIDS Debate on February 19, 2025, at the Salvation Army Building under the theme “Take the Right Path.” The debate aimed to foster critical thinking and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS-related rights, progress, and challenges, engaging students in a compelling discussion on the moot:  “Be it Resolved: That enough is being done to uphold the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS globally.”

The Master of Ceremony was Mrs. Cheryl Ann Francis-Foreman and welcomed several distinguished guests, including Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, who delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, provided a warm welcome, emphasising the importance of youth-led discussions in shaping policies and fostering inclusive societies. Other notable attendees included Deputy Permanent Secretaries Mrs. Tamera Howell-Robinson and Ms. Renessa Williams.

Participating schools included:

  • Wesley Methodist High School – coached by Mrs Carla Thomas Ferguson
  • Clement Howell High School – coached by Ms. Christina Williams
  • A. Louise Garland Thomas High School – coached by Ms. Latoya McEwan and Ms. Royette Dickenson
  • Marjorie Basden High School – coached by Ms. Saneka Setram
  • Helena Jones Robinson High School – coached by Ms. Aletheia Narcisse

After an intense and insightful competition, Clement Howell High School emerged as the 2025 champions, with Wesley Methodist High School securing second place and A. Louise Garland Thomas High School taking third. The Best Speaker award was presented to Reriana Nikes from Clement Howell High School for an outstanding performance and persuasive arguments.

The debate was judged by a distinguished panel:

  • Anansa Jervis – Executive Director, TC Health and Wellness Foundation
  • Dr. Samantha Barrett – Medical Officer, Primary Health Care Department, MOHHS
  • Mr. Vernal Lightbourn – Human Rights Commission
  • Ms. Gemely Lubin – Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Leonard Glasgow served as the timekeeper, ensuring a fair and structured competition.

This annual event serves as an important platform for young minds to critically engage with pressing health and social issues, especially those related to HIV/AIDS, human rights, and public health policies. By participating in these debates, students not only raise awareness but also challenge stigma and promote informed decision-making among their peers and the wider community.

The rights of people living with HIV/AIDS remain a critical global issue, with progress being made in treatment access, non-discrimination, and policy reforms. However, challenges persist, such as stigma, unequal healthcare access, and legal barriers. Events like this empower the next generation to advocate for health equity and social justice.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Astwood, underscored the significance of the event, stating:

“Empowering young people to engage in discussions on HIV/AIDS rights is essential in breaking down stigma and fostering a more inclusive society. By equipping students with knowledge and critical thinking skills, we are shaping future advocates for public health and human rights. This debate is not just an academic exercise—it is a vital step toward achieving health equity and ensuring that no one living with HIV/AIDS is left behind.”

The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit extends its sincere gratitude to Building Materials Do It Center and Sail Rock Resort for their generous sponsorship of the event. Special appreciation is also extended to the participating schools, teachers, judges, TC Health and Wellness Foundation, and all those who contributed to the event’s success.

Through initiatives like this, the Ministry continues its commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering youth, and promoting a future free of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

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

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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