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225 CATARACT PATIENTS AT MANDEVILLE HOSPITAL RECEIVE SURGERIES

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KINGSTON, Sept. 21 (Jamaica Information Service): A total of 225 cataract patients at the Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester have benefitted from well-needed surgeries, which were performed by a team of surgeons from the United States (US) and India.
US-based Diaspora charity, Mind, Body and Soul Health Ministries, which has been working in Jamaica for several years, organised the medical mission, through sponsorship from internationally renowned Cardiologist and Philanthropist, Dr. Kiran Patel.

The operations, which were carried out during the week of September 15 to 19, have cut by more than half, the number of patients awaiting cataract surgery and have also significantly reduced the waiting time for the procedure.

The hospital had a list of some 418 cataract patients, and persons have had to wait several months to have their eye surgery done. With the assistance, the hospital will be able to more effectively manage eye surgeries.

At a press conference held at the Mandeville-based hospital on Friday
(September 19), Consultant and Head of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr. Gavin Henry, hailed the invaluable contribution of the team of surgeons and other medical professionals.
“The quality of the surgeries has been tremendous, and we are happy to have them back in the future, because they have done excellent work,” he said.

He had special commendation for the Dr. Kiran Patel Foundation, which donated an ophthalmology machine used during the surgeries.

He said that “the good thing about it (machine) is, it not only measures oxygen saturation, but is able to measure your haemoglobin without having to take blood; that’s a significant advance.”
Jamaican national Horace Morgan, who is director of Mind, Body and Soul Health Ministries, said the one week mission at the Mandeville Hospital is part of efforts by the organisation to widen its support to other parishes.
He informed that the charity’s work has been focused on the parish of St. Ann, where his wife, Dr. Hillary Morgan, originated.

Mr. Morgan said he and his wife are happy to give back to the island of their birth. “It was a great week, there were no mishaps, everyone seems to be happy, and it was our pleasure to give back in this way. We are from humble beginnings, and we still have family living here. We are Jamaicans and it gives us much satisfaction to do this,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer at the Hospital, Alwyn Miller, in lauding what he describes as “a significant milestone in a partnership for improved vision for Jamaicans,” said he is pleased that the team selected the hospital, “and we look forward to having them back to help the people of Central Jamaica.”
The charity has organised health and medical missions to St. Ann for several years and in 2012, collaborated with the Government to improve the mental health, pharmacy, curative, dental, nutrition, family health, diagnostic and environmental health services facilities at the Alexandria Hospital.

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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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