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Department of Education Launches Special Needs Education Awareness Month in November

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#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – The Department of Education will be observing November 2021 as Special Needs Education Awareness Month, here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The theme for the awareness month is “No Child Left Behind”. The Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, commented, “ Special Needs will be given priority here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As stated in our Citizen’s Contract, as a Government we will, “Develop a Special Needs Services Centre dedicated to the assessment, therapy, and social integration of individuals with Special Needs”.

Moreover, This Government’s recent Supplementary Budget passed in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 2nd 2021 has addressed Special Needs for the short term and included:

* Additional $150,000.00 to assist with out of school Special Needs students

* Additional $150,000.00 to assist in the Ministry of Health with Assessments and overseas care of Special Needs students.

The Minister added, “we currently have 14 Special Needs teachers spread across 16 Public Schools in the country. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jasmin Walkin has returned to the Civil Service as Education Officer with responsibilities for Special Needs whose responsibilities it is to co-ordinate the implementation of the Special Needs Policy and oversee the work of and professional development for the SEN teachers.

I am excited also to announce that work has commenced on establishing a National Special Needs Service Centre to serve as the national hub for assessment, diagnosis and educational services geared towards children and families with special needs and various disabilities.”

In observance of Special Needs Education Awareness Month, a number of media events are being planned to:

  1. Raise awareness for Special Needs Education & Services
  2. Promote a Special Needs Education National Registration Drive
  3. Give the Ministry of Education the platform to share future plans for Special Needs Education
  4. Invite Ministry of Health & Human Services to highlight the current Special Needs Services being offered in the country.

The official launch press conference will take place on Monday, November 8th @ 5pm live on facebook (Office of Premier, Providenciales). The activities during the rest of month includes: “No Child Left Behind” thirty (30) minute virtual newsmagazine, a National Roundtable Discussion on Special Needs Education & Services in the TCI, Special Needs Education National Registration Drive: Nov 15th -18th and the relaunch of the Department’s Special Education Newsmagazine “INCLUSION”.

The Special Needs Education Officer, Jas Walkin stated, “I am inviting parents, teachers, special educators and external agencies to be a part of these initiatives and I promise that when it comes to awareness for Special Needs Education, this will be a November to Remember!”

 

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Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.

On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”

Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”

The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.

InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.

The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.

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Provo Water Company Continues Efforts to Address Water Supply Issues

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PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.

This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.

Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.

These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.

In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.

In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”

The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.

Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”

Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.

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Dengue Getting Worst

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Dengue#Caribbean#CentralandSouthAmerica, April 25, 2024 – New data from the Pan American Organisation(PAHO), indicates that dengue in the region may hit an all time high now over 4 million cases, a 260 percent increase from 2023 with over 1700 deaths registered since mid April. In fact, since April, reports say Brazil has reported the most cases. As a result of the surge in cases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reissued its Level 1 Travel Health Advisory for the Americas on April 18, 2024 and the countries listed include the Turks and Caicos, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, as they have been seeing higher than usual levels of infection.

 

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