News
TCI Hospitals exploring new COVID therapeutics in consult with PHE; confirms Dexamethasone as effective
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 11, 2021 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is not backing down in the fight against COVID-19 and based on the country’s rate of infection the hospital is succeeding; Dexamethasone has been administered in treatment of coronavirus patients since July 2020 but the therapeutics options may be expanding soon.
Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of the TCI Hospital confirmed they are working to keep the infection rate low through a mix of research, best practices, and state-of-the-art medical treatments.
Magnetic Media obtained an update on treatment options from the Hospitals in early November. The hospital revealed that in a bid to find effective ways to combat COVID-19’s severe side effects it had been researching new, overseas-based, therapeutic treatments.
One of these treatments, the hospital had said, was Molnupiravir. The drug, which was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, had been found effective in the early stages of COVID-19 infection for at-risk individuals.
Despite the positive outlook, the TCI Hospital maintains that they would not rush into treatment. Representatives said the hospital’s Drugs and Therapeutics advisory committee would use “All available guidance information from multiple sources such as the MHRA, Public Health England, Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization and others to make timely recommendations for safe, effective, and evidenced-based COVID-19 treatment protocols.”
In a subsequent interview on December 6th, the CEO revealed that being unsatisfied with the amount of data available on Molnupiravir it had requested a meeting with Public Health England (PHE) to get their input.
In the meantime under advisement from the FDA and MHRA they have continued to administer Dexamethasone which they say has been very effective in patients, has a good safety profile, and has minimal side effects.
We have seen very good outcomes with this drug and our approach with the majority of our patients has been successful, leading to safe discharge,” said Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of the TCI Hospitals.
With a recovery percentage of roughly 98 per cent of infected individuals up to December 6th, the statement rings true. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 350 thousand COVID-19 tests have been administered in the TCI. Of that number, there have been 3,107 positive cases and 3,055 recoveries.
At this time, no one is hospitalised with the virus.
The hospital says its everyday staff members have also been committed to the fight against COVID with a total of 96 per cent of them being vaccinated so far.
The Hospital is set to continue on its current trajectory of keeping infections low and recoveries high and implores TCI Islanders who want to help fight COVID-19 along with the frontline staff to do so by giving blood which can be lifesaving for all patients including those with COVID-19.
Interested Islanders can donate blood to the National Blood Bank.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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