Health
Cruising & Caring for Health and Wealth
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2022 – As the cruising industry in Grand Turk continues to get back into full swing with an anticipated four cruises or more per week, Turks and Caicos Islanders who work in the industry will again be interacting with thousands of foreign nationals on a weekly basis.
Normally this would be a cause for celebration and it is, but with the world in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and especially in light of the newest variant, the rules have changed.
As researchers find more information in regards to Omicron it is becoming increasingly clear that while the variant may be slightly milder than others its transmissibility is a major treat to populations, economies and health systems everywhere.
The following are tips that will help balance TCI tourism workers’ income and their safety, or as government often puts it, “lives and livelihoods”.
Prior Preparation.
Masks have become a part of life since the beginning of the pandemic, some wear them for safety, others because they are mandated. Nearly all of us have experienced that ‘oh no’ moment when we realize we’ve left our mask behind, it’s a funny anecdote to represent our new normal in theory.
In reality it can be dangerous, life threatening even, to be without protective measures especially for vendors who interact with international visitors all day long.
This means prior preparation is key. Outfit your stall with masks and the recommended cleaning agents, have extras on hand so you never get caught without. If possible put the required distance between your own stall and your neighbors. If possible create dividers for yourself and tourists that will allow you to interact safely. Place reminders in the form of signs around your stall so guests are not tempted to flout safety measures.
In the Moment
Cruise days can be hectic, there are so many people and so little time but as you rush to make your sales or braid hair it is important to keep safety protocols in mind.
Always maintain social distancing between yourself and guests, this is especially important in high volume situations like this as guests can be asymptomatic.
If you operate a business that will not allow you to do so e.g. hair braiding, keep your mask on at all times and insist that your guests do so as well.
Limit the amount of guests allowed in your space at once.
Establish rigorous and frequent cleaning protocols, as guests move around in their excitement they may forget to sanitize. Clean surfaces regularly with the recommended products to prevent lingering traces of anything dangerous.
Aftercare
When guests have departed and it’s time to close up shop don’t skip any steps that could undo a successful day of safe practices.
Wash your money, it may seem strange but bills are made from durable paper that is not susceptible to tearing or water-wear. Washing your bills and coins gently will not hurt them but will protect you from any lingering viruses. Clean regularly touched areas and items. Get tested regularly, that way if you do get infected you will be in the know early. If you feel ill, immediately self-isolate and test to confirm if you have COVID or not. Deep clean your stall regularly, disinfecting as many areas as you can.
Covid-19 has forced us into a new normal but Turks and Caicos Islanders are resilient, it is possible to balance safety and profit, remember to wash your hands and obey all the protocols so the TCI can come out of this Pandemic with as little losses as possible.
Health
Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
(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.
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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