The Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing on hearing the news of the latest fatality which occurred in North Caicos over the weekend, has released this statement:
“Let me first express, on behalf of the Government, sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life suddenly this past weekend. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God be your comforter and your source of strength as you go through this very difficult time.
“I was saddened to hear of this fatal motor accident which occurred in North Caicos on Saturday during the celebration of the Crab Fest. While the details are still a bit sketchy, I am made to understand that a vehicle carrying four passengers, two males and two females, crashed while maneuvering a curve, and resulted in the death of the driver, a male, and serious injuries to the others. The survivors were airlifted to Cheshire Medical Center in Providenciales, where they continue to receive life-saving treatment for their injuries.
“I must commend those nurses, firemen and other residents who assisted in the removal of the trapped victims from wreckage, as I understand a fire crew was in North Caicos and were in possession of the jaws of life, which was critical to their being freed to receive the necessary medical assistance.
“The islands of North and Middle Caicos are in desperate need of ambulances and medical equipment that is critical to successful first response in emergencies. The Ministry of Health has made effort to source these ambulances in the past, through the prescribed methods in the Procurement Ordinance, which were all futile in attracting the necessary bids in the tendering process to secure purchases.
“On Wednesday of last week, the Government sought the right to purchase directly these critical vehicles, as it is our view that the residents of our family islands can no longer be expected to live daily without the security of knowing that they have adequate facilities to assist in times of emergency.
“Towards this end, the Ministry of Health requested that funding for five ambulances be released for purchase and the purchasing process has begun. The furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic is also on island and will be released throughout the course of the week.
“While I acknowledge that the time has been lengthy in getting to this point, I am certainly relieved to know that we are progressing in this critical area and that the residents in those islands can rest assured that they have not been forgotten.
“While we continue to improve the presence of medical response teams, we will also be looking to erect signs warning of the dangers of upcoming curves, which will assist in prompting and alerting motorists to the dangers that lay ahead.
“I call on us all now, to continue to pray for the families affected by the death and injuries of their loved ones, and for the speedy recovery of those who remain in the fight for their lives. May God bless you and bless these beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.”
