The Ministry of Health and Human Services Migrant Health System Goes Digital
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce the successful completion and launch of phase three of the Migrant Health Evaluation system. The Digitalization & E- Government Technology and Innovation (DETI) unit, within the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, and developers have finalized phase three of the new system, which is scheduled to go live on February 19th, 2024.
In phase 1, a more secure system was introduced, providing each Migrant Health Officer with accountability and access to the Migrant Health system.
Phase 2 witnessed the development of a Medical Health Management and Health Certificate Management portal, featuring a secured QR code and Access Code backend validation, along with User Security groups for various levels of access to System and Applicant data. The Unit can now send medicals via email or text to each applicant or their representative. An additional layer of security allows the Labour Department to view approved medicals on the MHU portal.
In phase 3, both local and international doctors can directly register and submit applications via the MHU Portal, eliminating the need for third-party involvement. Applicants can create an account for direct access to their application status and Migrant Health E-Certificate.
With the launch of the MHU Portal, reprinting services will be discontinued. The Migrant Health Unit advises all clients to download their Migrant Health E-Certificates before the portal's launch. Clients with hard copy certificates can either scan the QR Code or enter the Certificate Number and Access Code on the portal.
Commenting on the successful completion of this system is Ms. Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager with responsibility for the Migrant Health Unit who stated that “the Migrant Health Evaluation program has undergone significant upgrades and updates over the past two years. With the help and dedication of the team from DETI, we can now boast of our online portal which allows for more safety and efficiency in migrant health processing. We wish to register our thanks to the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade, the team at DETI and the developers for their work on this project”.
Taking note of the success of the Primary Health Care Unit, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services by extension, the Minister of Health and Human Services Hon. Shaun D. Malcolm expressed how pleased he was in relation to this milestone. He noted that this success will go a long way in helping the unit to process applications in timely manner. He also expressed his gratitude to all the agencies who made the success of this initiative possible, including former Ministers of Health (Deputy Premier EJ Saunders and Hon. Jamal Robinson), and her Excellency the Deputy Governor.
Access the Certificate Validation Portal at: https://healthcertificate.gov.tc.
Please take note of these essential dates as we navigate through the pivotal phases of Migrant
Health System’s digital evolution.
Key Dates:
- February 9th, 2024 - Last date to request a reprint
- February 9th, 2024 - Last date to submit hard copy applications - February 19th, 2024 - MHU Portal Goes Live
- February 19th, 2024 - Doctor’s Registration
The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends its gratitude to DETI for their commitment and hard work in ensuring the project's progression and completion.
The new system promises increased robustness and user-friendliness for all stakeholders, ensuring secure and smooth processing of medicals and issuance of Certificates of Good Health.
For more information on our new system, please call 649-338-5063 or email migranthealth@gov.tc.
Clement Howell High School are Double TCISS Inter-High Boys Basketball Champions
Two years in a row, the Clement Howell High School (CHHS) have dominated the TCISS Inter-High Boys Basketball Championships, losing zero games all season. The Championship weekend took place February 2-3, 2024.
The season lasted four months starting in November, splitting thirteen schools into Groups A and B.
The Semi-final 1 saw Clement Howell High School (CHHS) Eagles meet the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) Spartans for the first time this season as they were in separate groups. The Eagles flew to a 40-point lead by the end of the game, winning 94 – 54. In Semi-final 2, HJ Robinson High School (HJRHS) Stallions also met the Wesley Methodist School for the first time this season, winning the game 62 – 46.
Leading up to the semi-finals, the Stingrays had only lost one game which was to the Eagles. The Stallions had also remained undefeated all season until they finally faced CHHS. This tumultuous game resulted in a blowout in CHHS’ favour 103 – 62.
The third-place playoff game between WM Stingrays and BWIC Spartans was arguably the game of the night. This game went into double overtime, with BWIC edging over the Stingrays in the result of 82 – 80.
All teams fought to the finish, wearing their school’s name with pride. We look forward to next year’s Championships where all teams will have CHHS on their sights to dethrone.
TCISS Inter-High Basketball Championship 2023/24 Awardees
1st Place - Clement Howell High School
2nd Place - HJ Robinson High School
3rd Place - British West Indies Collegiate
2023/24 Season Awards
Most Steals - Emrike Daceus (CHHS)
Most Assists - Emrike Daceus (CHHS)
Most Rebounds - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Most Blocks - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Most Points - Allison Almonte (EHS)
Player of the Conference Pool A - Samuel Harvey (BWIC)
Player of the Conference Pool B - Dumsele Poteinsky (WM)
Championship Game Awards
CHAMPIONSHIP MVP - Dashawn Lightbourne (CHHS)
Barbados to table new energy supply legislation
The Barbados government says it will table new electricity supply legislation this year as it begins the process of creating a new macro framework that is legislated for a new look energy sector.
Energy and Business Minister, Lisa Cummins, told the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Second Annual Green and Renewable Energy Expo, that the island “must have the flagship piece of energy supply legislation, not just in the region, [but] in the world, by the middle of 2024.
“It is our intention to take that legislation to Parliament and to begin the process of creating a new macro framework that is legislated for a new look energy sector,” she said, noting that the government is committed to leading in the area of democratisation of energy supply.
She noted that stakeholders and the public were given an opportunity to review, comment on, and submit their views on the draft Electricity Supply Bill and that the current model had been a challenge to the utility company, and a drag on the wider economy.
“We have to be in a position to ensure that we have an internal energy market that works for renewables. We have to have an energy market and an energy grid that is fit for renewables and not the other way around. Our market has to be designed and redesigned to fully integrate renewables into the wider electricity market and remove the existing barriers that we can see, feel, and experience.
“As the next step on this trajectory, I wish to share that on the 19th of February, we will begin broader consultations on the Electricity Supply Act, and we will open that to wider consultations, so we are in a position to receive comments from everyone who has an interest in so doing…. It allows for us to have a conversation in this country for the first time around concepts like micro grids, that is embedded in the legislation…,” Cummins said.
She told the audience that the gap between policy and regulation must be closed, and gave the assurance that her Ministry would be working through it.
Cummins said an Energy Transition Investment Plan had been developed and the Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan (IRRP) had been amended.
“I now have in hand the final version…which will now be the 2024 (IRRP), because I have asked for two smaller revisions for the benefit of people who are non-technical to be included in the documentation. But we now have, and I expect to be in a position to take to Cabinet, in the next couple of weeks, a new Energy Transition Investment Plan and a new IRRP.
“Those are the policy frameworks that will guide our sector; those are the things that sit at the…macro level that then determine where we go next,” Cummins said as she commended the financial institutions for their commitment to and investment in the renewable energy sector.
Source-CMC
Court orders ministry of health to pay legal costs of civil and human rights group
Justice Frank Seepersad has ordered the Ministry of Health to pay the legal costs incurred by the leader of the civil and human rights group, First Wave Movement, Umar Abdullah, who had sought information on the adverse reports of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
Justice Seepersad said the information sought by Abdullah was important in the public’s interest and should have been provided by the ministry.
The High Court judge said that it was important for citizens to know the possible risks associated with these vaccines so that they can make informed decisions in deciding to subject themselves to the jab.
The Ministry of Health did not put in an appearance at the February 6 hearing although the State had been served with the court’s previous orders when leave was granted and the claim.
The ministry was ordered to pay TT$17,500 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in costs because only some of the information sought by Abdullah had been provided after he filed his lawsuit.
On October 10, 2023, Abdullah said he embarked on a project to get information on COVID-19 vaccines and asked for the total number of adverse reports of the vaccines; a list of all the reports identifying specific concerns – for example, blood clots, headaches, stroke and heart attack – the number of people who died because of the vaccine and copies of all reports sent to vaccine manufacturers, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the ministry’s system to address the reporting of adverse events of the COVID-19 vaccines was the online Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccines and Immunisations (ESAVI).
On January 16, the ministry in its response said the total number of adverse reports made to ESAVI up to August 10, 2023, was 50. It also provided a breakdown of the signs and symptoms. There were also zero deaths as a result of the vaccine.
They included body pain; nerve pain; weakness; heavy, irregular, longer menstrual periods and later periods; pronounced pre-menstrual symptoms; heart palpitations; severe coughing; increased pulse and blood pressure; pain at the injection point; twitching of the face; muscle spasms and pain; joint pain; tingling of the hands and feet; fevers; shortness of breath; and headaches.
An epileptic patient reported increased seizures.
The ministry said it did not have the number of people that recovered from any adverse effect nor did it have reports sent to the manufacturers, PAHO or the WHO.
Source-CMC
TALIA THOMAS APPOINTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Talia Thomas to the position of Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs.
A native of South Caicos, Thomas brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in the Ministry of Education.
Commencing her journey as a teacher at the Enid Capron Primary School, Thomas quickly ascended through the ranks, assuming roles such as Vice-Principal, Principal, Education Officer and Education Policy and Planning Manager within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services.
Thomas possesses a Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher Education from Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, and a Master's with Distinction in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. In addition to this, she has obtained numerous professional certifications across a range of disciplines.
Commenting on the appointment of Thomas, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams stated:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend congratulations to Ms. Talia Thomas on her appointment as the new Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations, which was established earlier this year.
As she embarks on this new path in her career journey, we express our profound thanks to her for her invaluable contributions throughout the years to developing and implementing key policies, training and curriculum programmes, and initiatives within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services." End quote
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion Ms. Thomas!”
TCI Community College Appoints New Executives
The TCI Community College (TCICC) takes a bold step towards academic excellence, student success, and operational innovation with the introduction of its new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the "Charting the Future" initiative, accompanied by the hiring of two new Vice Presidents.
This announcement was made at a press conference held on Tuesday, 30th January 2024.
Underlining the significance of this development is the recent amendment to the college ordinance, reflecting a commitment to a more strategic and forward-looking approach for the institution.
This initiative positions TCICC as a pioneer in shaping the educational landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Newly Hired Vice Presidents:
• Dr. Delores Stapleton Harris: Vice President - Academic, Vocational, and Student Affairs
• Dr. Shaun McKay: Vice President - Administration and Operations
Dr. Stapleton-Harris, based at the Provo West Campus, brings invaluable expertise in academic and student affairs, contributing to the mission of becoming the first choice for education and training in the region. Dr. Shaun McKay, stationed at the Grand Turk Campus, will play a pivotal role in optimizing administrative and operational functions.
Dr. Williams outlined that, “Achieving our vision to become the first choice hinges on our ability to fulfil our mission of providing world-class education and training through innovation and community engagement, utilising qualified professionals focused on human capital development. Our commitment to qualified professionals underscores our dedication to hiring and retaining experienced and skilled educators and staff, ensuring the delivery of a high standard of education and training.” End quote
The combined efforts of the Executive Leadership Team, the amended ordinance, mark a significant stride towards a future characterized by academic excellence, innovation, and active community engagement.
Ministry of Education hosted a series of stakeholder consultations
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services hosted a series of stakeholder consultations and engagements sessions on Providenciales and Grand Turk on 22nd-25th January 2024.
The multifaceted author, global youth & family specialist, youth intervention consultant, mentor, and motivational speaker Dr. David Borrows, and a delegation from the Bahamas facilitated the sessions.
This multisector intervention against youth violence in the Turks & Caicos Islands is an intentional and strategic plan of action and was organized and implemented by an assembled working Group that consisted of critical public and private sector stakeholders inclusive of the Ministries of Education, Tourism, Home Affairs & Public Safety, Health & Human Services, National Security Secretariat, TCI Christian Council, the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and Turks & Caicos Islands Hotel & Tourism Association.
The “Reaching the Streets” Programme – Lessons in Reaching & Impacting Troubled Youth from the Streets and Gangs, was designed by Dr. David Borrows, with contributions from Dr. Carlos Reid and Dr. Eric Fox. These reformed men and spiritual leaders have dedicated much of their lives to accessing, engaging, and mentoring troubled youth. This programme equips experts and everyday individuals to intervene effectively in the lives of our youth, potentially rescuing many more than would have been saved otherwise.
To effectively launch this grand and critical initiative, an opening ceremony was held on January 22nd, 2024, at the Paradise Baptist Church in Five Cays.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, phase one of this multisector youth intervention strategy was activated and brought together key stakeholders from the private and public sectors, inclusive of vital governmental agencies, law enforcement, judiciary, social and community action groups, parents, churches, business owners and concerned citizens to discuss the issue of gang and gun violence. An opportunity was provided for stakeholders to provide the facilitators with insights on their outreach efforts, as well as gain valuable insights from Dr. Borrows and his team.
On January 25th, 2024, the same sessions and efforts were duplicated on Grand Turk at the Bible Baptist Church.
Community outreach and engagement visits were facilitated and allowed the visiting consultants an opportunity to tour vulnerable communities on Providenciales and Grand Turk to witness and interact firsthand with youth and community members in their environment.
Phase two of this multi-sector intervention will bring to fruition a massive and comprehensive Training & Development for all mentioned stakeholders that will provide persons with proven intervention and prevention strategies, improved knowledge and skills to understand the complex needs of youth better, employ trauma-informed approaches, and effectively communicate and engage with this population.
Teachers begin nationwide strike in Guyana
The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education Monday differed sharply as to the response of teachers for them to participate in a general strike to press demands for increased salaries.
The GTU said that teachers from across the country heeded the call from the union, with GTU secretary general Coretta Mc Donald, saying “teachers are out today.
“They have downed tools. The majority of teachers have downed tools and that is an indication that this strike is not political; it is because teachers needs are not being met,” she added.
“We submitted a proposal since 2020 and this is 2024. But what we’ve recognised they’ve been doing over the years is that they’ve been pulling from the conditions we’ve been asking for, tweaking them and my good friend (the Chief Education Officer) Saddam Hussain is putting out all kinds of things suggesting that the GTU is asking for 41 things and they’ve already been satisfied 21 or 27 things, something like that,” McDonald told reporters.
But, Hussein said while an assessment of the strike impact was ongoing “from what I am seeing in front of the Ministry of Education and in Region Three, I am not seeing much of an impact.
“I am very happy that the teachers have made the right decision,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Education, through its network of education officers, would be collecting data from the ground.
Hussein said teachers were appreciative of the efforts that government has been making to improve their conditions and “they are going to make the right decision.
“In fact, I called a number of schools in Berbice where they had a hundred per cent turnout,” he said, noting that there was a “low turnout” at schools that are headed or managed by GTU members.
Hussain said there are 13,652 teachers in Guyana but GTU’s membership is less than 4,500.
But as they staged their protest, the teachers chanted and held placards that read, among other slogans, “Don’t expect excellence if you’re penny pinching”, “You expect excellence and leaving us penniless”, “Guyana shines at CXC, teachers pay like junkie”, Less pay, less work. Teachers ain’t no jerk”.
The teachers are also upset that for several years, their annual uniform allowances of GUY$8,000 (One GUY=US$0.004 cents) has stagnated while the annual allowance per child now stands at GUY$45,000.
“That cannot do anything. That cannot even buy shoes unless you go to a Chinese (store) and by the ti, an opposition legislator, dismissed government’s repeated claims that the industrial action was politically motivated.
“Teachers have needs. Teachers’ issues are not being met,” she said, questioning why strikes called by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-aligned Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) were not deemed political.
Last year, the government ignored repeated calls for collective bargaining and instead engaged a cross-section of teachers to hear their grievances and requests.
Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in a statement last December announced an across the board salary increase of 6.5 per cent that will benefit over 54,000 public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services and government pensioners and will place an additional GUY$7.5 billion in disposable income annually in the hands of these employees.
Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine, said the grievance procedure has not been exhausted, and that he had declined the union’s request tfor the matter to go to arbitration as there was an attempt to breach the grievance procedure.
But GTU president, Dr Mark Lyte, accused the Chief Labour Officer of violating the grievance procedure by failing to call a conciliation meeting.
“When the job of the Chief Labour Officer was to bring the two sides at the table and then he can decipher whether there was any need for that.”
Lyte said the union would not negotiate for fraction of the teaching population, and the government has an obligation to meet with the bargaining agent regardless of its perceived political affiliation.
Source-CMC
St. Lucia launches youth economy agency
The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Tuesday launched the St. Lucia Youth Economy Agency (YEA), marking a transformative leap towards youth empowerment and economic advancement.
The project was launched in collaboration with the St. Lucia government and under the agreement, US$7.6 million will be allocated to the initiative that the bank said is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of more than 3000 young individuals.
The YEA, approved in July last year, is designed to provide business training or financing for aspiring young entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 35.
“As a pivotal element in promoting social inclusivity and gender responsiveness, the project is set to engage 600 young people in intensive business development, planning, marketing, and management training. Additionally, 120 youths will receive personalised business mentoring, coaching, and financial support,” the CDB said.
It said beyond individual capacity-building, the project aims to support over 3,000 young individuals, aged 18 to 25, in various enterprise activities encompassing agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, retail, and the services industries, spanning the blue, green, and orange economies.
“The timely project will drive youth economic empowerment and contribute to investment and capacity development in youth-led enterprises with the ultimate goal of mitigating youth unemployment and enhancing social resilience.
“The project’s commitment to social inclusivity and gender equality, will ensure that services, investments, and operations cater to the diverse needs of men, women, boys, and girls,” the CDB said.
“We absolutely see the value in this as a viable development solution. This is a solemn obligation to the generations that are here that will assure that our young people will continue to thrive,” said CDB Division Chief, Dr Martin Baptiste.
He said the YEA is “truly transformational,” adding “this project is here because the future is now”.
The chief executive officer of the Youth Economy Agency, Bryan Vidal,said the YEA is anticipating significant personal growth among its clientele.
“In providing resources to the agency, the bank has endorsed the vision of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, further enabling our expanded cadre of officers to do even more to grow the youth entrepreneur ecosystem. With their assistance, we are now better poised to water the roots, and to place our clients in positions where they can bloom,” said Vidal, adding that the YEA is pleased with the response to the project.
“The YEA was created to support St. Lucia’s young entrepreneurs through interventions including funding and training, to plant the seeds for the next generation of business leaders. From inception, we have been overwhelmed by the volume of interest from eligible persons, clearly indicative of the need for such an organisation. We are delighted that the CDB has also recognised the agency as fit for purpose,” Vidal said.
The CDB said that the launch reinforces the strengthened partnership between bank and St. Lucia since January 2023, with initiatives and agreements exceeding US$63 million in loan and grant funding, including co-financing commitments from the Government and donor partners including the InterAmerican Development and the European Investment Bank.
Sourcve-CMC