Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services (MOHAHS) receives technical assistance from Public Health England

This past week (2-6 October, 2017) the MOHAHS received consultants from Public Health England (PHE) to assist and provide support to the Public Health team in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Through this visit, plans are being made to address immediate, medium and long term needs for additional support in relation to supplies, developing action plans and capacity building using novel techniques.

Dr. Thomas Waite has been working with the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) in the Turks and Caicos Islands to strengthen existing disease surveillance and identify immediate additional needs as well as future planning. He has met with key stakeholders focusing on building capacity to rapidly identify clusters of gastroenteritis and vector borne disease because the risks of these are higher after natural disasters.

Dr. Waite is a Medical Epidemiologist with the Extreme Events and Health Protection Team at (PHE), the focal point for evidence-based health protection advice for planning, response and recovery from extreme weather events and other natural hazards. He has extensive experience responding to incidents and outbreaks in the UK, Africa and south-east Asia.

Alexander Vaux, a Medical Entomologist at Public Health England focusing particularly on the ecology of mosquitoes also visited the TCI. The medical entomology group at PHE is responsible for advising government on the public health risks from endemic and emerging vector-borne diseases in the UK and abroad.  During his stay in TCI, he worked closely with the Environmental Health Department, particularly the vector control unit, visiting the islands and conducting a needs assessment.

Alex has nine years of experience in the medical entomology team and advises on invasive mosquitoes.  He has worked extensively in the Caribbean, providing training and developing mosquito surveillance and control plans with Environmental Health and vector control teams across the region.

Dr Autilia Newton, a Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with PHE and a specialist in Infectious Disease, has also joined the Ministry of Health team and will provide additional technical assistance over the coming weeks.

The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services is grateful to the team at PHE for providing assistance at this critical time. Additional details of this visit will be provided in subsequent Press Releases as the Ministry keeps the public informed of new developments.


Coping with the Stress of Natural Disasters

When a community has been hit by a natural disaster, many persons usually find themselves trying to make sense of what happened and deal with the stress of the situation. These events create a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety for those directly and indirectly affected. In the days and weeks following the disaster, you may begin to experience some of the following reactions:

  • Disbelief and shock
  • Fear and anxiety about the future
  • Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
  • Apathy and emotional numbing
  • Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about the event
  • Irritability and anger
  • Sadness and depression
  • Feeling powerless
  • Changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
  • Crying for "no apparent reason"
  • Headaches, back pains and stomach problems
  • Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
  • Increased use of alcohol and drugs

Tips for Coping

It is 'normal' to have difficulty managing your feelings after major traumatic events. However, if you don't deal with the stress, it can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Here are some tips for coping in these difficult times:
  1. Talk about it. By talking with others about the event, you can relieve stress and realize that others share your feelings.

  2. Spend time with friends and family. They can help you through this tough time. If your family lives outside the area, stay in touch by phone. If you have any children, encourage them to share their concerns and feelings about the disaster with you.

  3. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise, and eat properly. If you smoke or drink coffee, try to limit your intake, since nicotine and caffeine can also add to your stress.

  4. Find time for activities you enjoy. Read a book, go for a walk, catch a movie or do something else you find enjoyable. These healthy activities can help you get your mind off the disaster and keep the stress in check.

  5. Ask for help when you need it. If your feelings do not go away or are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function in daily life, talk with a trusted relative, friend, doctor or spiritual advisor about getting help. Make an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss how well you are coping with the recent events. Don't try to cope alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. 

For help in coping with stress following a natural disaster contact the Department of Mental Health on the following numbers:

Grand Turk, South Caicos & Salt Cay: 649-431-4905
Provo, North & Middle Caicos: 649-231-8413

Windies arrive in Zimbabwe for two-Test series

West Indies touched down in Zimbabwe Wednesday afternoon for their two-Test tour against Zimbabwe, as they chase their first series win in three years.

The confident Caribbean side arrived on a flight from South Africa, after leaving the Caribbean for London on Monday.

West Indies will waste little time in getting preparations underway, as they stage their first training session on Thursday afternoon.

They open the tour with a three-day match against Zimbabwe A starting Sunday at the Bulawayo Athletic Club before taking on the hosts in the opening Test at Queens Sports Club bowling off October 21.

The second Test is also scheduled for Queens Sports Club starting October 29.

West Indies boast a stellar record against the Zimbabweans, having never lost a Test in eight previous meetings.

And though the former World champions have won just three of their last 20 matches, they will be fancied to get the better of the African side, who are without a Test win in six years.

However, the hosts have been boosted by the return of Kyle Jarvis and Brendan Taylor who have not represented the country in recent years.

A 17-man Zimbabwe squad has been chosen to prepare for the series and are currently in camp here.

Source-CMC


STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE (SOTIC) 2017 BEGINS IN GRENADA

With the 2017 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), scheduled to officially open tonight 10 October at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, a number of member countries of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) have been speaking with the media in a specially arranged day of destinations briefings yesterday.
Overall, they spoke in detail about the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria, at and the recovery process.
Each affected destination recounted its losses, acknowledging the countries that have extended support and also explaining how they are forging ahead with the much costly rebuilding process.
The following is a summary in the order in which the countries appeared.
 
Grenada
Chief executive officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Patricia Maher highlighted some of the major achievements of the tourism sector in Grenada during the past year, including a significant surge in visitor arrival, because of an increase in the number of cruise calls and flights to the Spice Island.
 
Ms. Maher also alluded to bright prospects for the Grenada tourism sector, with an increase in room stock, through the construction of the first luxury resort, Silversands, on Grand Anse Beach; the Kimpton Kawana Bay Resort to be constructed in the near future, and the refurbishment of the Spice Island Beach Resort, among other projects, aimed at boosting the tourism product.
 
Nevis
Devon Liburd, the director of tourism for Nevis, said the island escaped the worse of the storms and was open for business. Mr. Liburd also indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis had contributed US$1.5 million to some of the affected countries.
 
Barbados
In his address, William "Billy" Griffith, the chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) spoke of the state of the Barbados all-time high cruise arrivals of more than 800, 000 visitors in 2017 and increased development of the hotel product, such as the opening of a new Sandals Royal Hotel in December, 2017, doubling the hotel's capacity, and the US$200 million-dollar Sam Lord's Castle Resort - expected to be the biggest hotel project on the island - which will add 400 new rooms in 2020. He noted that air capacity has been growing due to increased demand for the destination.
 
St. Maarten
Rolando Brison, the director of tourism for Dutch Sint Maarten, who joined remotely, said his country lost at least 70 per cent of the hotel inventory, leaving much work to be done to restore the tourism industry there.
 
He announced that the Princess Juliana International Airport would resume operations today (10 October), and that a Royal Caribbean cruise line is return to the destination in November, 2017, when the cruise port reopens for cruise arrivals.
 
St. Martin
Valarie Damaseau, president of the St. Martin Tourist Office, in French St. Martin, who also addressed the media via Google Hangout, said her country's focus will be on preparing for the 2018-2019 tourist season.
 
Ms. Damaseau said roads and beaches had been cleared and cleaned; grocery stores and petrol stations are well provisioned; many bars and restaurants have reopened; electricity has been restored to 88 percent of the households and a full recovery, including restoration of water and telecommunications, is expected by the end of October 2017.
 
Bahamas
Joy Jibrilu, director general of the Bahamas ministry of tourism, spoke of the growth in that country's tourism industry and also some of the challenges being faced. The growth, however, was largely attributed to the massive Baha Mar resort. She also noted an increase in airlift to the Bahamas, independently initiated by carriers.
 
Martinique
Karine Mosseau, Martinique's commissioner of tourism, commenced her country's presentation by expressing her deep regret at the damage caused by the recent hurricanes, and shared a message of support and togetherness. She also was thankful that Martinique had been spared.
 
Valerie Vulcan, deputy director of the Martinique Promotion Bureau, noted that Martinique was voted as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean in 2016. She detailed Martinique's growth as a tourism destination, particularly as a cruise destination, while stating that stayover guest arrivals were increasing, in areas such as the yachting sector.
 
Anguilla
Cardigan Connor, Anguilla's parliamentary secretary with responsibility for tourism, sports and culture, noted that up until the passage of Hurricane Irma, on September 6, 2017, Anguilla had recorded strong growth in the tourism sector for the year.
 
Mr. Connor said the island had been ranked as the top island in the Caribbean by Travel and Leisure Magazine for 2017. He said despite hurricane damage, which could exceed the annual budget of EC $200 million, cleanup across the island was progressing well. Basic utility services are being restored, the airport in Anguilla has reopened, with restored access to the Princess Juliana Airport on neighbouring St. Maarten, as of October 10, 2017, and that many hotel properties were planning to reopen for Christmas.
 
Hotels that have already reopened have been mainly accommodating hurricane relief workers. However, Anguilla is now officially open for business, with plans for significant development of their current airport facilities in the near future.
 
British Virgin Islands
Sharon Flax-Brutus, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands (BVI), also joined remotely and said that pre-Hurricane Irma the BVI was poised to have a record-breaking year.
 
She said progress was being made in restoring communication, basic utilities and airport services.
 
Ms. Flax-Brutus said most luxury properties may take up to two years to complete refurbishment, properties like the Nanny Cay - a top resort and marina - will be the first to reopen to guests, with other smaller hotels and places of accommodation soon to follow.
 
The BVI will not be open for business during the month of October 2017, during which time assessments will be completed; yachts repaired; accommodations, beaches and tourist attractions restored and the integrity of access ports repaired.  Like Anguilla, available room stock is currently being utilized by hurricane relief workers. The BVI will begin to welcome guests to the islands on November 1, 2017.  
 
St. Eustatius
Charles Lindo, director of tourism at the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation, made a brief presentation about his island, which is a short flight from St. Maarten. The island currently has a room stock of approximately 175 rooms, which is expected to increase to 250 by 2018. The island, known for its diving and nature, boasts a tranquil, environment, he said. Lindo said the island is actively seeking suitable investors.
 
SOTIC, which has as its theme Supercharging the Caribbean Brand: Meeting the Needs of the New Explorers, is the preeminent educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals. This year's conference is being organised by the CTO in collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority and Grenada's ministry of tourism, and will be held from 10-13 October at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort. The conference will be preceded by business meetings on 9 and 10 October.
Key conference sessions include Infusing Dynamism in Caribbean Tourism, Who are the New Explorers, Business Models that Rock, Turning Our Waters Into Goldmines - Investing in the Blue Economy, and Spicing Up the Caribbean Brand.
The highly anticipated tourism youth congress and a Stakeholders Speak Out session are also part of the programme.
For further details on the conference, including how to register, please visit http://sotic.onecaribbean.org/.
 
SOTIC sponsors include C&W Business, LIAT, JetBlue, Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Caribbean  Hotel & Tourism Association, Silver Sands Grenada, Grenada Airports Authority, Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association, Kimpton Kawana Bay, St. George's University, Caribbean Airlines, British Airways, Netherlands Insurance, Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenlec, National Lottery Authority, Port Louis Grenada, FLOW, Mt. Cinnamon, Le Phare Bleu, Sandals La Source, Coyaba, Bryden & Minors, Real Value, Waggy T Rentals, Belmont Estate, Prickly Bay Marina, Clarkes Court, the Marketing & National Importing Board, Grenada Marine, the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation, River Antoine, Huggins, Independence Agencies, Grenada Breweries and Glenelg.


TURKS AND CAICOS POST 22nd CABINET MEETING STATEMENT

His Excellency the Governor, Dr. John Freeman, chaired the 22ND meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday, 5th October 2017, at the Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales.

At this meeting Cabinet:

    Noted the receipt of a request from S&P Global for information related to hurricane damage on TCI. A response will be provided in due course;

    Advised His Excellency the Governor on the potential financial impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and requested further information to be provided for consideration at Cabinet's next meeting;

    Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the inclusion of a Trans-shipment fee within the Tariff Schedule to the Ports Authority (Stevedores, Fees and Charges) Regulations 2008;

    Received an interim paper from the Hon. Premier on the formation of a Recovery Task Force following Hurricanes Irma and Maria;

    Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the extension of a client relief programme to the holders of performing loans in the portfolio formally managed by TCInvest;

    Received an information paper from the Hon. Premier, as Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, updating Cabinet on expenditures that may be funded from the Contingency Fund as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria;

    Received an information paper from the Hon. Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services on the resumption of public schools. The Ministry of Education will make a public announcement on this matter;  

    Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve a paper from the Hon. Minister of Tourism requesting support for a proposed  90-day tourism strategy on the basis of a cost-sharing arrangement with the private sector;

    Received an update from the Hon. Premier, as Minister of Finance, on the latest financial position of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) including measures to reduce expenditure. His Excellency the Governor raised particular concern about the financial position of NHIB and Cabinet discussed ways to address this;

    Received an update from the Hon. Deputy Premier on work being taken forward by the private sector to improve the provision of community housing. Cabinet will receive a further update in due course.  

    Received an update from the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs on the ramping up of the enforcement of immigration laws following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Cabinet agreed a public announcement on this matter would be made.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.


TCIG welcomes deployment of Serco Prison Officers from the UK

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication is pleased to announce the arrival of 22 prison staff from the United Kingdom following their deployment to Her Majesty's Prison in Grand Turk.

The UK staff will provide additional assistance to the Superintendent of Prisons in the aftermath of the recent hurricane activity and following a spate of concerted indiscipline incidents. The visiting staff group consists of prison officers, middle and senior managers who will work under the direction of the Superintendent of prisons.

In particular, the UK staff will assist in implementing a raft of systems, processes and procedures which are designed to improve safety, security, care and opportunity. In addition to this, the UK staff will provide an additional focus towards assessing and challenging those in our custody who do not behave in accordance with expectations.

Importantly, this deployment of skilled practitioners will provide valuable coaching to our local staff so that they are better equipped to implement and enforce the operational instructions of the Superintendent in the future.

Steve Barrett, Superintendent of Prisons states; "This is a significant investment in the prison by Her Majesty's Government and one which is intended to deliver long term benefits to the delivery of our business. I am particularly pleased that our staff will be exposed to the skills of the UK prison officers. In real terms, this constitutes the best possible learning and development opportunity for our people".  


C&W BUSINESS JOINS FORCES WITH THE REGION'S PREMIER TOURISM CONFERENCE

C&W Business, part of the Cable & Wireless Communications Group (C&W), a Liberty Global Company, joins forces the region's premier tourism gathering, the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (#SOTIC2017).

C&W Business has come on as gold sponsor of the event organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in #PureGrenada from 10-13 October.

The CTO's secretary general Hugh Riley said with technology influencing travel now more than ever before, it was fitting that the telecommunications company would throw its support behind the conference at this time.

"Technology has become an integral part of travel and plays an important role in decision-making as people make travel plans. Whether it's virtual reality or social media, or simply facilitating communication between the traveller and family and friends back home, there is little that influences travel today as much as technology does," Mr. Riley said.
"The CTO is proud to welcome C&W Business as a gold sponsor for our State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Grenada. This year's conference is one of our most important yet as many of our members and faithful partners are recovering from two of the most destructive hurricanes ever to affect our region. There has hardly ever been a time when examining the state of Caribbean tourism and plotting its future was more urgent than right now and it is fitting that C&W Business  should join us in this journey."

In addition to hosting the luncheon of the CTO ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, during the conference C&W Business will participate in the panel discussion focused on the steps to rebuild tourism, as well as showcase its comprehensive portfolio of solutions that enable hospitality organisations of any size to achieve their goal.
"Most of our markets depend on tourism to drive their economies," Garry Sinclair, President of C&W Caribbean said, "as such we invest in world-leading business solutions technology that enables the hotel and tourism sector to provide products and services that are on par with international standards, meets customers' changing life- style needs and enhances their visitor experience. This ultimately attracts more business to the region."

SOTIC, which has as its theme Supercharging the Caribbean Brand: Meeting the Needs of the New Explorers, is the preeminent educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals. This year's conference is being organised by the CTO in collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority and Grenada's ministry of tourism, and will be held from 10-13 October at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort. The conference will be preceded by business meetings on 9 and 10 October.

Key conference sessions include Infusing Dynamism in Caribbean Tourism, Who are the New Explorers, Business Models that Rock, Turning Our Waters Into Goldmines - Investing in the Blue Economy, and Spicing Up the Caribbean Brand.  

The highly anticipated tourism youth congress and a Stakeholders Speak Out session are also part of the programme.


Windsong Resort Turks and Caicos Named World Travel Awards' Leading Boutique Hotel

The Windsong Resort has been named by the World Travel Awards as the 2017 Turks and Caicos Leading Boutique Hotel. A leader in recognizing excellence in the travel industry for 24 years, the World Travel Awards are acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade. The awards were established in 1993 to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

“Given the Turks and Caicos’ reputation as a highly acclaimed luxury destination with an exceptional number of beautiful boutique properties, this coveted award is very special to Windsong and every member of our team,” stated Anette Mullings, Windsong’s general manager.  

While the competition for this award is undeniable, Windsong has shown consistency in excellence by being recognized with nominations for eight World Travel Awards since it began participating in 2015, including:
Winner     2017             Turks and Caicos Leading Boutique Hotel
Nominated    2016, 2015         Turks and Caicos Leading Boutique Hotel
Nominated    2017, 2016, 2015     Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa  
Nominated    2017, 2016, 2015    Turks and Caicos’ Leading Hotel Suite

“Though we are grateful to be recognized for our luxury accommodations and resort, as well as our unique location on Grace Bay and a snorkeling reef, it is the totality of the ‘Windsong vacation experience’ and the genuine caring and attentiveness of our staff that our guests seem to enjoy most,” stated Windsong’s managing partner, Jim Molter.

The Windsong Resort is an award-winning, boutique luxury oceanfront property with 53 accommodations including rooms, studios, 1- 4 bedroom oceanfront suites/penthouses, and a private villa on a stunning 435’ stretch of world-famous Grace Bay and the island’s best coral reef. Among the islands’ Caribbean resorts, Windsong is the only Providenciales member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection.  Other recognitions include:  Conde Nast Johansen’s Luxury Hotel Member 2016, Expedia's most popular small hotel in the Caribbean 2015, Magellan Awards --  Gold – Penthouse & Silver – Villa 2014, Trip Advisor Top 25 Caribbean Hotel and Certificate of Excellence Awards.


FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT, ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY.

GENERAL SITUATION:  A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE REMAINS ACROSS THE AREA...WHILE A SURFACE TROUGH WILL SHIFT WESTWARDS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS INCREASING SHOWER CHANCES.

SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ALERT FOR THE POTENTIAL OF WATERSPOUTS. ALSO, BEACHGOERS SHOULD REMAIN ALERT FOR THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ESPECIALLY ALONG NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.

 
FOR ALL AREAS

WEATHER:  PARTLY CLOUDY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY TODAY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS...TURNING FAIR AND BREEZY TONIGHT WITH A POSSIBLE STRAY SHOWER OR TWO.

ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION WILL COME INTO EFFECT THIS AFTERNOON...

EXPECT GUSTY WINDS & HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS...INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS THIS AFTERNOON.

SEAS:2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN, BUILDING TO 4 TO 6 FEET THIS AFTERNOON.

 
HIGH TEMPERATURE TODAY                       91 °F    33 °C

LOW TEMPERATURE TONIGHT                    77 °F    25 °C

 

SUNRISE: 7:05AM

SUNSET:   6:48PM                

MOONSET: 10:56AM

MOONRISE:  10:17PM                    

HIGH TIDE:   11:06AM &11:28 PM                         

LOW TIDE:   5:33 PM  &  5:38AM TUE

 

EXTENDED FORECAST:HIGH PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH MID-WEEK, MAINTAINING AN EASTERLY WIND FLOW.

 

WEATHER OUTLOOK
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY

WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY, WARM AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND A FEW POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS.

WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.

SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN

 

FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY

WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY, WARM AND HUMID WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.

SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN

 
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: PLEASE SEE THE LATEST NEWS ITEMS ON POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE NATE AND TROPICAL DEPRESSION 17.


Mexico Posts Record Auto Output

Mexico produced a record number of cars and light trucks in September, backed by greater exports to the U.S., Canada and Europe as a two-year boom in new-car domestic sales began to wane.

Vehicle production rose 7.7% in September to 307,174 units, compared with the year-earlier month, and was up 9.8% in the first nine months of the year at 2.8 million, the Mexican Auto Industry Association said Monday.

September exports jumped 15% from a year before to almost 271,000 units, bringing the total for the January-September period to almost 2.3 million, an 11.5% gain.

The U.S. is the biggest importer of Mexican-made vehicles, receiving about 76% of exports so far this year, although exports to Canada, Europe and Latin America also have grown.

As the Mexican auto industry posts production and export records, it has become a focal point for the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump which wants to reduce U.S. trade deficits by redrawing rules of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Eduardo Solís, president of the auto industry association, declined to comment Monday on reports that the U.S. seeks to introduce country-specific rules of origin for the auto sector and require that vehicles have at least 50% U.S. content to qualify for duty-free imports under Nafta. He said no proposals have yet been made.

But he questioned the 1995-2011 data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross referred to last month in backing the idea of changing rules of origin to address the diminishing share of U.S. content in the vehicles it imports from Mexico and Canada.

"The conclusion from the analysis we did is that the content we have in parts and components from the U.S. is approximately between 37% and 39.5%," Mr. Solís said at a press conference. "These are far from those mentioned by the U.S. Commerce Secretary. I think there's no question of the levels of integration that we have."

For the Mexican auto industry, the most important thing "is that we work with hard data, with current and real numbers," he added.

A fourth round of Nafta negotiations is scheduled to start this week in Washington.

Mexico's domestic new-car sales are declining after growing 19% in both 2015 and 2016. Sales fell 11.5% in September from a year earlier and were off 1.1% in the first nine months of this year at 1.1 million units.

It looks unlikely that sales this year will beat the 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2016, said Guillermo Rosales, head of the Mexican dealership association AMDA. "But it's not a cause for alarm or crisis for the sector," he said.

Contributor- Anthony Harrup/ Source-FoxNews