WEATHER AND MARINE FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE FRESH BREEZES OVER THE BAHAMAS
NORTHWEST/CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: CLOUDY AND BREEZY
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT
WINDS: WEST NORTH WEST /NORTH NORTH WEST 15/20KTS
SEAS: 4/6FT IN MODERATE NORTHERLY SWELL
TURKS AND CAICOS
WEATHER: CLOUDY WITH A SHOWER OR TWO
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT
WINDS: NORTH NORTH WEST/NORTH NORTH EAST 15/25KTS
SEAS: 6/9FT IN MOD NORTHERLY SWELL
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 59°F 15°C
SUNRISE: 6:47 AM MOONSET: 8:24 PM LOW TIDE: 3:14 PM
SUNSET: 6:01 PM MOONRISE: 8:57 AM HIGH TIDE: 9:18 PM
WEATHER OUTLOOK: CONTINUING BREEZY AND MILD TOMORROW
Training Workshop for Teachers and Library Assistants
A training workshop was held for Teachers and Library Assistants on Grand Turk and Providenciales during the week of January 18 - 22, 2016.
This week of training was very significant as it marked the first time in many years that staff and teachers were exposed to training targeted at the development of library skills, library programs and helping teachers to raise an interest in reading among very young children.
One of the key objective were to expose school teachers to the benefits and techniques of incorporating Public Library resources into their classroom and learning exercises. The workshop heightened awareness to libraries as a critical partner in education. Attending teachers found the training to be very useful and enlightening.
The library assistants were exposed to skills training and that portion of the workshop was intended to increase their skill level to enable an acceptable standard of services and operations throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The facilitators for the workshop were Mrs. Winsome Hudson, National Library of Jamaica and Mrs. Grace Spence, former Librarian at Jamaica Library Service. A special thanks to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services and the Deputy Governor's Office, major sponsors of this program.
"The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to have funded this program through the Professional Development Budget which was created in the 2015/2016 Budget to focus particularly on providing in depth training and skills development programs to departments across government," said Deputy Governor Anya Williams.
"As the Ministry of Education seeks to redevelop and improve its library services across the islands, this training program will be of great assistance to this work. Congratulations to all attendees."
Joining in extending congratulations was the Minister responsible for Library services Honorable Akierra Missick; "As Minister I envision a well-staffed, highly professional library service which caters for the reading needs of all and the Development of staff is one strategy we are using.
"I commend the staff for taking up this initiative and I know this will motivate staff members to do further studies in Library Services. We congratulate all the participants, the acting librarian and all who made this training a success."
CDEMA participates in 2nd Humanitarian Networks and Partnership
In efforts to further the region's capacity in providing humanitarian assistance to affected Participating States of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the region's institution with responsibility for disaster risk management participated in the second annual meeting of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW).
The event was held under the theme 'Effective Preparedness and Response' from February 1st - 4th, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for networks and partnerships to explore ways to strengthen their interoperability, and to improve their cooperation in areas of common interest. As co-chairs of the Consultative Group, the Department for International Development (DFID UK) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) led the event.
CDEMA's representative, Joanne Persad, Programme Manager Preparedness and Response participated in the week's activities on behalf of the region. She participated in the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) sessions as the Regional Focal Point.
"Some of the key issues being addressed at the regional level include the development of regional and national search and rescue capacity, the damage assessment and needs analysis (DANA) continuum and building interoperability among national, regional and international networks towards strengthening of the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) managed by the CDEMA", said Persad.
The HNPW brought operational and service-oriented response and preparedness networks together on the basis of shared, practical challenges that cannot be solved by any singular network or organization. The forum enabled participants to inspire and learn from one another, compelled networks to explore new and innovative approaches to perennial challenges and facilitated the development of collective solutions and the mobilization of shared resources towards these ends.
Building on the success of the first HNPW, the second annual meeting brought together 825 representatives from several emergency preparedness and response networks supported by UNOCHA's Emergency Services Branch including national institutions, regional organizations, research and academic institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the private sector.
Gastroenteritis cases discovered in North Caicos
For the past seven days the Ministry of Health, Agriculture & Human Services has noticed a significant amount of Gastroenteritis cases in North Caicos especially among school age children.
The Environmental Health Officer has conducted a number of educational sessions with the teachers and student of the affected schools and has advised the principle on the necessary requirements for cleaning and sanitizing of the school.
Samples were taken for testing to identify the underlying cause.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services reminds everyone to practice personal hygiene and sanitation during this winter season.
Norovirus is a contagious virus often referred to as the stomach flu; however it is more severe and is highly infectious.
The bug causes stomach inflammation with vomiting and diarrhea.
Norovirus is spread by:
• Direct contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
• Ingestion of contaminated foods or liquids
These viruses can infect anyone at any age once or more during a lifespan. The illness often begins suddenly and is usually not serious. Most people feel better within 1¬ to 2 days. However, this illness can be serious in young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.
Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Bodily fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhoea may cause mild to severe dehydration. These fluids can be replaced by drinking lots of liquids or oral rehydration solution. Severe dehydration, which can be life threatening, requires immediate medical attention.
To prevent the spread of germs and infections, the Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages everyone to:
• Wash your hands properly and frequently especially after using the toilet and changing a diaper and before eating and preparing foods. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Note: hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
• Keep your environment clean and surfaces disinfected with a bleach and water solution.
• Avoid sick persons. If caring for a sick person, keep them isolated, clean and disinfect contaminated areas and thoroughly wash soiled laundry.
To this end the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services advises all parents and Guardians of children experiencing Gastroenteritis not to be alarm, the Environmental Health Department on North Caicos is working with the schools to ensure that the required deep cleaning is conducted.
GraceKennedy Money Services Being Expanded Into Turks & Caicos Islands
GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) of the GraceKennedy Group and authorized agent of Western Union is expanding operations into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The new addition would bring GraceKennedy to serving as Western Union’s agent in 11 countries across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, and the most recent addition, the Cayman Islands. The Cayman islands saw four services centres open in November last year.
“This expansion is aligned with GraceKennedy’s strategic vision of becoming a Global Consumer Group delivering long term consumer and shareholder value, through brand building and innovative solutions in food and financial services, provided by highly skilled and motivated people,” GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby, said. “With two and a half decades of expertise in the money services industry, we look forward to meeting the needs of customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Chief Executive Officer of GKMS Michelle Allen said the computer would also continue its investment in robust compliance systems, which are critical to its business.
Caribbean Performance & Outlook Study Shows Tourism
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has released the results of its first annual Industry Performance and Outlook survey, indicating a cautious, but positive period as reported by the region's hospitality and tourism industry stakeholders. The growth in occupancies and revenue stimulated job growth and increased capital expenditures by hoteliers throughout the region.
The majority of respondents indicate a strong to moderate performance throughout 2015 with optimistic forecasts for 2016 despite prevalent concerns over profitability due to increased costs outpacing average daily rate (ADR) growth in a globally competitive industry.
"The good news is that hotel occupancies and average daily rates increased in 2015 for the majority of hotels, and employment has grown along with it. On the flip side, hotels identified high operating and air travel costs as major growth deterrents which continue to plague the industry as it struggles to compete for markets that are unwilling to bear significant rate increases," said Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of CHTA.
More than 50% of hoteliers reported increases in occupancy and ADR in 2015, while more than 92% reported employment rates at the same level or greater than 2014, demonstrating a positive impact on Caribbean economies.
A more positive cash flow is also resulting in greater investments, with more than 68% of hoteliers reporting an increase in capital expenditure. "These investments have broader economic reach, as hotel expenditures for construction, supplies and materials stimulate greater local spending, positively impacting local businesses, extended employment and additional tax revenue.
Despite the upside and a positive outlook for 2016, approximately 67% of hotels reported a net profit in 2015 compared to 33% reporting a net loss. High operating costs and competitive constraints on raising ADR are the primary contributors to the profitability challenge facing one-third of the reporting hotels.
Despite increased costs in operations, nearly 74% of those polled indicated a fair or positive outlook for 2016 with only 26% responding negatively.
GOVERNOR LAUDS PRISON OFFICERS AND WELCOMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT
The Governor Peter Beckingham presented the 4th Annual Prison Officer of the Year Award on 9 February to prison officer Daniel Andrews. Speaking at the Awards ceremony, when Daniel was presented with a cheque for $500 and a medal, the Governor said:
“I am delighted to attend this ceremony for the third year running. It’s a great way of marking the efforts of the prison staff. Their work is tough and demanding, often out of the public spotlight, but essential for the wellbeing of everyone in our society. Congratulations to Daniel Andrews and to all his colleagues for the work that they have done throughout the last year.”
The Governor also noted the contribution that Raymond Grant, the Acting Superintendent, has made since assuming that position some two years ago, and welcomed his successor Steve Barrett. “Ray Grant has kept the show on the road, often in the face of difficult resource issues, and I would like to record my gratitude to him for all his hard work and dedication, while at the same time welcoming the new Superintendent, Steve Barrett, to Turks and Caicos Islands this month.
“Steve comes with a vast amount of experience from the UK prison service, including working with the rehabilitation of young offenders – a subject of great importance for TCI – and training prison officers. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and well qualified Superintendent join us. I’m sure his former skills as a professional soccer player will also be welcomed by the growing band of enthusiastic young soccer players in Grand Turk, their trainers and TCI’s FIFA representative.”
UWI Zika Task Force Launched
Responding to the growing threat the Zika virus poses to the Caribbean region, the University of the West Indies has launched a Regional UWI Zika Task Force that will leverage the university’s extensive public health capabilities and will coordinate its efforts with regional governments and health ministries to combat the virus.
UWI’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles announced that Prof. Clive Landis, Deputy Principal of the Cave Hill, Barbados campus of UWI will chair the Regional Task Force comprising eminent scholars, scientists and public health experts.
Other Task Force members are Angela Rose, Chronic Disease Research Centre, UWI Cave Hill, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Member of the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN), WHO; Professor Winston Moore, Department of Economics, UWI Cave Hill, economist; Professor Dave Chadee, Department of Life Science, UWI St. Augustine, Trinidad, Environmental Health Researcher (a.k.a. "the mosquito man"); Dr. Francene Gayle, UWI Mona, Jamaica, Neurologist; Dr. Michael Abraham, Jamaica, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Glenford Howe, UWI Open Campus, Educational Leadership; Professor Dale Webber, UWI Centre, Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Studies & Research; and Professor Eric van Gorp, Virology and technical support, Erasmus University, The Netherlands.
The UWI Regional Zika Task Force will help inform an aggressive and scientifically based prevention strategy to eliminate breeding sites for Aedes aegypti, The Task Force will work closely with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the ministries to pool resources to research and analyze the Zika outbreak and associated health complications in the Caribbean, and conduct economic impact studies and engage with Ministries on outbreak preparedness.
A regional observatory will collate, organize and disseminate information about the virus and will make the university’s expertise accessible to researchers, government agencies, schools, health facilities and members of the general public.
The UWI Task Force will also convene a major symposium within the next 3 – 4 weeks involving regional ministries of health, donor agencies, national and regional public health agencies and tourism stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Task Force will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for ensuring that information about the virus and its effects is shared broadly with the Caribbean public via radio, television, newspapers, the Web and social media platforms.
“The rapid spread of the Zika virus poses serious regional challenges at the levels of public health and safety and sustainable economic development, and as a regional university we have a duty and a responsibility to confront these challenges head on,” said Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of UWI.
The Vice Chancellor also noted that the UWI is in a good position to work with international donor agencies in order to access resources to facilitate and implement its strategy, and to collaborate with universities and research teams across the hemisphere.
UWI not only has a wide range of relevant technical expertise which it can deploy, but also has accumulated in recent years important experiences and developed successful public health strategies through its efforts to help tackle the challenges of HIV/AIDS, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya.
“The Task Force stands ready to throw its full weight and technical capabilities into the fight against Zika and we look forward to serving the governments, agencies and peoples of the Caribbean in combating this public health emergency,” said Prof. Landis.
He added that “we have been here before with malaria that we successfully eliminated from the Caribbean region and we can do it again even if this mosquito species presents some extra challenges by breeding in the smallest water reservoirs in and around our homes.”
The World Health Organization recently announced the spread of the Zika virus to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) that requires the joint efforts of all countries to effectively tackle the problem. The Zika virus now has a classification similar to the Ebola virus and is strongly suspected to be linked to cases of microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with underdeveloped brains.
Many countries in the Caribbean region have already declared states of emergency over the Zika outbreak. Ministers of Health from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have agreed on a harmonized approach to confronting the fast-spreading virus which to date has affected more than 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The OECS effort includes monitoring and surveillance, eradication and protection, care and case management, and public education campaigns. Several member states have already started implementing the measures and The OECS Council of Ministers will oversee the harmonization effort.
50 year old male caught burglarizing home
A 50 year old male is assisting the police after having being caught burglarizing a home yesterday in the Turtle Cove area.
Shortly after 5pm (Monday 8th February 2016) a homeowner arrived home and made the discovery. At the time the culprit already had in his possession several beach items and soap powder. Police was informed and the male was taken into custody.
Investigation ongoing into this matter.
Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 941-8067 or National Crime and Intelligence Bureau (NCIB) via email ncib@tcipolice.tc Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.
MOH advises Public on Zika
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services would like to advise residents and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands that Zika virus has been reported in 20 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean from February 2014 – 26th January 2016. These countries include;
Brazil
Barbados
Bolivia
Columbia
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guadalupe Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Martinique
Mexico
Panama
Paraguay
Puerto Rico
Saint Martin
Suriname
Venezuela
To date, there are no cases of Zika virus in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Zika virus infection is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which isaggressive during the day and also responsible for the transmission of Dengue and Chikungunya.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus infection are mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika.
Although symptoms of Zika are generally mild, there have been reports of congenital, neurological and autoimmune complications. For reasons that are not fully understood, a relationship has been established between pregnant women infected with Zika and cases of the birth defect microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. There has also been some evidence of vertical transmission of the Zika virus from mother to child.
Some countries with Zika have reported an increase in Gullian-Barré syndrome (an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the nerves), and other neurological and autoimmune syndromes. Zika virus can cause other neurological syndromes including meningitis, meningoencephalitis and myelitis, although such syndromes have not been reported in the Region of the Americas thus far.
Due to the prevalence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in TCI, which can transmit Dengue, Chickungunya and Zika viruses as well as our close proximity and regular flights to countries with confirmed cases of Zika like Haiti and Puerto Rico, the Ministry has taken the following measures:
Intensified surveillance activities
Implemented enhanced vector control measures; e.g., increased fogging
Increased public education about the risks associated with Zika virus, including workshops for targeted groups; and
Encouraged residents and visitors to take every precaution against mosquito bites, particularly pregnant women.
The Ministry further advises that protecting yourself from mosquito bites will help you to stay safe from contracting Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika and if travel is essential to areas experiencing these diseases, especially for pregnant women, remember to exercise extreme caution to avoid mosquito bites.
The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation with its regional partners and provide updates to the general public.
To Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites:
Apply insect repellents on exposed skin liberally
When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito net
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home by:
Check around buildings for anything that could hold water, inspect your home and yard weekly
Turn containers over or cover them
Get rid of or cover old tires
Properly dispose of all garbage/refuse
Cover boats, children's pools, water drums and rain barrels etc.
Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly
Check screens for holes
Empty standing water from containers such as flower pots or buckets
Stay with RTC FM for more information.