RTC Director

TCI Representatives Attend One Health Multidisciplinary Workshop

Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, and Gaming recently participated in a two-day workshop hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on 18 -19 November 2024, at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Centre in Trinidad and Tobago. Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) were Dr. Reginald Thomas, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture; Ms. Arlene Siebs, Director, National Public Health Laboratory; Ms. Kendra Malcolm, Deputy Chief Epidemiologist, National Epidemiology & Research Unit and Ms. Kenya Jones, Deputy Chief Environmental Officer, Environmental Health Department.

This workshop, conducted under the Pandemic Fund Project, aimed to bolster the Caribbean’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics. CARPHA, the region’s leading public health agency, serves as the Executing Agency for this project, with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the Implementing Entity.

Food safety is a pressing global priority, with foodborne diseases (FBD) being a significant public health and economic concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated food causes approximately 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually. In the Caribbean, FBDs are among the most commonly reported illnesses, adversely affecting residents and tourists alike and posing significant challenges to the region’s efforts to promote safer travel post-COVID-19.

The workshop emphasized integrated surveillance for foodborne diseases and zoonoses, employing the One Health Approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Formally adopted by CARICOM in 2014, this approach underscores the interconnectedness of these sectors in addressing public health challenges.

Key experts delivered presentations on various aspects of integrated surveillance, including:
Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director, CARPHA, on CARPHA’s Integrated FBD Surveillance and the One Health Approach.
Dr. Margarita Corrales, Food Safety Coordinator, PANAFTOSA, on global food safety strategies.
Ms. Tania Hoost-de-Getrouwe, Livestock Development Officer, FAO, on sustainable livestock practices and disease control.
Insights from the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and the Caribbean Veterinary Network (CaribVet), including CIRAD’s One Health Community of Practice framework.

Participants were encouraged to adopt multidisciplinary approaches and develop National Action Plans tailored to their specific needs and capacities, ensuring the Caribbean remains resilient in managing FBD outbreaks and zoonoses.

This workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health sectors to develop an integrated surveillance and response framework. By fostering regional cooperation, the Caribbean strengthens its ability to mitigate the public health impact of foodborne diseases and zoonoses, ensuring safer environments for residents and visitors alike.

by RTC Director

SENS DEPARTMENT COMPLETES SERIES OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENTS ACROSS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) successfully completed a series of comprehensive assessments in partnership with BTConcepts and One World as part of the Special Needs Month celebrations in November.

These assessments provided vital insights into the developmental and educational needs of students across the islands.

BTConcepts delivered specialized neuropsychological assessments, while One World provided multidisciplinary evaluations with a focus on speech, behavioral, and occupational therapy recommendations. A total of 55 students were assessed during this initiative, ensuring that students with special needs receive the tailored support necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, who manages the registry and coordinates all assessment initiatives, emphasized the importance of parental involvement: "This initiative reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child with special needs has access to high-quality assessments, regardless of location. The insights gained from these evaluations are essential for developing individualized intervention plans that meet each student’s unique needs. I am proud of the collaborative efforts that made this possible and remain committed to building a comprehensive and responsive system for the children we serve.”

The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, also shared her thoughts on the initiative’s success: "The completion of this assessment series is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. These evaluations provide a strong foundation for supporting our students with special needs, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. I applaud the Department of Special Education Needs Services, BTConcepts, and the One World Foundation for their dedication and hard work, and I am particularly encouraged by the reach of this initiative to students across all our islands. This is a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to prioritize the needs of every child."

The teams from BTConcepts and One World traveled extensively throughout the islands, ensuring that students in even the most remote communities were reached. Their work highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the diverse needs of children with disabilities.

In reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of SENS department stated: "This collaborative effort underscores our mission to provide equitable access to quality assessments and interventions for students with special needs. The expertise of BTConcepts and the One World Foundation’s team of clinicians has been invaluable in equipping us with the necessary tools to support our children effectively. We are grateful to our partners for their dedication and to the communities for their warm hospitality as we worked to make this vision a reality."

The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to register their children with the department to ensure access to vital services and resources.

by RTC Director