MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE ADVISORY
As of Friday, 12th of August, 2016, the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services (MoHAHS) has received confirmation of 3 additional cases of Zika from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
To date, there have been a total of 8 cases of Zika reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Among the cases reported, all were adults that reside in Providenciales; six (6) were females and two (2) were males; three (3) had recently travelled to areas where cases of Zika were reported; and five (5) are under investigation and their source of transmission has not been determined. Measures have been taken to ensure that these individuals are managed and contained, and all affected persons are recovering.
The Turks and Caicos Government in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO), Airport Authority, Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, TCI Hospital and other local and regional stakeholders has taken actions to protect our residents and visitors from the threat of mosquito borne diseases including Zika.
These actions include:
• Stakeholder meetings with local and regional partners to ensure strategic use of all available resources to implement Zika virus preparedness and response action steps;
• Increased community clean up campaigns in collaboration with the Red Cross, fogging exercises and premises inspections;
• Expanded surveillance efforts;
• Additional training sessions and situational updates for health professionals and other stakeholders;
• Bill boards with prevention and protection messages will be replace CARPHA bill boards;
• Airing of commercials regarding elimination of mosquito breeding sites and protection from mosquito bites;
• Posters and other materials produced and distributed; and
• Public awareness messages aired on radio stations and other sources of media.
Zika is a viral illness, which is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is found throughout the Americas, including the TCI. Most persons who contract Zika are often not aware that they have the illness as they may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of Zika are relatively mild compared to Dengue and Chikungunya and appear between four to seven days after someone has been bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. In some cases, no fever is present.
The concern with Zika is a growing body of evidence regarding the connection between infection with Zika during pregnancy and possible birth defects. In addition, there has been an association with Zika and rare neurological complications such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
There is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent the illness. However, symptoms of Zika can be managed by:
• Getting plenty of rest;
• Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration;
• Taking medicines, such as acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain; and
• Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibuprofen unless advised by a doctor.
To protect yourself and your family, the Ministry advises persons in the TCI to take the following precautions:
1. Prevent mosquito breeding in and around your home by keeping your environment clean (check your gutters and remove standing water from old flower vases, tires and other containers that might act as breeding sites such as water drums and barrels).
2. Avoid being bitten by wearing loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellents, wearing mosquito repellent wrist bands and using mosquito nets.
3. Zika has been proven to be sexually transmitted therefore we recommend condom use.
4. Pregnant women are advised to seek additional information from their health provider at their next scheduled visit. If pregnant and you suspect that you have Zika, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
5. Women and men who have been diagnosed with the Zika virus are advised to seek guidance from their health provider prior to planning a future pregnancy.
For more information, contact the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services on 338-3061 or 338-3058. The Ministry will keep the public informed with any new developments.
Police Investigates Theft of a vehicle
An investigation has been launched into a report of a theft of a vehicle from a yard in the Leeward Palms area of Providenciales last night (Thursday 11th August 2016).
Around 9:33 PM on the same date, the complainant reported to police that she parked her Pink Toyota Vix car along the Night Jay Road, Leeward Gates, Providenciales near the beach access around 7 PM and upon her return at 9:28 PM the vehicle was not located.
The car was discovered around 11:50 pm the same night in the area of the Lower Bight near the Ianthe Pratt Primary School. A number of items were missing from the said vehicle.
Investigations are ongoing into this matter.
If you have any information that can help the police in this investigation, please contact Chalk Sound Police Station 338-5901. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800 8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
25-year-old female arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm
Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the circumstances that caused a man to received 1st-degree burns about his body.
Police responded to a home around 1:30 PM on Wednesday 10th August 2016 in the area of Leeward Palms Providenciales, where The 31-year-old victim told officers that a female known to him threw hot oil on his body. He was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre via ambulance where he remains in critical condition with burns to the head, arm and torso.
Police launch an investigation into the matter.
A 25-year-old female of the same address was arrested on suspicion of Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm. She is presently on police bail.
CTO STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE EXAMINES KEY INDICATORS IMPACTING REGIONAL TOURISM
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Aug. 11, 2016 - The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has developed a comprehensive program for its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region, which will explore a range of subjects including how to transition the product, multicultural and emerging markets, creating a luxury experience and the sharing economy. SOTIC is scheduled Sept. 14 - 16, 2016 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
Themed Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future, SOTIC brings together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students and media. It is preceded by CTO business gatherings including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.
General sessions start at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 15 following the keynote address by Adam Stewart, chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International, and take place throughout the day and Sept. 16. Panels include:
Delivering the Luxury Experience - As wealth expands globally and middle classes emerge in populous countries, the demand for luxury travel will fuel the growth of this market highlighted by more meaningful, authentic, personalized and exclusive travel experiences. The session examines how Caribbean destinations can re-craft their value propositions in order to deliver a luxury experience that meets the demand and translates into revenue growth for the suppliers.
Capturing the Multi-Cultural and Emerging Markets - Multicultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and tourism industry - estimated to be over a US$90 billion market. Established groups within this segment continue to grow, while new ones are fast emerging. This session is designed to give attendees insight into how to gain a share of these multicultural markets. Panelists will examine travel and spending patterns including "likes," "dislikes" and expectations, and how best to reach and retain these unfamiliar market segments.
Is Tourism Entering a New and Difficult Age? - Various safety and security threats such as crime, natural disasters, health crises and global terrorism all have the ability to stifle the growth potential of Caribbean tourism. This session looks at practical strategies and concrete examples of how tourism stakeholders, working together with other government agencies, the media and independent businesses can plan and respond collaboratively at the national and regional levels to counteract or reduce such threats.
No Place for the Status Quo - The dynamic nature of travel and tourism, coupled with changing demographics and attitudes, force the industry into a perpetual state of transition. In this session, tourism leaders discuss piloting an industry through a state of flux, utilizing alliances, diversifying source markets, and developing techniques to maintain the industry's prominence as a leading revenue earner and employment generator.
The Sharing Economy: Opportunity or Threat? - There are aggressive players in the travel and tourism business and part of what is commonly called The Sharing Economy or the Consumer, Peer-to-Peer Rental Market. Overall business is currently valued at US$26 billion, and these players are already operating in the Caribbean and their numbers are estimated to experience rapid growth. Panelists will examine this hybrid market model and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities for the Caribbean tourism sector.
Creating Value Through Outstanding Visitor Experiences - The destination experience begins for a potential visitor long before the moment of touchdown. From a dynamic website, desirable accommodations, fascinating attractions, state-of-the-art airports and the services of travel agent specialists, this session will look at ways of enhancing the experiences of travelers to the Caribbean and positively impacting the bottom line.
Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress - National "Junior Ministers of Tourism" comprising students between the ages of 14-17, research various facets of the tourism sector and share their vision for the future direction of regional tourism. Delegates should expect a thought-provoking and spirited exchange of views among our future leaders of the region as these young debaters vie for important prizes and the chance to be a youth ambassador for tourism.
In addition to the general sessions, SOTIC will feature two workshops offered concurrently on Sept. 15 at 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. The workshops are as follows:
Buckle Up: This Could Be Bumpy - Providing adequate intra-regional service has always been a challenge for the region. The issues are many but the answers appear to be few. This workshop will investigate how the Caribbean can "get it right."
Picture It: Will You Be Here In Five Years? - To position a tourism destination, hotel or attraction in a way that is desirable, profitable and sustainable requires specific steps. This workshop will provide practical, straightforward answers to creating and achieving a vision for success.
For complete session descriptions or to register for SOTIC, visit http://sotic.onecaribbean.org/.
This year's conference is organized in collaboration with Barbados' Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and the Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.
Canada police 'kill suspect in anti-terror operation'
Police have shot dead a suspect in an anti-terror operation in the Canadian province of Ontario. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a suspect was fatally shot in a police operation. Canadian media said police had raided a property in Strathroy, about 225km (140 miles) south-west of Toronto. They named the suspect as Aaron Driver, 24, who was arrested last year for openly supporting so-called Islamic State on social media.
Trump insists 'Obama is founder of IS'
Republican Donald Trump has described US President Barack Obama as the "founder" of the Islamic State group. "They honour President Obama," he told a rally in Florida on yesterday. "He is the founder of Isis [Islamic State]. Mr Trump also attacked his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, calling her a "co-founder". She responded by accusing him of "trash-talking" the US and echoing the talking points of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Trump stood by his remarks today, using a sports phrase to say Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton were the Islamic State's "most valuable players". The Republican presidential nominee has endured 10 days of negative headlines after a string of controversial comments.
MARINE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS
MARINE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR 24 HOURS FROM 1PM THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST , 2016 ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 1630 UTC
GENERAL SITUATION: THE COMBINATION OF AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE BAHAMAS
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL C RAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFEC FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SUNSET AT 7.47 PM AND SUNRISE AT 6.43 AM FRIDAY
MOONSET AT 1.34 AM FRIDAY AND MOONRISE AT 2.14 PM FRIDAY
LOW TIDE AT 9.28 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 3.04 AM FRIDAY
WEATHER OUTLOOK: PARTLY SUNNY TOMORROW WITH FEWER SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, INCREASING WINDS AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER THE AREA
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FOMATION NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND
FORECASTER : N.ARMSTRONG /C.G
PUBLIC FORECAST
THIS IS THE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT, THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: THE COMBINATION OF AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE BAHAMAS
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, MILD TONIGHT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS
ADVISORY: SMALL C RAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFEC FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS RUNNING: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 91F 33C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 77F 25C
SUNSET AT 7.47 PM AND SUNRISE AT 6.43 AM FRIDAY
MOONSET AT 1.34 AM FRIDAY AND MOONRISE AT 2.14 PM FRIDAY
LOW TIDE AT 9.28 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 3.04 AM FRIDAY
WEATHER OUTLOOK: PARTLY SUNNY TOMORROW WITH FEWER SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, INCREASING WINDS AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER THE AREA
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FOMATION NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND
THE END
N.A/M.M=SD
Mrs Lormeka Williams, the Director of the TCI Red Cross, has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship
The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Mrs Lormeka Williams, the Director of the TCI Red Cross, has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2016/17 academic year to study a Masters degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Kent in the UK starting in September. The award was presented to Mrs Williams by His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, at Waterloo on 10 August.
Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are awarded globally each year to outstanding individuals with leadership potential who are committed to contribute to the future development of their home countries, in Mrs Williams case the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs Williams previously worked closely with international organisations such as Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Darwin Project and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Conservation Forum on various conservation projects and initiatives. During her tenure as Director of the TCI Red Cross she assisted in the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme which reaches out to vulnerable communities helping them to prepare and become more resilient and able to respond to disasters.
Commenting on the award, Mrs Williams said:
“I am so happy to have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and to have been given the opportunity to not only further my studies but to represent my country on an international level. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from other Chevening Scholars and sharing my knowledge and experience with them.”
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, said, “It is to Lormeka’s great credit that she receives this prestigious scholarship. I’m sure that she will use her experience for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands when she returns to the islands, and I hope that everyone in TCI will be proud of her achievement.”
The deadline for submitting applications for Chevening Scholarhips for 2017/18 is 8 November 2016. All eligible people are encouraged to apply. For more Information, Contact the Chevening Officer- Mr Neville Misick.
Email: Neville.misick@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: +1649 -916-2308/9
TCI and Cayman Launch New Civil Service Partnership
As a part of the Office of the Deputy Governor's vision to improve service delivery across government, Deputy Governor Anya Williams accompanied by the Director of her office Mr. Tito Lightbourne and Human Resources Director Mr. Mark Greenway visited the Cayman Islands during the week commencing August 8th, 2016 to launch a new partnership for training, professional development and performance management with the sister UK overseas territory.
During the course of the visit the Deputy Governor and her team had the opportunity to engage with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and his team including Chief Operating Officer Gloria McField-Nixon on possible areas of mutual interest and how both territories could work to improve the services that their agencies provide to the general public.
Commenting on the visit Deputy Governor Manderson said; "It was a privilege and pleasure to welcome the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Cayman Islands. We are working together to improve the performance of our respective civil services so that we can deliver high quality services to our customers and look forward to great successes."
Deputy Governor Williams was pleased to visit Cayman and to formally launch such a partnership. She stated; "DG Manderson and I were appointed during the same period as both our territories have been undergoing a series of reform programs throughout the years, we both have continuously led over the years in delivering presentations in the UK and elsewhere on the successes of our reform programs.
“Following on from the voluntary severance program in the Turks and Caicos we have spent a considerable amount of time during the past few years in focusing on rebuilding the civil service by ensuring that departments were properly staffed and equipped with the resources needed to carry out their jobs, including improvements in pay and infrastructure and whilst there is still some work to be done in this area, our new vision will focus on rebranding the civil service and on improving our customer service delivery.
"This will be done by continuing to focus on staff training and professional development and by ensuring that proper performance management systems are put in place. The Cayman Islands has been of great assistance to us in the past in providing training for our social services and other staff and we look forward to a further enhanced partnership."