TC Weekly News: June 6-12, 2020

June 6-12, 2020

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Cuban medical team to arrive next week BY OLIVIA ROSE TWENTY Cuban medical professionals are expected to arrive in the TCI next week to help strengthen the territory’s fight against Covid-19. The multi-disciplinary team will be deployed to the territory for three months, Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood revealed in House of Assembly on Friday, May 29. “If it needs to be extended, the request will be made prior to end

of the period,” he said. The team of physicians, nurses, technicians and an administrator will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival and then deployed to local hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The medical team hails from the Henry Reeve Emergency Medical Contingent, named after a US-born general who fought in the First Cuban War of Independence in the 19th century. It was created in 2005 by the

Power company is hurricane ready, says CEO DESPITE a change in working environment due to lockdown rules, FortisTCI has managed to complete all the vital preparations needed for hurricane season, according to its CEO. “Over the past several months, hurricane preparedness activities at FortisTCI have required innovative and outside-ofthe-box thinking,” company president Eddinton Powell said. “Working from home procedures still in place and face-to-face meetings suspended as a matter of health and safety, meant that a different approach to business continuity and disaster preparedness would be required this year leading up to June 1. “I am pleased to say that despite the added challenges, the business continuity management team and hurricane committee are fully functional and have completed several critical tasks, including a virtual hurricane drill to test readiness.” He said that as a critical and essential service provider, FortisTCI recognises that electricity is fundamental to maintaining communications,

to the production of water, to keeping food supply chains and medical facilities going, and to facilitating security within the country. “We understand the responsibility to minimise operational disruption to customers. These are the reasons why we take preparation, resiliency, and sustainable seriously.” The power giant has also updated its hurricane protocols with special considerations to address Covid-19 concerns. Powell thanked FortisTCI employees for their “steadfast commitment to going the extra mile” and ensuring that the company provides a high level of reliability and support. He encouraged customers to begin preparing for hurricane season now. “If you already have an emergency plan, take the time to review it and make any necessary changes. “Familiarise yourself once again with the plan and make sure that it includes an evacuation route and a list of emergency contacts. “I also encourage you to consider how Covid-19 may impact those plans and the need for supplies.”

Cuban doctors prepare to leave for Italy to provide medical assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic

late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and specialises in response to natural disasters and outbreaks. In April, shortly after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic, the TCI Government sought assistance from Cuba.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, similar medical teams were deployed to Italy, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Surinam, Jamaica, Haiti, Belize and Dominica. They were also dispatched to the island nations of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada,

Under the tree

St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. Cuba has a long history of internationalism and humanitarian intervention. The Caribbean nation is known for deploying medical teams to assist countries around the world during a crisis.

By Benneth Williams