(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 8 July 2020): The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honorable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson visited the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Tuesday, July 7th, 2020, to examine the outcome of recent renovation work, and officially meet the Cuban medical contingent for the first time. Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services, Honorable Karen Malcolm was also present.

The renovation work was completed several days ahead of schedule on Friday, July 3rd 2020. TCI Hospital Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, escorted the Premier and Minister of Education during the visit. Representatives of the hospital’s Biomedical Engineering Department and Facilities Management, gave an overview of the new Hamilton G5 ventilators and the recently installed medical gas lines and electrical sockets. These latest fixtures may appear unnoticeable to the layman, but the recent works were crucial to support additional ventilator connections inside the consultation rooms in the event of a COVID-19 patient surge.

The Premier and Minister of Education exited the Outpatient Department and proceeded to the outdoor Healing Garden to meet a representative sample of doctors and nurses from the Cuban medical contingent. The medical team received their licenses to practice in the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday as part of the COVID-19 response. This was a jovial moment for the contingent, which has undergone a 14-day quarantine followed by mandatory one-week hands-on induction pathway since their arrival into the country. The Premier applauded the Cuban Government and members of the contingent for their bravery and willingness to render their expertise to assist other countries during the current pandemic. She stated: “We recognize that you have put your lives on the line in this battle. Now, you are a part of history in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are so grateful, and we pray God’s blessing upon you as you serve. We also pray God’s blessing over your family, as you have left them behind. We pray God’s blessing over Cuba, your leader, and your vision. We have always known Cuba to be excellent in medicine. Now, you have the opportunity to show the world and be a part of representing your country and making history.”