(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 16 June 2020): Employees at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital received a standing ovation along with special awards during a staff appreciation initiative held simultaneously across Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Friday, June 12th 2020.

Nearly 300 employees were recognized for their true profile of courage, hard work and dedication during the local peak COVID-19 period, and the past 10 years. Of the total, 95 employees were recipients of awards for their 10 years of service, and 55 employees with tenures between 5 to 9 years also received long service awards. Employees with tenures under 5 years received certificates of recognition.

During the program, a representative sample of clinical and non-clinical employees stood across the balcony overlooking the main foyers of each medical centre. This showcase sought to highlight the gamut of departments and persons – on the frontline and behind the scenes – that support and sustain secondary health care operations.

InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital speakers comprised of Chief of Medical Services and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant and General Manager of Facilities, Martin Dawtry at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Site Director for Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Nurse Carol Reid and Director of Facilities Services, Karen Bartholomew gave remarks at the Grand Turk facility on behalf of the private healthcare management company.

His Excellency, Governor Nigel Daikin, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honorable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, and Past Minister of Health, Honorable Royal Robinson who served as project lead in the hospital’s early development, were present and gave remarks at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Chief Nursing Officer within the Ministry of Health – Primary Healthcare Department, Jackurlyn Sutton, were present and gave remarks at Cockburn Town Medical Centre on behalf of the TCI Government.

The organization marked 10 years of service on April 10th 2020 and was initially scheduled to host its’ first hospital-wide employee recognition awards to mark the occasion. However, plans for the observance were set aside due to COVID-19 global predictions and national preparations.

The equally special and modest version of the appreciation initiative was focused on long service awards. Special awards were reserved for issuance at a later date to facilitate committee nominations and all staff voting. The reserved awards are Heart of a Champion (Unsung Hero), Standing Ovation Award (Leader of the Year), The Diamond Award (Employee of the Year) and Community Champion of the Year.

Local Singing Sensation, Chrystal “Tess” Charles, gracefully performed the song entitled ‘Good Job’, which was recently written and debuted by American Artist, Alicia Keys as a dedication to essential service workers. The original music video along with the song ‘Thank You’ produced by Local Artist David Lightbourne was also played across hospital waiting room televisions.

Motivational messages from management were on display throughout the day and remarks were sent to staff from the InterHealth Canada – Board of Directors. Trinkets of appreciation with a team-centered message were distributed to staff over recent weeks. The staff giveaways multiplied even further via acts of kindness and physical surprise donations received from community members.

ENDS