The Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunication Commission led a delegation to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to discuss ways in which the Ministry of Health and Home Affairs can strengthen the strategic ties between the two coun​tries. During the two-day visit, the delegation met and held discussions with the Minister of Consular Affairs Dr. Jatzel Román, and Minister of Health Dr. Daniel Rivera.

On Monday 14th March 2022, Honourable Otis Morris led discussions between the Dr. Jatzel Roman, Deputy Minister for Consulate Affairs on their acceptance of emergency travel documents from Turks and Caicos Islands for treatment abroad patients.  This document provides a single-journey, which allows the bearer to return home or, exceptionally, to another destination, in the event they do not have access to their regular travel document, because it was lost or stolen.

This was the first-time issues of this nature were discussed between both countries. A proposal will be presented to the Government of the Dominican Republic for review and further discussions.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Otis Morris expressed that “My ministry holds the main responsibility for travel documents, and continues to do its utmost to bring about change whilst assisting with treating abroad matters”.  He further stated that “ -As a country we remain cognizant that while emergencies can happen at any time, the emergency travel document will only be used to facilitate persons travelling without being in possession of a valid passport.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to communicate further with the Ministry of Consulate Affairs in the Dominican Republic to further advance their acceptance of the emergency travel document.

On Tuesday 15th March 2022, Honorable Jamell Robinson led discussions with the Minister of Health - Dr. Daniel Rivera of the Dominican Republic concerning the return of human remains of individuals who would have succumbed to Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic. Discussions were also held regarding the strengthening of a better relationship between the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands for the betterment of healthcare and services being offered to the people and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A line of communication will be established and an agreement presented for review, consultation and finalization between the two countries.

The Minister of Health and Human Services Honorable Jamell Robinson commented “The mission to the Dominican Republic was a huge success as we were able to come to an agreement in principle regarding the handling of human remains of residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands whom passed with Covid-19. I would like to thank Hon. Dr. Daniel Rivera, Minister of Health and his team for receiving our delegation consisting of myself, team health, Hon. Otis Morris, team Home Affairs, and Hon. Belliard whom played a pivotal role in organizing the visit. The discussions were fruitful and both countries have a better understanding of each other. "

The delegation consisted of Honourable Jamell Robinson, Honourable Otis Morris, Honourable Willin Belliard, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Desiree Lewis, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Fredrico Johnson, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Cynara John, Acting Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Gardé Alleyne-Jones and Deputy Chairman of the National Health Insurance Board, Mrs. Carla Blake-Thomas.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to announce the arrival of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID19 vaccine for children aged 5 years to 11 years old.  The TCI received 300 does of the vaccine on March 7^th, 2022.

No registration is necessary to receive the vaccine, however interested parents are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to have their children added to the list to be vaccinated.  The presentation of the vaccine is multi-dose i.e., there are ten doses in one vial, which means one vial can vaccinate ten persons.  Therefore, unless ten persons have requested the vaccine, the vial will not be opened to avoid wastage.

MOHHS has decided that the time between the first and second dose will be 4 weeks.  Two doses of the vaccine are needed to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID19 disease.  Children with underlying medical conditions, those living with elderly persons or those who live with persons with underlying medical conditions are the priority group for this vaccine.  However, if this group is not forthcoming, the vaccine will be offered to other interested children.

While the COVID19 vaccine is not mandatory, we encourage those in the priority category to seriously consider vaccination. The COVID19 vaccine has proven to be safe and effective in preventing serious complications of the COVID19 disease.  It is believed that vaccinating children with the COVID19 vaccine can significantly reduce the spread of COVID19 among other groups.

Please note that parental consent is required for this vaccine to be administered.

The vaccine will be available from March 15^th, 2022.  Remember to contact your primary health care provider to schedule your visit.

The vaccine for those over the age of 11 years remains available at all health care facilities and those who have not yet been vaccinated or those who completed the two-dose schedule more than three months ago are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted respectively.