TCI gains critical waste management insights from Anguilla and St Martin

As the TCI Government works to remedy issues at problematic landfill sites, a delegation recently travelled to Anguilla and St Martin to gain greater insight on Waste Management and Health Services administration.

The learning and exchange visit spanned seven days from March 17-23, 2023.

The delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands consisted of the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon Shaun Malcolm; Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Solid Waste Task Force Hon Kyle Knowles; Director of Health Policy and Planning, Mr Lynrod Brooks; Head of Secretariat, Mrs Marah Smith; Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer (Ag), Ms Crivanne Adams, and Environmental Health Officer and CDB Integrated Solid Waste Management Project Coordinator, Ms Tiffany Murray.

According to a statement released, a number of topics were discussed during a series of meetings.

The Ministry of Health said some of the matters discussed were: “Anguilla’s Health Services Authority as part of the Ministry’s Health sector reform initiative.

“Waste management and enhanced monitoring techniques and methodology utilised as part of Landfill “Management in Anguilla and St Martin, and to share best practices which may be adopted locally.”

The Ministry stressed that the TCI is continuing its efforts to improve Landfill Management System through the Environmental Health Department.

“On reviewing current practices being implemented across the region, it was felt that having dialogue and site visits would provide an excellent opportunity to share techniques, challenges and solutions which may assist all parties involved to develop sustainable strategies and policies which will positively influence waste management in a more efficient and effective manner”, the Ministry added.

Health Dialogue

During the visit, the delegation also met with the Governor of Anguilla, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Premier and Minister of Health, Hon Dr Ellis L. Webster, Permanent Secretary Health (Ag) Ms Rochelle Rogers, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Aisha Andrewin.

The Ministry revealed that this round of talks were centred on health sector reform, health financing, mental health, chronic non-communicable disease burden, and specialised treatment abroad.

Discussions were also held with the country’s Department of Health Protection, which comprises of both the Environmental Health and Water Laboratory Units, where they gained insight and knowledge of their operations which includes waste management and water quality management.

As part of the fact-finding mission, the delegation also visited the island’s landfill site where they were able to observe the day-today activities and the operational and management strategies implemented.

The delegation met with management personnel of the Health Authority of Anguilla, Mr Malcolm Webster, Chief Executive Officer (Ag), Dr Lishaw Ward, Director of Medical Services, Nurse Alecia Haywood, Director Nursing Services of the Health Authority of Anguilla. The Health Authority of Anguilla provides a range of medical services to the residents and visitors of Anguilla.

Topics discussed were the delivery of medical services, human resources, procurement, access to medical care, health insurance coverage and treatment abroad. The team conducted an insightful walk-through of the Poly Clinic, and the Princess Alexandra

Hospital facilities. These facilities included maternity, dental, medical laboratory, pharmacy, training room, rehabilitation room, new dialysis centre (under construction), emergency/waiting area and laboratory facilities.

The Ministry said: “The delegation visited neighbouring St. Martin (French side) where they met with Vincent Berton, President of Prefecture de Saint-Barthelemy de Saint-Martin, senior Ministerial