Environmental Health Department Hosts Port Health Training to Strengthen Public Health Preparedness at Ports of Entry
- NewslineTCI
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Environmental Health Department, under the Ministry of Health and Human Services, successfully hosted a five-day Port Health Training Workshop from July 6-10, 2026, aimed at strengthening public health preparedness and response at ports of entry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Lionel Michael of JKALM Environmental Health, a senior Environmental Health professional with over 40 years of experience in public health administration, environmental regulation and international health governance. Mr. Michael brought extensive knowledge and experience to the training, providing participants with practical guidance and insight into key areas of port health.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Environmental Health Department, Border Force, Department of Agriculture, Ports Authority, Airports Authority, Maritime Department and the Health Emergency Management Unit, reflecting the multi-agency approach required to effectively protect public health at the country’s ports of entry.
Throughout the five-day workshop, participants engaged in presentations, discussions and practical sessions covering areas such as the International Health Regulations (2005), aircraft and vessel clearance procedures, food and water safety, vector control and emergency preparedness. The training also provided an opportunity for agencies to share experiences, strengthen collaboration and better understand their respective roles in protecting public health at ports of entry.
The Honorable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, highlighted the importance of preparedness and collaboration in protecting the country from public health threats.
“In recent years, the world has witnessed how quickly diseases can cross borders. Whether it is COVID-19, Ebola, Hantavirus or other emerging infectious diseases, one lesson has become abundantly clear: preparedness is our strongest defense. Protecting our borders is not the responsibility of one agency alone; it requires collaboration, communication and a shared commitment to safeguarding public health,” said Honorable Knowles.
The Environmental Health Department extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Lionel Michael for facilitating the training and sharing his knowledge and expertise, as well as to all participating agencies and representatives for their active participation and commitment throughout the week.
This initiative represents another important step in strengthening national port health capacity and supports the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ continued commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands.