Connect with us

News

Health Minister Limits Media Questions, Walks out on Press Conference

Published

on

Providenciales, 07 Oct 2014 – Apologies coming from a thirteen member health team led by Health Minister Porsha Smith today in a packed room where a long overdue press conference was held… The Minister assured that her team is working hard behind the scene and promising to be more visual with the awareness campaign, more diverse in the educational style and more forthcoming with the media on what are arguably, three of the most talked about illnesses in the Western Hemisphere.

Chikungunya is now with about 100 suspected cases in the TCI, though getting that tally was tough as Epidemiologist, Dr. Terese Maitland danced around the actual figures. No new number given for Dengue Fever which is the worst of the two mosquito borne illnesses in the Turks and Caicos and as for Ebola, there are no cases, no suspected cases but already screening of European and American flight passengers who may have a history of travel to West Africa have begun. Permanent Secretary Desiree Lewis explained that over half a million dollars may have to be spent for protective equipment and gears for Ebola Virus, Dengue Fever and ChikV for health workers; this includes she said, legislative changes which are coming pretty soon.

Dr. Maitland confirmed that TS Critobal’s flood waters and the usual rains of September have made matters worse when it comes to the mosquito viruses… she also confirmed that the Turks and Caicos has not reported to CARPHA for 12 weeks, explaining that they are and I quote, “collating numbers…” this is what Magnetic Media was told over three weeks ago. The figures are changing frequently she explained. While the tone of the press conference started on an apologetic note … that turned to something different when reporters were informed that each media house would only get two questions and when that quota was surpassed, Minister Porsha Smith advised her Director of Medical services, Dr. Nadia Astwood not to respond to any more questions and even stood up and motioned to leave the press conference after a verbal squabble with press.

A startling move… We asked about the Ministry of Health’s stance in the matter surrounding the death of Annamae Williams, who tested positive for Dengue Fever… Dr. Astwood gave condolences and only a vague comment that she could not comment. It was confirmed that fogging supplies are low… it has been talked about in social media that there were no chemicals for spraying… Minister Smith said some chemicals will arrive by weekend and a local supplier has agreed to source the government as a back-up.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

on

The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

Continue Reading

News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

Published

on

by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING