Connect with us

News

CWC AGREES TO ACQUIRE COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL INC. TO ACCELERATE GROWTH STRATEGY AND DELIVER SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Published

on

Providenciales, 6 Nov 2014 (CABLE & WIRELESS NEWS RELEASE) –

The combined business will:
 Deliver broader pro-consumer product offerings and improved services
 Inject state of the art TV and next-generation super-high-speed broadband technology into CWC
 Deliver huge opportunities to the Business and Government sectors
 Provide rapid lead in fixed mobile convergence through premier network platform

Cable and Wireless Communications PLC (CWC) has reached a conditional agreement to acquire Columbus International Inc. The proposed acquisition, valued at US$3.025bn will enable the combined company to significantly accelerate its growth strategy, improve service delivery to customers in the region, offer customers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality products and services, and strengthen their position against larger competitors. The increased scale and capabilities of the combined company will provide the technical platform and financial capacity to help enable CWC to drive greater innovation and expand our geographic footprint.

The combination of the two companies is consistent with global industry trends, where convergence of fixed and mobile networks, increasing content consumption growth, and continuing development of online applications are driving requirements for high bandwidth, fixed line networks and TV capabilities. Operators in Europe and North America, as well as regional competitors, are acquiring and constructing networks that are capable of supporting ever-growing data needs along with new video capabilities. The combination of the two businesses supports CWC’s new strategy and its four primary areas of focus: Drive Mobile Leadership; Accelerate Fixed-Mobile Convergence; Reinforce TV Offer; and Grow Business to Business and Business to Government sectors. This strategy is underpinned by CWC’s announced US$1.05billion Project Marlin capital investment programme. Additionally, CWC believes that the combination of the two businesses will generate material operating cost and capital expenditure synergies. Similarly, Columbus believes that the combined strengths of both companies will accelerate growth, provide the necessary scale to enhance the customer experience, and help to allow Columbus to achieve its goal to become the “Best service provider” and “Employer of Choice” in the region.

The proposed combination of CWC’s region-leading mobile footprint and existing fixed line infrastructure with Columbus’ pay TV capabilities and next-generation, state-of-the-art fibre networks will significantly expand the product and service offerings for customers and also advance the companies’ quad play ambitions. The combined business will also deliver the benefits of superior quality network infrastructure, fixed-mobile products and bundles, superior TV content at competitive rates, and a more attractive portfolio of products and services in the B2B and B2G segments.

Phil Bentley, CWC’s Chief Executive Officer said: “This is a transaction that transforms CWC, providing a step-change in growth and returns. Columbus offers complementary TV, Broadband and B2B capabilities in complementary markets. Together, we will create the best-in-class quad-play offering in the region, delivered on a superior mobile, fibre and subsea network. This is a significant opportunity to better serve our customers and improve the ICT infrastructure of the communities in which we operate, whilst accelerating our strategy and delivering materially enhanced returns and synergy benefits.”

Similarly, Columbus’ chairman and CEO, Brendan Paddick indicated that, “Together we will form a truly world-class company focused on our customers in the Caribbean, Central America and the Andean regions. The proposed acquisition makes both companies stronger, faster and smarter in competing with their larger competitors. The proposed transaction reinforces our commitment to transform connectivity in the region, to increase the attractiveness of the region to investors, to support the growth of the communities we serve by making them more globally accessible and to ensure that our customers always have access to the best products and services available.”

For both companies, the proposed acquisition also enables greater focus on the Caribbean, Andean and Latin American markets as a region that offers attractive growth. The proposed acquisition will provide new opportunities and focus in Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Peru.

“Our goal is to provide customer-focused solutions and the highest level of service across the region. This agreement will accelerate our efforts through a strengthened set of assets and capabilities,” Bentley affirmed.

The recent acquisition of both Groupo Sonitel in Panama, combined with Columbus’ Lazus in acquisition in Colombia will accelerate CWC’s progress against the new streamlined strategy.

About Cable & Wireless Communications Cable & Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) is a full-service communications provider operating in 16 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Operating four leading businesses: – Cable and Wireless Panama, LIME, (the Caribbean excluding The Bahamas), BTC (The Bahamas) and Cable and Wireless Seychelles; CWC offers mobile, broadband, TV, domestic and international fixed line services in most of our markets serving over 5.6m customers. CWC also provides premium data centre hosting, telecoms, domestic and international managed data network services and custom IT Service Solutions to businesses and governments through the new unit, Cable & Wireless Business Solutions. Our mission is to grow customer relationships and lifetime value by becoming #1 for Customer Service. We are the market leader in most products they offer and territories they serve. For more information visit: www.cwc.com
About Columbus International Inc.

Columbus International Inc. is a privately held diversified telecommunications company based in Barbados. The Company provides digital cable television, broadband Internet and digital landline telephony in Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Curacao under the brand name Flow and in Antigua under the brand name Karib Cable. Columbus also provides next generation connectivity and IT solutions, managed networking and cloud-based services under the brand Columbus Business Solutions. Through its subsidiary, Columbus Networks, the Company provides capacity and IP services, corporate data solutions and data centre hosting throughout 42 countries in the greater Caribbean, Central American and Andean region. Through its fully protected, ringed submarine fibre optic network spanning more than 42,300 km and its 38,000 km terrestrial fibre and coaxial network, Columbus’ 3,150 plus professionals provide advanced telecom services to a diverse residential and corporate client base of over 700,000 customers.

For more information visit www.columbus.co

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.

Government

Turks and Caicos Premier Delivers Banner Year Budget Amid Pressing National Challenges

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2025 – Premier Charles Washington Misick has unveiled what is viewed as a “banner year” budget for the Turks and Caicos Islands, forecasting $549.5 million in revenue for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

The theme: “Building Prosperity & Securing Our Future,” signals a bold promise to transform the country’s infrastructure, improve public services, and confront pressing national issues—chief among them, a deepening housing crisis and escalating security threats.

Despite the ambitious tone and large allocations, critical questions remain about whether the budget sufficiently addresses the most urgent needs of the population.

Housing Crisis: A Priority or a Placeholder?

The Premier acknowledged the country’s housing deficit, which affects every island, but offered only broad strokes in terms of solutions. His government pledged to invest $23 million in Housing and Community Amenities, a figure that also includes spending on water distribution, treatment, and district administration.

Key initiatives include:

  • Designation of traditional communities as special development zones with targeted concessions.
  • Increased funding for home repairs, aiming to support vulnerable homeowners.

However, no new housing construction projects or large-scale development plans were announced. There is also a lack of detail on timelines or targets—such as how many homes will be built, rehabilitated, or made available through affordable programs.

Conclusion: The housing crisis is acknowledged, but the government’s response, as laid out in this budget, leans heavily on incremental measures rather than bold new solutions. For citizens facing overcrowding and unaffordable rent, the plan may feel underwhelming.

Crime and Security: A Tougher, Multi-Layered Response

Violent crime, particularly gang-related murders and transnational threats, has reached alarming levels in TCI. In response, the Premier announced a sweeping $106 million allocation for public order and safety—one of the largest single budgetary spends.

Highlights include:

  • $49.1 million for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF)
  • 76 new police recruits, plus the deployment of 42 tactical officers from Barbados and Jamaica
  • Expansion of mobile police stations and planning for new fixed stations, beginning in Providenciales
  • Investment in CCTV, gunshot detection, and community policing initiatives
  • 24/7 border patrol by Marine Police and increased aerial surveillance
  • Radar installations in four strategic coastal locations
  • Strengthening partnerships with UK, U.S., Bahamas, INTERPOL, and others

The government cites an 11% decrease in serious crime and a 17% reduction in murders during the first four months of 2025. These early results offer cautious optimism, though much of the security strategy is still unfolding.

Conclusion: On crime, the government is investing heavily and appears to have a coordinated plan, blending immediate response with longer-term capacity building. The emphasis on border control and regional collaboration signals a serious approach to transnational crime.

Revenue Strategy: No Major Tax Increases, Modest Adjustments

The budget outlines $549.5 million in projected revenue, sourced primarily from:

  • Accommodation Tax: $133.7 million
  • Import Duties: $132.4 million
  • Stamp Duty: $50 million
  • Work Permits: $50 million

To support this, the government is introducing subsistence-level new revenue measures, including:

  • $40 increase in vehicle license fees
  • An import license for large-scale alcohol and tobacco importers

Conclusion: The Premier’s fiscal strategy maintains public stability by avoiding new broad-based taxes while seeking modest new streams to boost revenue. This cautious approach aims to keep inflationary pressure in check while ensuring fiscal health.

Investing in the Future: Youth, Education, Health

The budget also directs funding toward:

  • Youth programs, particularly for at-risk youth, as part of a crime prevention strategy
  • Education and skills development, though exact figures were not detailed
  • Healthcare, with a commitment to better access and affordability

A unified vision to modernize public institutions, improve digital governance, and restore public trust is also part of the long-term reform agenda.

Conclusion: The Premier articulates a future-facing approach, though some sectors lack clear budgetary breakdowns. Education and healthcare are promised support, but housing and social safety nets may require deeper intervention.

Final Assessment: A Balanced but Incomplete Response

Premier Misick’s 2025/26 Budget presents an ambitious and well-funded plan to secure the nation’s future. Investments in security and border protection are decisive and immediate, while economic growth is forecast to continue under stable fiscal policy.

However, for a country in the midst of a housing crisis, the government’s response—while well-intentioned—may fall short of the scale required to meet the moment. Similarly, social challenges linked to crime, youth disengagement, and income inequality require not just infrastructure, but deeper systemic reform.

The Premier concluded his address with a promise to “build a Turks and Caicos that works for everyone.” Whether this budget is the foundation for that future—or merely a stepping stone—will be revealed in the months ahead.

Continue Reading

Crime

Five People Shot in One Day Across Turks and Caicos in Unprecedented String of Gun Violence

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands experienced an alarming spike in gun violence on Wednesday May 21, with five individuals shot in two separate incidents across different islands—marking an unprecedented day for the nation’s ongoing fight against violent crime.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), four males were injured in a targeted shooting in the Kew Town area of Providenciales around 6:14 p.m. Police received multiple calls reporting gunshots near Betty Shop and surrounding areas. Emergency services rushed two victims to a medical facility, while police discovered a third at the scene and transported him by ambulance. A fourth man with a gunshot wound to the foot was later located in Pete Court. All four are currently hospitalized.

Earlier in the day, around noon, a separate firearm incident occurred in South Caicos, where a 71-year-old man was shot in the left thigh. He, too, is undergoing medical treatment.

In response to the violence, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales suspended all visits, citing security concerns. Armed police officers were stationed at the hospital to prevent any further attempts on the lives of the wounded—believed to be victims of targeted attacks.

The incidents come just as the RTCIPF recently welcomed 40 tactical police officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Barbados to bolster national security.

Both shootings are under active investigation by the Serious Crime Unit, with forensic and tactical teams deployed. The RTCIPF is urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist their inquiries.

The violent episodes underscore growing concerns about public safety, even amid recent progress reported by the government in reducing overall crime.

 

PHOTO CAPTION:

ACTIVE CRIME SCENE IN KEW TOWN, PROVIDENCIALES.  PHOTO BY EAGLE LEGAL NEWS MEDIA

Continue Reading

News

What You Need to Know – SOUTH CAICOS REGATTA 2025

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – We are thrilled to invite you to the South Caicos Regatta 2025, celebrating an incredible 58 years of rich history and vibrant tradition! Join us in South Caicos for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the beauty of our beloved Island.

The South Caicos Regatta has long been a cherished event, bringing together locals and visitors to honour our Maritime heritage. This annual gathering showcases everything Turks and Caicos and the spirit of our community. With each passing year, the Regatta has grown into a spectacular celebration that highlights our culture, music and local cuisine. As we commemorate this milestone, we invite you to be apart of the festivities that make South Caicos truly special.

We celebrate this year from May 23-24th the main event day is Saturday May 24th where the excitement reaches it peak and a great day for Boating across the Caicos Bank. Come and enjoy local food vendors, live entertainment, and activities that cater to all.

For those of you planning to stay overnight, we have great news! Solterra Resort and Spa is offering special Regatta Rates for all guests. Reservations can be made by calling 1-649-333-5410 or emailing reservations@salterra.com. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the beauty of our Island while enjoying the celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Caicos for this memorable occasion.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING