Connect with us

News

PDM most affected by a Skippings led third party

Published

on

Providenciales, 26 Jan 2015 – If Oswald Skippings runs in the upcoming General Election; we could see a similar scenario to the one which played out in nearby Bahamas. A political party split there between the Free National Movement and a former cabinet Minister, Branville McCartney forced the creation of the DNA or Democratic National Alliance. The ‘green’ party claimed to be an amalgamation of Bahamians tired of the old school ‘politricks’ of the PLP and FNM and they ran a full slate. That full slate, many believed, would appeal more to disenchanted FNMs and if that is true, then the DNA affected 15 of the 38 seats.

In the end, the PLP took government in 2012 with 30 seats, the Official Opposition FNM with a mere 8 Seats on the other side of the floor in the House of Assembly. Former Chief Minister and 40 year politician, Oswald Skippings here in the TCI, last week revealed that he has rallied a team of independent minded people who want to run in the next election cycle in 2016; nothing official on whether a third party will be established. The PDM party, from which Skipping’s resigned as leader in 2012 says it will officially comment tomorrow.

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.

Caribbean News

Regional and U.S. Officials Warn: “Do Not Travel to Haiti” Amid Escalating Violence, Terrorism, and Breakdown in Order

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Regional and U.S. authorities are sounding a loud alarm: Haiti is unsafe for travel.

 

July 17, 2025 – In two back-to-back warnings, the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State have advised their citizens against travel to Haiti, citing kidnapping, terrorism, gang violence, mob justice, civil unrest, and a failing healthcare system.

The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, reissued this week, includes a new terrorism indicator and leaves no ambiguity: “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.” Since July 2023, non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families have been ordered out of the country.

According to the alert, kidnapping is widespread, including against U.S. citizens, who in some cases have been injured or killed. Victims have been targeted during routine activities or ambushed in convoys, with families forced to pay ransom demands ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The advisory also warns of mob killings and vigilante-style executions, where crowds have publicly assaulted individuals suspected of committing crimes.

Bahamian Advisory Adds Context for Caribbean Citizens

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its updated travel guidance earlier this week, urging Bahamian citizens to reconsider any travel to Haiti and take “extreme precautions” if already in-country.

Citizens are advised to:

  • Stockpile essentials (food, water, fuel)
  • Avoid walking, driving, or using public transport—especially at night
  • Use secure vehicles with locked doors and tinted windows

State of Emergency and Rogue Law Enforcement

Haiti remains under a state of emergency declared in March 2024. Protests, civil unrest, and attacks on public infrastructure are frequent. The advisory notes that police presence is unreliable, and rogue elements of the Haitian National Police (PNH) may be operating. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme care when approached by law enforcement, or when navigating official roadblocks.

Firearms and Crime

Guns are widespread, and crimes involving firearms—including robberies, carjackings, and sexual assaults—are common. Citizens are warned not to attempt to procure or supply firearms under any pretext. Gunfire at night and isolated beaches should be avoided due to criminal activity.

Health Risks and Limited Care

Healthcare is described as dangerously limited. Hospitals are often closed due to unrest or attacks, and under-equipped when open. Payment is required upfront, even with insurance. Bahamian citizens are urged to secure emergency evacuation insurance.

There is an active cholera outbreak (since 2022), and risks remain high for malaria, dengue, chikungunya, zika, and other vector-borne diseases. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, cholera, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

Legal and Border Controls

Travelers are reminded to carry proper identification. Failure to produce legal status may result in detention or fines. The possession of cannabis or controlled substances carries 1–15 years imprisonment, and foreigners risk deportation. Agricultural goods and endangered species such as conch require proper documentation to avoid fines of up to $10,000 USD.

Natural Disasters

The advisory also reminds the public that Haiti is vulnerable to hurricanes during the June–November season, and remains seismically active, with earthquake and tsunami risks in coastal regions.

Final Guidance

While The Bahamas and Haiti share cultural ties, both governments warn that anyone perceived as foreign or affluent may be at risk, regardless of race or heritage.

Citizens currently in Haiti are urged to:

  • Remain indoors after dark
  • Monitor trusted local media
  • Comply with curfews and evacuation orders
  • Register with the nearest Bahamian or allied embassy

The travel alerts remain in effect until further notice.

Continue Reading

News

Royal Navy Chaplain Leads Communion at Grand Turk Prison During HMS Medway Deployment

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2025 – In a rare and touching moment during the Royal Navy’s latest deployment to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Father Matteo Zambon, chaplain aboard HMS Medway, led a communion service at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The intimate spiritual gathering brought reflection and encouragement to inmates and staff, and was described by observers as “deeply moving.”

The service was a standout feature of HMS Medway’s multifaceted visit, showcasing the Royal Navy’s humanitarian and pastoral outreach, not just its operational capacity. While the ship is widely recognized for its disaster readiness and security work in the region, the prison service offered a profound, personal dimension to the deployment.

Alongside this spiritual engagement, HMS Medway conducted a simulated beach landing exercise in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, aimed at improving disaster response coordination. The Royal Navy’s Crisis Response Troop participated in the operation, which took place on the beach adjacent to the Grand Turk cruise pier and concluded safely before ship traffic resumed.

The visit also reinforced UK support for the Overseas Territories during hurricane season. HMS Medway, permanently stationed in the Caribbean, is outfitted with emergency relief supplies, medical kits, and equipment for clearing debris and restoring access in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In Providenciales, the crew met with local officials and conducted further training and outreach activities. The deployment builds on strong ties established during previous visits, including youth mentorship programs and joint patrols with the TCI Marine Branch and Police Force.

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has previously praised the UK’s forward-deployed assets like HMS Medway as “critical to disaster preparedness, maritime security, and community support”. This most recent visit deepens that role, showing how hard power can be paired with soft-touch diplomacy.

As HMS Medway resumes regional patrols, its legacy in the Turks and Caicos this year will not only be measured in drills and deployments—but in the quiet connection made behind prison walls, where faith, dignity, and humanity were affirmed by a visiting chaplain in naval uniform.

In a place often associated with hardship and consequence, Father Zambon’s communion service served as a rare reminder: that even the most disciplined missions can carry a message of hope.

Continue Reading

News

Governor Targeted Again in Social Media Impersonation Scam

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, July 13, 2025 – The Governor’s Office has issued a renewed warning to the public following the discovery of multiple fake Facebook accounts impersonating Her Excellency, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. The fraudulent profiles, created under names such as “Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam” and “Dileeni Selvaratnam,” have been flagged for attempting to engage residents through unsolicited messages.

In a statement released on Friday, 11 July, the Governor’s Office confirmed that at least four such accounts had been identified and formally reported to Facebook for investigation and removal. The public is urged not to interact with these profiles and to report any suspicious activity directly to the platform.

This is not the first time the Governor has been targeted. Similar impersonation attempts were reported in early 2024, when scammers used lookalike profiles to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. The recurrence of such schemes has raised concerns about online safety and the misuse of public officials’ identities for fraudulent purposes.

“Her Excellency does not conduct official business via social media direct messaging,” the statement emphasized. “All legitimate communication is handled through official government email addresses or verified public channels.”

Residents are encouraged to follow the Governor’s verified social media pages, including the official Facebook page: Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor’s Office and Instagram: @governorturksandcaicos, for authentic updates.

Authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant when interacting online and to treat unsolicited friend requests or private messages from high-profile individuals with skepticism.

The Governor’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and online safety and thanked the public for helping to identify and report fraudulent activity.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING