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Historic Day: Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield with State Recognized Send off

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Providenciales, 05 Feb 2015 – In an unparalleled ceremony which has the entire nation buzzing, the former speaker of the House of Assembly for the Turks and Caicos from 1991-1993 will be laid to rest following a State Funeral set to begin promptly at 10am this morning at the Down Town Ball Park.

It has been a long journey home for Dr. Rosie, who died on January 10th, 2015 at Doctor’s Hospital in The Bahamas due to complications from a series of heart attacks. Close friends told us she was singing Gospel songs just days before; that Dr. Rosita who had been hospitalized for quite some time was, as they put it, ‘ready’. Today we will see just how ready family and friends are to say goodbye to the Matriarch of the Butterfield Clan.

A regal send off from The Bahamas, a Parliamentary sized welcomed in Grand Turk, three days of lying in state between the Capital and Providenciales, a memorial service last night and today an historic happening; the country’s first modern day State Funeral where it appears no holds have been barred.

When Magnetic Media visited the site late yesterday, we learned there is seating capacity for likely 5,000 people; around half of them will be under tents or on the actual field, the remainder will take the stands. There are areas designated as special for the Nurses Association; Dr. Rosita was a career nurse delivering some 103 babies and earning scores of awards over the years for her prowess in the medical field. There is a special section for high ranking Civil Servants and for Civic Organizations and Invited Guests.

Dr. Rosita’s grandson, CEO of Royelle Communications, Courtney Robinson gave us a site tour and explained there are tents for media interviews, early arriving guests including the elderly and very comfortable seating for the family which will fill the tent, set up at the heart of the service.

Current and Former Members of Parliament have designated spots and seating will be managed by a team of ushers and protocol officers. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will escort the body of Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield from Faith Tabernacle Center this morning; taking it to the Ball Park for the State Funeral. Yesterday, we caught them in practice where we learned as many as 70 members of the Force are likely to participate in the procession to and fro.

Today, all Public Sector workers have the day off; this means among other things, government schools are closed.

Officiating the Service will be Rev. Emanuel Rigby, Rev. Julia Williams and Bishop VG Clarke. Organist is Craig Archibold; with singing and music by the reunited Turks and Caicos Mass Choir and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Band; and Corey’s Funeral Chapel is directing the State Funeral.

The Governor, HE Peter Beckingham and Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Robinson will both read scripture. The Obituary of the late Dr. Rosita Butterfield, a founding member of the now governing Progressive National Party will be read by current party leader and Premier, Hon Dr Rufus Ewing. A Reflection on the Life and Times of the CEO of Butterfield Gold Group of Companies will come from Speaker of the House, Hon Robert Hall with the Eulogy by Bishop VG Clarke and Prayer for the Family by Father Bernard Been.

The interment Service will take place at the grounds of Faith Tabernacle, where a brand new Butterfield Mausoleum is expected to be completed. The work on the mausoleum was commissioned by Dr. Rosie’s husband: Hon. Dr. Albray Butterfield Sr. about ten days ago.

At the site there will be the National Anthem, Fanfare of Trumpets, Gun Salute and Flag Ceremony. Rev. Emanuel Rigby will commit her body with the final hymn being: “I will meet you in the Morning”.

Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield leaves behind her husband, four children, 16 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a sister and brother and scores of nieces and nephews, close friends and loved ones. She is a pioneer in Parliament as the first woman elected to serve for her home settlement of Kew in North Caicos.

Dr. Rosie, as she is affectionately called has sworn in Governors, welcomed royalty with an address to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; hosted country leaders including the late Sir Lynden Pindling of The Bahamas and was in 1992 bestowed the honor of Member of the British Empire, MBE, by Queen Elizabeth II.

This lady has preached God’s word, taught school curricula, chaired board meetings, paid off debt, supplied scholarships and added to the infrastructure of communities. As with any life, she has fostered true friendships and made some people quite mad with her decisions over time.

With her passing, a lot of wide ranging emotions and feelings and opinions have emerged; and MM has found an overarching view of Rosie Beatrice Missick Butterfield from Kew, North Caicos is that she was and is a nation builder, worthy of a grand farewell.… perhaps, even the status of a National Hero.

Dr. Rosita Beatrice Missick Butterfield, MBE was 78 years old when she died.

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

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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