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Letter to the Editor Calls for Dr. Rosie to be Named Nat’l Hero

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The Making of a Hero
It has been about two months since the late Hon. Dr. Rosita B. Butterfield was laid to rest on the 5th February, 2015 following a State Funeral, and it is with great humility that I write this article after a long layoff, not as her Grandson, but an engaged Turks and Caicos Islander. I write to make the case, or should I say state the obvious, that Dr. Butterfield should be the Turks and Caicos Islands next National Hero. Many have had the thought but few have voiced it publicly, save for Dr. Lillian Boyce in her closing remarks at the memorial service held in Dr. Butterfield’s honor.

Looking at this case, neither emotionally nor politically biased, but critically, there is no doubt that she is worthy of such an honor. By any measure, real, imagined or even yet to be imagined, she passes the litmus test. In my view the following are some of the qualities which should be displayed by a National Hero: Leadership; Integrity; Courage; Honor; Longevity; Service to country; and lastly he/she should be someone whom most people would themselves aspire to be like or have as a role model for their children. Dr. Butterfield possessed all of these qualities.

As speaker of the House of Assembly, she ruled with integrity and impartiality, to the point where some of the more junior members of her very own party treated her with disdain at house sittings. She would end her tenure as speaker early rather than compromise her moral standing because of others. Also, under her leadership as chairman of the select committee on the Employment Bill from 1987 to 1988, she and her team would shape positive employment trends still having its impact today.
Both locally and internationally, Dr. Butterfield represented the spirit of her country on numerous occasions, be it in Bermuda where she presented on “Migration and Immigration in the Turks and Caicos Islands” or in the House of Lords or the Isle of Man as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Her Leadership qualities were well recognized and unquestionable.

Want someone who illustrated their belief in education? She maximized all education opportunities afforded her and won numerous nursing awards such as the Surgeons’ Prize for the most efficient operating theatre surgical student nurse. She would not only use her time to develop education within the TCI but also to put her money where her mouth was by sponsoring our National Spelling Bee for many many years plus giving financial help to numerous families. Besides, Dr. Butterfield and her husband’s role in the development of Providenciales and wider TCI by extension, has been far reaching and can easily be verified.

So much has already been written about Dr. Butterfield’s tremendous contribution in service to our country that I need not repeat it here. Click: www.sppdtci.com for more documentation. To emphasize my point about how special and rare this lady was, not even her husband, Dr. A. V. Butterfield, will be afforded a State Funeral which is reserved Heads of Government or a Speakers of the House, despite his equally devoted service in the development of our country.

So I conclude with one question to all the members of the National Awards Committee: if not the Hon. Dr. Rosita Beatrice Missick-Butterfield, then whom?

By: Jamell R. Robinson

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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