By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, August 4, 2026 – The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has launched a sweeping attack on the Washington Misick administration, warning that the Turks and Caicos Islands is running out of time to prepare for one of the most significant transitions in the country’s modern healthcare system while simultaneously demanding greater transparency over a reported $80 million interim airport terminal project.

Speaking at a July 29 press conference, PDM Leader Douglas Parnell argued that the country has roughly 80 days remaining before Government assumes responsibility for the hospital system following the termination of its agreement with InterHealth Canada. He questioned whether adequate preparations have been made and whether the public has been fully informed about what comes next.

“The people of these islands cannot afford government by announcement, where the headline comes first and the answers come later,” Parnell declared.

He said the hospital issue is too important to become another political battle, insisting that the country deserves to know how Government intends to manage the transition once the existing agreement comes to an end.

“The transition period is very short and next to impossible for even the very best in healthcare to meet the deadline,” Parnell said, referring to what he described as a 90-day transition period. “Only 90 days for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to take over.”

The PDM leader questioned whether the necessary recruitment, training and operational planning are underway and challenged Government to release its transition strategy.

“We have offered our help. They have refused. They are lost and they are in over their heads,” he said.

Parnell also accused the administration of failing to adequately explain the financial implications surrounding the hospital dispute, calling on Government to disclose the reasoning behind previous arbitration payments, the strategy behind delayed payments over the past 18 months, and the country’s current exposure in ongoing legal proceedings.

“I’m asking the Government not for political rhetoric, but for the truth,” he said. “Explain the approximately $18 million payment last year. Don’t just tell us you had to pay it. Explain why.”

He continued: “Show the country the transition plan.”

Parnell broadened his criticism to include the Providenciales International Airport redevelopment, questioning the reported $80 million interim terminal and calling for greater public disclosure surrounding the project.

“Tell us who is building Terminal B. Tell us what exactly is breaking ground within days. Tell us how this interim terminal fits into the permanent redevelopment,” he said.

The PDM leader argued that the hospital and airport issues reveal a wider concern about governance and accountability.

“Healthcare and the airport may appear to be separate matters, but together they raise a much larger concern about the way this country is being governed,” he said.

He concluded by insisting that transparency must accompany every major public expenditure.

“Turks and Caicos Islands is not a poor country. Our people should expect world-class healthcare and world-class infrastructure, but they should also expect world-class governance, transparency and accountability.”

The Government has since addressed aspects of the hospital dispute during the House of Assembly debate, including financial exposure arising from the InterHealth matter. However, several of the specific questions raised by the PDM regarding the hospital transition timeline, operational preparedness and the airport redevelopment project had not been publicly answered at the time of the party’s press conference, setting the stage for what has become one of the most significant public policy debates now facing the country.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.

Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.

This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.

The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.

The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.

“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.

“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”

The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.

Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.

Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice.  Monument is made to celebrate, visit  www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.

NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.

CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.

Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.

“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.

“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.

Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.

“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top.  In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla.  Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.

For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.