News
Bahamas Press Club President Anthony Newbold addresses South East Nassau Rotary Club on the Role of the Press
NASSAU, The Bahamas – President of the Bahamas Press Club 2014, Anthony A Newbold addressed the Rotary Club of South East Nassau weekly luncheon meeting on the Role of the Press.
The meeting is held at East Villa Restaurant, East Bay Street on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Mr. Newbold was accompanied by Press Club executives Anthony Capron, First Vice President; Lindsay Thompson, Secretary and Vincent Vaughan, Treasurer.
Mr. Newbold stated that the main ideal of The Press Club is to promote the highest standards of journalism and mass communications in the country.
In this vein, The Club is seeking to devise a Code of Ethics to govern the profession, particularly those members of the organization. And, to advocate for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
Dating back to the early 1970’s there have been numerous tries at establishing an association of the press corps in The Bahamas. The most successful of which began in 1996.
“Let me say that the press club is not a union,” said Mr. Newbold, who is Special Projects Coordinator at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS). “The purpose of the club, to borrow from the National Press Club in Washington, D.C, is to encourage friendly intercourse among news practitioners and everyone with whom they have contact, in the pursuit of the profession; to promote the interests of those employed in the media; to ensure public access to information, and of course, to guarantee as much as possible the accuracy of that information, and to cultivate literary tastes.”
Furthermore, “we endeavor to promote and uphold the highest ideals and standards of journalism, while providing for the exchange of ideas and experiences and the offering of professional development opportunities.”
Despite the promising start in 1996, after 2002, The Club remained dormant until August of 2014, when Mr. Newbold led the effort to revive it. Of the 65 invitations, 20 persons signed up, with an additional five signing up since.
“My disappointment, not enough of those signed up are part of the under 30 group of young journalists. We continue to work on them, but you can’t want something for someone more than they want it for themselves.”
He said however, that their involvement is critical, because they make up 90 percent of today’s press corps.
“And, while they may have some formal training, they lack experience and the knowledge and wisdom that comes from that experience, which does not stop them from being tenacious and mercenary in some cases, taking no prisoners in the process.”
While the editors make the final decisions, it helps, tremendously if they have something to work with, he said.
Mr. Newbold noted that media now includes the traditional press corps as well as those involved in social media – usually non journalists and talk show hosts – both unregulated and both bringing a whole new wrinkle to how news is communicated and received.
“All of this demands a discerning and engaged public,” he said.
To Rotarians, he admonished that all have a role to play in what happens with this country and how it happens.
“And, if there is a time for all of us to play our roles, the time is now. It is no longer acceptable, if it ever was, to just be a spectator!
“One of my favourite sayings is, if you are content to just throw rocks from the sidelines and not get in the ring, I have no time for you!”
According to Mr. Newbold, the state of this nation today, demands the involvement of all, as there are too much uncertainty and ambivalence about those foundational institutions that have anchored the society.
In stressing the role of the press, a profession, which he’s practiced for more than two decades, Mr. Newbold, quoted the Venerable Ellen Hume, presently an Annenberg Fellow in Civic Media at the Center for Media, Data and Society, at Central European University in Budapest, Hungary.
There are four essential roles, she says, that a free press serves:
1. Holding government leaders accountable to the people,
2. Publicizing issues that need attention,
3. Educating citizens so they can make informed decisions, and
4. Connecting people with each other in civil society.
Hence, other roles of the press are, being the watchdog of the people, holding government leaders accountable to the people, connecting people through various forms, informing and educating.
Mr. Newbold pledged to continue to push for the cohesive development and training of young journalists and the coming together of all media because not only does he believes there is strength in numbers “but it is one way to ensure that institutional knowledge is not lost.”
One way of enhancing the profession is recognizing the work of meda during the Bahamas Press Club Awards Banquet, held November 21, 2015, which is again set for November 2016.
He also envisions a permanent home for The Press Club, where its members can assembly and enjoy facilities to further enhance the profession.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays