Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is embracing satellite technology while reaffirming that neither Flow and Digicel nor plans for national fibre-optic infrastructure will be abandoned as the country enters a new era of telecommunications.

The position was underscored during the August 27 licensing of Starlink Caribbean LLC, completing a process that Kenva Williams, Director General of the TCI Telecommunications Commission, said took two years.

Minister responsible for Telecommunications Shaun Malcolm stressed that Starlink is intended to complement the telecommunications infrastructure already built across the islands, with Government remaining committed to supporting existing providers as technology evolves.

That commitment was echoed emphatically by Williams, who acknowledged concerns among the country’s established telecommunications companies about the arrival of the global satellite provider.

“The stakeholders are concerned, of course — Flow and Digicel — but I would say, as a regulator, you’re not going to fail, not on our watch. We’re going to ensure that policies are in place to keep the terrestrial services alive,” Williams said.

He explained that the established providers remain essential because of the infrastructure and mobile networks they operate.

“They are the ones who have infrastructure. They are the ones who provide the mobile services. We have to implement policies to ensure that they are well and alive while Starlink is here.”

Starlink’s entry was also strongly supported by consumers. Williams revealed that during consultation, 80 per cent of respondents indicated they wanted the satellite internet service.

The Commission nevertheless spent two years establishing an appropriate regulatory framework, consulting existing operators and stakeholders and addressing licensing, spectrum and competitive concerns before approving Starlink.

Government is also maintaining its longer-term ambition of a national fibre network, despite the considerable expense involved. Williams used the licensing ceremony to publicly urge Government to continue pursuing the project.

“Please do not lose the dream of the national fibre. That is needed. It is a must,” he said, with Malcolm reaffirming Government’s commitment to the development.

The approach positions satellite, terrestrial and fibre technologies as complementary pieces of TCI’s future telecommunications network rather than competitors from which only one can survive.

Starlink offers an immediate advantage for the country’s geography, particularly sparsely populated islands where laying extensive terrestrial infrastructure can be difficult and expensive. TCI now joins more than 20 Caribbean countries and territories where Starlink is available, expanding broadband options for homes and businesses.

The service also provides another layer of communications resilience during hurricanes and other emergencies when conventional infrastructure may be damaged or inaccessible.

Starlink will operate independently from Flow and Digicel for its regular satellite internet service, although future Direct to Cellular services will involve partnerships with the two mobile providers, according to Williams.

One significant difference will remain between the new entrant and TCI’s established telecommunications companies: Starlink will not maintain a physical office in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Williams confirmed that its operations and customer interactions will instead be conducted online.

Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks

When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?

Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.

Should you sleep in a bra?

Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.

“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”

But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.

Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you

Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.

Lessens breast pain

Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
• Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
• Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
• Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
• Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
• Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight

“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”

A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.

Protects lactating breasts

If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:

• Holds nursing pads in place
• Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
• Reduces nipple chafing
• Supports the structure of your breasts

Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.

Prevents fungal infections

Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.

“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”

Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.

Reduces nipple irritation

Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:

• Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
• The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
• A sleep bra that’s too loose

Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.

Helps with recovery after surgery

It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:

• Decrease fluid collection
• Minimize pain
• Hold gauze and drains in place

“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”

Diminishes stretch marks

Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.

“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”

Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on

Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.

Causes skin irritation and infection

A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:

• Dirty
• Too tight
• Too loose

Restricts circulation

“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”

Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.

Tips for wearing a bra to bed

If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.

For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:

• Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
• Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
• Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
• Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.

Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.

The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

• Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

• Murder
• Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

RBPF, PACD