News

Premier Robinson Gives Statement on Newman Case

Published

9 years ago

June 26, 2017

Turks and Caicos, June 26, 2017 – Providenciales – The past few days in the TCI has seen us casted in a negative light in major US media houses. This day was feared by many, but we believe with the response we see especially among the people of this country, that this can be a turning point in addressing crimes among our residents and visitors.
I speak of the recent shooting incident involving a tourist. My Government’s thoughts and prayers are with Mr Newman and his family. We continue through our Tourist Board to maintain contact with Mrs Newman and receive updates on his care. Under the NHIP Policy my Government was able to offer coverage of the medical transport to a receiving facility. However we understand that those arrangements were made through private arrangements.

As Premier, I acknowledge my Government’s initial response contained in a Release issued by the Minister of Tourism who responded on behalf the Government and over the past two days we have met with the Police and amongst ourselves to see how best we can support the Police at this time and to devise a way forward on repairing the obvious fall out in reputation through positive messaging that is us TCI.

After taking into account all efforts through all Agencies, I address you today.

We wish to at the outset thank the medical staff at Interhealth Canada’s facility in Providenciales for their response and critical care administered to the Mr Newman.

This is no time for more speeches but for our people to know that we continue to support the Police in their efforts to ebb the stem of gun related offences and do so with a record that we can already begin to feel proud of. I wish to recount for the benefit of us all how we have supported the Police over the past six months and I outline them as follows:
Making a request to the UK for assistance and the resultant UK Security Assessment as early as February this year during my first visit to London;
The purchasing of a building to house the highly anticipated CCTV Program and other new crime fighting initiatives;
The approval of funding for additional Police Officers including managers of the CCTV Project in the recently passed Budget;
The approval of $1.2m in the purchase of new cars in the recently passed budget;
The agreement in the National Security Council to devise a national security strategy;
The inclusion of modern crime fighting initiatives and other legislative support for the Police in our legislative calendar;
The beginning works jointly between the Police and Immigration to seek out and to repatriate undocumented persons to the tone of over 500 in the last six months (these numbers are not those repatriated through entry on illegal sloops); And we can expect to see greater efforts in this area after the recruitment of additional Police and Immigration Officers already provided for in the recently passed Budget;
The presentation, as Premier, to Cabinet of a Paper on the rehabilitation of offenders in an effort to reduce the rate of repeat offenders,
The initial dialogue with the TCHTA and to having received their agreement to employ those at risk under the Government’s Change for Change Program to be led by the Ministry of Home Affairs; and
Holding meetings with Pastors to assist in creating Programs that will address our youth.
Crime fighting is everyone’s business and while in Opposition we continued to lead on this dialogue. We acknowledge that many of these measures are not yet in place and can look forward with great anticipation. However we acknowledge the awakened consciousness of our people for the immediate here and now which is critical. In what is now a challenging period, we see a readied people ready to assist and play its role and commend those who have stepped forward to play a more active role as a citizen.

As Premier, I must say that I am pleased with the efforts of the Police who are working hard in the aftermath to bring these culprits to justice and I am in particular pleased that the Acting Commissioner on the evening after visited the majority of Resorts and interacted with guests until the wee hours of the morning.

What is left for me to say as Premier following our Government’s initial response and the Acting Commissioner’s multiple updates is that there are four things I wish for us to know:
My Government remains firm in its stance for stiff penalties for gun crimes and crimes against visitors to our shores which are already in law and we are keen to support stiffer penalties where needs be;
The Police has our full support in diverting even more resources into the Grace Bay area and certainly not at a loss to local communities;
I am excited that our people are keen to be greater participants in this fight against crime and I call on us all to remain interested and to know that the best help that can come forward from you now is information. You may think what you saw or hear is insignificant but we are appealing to you to contact law enforcement who is prepared to investigate any and all tips for this recent incident and all instances.
I encourage residents and visitors alike to be vigilant and to not take any unnecessary risks by making yourselves an easy victim.
The response of our people shows that this level of crime, though comparatively very low, will not be tolerated and as Premier, I am confident that serious crime strategies already in train together with tougher penalties and a plan to save our youth are the keys to lowering crimes.

My Government over the next few days, weeks and months (and led jointly by the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Tourism together with key stakeholders and residents living at home and abroad who have already offered to assist in ensuring that the positive message about Turks and Caicos Islands remains out there) will embark on an aggressive positive campaign. We remain a safe destination and we are certain of this. We do not and will not downplay the recent incident in any way and will continue to support the Police in every way. This time however requires that all hands are and remain on deck.

May God bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.

#magneticmedianews

News

Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Platinum Sponsor Role at Premier Hotel Investment Summit

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.

Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.

ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.

The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.

Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.

CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.

In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.

The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.

The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.

Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Rick Fox Political Timeline

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

youth development,
healthcare access,
infrastructure upgrades,
environmental restoration,
entrepreneurship,
and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

20 community clean-ups,
16 streets and locations served,
and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a privately-owned parcel of land.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.