News

Letter to the editor

Published

9 years ago

July 20, 2017

Turks and Caicos, July 20, 2017 – Providenciales – When most people think of the phrase “The Art of the Deal” – their minds quickly turn to the book authored by now United States President Donald Trump, with Tony Schwartz. The book is said to be a commonsense guide to personal finance and was a ‘best seller’ in the US. However, the deal I would like to know the art of is: why after two years and millions of dollars spent in legal fees across the board – would the 12 storey appeal be withdrawn from the Privy Council by the Tuscany and Venetian Strata Corporations. The council, as you may know, is the highest court in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many inquiring minds would like to know; myself including.

Nevertheless, before we get to that question, afford me the opportunity to set the stage. Many didn’t quite understand why said Strata Corporations were challenging the building of a 12 storey project, that being – the Ritz Carlton, which is a little over a mile away. To give you some perspective, here are some hotels/resorts between the Ritz Carlton project site and the aforementioned resorts: Ocean Club, Club Mediterranean, Royal West Indies, Caribbean Paradise Inn, The Grace Bay Club, The Oasis at Grace Bay Hotel and Lofts, Villa Del Mar, Ocean Club West, The Pinnacle on Grace Bay, Ports of Call Resort and Seven Stars Resort. That’s eleven (11) different properties in closer proximity to the Ritz Carlton site than the group that sued. It could not be said that The Ritz Carlton would undermine their property value. Nor would it change the makeup of the Grace Bay Beach strip, as it was too far away. Moreover, the often discussed ‘shadow’ would not disturb their guests’ sun bathing, as the distance was too great to cause an impact. So again, why the original lawsuit?

Let’s dig a little deeper. It is reasonable to think that most business people or investors purely operate from a paradigm of self-interest and profit above all else. Principally, this being the heart of capitalism and we ascribe to a capitalistic doctrine here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition to the Ritz Carlton’s 12 storey project, I am reliably informed that there are/were at least two (2) other 12 storey projects in the pipeline. However, those project were awaiting the outcome of this court case. One of the projects was to be erected on a vacant site adjacent to one of the resorts named in the lawsuit. Consequently, this case was never about the Ritz specifically. This case was about ‘building height’ threshold. If The Ritz Carlton got the go-ahead, so to would the property next door. This, of course, would have been unfortunate in the complainants view.

Many have speculated that the appeal was withdrawn for political reasons. However, the PDM is on record in their support of the low density high end resort model. A model which they take credit for pioneering. So again, if a change in government for lack of inward investment was the desired outcome for the developers, why withdraw the appeal, if you don’t want 12 storeys in your neighborhood? I’d surely like to know the specifics of the deal that was struck by all parties involved. In a recent TCI Sun newspaper, attorney Conrad Griffiths alludes to a few factors. TCIG, a party in the case, would have a stake in the outcome of the deal. With hope, one that was beneficial for the country. Conversely, the public has a right to know the price of such withdrawal.

A birdie whispered in my ear that a part of the settlement terms is that the Ritz Carlton Project would be ‘allowed’ to move forward at 12 storeys and the two other projects would be ‘allowed’ to move forward at 10 storeys and 8 storeys respectively. Of course the 8 storey project will be adjacent to the 7 storey Venetian thus keeping the developer happy as there will only be a one (1) storey difference in height between the buildings and keeping the aesthetics of the area the same. So self interest and capitalism wins again.

I could be misinformed but given that our Premier recently lauded her support for Freedom of Information in the same TCI Sun newspaper, we trust that she would see fit for the public to be fully informed about the specifics of this deal. Oh, and stating “it’s confidential” – is not a good enough excuse. As we all know, with any secret, the truth will come out in the end. Just a cautionary tale, historically, US Presidents always state that they don’t negotiate with terrorists, and surely – the TCI worker has been terrorized over these late two years by this unfortunate saga in the way of repressed job and career opportunities with a chance for self empowerment in a beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.

Stay Blessed,

Jamell Robinson

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27^th 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.

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform

Published

1 week ago

July 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.