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Premier Sharlene C. Robinson returns from the Pre-Joint Ministerial Council and JMC OT European Negotiations (EN)

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Turks and Caicos, July 20, 2017 – Providenciales – Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, the Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) after successful meetings in London and Brussels in relation to a number of issues pertinent to the Islands.

Appearance Before the House of Lords EU Select Committee

On Monday 10 July Premier Cartwright Robinson appeared before the House of Lords European Union (EU) Select Committee to give evidence on the potential impacts of the UK’s departure from the EU (Brexit) on the TCI.  The session was chaired by Baroness Verna and the Leaders from the other UK Overseas Territories were also in attendance. Eight OTs appeared and the financial and social impacts of Brexit on the Overseas Territories were discussed along with the opportunities that may arise for the Territories as the UK seeks to establish itself outside of the EU. Premier Robinson set out that the greatest potential loss for the TCI is access to EU funding Though not as great a concern, she raised the potential impact on travel.

Meeting of UKOTA

The Leaders of the UK Overseas Territories met on Tuesday 11 July to discuss issues of common interests including EU funding and relations post Brexit, the relationship between the UK Government and the Overseas Territories, security, child safe guarding and the protection of the environment. During this Meeting, Premier Robinson moved a critical Motion that was unanimously supported by all UKOTs on a united way forward in addressing the Post Brexit negotiations.

In the evening the Premier attended an Overseas Territories Cultural reception where Turks and Caicos spoken word artists Mary Fulford and Renate Hinds performed an original cultural piece.   The Islands culinary delights were also served.

Joint Ministerial Council

The Joint Ministerial Council of the Oversees Territories on the European Negotiations (JMC OT EN) was held on 12 July and chaired jointly by Lord Ahmad Minister for the Overseas Territories and Minister for Exiting the EU Robin Walkin MP. During these meetings, the United Kingdom Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Overseas Territories have ‘an effective and clear voice’ in the Brexit process and to continue engaging with the Overseas Territories as the negotiations between the EU and the UK progress. The OTs areas of interest in the negotiations include international trade, agriculture and fisheries, EU funding, borders and immigration and sanctions.

 Premier Met With Minister for Overseas Territories

Premier Robinson also met with Lord Ahmad bilaterally to discuss issues pertinent to the TCI including: National Security, Crown Land Review, Constitutional Review, Beneficial Ownership and Brexit.

Role As OCTA Chair

The Premier travelled to Brussels on 13 July where she met with Mr Klaus Rudischhauser, Deputy Director General in the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG Devco) and Mr Delgado Rosa, Director for Natural Capital in her capacity as Chair of the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the EU (OCTA).  During these meetings the relationship of the Overseas Territories of the EU and the EU Post 2020 was discussed as well and funding streams for biodiversity and climate change in the EU OTs.  The Premier also took the opportunity to meet with the President of OCTA, Mrs. Carol Voges of Sint Maatern, and the EU Representative of Greenland Mr. Mininngauq Kleist.

Promotion of TCI in Brussels

The Premier’s visit to Brussels concluded with a BRUZZ event organized by OCTA Innovation. The Premier gave a presentation on ‘Innovation, Tourism and Investment in the Turks and Caicos Islands’. Remarks were also made by Mr. Denis Salord, Head of Unit, Relations with the OCTs, DG Devco, on behalf of the European Commission and Carol Voges on behalf of OCTA and Milan Jezic von Gesseneck Team Leader of OCTA Innovation. Premier Robinson responded to questions posed by members of the media and potential investors.

Premier Robinson, I am pleased that I was able to represent our people in the House of Lords Committee and during the JMC. The opportunity to meet with the new Minister Lord Ahmad was an important achievement and in the coming weeks we expect to hear from him on the issues raised. He has also committed to quarterly communications and gave an open door to raise critical issues at any time.  I am also confident that the Presentation in Brussels will yield positive results. I am scheduled to return to the UK in November to continue Post Brexit talks.

The delegation included Mr. Ronlee James, Executive Director in the Office of the Premier, Ms. Tisa Joy Lightbourne, Executive Assistance in the Office of the Premier, Mrs. Tracy Knight, Head of the (TCI-UK Office) and Mr. Kimo Tynes, Consular Officer (TCI-UK Office).

Press Release: TCIG

 

 

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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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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.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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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.

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