News

Press Release: Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick – Member of Parliament Leeward and Long Bay

Published

9 years ago

September 14, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, September 14, 2017 – Providenciales – It is with a grateful heart that we thank Our Lord God for seeing us through during the passage of Hurricane Irma. When we look at how we fared compared to our neighbors who Irma also visited, we can indeed say the TCI is blessed, and must continue to give thanks and praise.

I’ve had an opportunity to visit with residents in Leeward and Long Bay before and after the passage of Hurricane Irma. Many of my neighbors fared as well as can be expected with a storm of that magnitude, but there are a great number of them whose homes look well and fine from the outside but inside tells a very somber and different story. The one common thread in Leeward and Long Bay is that we are ready to rebuild. To my excitement, when I read TCIG were proposing a Concession Order also known as a “tax holiday” on materials and goods for rebuilding, I shared the news with my constituents.

While I am grateful that a “tax holiday” will be provided in the Turks & Caicos Islands for the importation of goods and materials to assist in the rebuilding exercise, I must express my concerns and lobby the Government on behalf of the People of Leeward and Long Bay and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands to extend the “tax holiday” for a further month.

As it stand now the Concession Order as written, provides a list of items that can be imported and benefit from the “tax holiday”. The list is extensive, and for that we are grateful as Hurricane Irma, left more than structural damage in her wake. The reality is rebuilding for many of us, stems further than lost shingles and roof tiles, but also we have seen extensive damage to furniture, clothes, books, office and home supplies and appliances due to water and wind damage. My greatest concern is the deadline of October 31^st 2017 to benefit from the “tax holiday”. Many of my constituents whom I’ve spoken with in relation to the “tax holiday” cannot be in a position to benefit from the “tax holiday” by October 31^st 2017.

Whilst duties on imports are a revenue stream for Turks & Caicos Islands Government, and we are in the 3^rd quarter where revenue dips, the 4^th quarter will occur in the high season with many resorts predicting reopening for the high-season.

Firstly, TCIG Civil Service received an advance on their September salary by 50% in order to prepare for Hurricane Irma. That advance is repayable in the October pay period. Secondly, Private Sector employees will have just 4 weeks’ salary to utilize to purchase goods and materials and have them shipped to the Islands by October 31^st 2017 in order to benefit from the “tax holiday”. This is not feasible; many of us had to prepare for Back to School, and then Hurricane Irma, causing savings to take a double hit at one time. Now we are also using the last dollars in savings to make basic repairs to properties and business in case there is a substantial amount of rain over the next few weeks, clean-up post Hurricane Irma costs are mounting for us to attempt to have semblance of a normal life.

Many are still without electricity and will be so for the foreseeable next few weeks, and thus using funds to fuel generators, and or purchasing batteries for fans and flash lights. It should be noted that October 31^st 2017 is a mere 6 weeks from now. How is this “tax holiday” going to benefit Islanders, when those that had insurance may not be able to have their payouts processed in time to purchase and ship their goods, and for those without insurance how can they borrow in a time like this?

I urge the Government, to extend this deadline by another month, which would capture a further pay period for Islanders, so that they can rebuild at costs plus freight, and return these beautiful by nature Islands and their lives back to normalcy

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.