News

Turks & Caicos LOO on recent Hurricane Relief Contribution from Haitian Government to the TCIG

Published

9 years ago

November 3, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2017 – Providenciales – Contrary to what common sense would suggest, TCIG has accepted 630 generators, 1,000 sheets of plywood, 4,500 tarps, 2,000 sheet rocks and 4,000 metal roof sheets from the Haitian Government – In making the donation His Excellency Jacques Adolphe, Haiti’s Consul to the TCI, implied that the supplies were for the benefit of “our compatriots …. who consider this beautiful by nature country their second home.” This is being received against the threat of TCIG demolishing the shanties in which many Haitian immigrants reside; and an official remittance to Haiti of $3 million dollars a month ($36 million dollars annually) The physical remittances is also considerable . These sums will increase during the rebuilding stage of the TCI recovery from the recent hurricanes.

There is something absurd when the UK (the world’s 5^th largest economy) rank the TCI too rich to be an aid recipient, and Haiti (with an economic ranking of 146 out of 157 ) decide to provide relief for the TCI with a GDP per capita of $26,000 (twenty six thousand dollars) compared with its own GDP per capita of $750.00 (seven hundred and fifty dollars). At first, this appears counterintuitive but, on examination of the facts it’s a brilliant strategy by Haiti, and one that a naive Turks and Caicos Islands Government have apparently not questioned.

First, the threat of demolishing the shanties is an empty one and amounts to political “sabre rattling” on the part of the Government. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a subscriber to the UN Human Rights Charter, and unlike Haiti it has a long track record of respecting its obligations. Therefore, any policy to demolish these shanties must rightfully be made in the context of a country housing strategy which must provide for adequate housing for all who have a legal right to reside in the islands.

Second, given the dependence of the Haitian economy on receipts from its citizens abroad, it is in Haiti’s best interest to export as many of its people as other countries would accommodate, and therefore she has no interest in stemming the exodus. As well, it is worth noting the not so subliminal reference by the consul of TCI being a second home, inferring and reinforcing the mindset of the need to repatriate their earnings to their first home.

The idea that within days of the worse Atlantic Hurricane on record, Haitians would be fleeing their homeland to impacted countries, reinforces the desperation of life at home. By making this gift against its own abysmal housing crisis, Haiti is sending a message to those of its citizens who are illegally invading the TCI, that it has made provision to accommodate them here, and TCIG having now accepted their gift, should use it to assist with the construction of a multi-family short-term accommodation facility, as part and parcel of a strategy to replace the shanties with strictly controlled adequate housing, taking into consideration that housing does not necessarily mean property ownership.

Conclusion: To continue to receive relief from Haiti is enabling the exodus of Haitians to the TCI.

Press Release: Leader of Opposition

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week

Published

4 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

4 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.