News
Residents question TCI Government ‘why no re-construction yet’, South Caicos still a mess after Hurricane Irma
South Caicos, Turks and Caicos – December 13, 2018 – It has been 97 days since the Turks and Caicos Islands felt the ferocity of catastrophic Hurricane Irma, yet parts of the country are still as if the record breaking and history making storm just touched down yesterday.
Magnetic Media has been receiving reports from the Capital, Grand Turk and we have visited South Caicos this week and what we have been told and what we have seen for ourselves is shocking, disappointing and unacceptable; especially for the residents of these hardest hit communities.
The Regatta Village in South Caicos, which just this past May marked 50 years of the annual South Caicos Regatta, is decimated. Hurricane Irma did in South Caicos the unimaginable, having zero respect for the decades of history she pulverized with her winds and waves. The roofs at the site were flattened or have caved in or were blown off and are still rotting mounds of rubble stacking over three feet with nails jutting out. The debris, which covers the entire site – all these months after the storms – are a significant reminder that reconstruction help has still not arrived.
The three-year-old wooden jetty constructed in time for the 2014 homecoming and South Caicos Regatta is warped and wounded; gaping holes are now characteristics of the structure which was a symbol of a re-surging economy for the island, we call the country’s fishing capital. 
Now, that wooden dock appears rickety and storm weary after the lashing of what had to be monstrous surge waves and waters in Hurricane Irma on September 7.
It was reported that all but one building went without damage in Hurricane Irma in South Caicos; the island was so devastated that it was declared to be in a State of Emergency by the Governor. This declaration got the island and islanders some much needed humanitarian assistance.
The Iris Stubbs Primary School has walls and floors, but for the most part no roofs and ceilings. Irma tore those off, pushed over signs and damaged classrooms which are now rendered inoperable. As it was at the school, so it is at the homes of the students, teachers and faculty – utter, heartbreaking loss. 
On the school grounds, there is the sound of children playing football, singing Christmas carols, asking curious questions and chatting with their ‘BFFs’; wonderful, refreshing sounds. However, many would gladly welcome, as an alternative, the racket of noise reconstruction would make.
There are many areas which vex South Caicos natives, despite their gratitude of having survived the killer hurricane. However, we found the report on the Government owned water tank, disturbing. The zinc cover is rusty, ripped apart and leaves the stored water exposed to anything and everything. One resident said there were ‘dead things’ inside the water. They believe it is unhealthy and polluted.
Magnetic Media reached out the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning for explanation on what is happening in South Caicos and construction to rebuild, generally. Minister Goldray Ewing, who leads the Public Works Department shared that on Friday, December 15 he expects that the Budget Supplementary to pay for the massive repairs nationwide will be passed in the House of Assembly. Hon Ewing said, “…after a supplementary is carried to the House to earmark those monies to prioritise the projects, we plan on embarking upon such repairs and clean up.”
Government has had to re-organise the 2017-2018 Budget projections to ‘free-up’ money he reminded, this means debate in Grand Turk on Friday (Dec 15, 2017) will not only be pivotal, but interesting as we will get a more complete understanding of what this initial work will cost the country on the road to recovery.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
-
News1 week agoBeaches Turks & Caicos shares dining etiquette training at Provo youth summer camp
-
News4 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
-
News2 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players
-
Bahamas News1 day agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday