TCI News
Tomorrow, major crackdown on illegal jitneys begins with policy change, TCI Premier says it opens door to lucrative business
The Premier says getting a bicycle is not a bad idea when it comes to getting around the island, but shared that the interest from people to become licensed for legal jitney operation or Community Cabs as the PDM Administration has dubbed them, is high and there should be sufficient public transportation once the industry is legalized.
“I assure you there will be persons who are prepared to enter that, and I think people need to understand that jitneys make way more than taxi drivers (sometimes) and so we expect entrants and that is why it is important to have that category. Persons can make that investment before we crack down completely on those who are illegal in the industry. It very, very lucrative.” 
The matter of private cars being used to fill the gaping hole created by a lack of public transportation for the resident population has been a burning one for the Hon Sharlene Robinson since before she was premier of the country. Reports of rapes, sexual attacks, violent fights, robberies, unhealthy and unsafe conditions when using the jitneys have all given rise to many debates, elicited umpteen promises and brought on deep and real fear about catching the unregistered, albeit convenient modes of transport.
“On Wednesday, we hope to have the amendments to the Road safety ordinance that will look to legalise the transportation system for the provision of community cabs or what we call jitneys. Not regularizing but legalizing that industry and making sure that legal entrants are given time to enter before strict enforcement goes on in that area.”
At this time, and in light of a recent attack where a jitney passenger was forced to jump from a moving vehicle in fear of her life, the Premier says it is risky business riding the illegal jitney. 
“…it is going to make it safer; it is going to make it legal, which means persons will have to register as drivers,” the Premier said her talks with the Minister of Home Affairs, Delroy Williams has laid out some must haves for the Community Cabs to work. “…where we jump into taxis for example in the United States a picture ID has to be displayed, but also we would have the license plate numbers, we are doing this all in sync with our CCTV program as well as what is to come in this year’s budget, is to recreate a better road safety license plate program and you will see software coming for that as well where you would be able to match license plate numbers to individuals. That is all in the same pot.”
Tomorrow, when Cabinet meets, the matter is hoped to make the agenda and to be discussed as this new category of public service driver would be well on its way to being legally created. It was explained that illegal jitney drivers now may not be qualified to drive the community cabs in future. 
“Once we are able to create a legal category, not regularize because some of the drivers will not qualify, some of the vehicles will not qualify so I want to make sure we understand that we are legalising the industry, the sector,” said the Premier last Thursday.
The Premier assured that it is not going to be rushed and the plan is going to be considerate of the role the current system does play.
“…which is why we are going to allow legal entrants before the enforcement happens. We are going to allow people to legally enter and provide that legal form (of transportation) before we crackdown on what we know to be a necessary form of transportation”
The announcement came in a Border Control press conference held jointly by the Premier and Deputy Premier, Sean Astwood last Thursday where the nation was given an update.
The country learned of the financial toll of illegal immigration on the islands for the past five years, the support being lent to the TCI from as far off as London and as nearby as The Bahamas and the multi-pronged initiative which includes cracking down on illegal construction and unearthing unathorised employment within the islands. 
Today, Minister of Home Affairs, Delroy Williams said the consultation process wrapped up after six months in December 2017. The online Public Service Transportation Survey was electronically available to the general public and he said, the interest in the Community Cabs is high.
A warning was among the final points from Premier Robinson at the conclusion of Magnetic Media questions on the hot button issue.
“You’re taking a risk – especially with children and females in particular using these services. You are taking a risk because it does not exist legally, which means we can’t trace drivers because we don’t know who they are.”
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
SALT CAY — Residents say Salt Cay’s prolonged water shortage remains unresolved, with no visible activity or relief from the measures Government said would be advanced last week.
The crisis began in June after a critical filter failed at the island’s reverse osmosis plant, severely disrupting local water production.
Residents told Magnetic Media Tuesday morning that neither the replacement filter nor the promised bulk shipment of emergency water appeared to have arrived.
Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders, however, said the filter is already on Salt Cay.
“The RO filter is on Salt Cay and it’s being installed,” Saunders told Magnetic Media.
The large emergency water shipment has not materialised. Saunders said transporting more than 1,000 gallons in a single container requires a barge, and officials are still attempting to source one.
Government had previously indicated that it would try to deliver up to 2,500 gallons to partially replenish Salt Cay’s depleted storage tanks while repairs continued.
Saunders had initially projected that the RO plant would be fully operational by August 19. He now says the system is expected to return to full operation “in a few days.”
For residents, however, the immediate reality remains unchanged: the shortage continues, the bulk water has not arrived and the promised relief is not yet flowing.
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