TCI News
Official good-byes for Oehleo Higgs, questions linger but memories are fond
#BottleCreek, North Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday June 11, 2018 – Standing well over six feet tall, you always saw him coming. A spring gave life to his step, a twinkle gave illumination to his eyes and a beaming, sincere smile made his an unforgettable face. North Caicos over the weekend officially said good bye to a son of the soil, one gone much too soon for those who knew and loved him; Oehleo Higgs was just 29 years old.
Anyone who met him could tell he was ambitious, with dreams which would not be stunted by his youth…
Oehleo was, I guess, genetically predisposed to being an over achiever or high flyer; A Higgs and a Clare; two fiercely passionate, uncommonly articulate and seriously sharp families of these islands.
On his LinkedIn professional profile, Oehleo said of himself, “I aspire to be nothing but the best in whatever career venture my future leads me. I will strive to remain on the “cutting edge” while ensuring that I am able to continuously measure the growth, stability, evolution and prosperity on my journey to accomplishing my goals.
Moreover, I am dedicated to contributing my knowledge and experience gathered to assist other individuals or groups in my local community and worldwide.”
Oehleo Higgs was likely most well known for his work with the TCI Tourist Board as a senior media relations officer and for his community service, in developing the first Miss Teen Turks and Caicos pageant.
On May 19, 2018 we lost 29-year-old Higgs and now the Turks and Caicos Islands find, that so many months following hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are still losing the most precious of treasures; our people.
Reports are, that Oehleo was attending doctor in Jamaica when he died; his illness said to be related to exposure to mold which had infested the upper floor of his apartment in Providenciales in the aftermath of the hurricanes.
On Saturday, Oehleo Higgs, who hails from North Caicos and is the son of Paul Higgs (the third) and Rosella Clare-Higgs and the nephew of Tourism Minister, Hon Ralph Higgs – was laid to rest.
The funeral service was held on Saturday morning at the Lighthouse Church in Bottle Creek, North Caicos.
Oehleo is a graduate of Raymond Gardiner High and one who remembers him fondly says he was a go-getter, competitive.
Among his accomplishments professionally, of which there are many were that he ‘spearheaded and launched the Tourist Board’s initial digital marketing initiative for the Brazilian market and implemented on-going strategies to ensure the destination’s brand continues to grow within in the Latin-American region, that he managed film and photo shoot clearances for major publications seeking film production in the Turks and Caicos and while at the Tourist Board he was often spokesperson and representative at major international trade and
consumer shows, seminars and conferences.
While at the Somerset, Oehleo served as a front office agent where he directly ensured guests were comfortable and happy. The young man, who had a BSC degree in Communications from Florida International University, FIU, also worked at Beaches Resort Villages and Spa for a season of his life where he listed his experiences as: serving as brand guardian of the Beaches Resort by overseeing its reputation internally among team members, locally, regionally and in the international community; he also promoted the resort as a credible vacation destination throughout the world by supporting international marketing activities and Mr. Higgs maximized opportunities for exciting community relations activities through the resort’s charity, the Sandals Foundation, by supporting community, education and environmental outreach initiatives.’
The loss of this young talent came as a crushing, sudden blow to his family… and thousands of others, including Magnetic Media which had featured Oehleo countless number of times in his role at the TCI Tourist Board on our shows and within our newscasts and stories.
As a news organization, losing Oehleo got us wondering how on earth this kind of an end could have happened to such a vivacious individual. Magnetic Media reached out to the TCI Hospitals to ask about the diagnosis. Was the root cause of his illness missed we penned? Was he misdiagnosed?
But there, we only found that a covenant of confidentiality would allow no answers to a burning question… how did this happen?
It is the second reported death by mold poisoning in these islands within weeks. It has been traumatic for both families. We express our condolences to those coping with the losses.
Malique Ferrette, who is currently studying at university abroad is the first Miss Teen Turks and Caicos; the first of the young woman he put on an international platform where they represented our islands in stellar form.
Malique told us about the profound impact, young Oehleo had on her life and her grooming. 
“I found myself dreaming of becoming Ms. Turks and Caicos one day. Thinking that I could make a difference through that platform, I began to get excited only to find that the rules had changed. I was too young at 17 to register in that capacity but wouldn’t you know, God had a plan! He had given a young man the desire to start something new and transformative in this country. That something was the start of Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Universe. I’m not sure that Oehleo realized just how impactful it would be or how significant this would be to his legacy. He’s left an impression in history that can never be removed! Through the vision God placed in him, my voice was heard and the notion that pageantry is about more than beauty became a reality. Because of Oehleo’s efforts, I was able to connect with the youth of our country in way that I couldn’t have otherwise. God used him for a season to put me in a position where my own skills and challenges could truly help others. For that I am forever grateful. His bubbly personality and infectious smile will not be forgotten. The gentleness of his spirit will carry on and his legacy is one now etched into the very history that has lead to this day.
Thank you Father for his life. Thank you Father for his legacy. Thank you Father for letting me know the sweet soul that was Oehleo Higgs.”
Yes, thank you for Oehleo Higgs; a media colleague, community builder and fine friend.
Oehleo’s loved ones are very possessive of the memories we keep of him, and rightly so… they miss him, especially his mother Rosella with whom he was very close, we are told. The Family asks simply, for people to remember these three things of their beloved boy: ‘Live, Love, Laugh. That was our Oehleo. He lived, he loved and he laughed.’
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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News4 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
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News6 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
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Bahamas News4 days agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
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