TCI News
TCI: ‘Abject failure’ is PDM governance says former election running mate Connolly
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday July 9, 2018 – A reminder of her vow to voters was a core part of the presentation by Hon Josephine Connolly following the June 18 delivered Speech from the Throne; but larger than those points were repeated criticisms of the PDM Government by Connolly for its performance this first 18-months. 
“Mr Speaker the one thing I did not hear in the Throne Speech as long as it was, was an admission of the failures of the last eighteen months. And why Mr Speaker, because the last eighteen months have been an unmitigated disaster. No amount of spin, no amount of dissembling, no amount of finger pointing , no amount of dog eat my homework excuses can remove from the lives of the people of this country the consequences of the complete, utter and abject failure of this government.”
Debate on the Throne Speech did come, but not until nearly two weeks after the Governor of the territory expressed the plans of the PDM Administration in a 45-minute speech delivered at the ceremonial Opening of the House of Assembly.
A re-ordering by the Premier, Hon Sharlene Robinson of the agenda, pushed the official response by the Opposition Leader and debate on the Speech back by 11-days. A move, Hon. Connolly slammed as immature.
“…To move from the worrying lack of courtesy in this house, to an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable and where the shuffling of the order paper is not political gamesmanship, but a reflection of the priorities of the country.”
H.E. Dr. John Freeman delivering Throne Speech on June 18, 2018
The second All-Island Member of Parliament, who in June 2017 had her position as Minister of Education revoked by the Premier and who is now considered an Independent Parliamentarian, noted the islands and cays still wallowing in damages and destruction from the September hurricanes.
“If you were to travel through the nation’s capital the evidence is there. This Government has not invested a visible dime in restoration works post the hurricanes. Mr. Speaker, the vulnerable are still in a vulnerable state. And Mr. Speaker, while I understand and appreciate the need for strategic management the establishment of the Task Force was publicized months after the passage of the hurricanes. I guess, Mr. Speaker this task force is positioned for, God forbid, the next disaster.”
2014 constructed dock on South Caicos pounded by storm surges. Photo by Magnetic Media, Dec 2017
Hon Connolly on Friday June 29 during House of Assembly pointed to hole-filled public buildings, mold-poisoned public offices and islanders she commended for resilience but expressed her concern that some of those islanders may face medical issues in the long term.
PNP Opposition on House Opening Day, June 18, 2018
“Look at the building in which we are sitting, cast your eyes outside at the adjacent building (I notice the hole in the roof was covered this week) but the effect of mold in that building is so transparent Mr. Speaker that I would not be surprised if the public servants occupying the lower floor have lung issues in the future. The residents of Salt Cay, South Caicos, Providenciales are still begging for some measure of relief. So Mr. Speaker, unless there is an alternate meaning of the word ‘swift’ as outlined in the dictionary, pardon me if I do not subscribe to the government’s view of swift.”
Hon. Josephine Connolly, who also now occupies seating nearer the Opposition PNP in the House of Assembly, explained that her desire is for the Government-of-the-day to do more than make rosy promises, but to ensure that election season promises are kept.
“My vision is that the promises I made at the time of the election will become reality so that our nation will not perish. A vision that government should put the country’s interests first, ahead of special interests, family and party bosses. A vision based on the conviction that planning and government decision-making should extend beyond the next election cycle. A vision that our financial resources cannot continue to be used up for the short-term gain and benefits of a privileged few. A vision that sees government ministers as strong individuals who understand that they have a voice to use in Cabinet, not only at election time and will not be threatened but stand tall and strong. A vision that the people see through the propaganda of loyalty to this leader or that party, the overriding loyalty has to be to your country and your people.” 
The PDM Administration was accused by Hon. Josephine Connolly of having no vision and suffering from partisan loyalty to the detriment of better service to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
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
