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CIBC Grand Turk Re-opening a Clarion Call

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#Grand Turk, December 4, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Turks and Caicos Premier, applauded the official re-opening of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Grand Turk branch as a “clarion call to all financial institutions that the Turks and Caicos Islands, and particularly the island of Grand Turk, remain open for business.”

Her remarks were made at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the branch’s official re-opening on Thursday, November 29.  The celebratory occasion signified a new era of service and convenience for the people of Grand Turk, with CIBC FirstCaribbean being the only bank to offer a location for in-branch services on the island since the other bank pulled out earlier this year.

Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson said she was particularly gratified as the occasion represented a “commitment to ensuring ease of access to financial services for residents and visitors throughout the Turks and Caicos, and of course in the nation’s capital.”

Mrs. Cartwright Robinson’s remarks were followed by those of Her Excellency Anya Williams, TCI’s Deputy Governor.

“I believe [CIBC FirstCaribbean’s] investment in this branch should send a signal to other businesses, not only in Grand Turk but those outside of Grand Turk.  The fact that you’ve seen fit to make this investment demonstrates your commitment, and I hope that others follow suit.

“[CIBC FirstCaribbean] has been a longstanding member of our community and is enshrined in our history.  We thank them for their commitment to this island; for seeing fit to continue their investment in the branch here; for seeing fit to not use it as an excuse to downsize or exit the island; for looking to this island with optimism and not looking at the current state of affairs at the time but instead seeing the possibility of the future here in Grand Turk.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Country Manager (TCI) Larry Lawrence expressed delight on behalf of the bank not only in being able to offer an updated in-branch space that will allow for better service and a more enjoyable client experience; but also, in being an integral part of the Grand Turk community.

“Today’s occasion celebrates the people of Grand Turk.  CIBC FirstCaribbean’s mission is to serve the needs of the individuals, families and businesses in Grand Turk, and certainly, the wider Turks and Caicos community.  Our new and improved branch will allow us to continue doing just that.

“Our commitment to the community goes beyond this newly renovated building,” Mr. Lawrence added just before donating $6,000 to Grant Turk Public Schools.  HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School and Eliza Simons Primary School were presented with a cheque for $2,000 each to assist with repairs as they each work to return to a state of normalcy following the destructive 2017 Hurricane season.

Representatives joined Mr. Lawrence at the podium to accept the donation on behalf of the schools.

Mr. Lawrence gave assurance of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s continued commitment to the people of TCI, and also applauded the contribution of employees in the bank’s success.

“Our success can only be achieved through incredible team work.  I am honored to work alongside some of the best in the business, and want to publicly acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff.”

Devastation by Hurricanes Irma and Maria forced CIBC FirstCaribbean to close its Grand Turk branch in 2017.  Initial repairs facilitated a quick return to business for the Grand Turk community, but complete renovation was continually underway culminating with the grand re-opening.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor; the Honourable Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; the Honourable Goldray Ewing, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing; the Honourable Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education; the Honourable George Lightbourne, Member of the Opposition, the Honourable Temard Butterfield, Governor’s Appointed Member; the Hon. Lillian Missick, Former Governor’s Appointed Member and Desmond Morrison, Director of Finance, Financial Services Commission, among others.

 

Press Release: CIBC FirstCaribbean

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Queena Wilson, Grand Turk Branch Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean; Clarence Simmons, one of the bank’s oldest customers in Grand Turk; Honourable Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; Larry Lawrence, TCI Country Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean; Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, TCI and Jacqui Bend, Director of Retail Sales and Branch Operations, CIBC FirstCaribbean, cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the newly renovated branch and mark a new era of service and convenience for the people of Grand Turk.

Insert: CIBC FirstCaribbean donates $6,000 to Grant Turk Public Schools. HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School and Eliza Simons Primary School were presented with a cheque for $2,000 each to assist with repairs as they each work to return to a state of normalcy following the destructive 2017 Hurricane season.

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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos 

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

 

 

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The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.

President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.

 

He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays.  However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.

During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

 

He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra.  Do what your coaches said.  Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”

The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony.  The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.

Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m.  A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified  for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.   Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.

The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.

Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes,  officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.

“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”

He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.

“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated.  “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”

 

He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”

Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.

 

“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated.  “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”

“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.

“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris.  As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open.  Let the games begin.”

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