TCI News
TCI: Op-Ed – Letter to the Editor
#Providenciales, December 10, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – With lack of vision or limited knowledge the people and a nation will perish.
In this day and age where electronic devices are so readily available, children are spending an absorbent amount of time on their phones and may lack the attention span needed to focus academically. In essence, every child is not cut out to be a scholar and as a developing country, its extremely important that we recognize this sooner then later. We need to make career advice more systematic and more objective. With that being said, why aren’t we investing in more technical schools? As Guyanese political activist and historian Walter Rodney wrote, “The rise of the middle class can only be effectively chronicled and analyzed in relationship to the schools.”
Let’s start with secondary education. Are we waiting too long to start prepping our children to help identify their inner talents? From ages 9 or 10 children usually have an inclination of what or whom they want to be. As parents, teachers and civic leaders, we have an obligation to cultivate those thoughts, behaviors or skills.
Talks of independence has been buzzing around especially when the Brits exert their powers on the local constitution in certain ways. As a dependent territory, I do believe the road to independence should always be on the horizon but it starts with long term planning. Nevertheless, don’t cut off your nose to spite your face as the old cliché would have it. We must Identify areas of need that will benefit our people and the country as a whole and then create a road map to achieve those goals. Focusing more on technical skills and less dependence on the service industry will provide the means for more of our people to join the middle economic classes and for their offspring to rise even higher.
Just to name a few areas of important educational opportunities. Marine mechanics or Agriculture on a larger scale, in my opinion both are a dire need in this country. Any kind of inclement weather the ships are temporarily grounded or delayed and there are limited or no fruits and vegetables available on the islands of Grand Turk or Salt Cay. And if so, it’s substandard quality. For heavens sakes, this is the most needed commodity for sustainable health.
Agriculture; in Middle and North Caicos where land is plentiful and during the bygone days the grounds were very fertilize, why not embark on large scale farming. I realize the native population is insufficient in terms of providing the needed workforce for this, but there are other alternatives. Let’s increase migration through a legal process to include encouraging the illegals to come forward and create a pathway for citizenship to those willing to work the farming industry for x number of years. Migration in search of a better life is a global issue and will continue to exist. Most of the immigrants entering our country are unskilled workers and this would be a perfect fit. The politicians that run on this platform certainly have my vote.
Marine mechanics; the lion share of our GDP is tourism and fishing based on the amount of funds generated in these areas. However, you can literally name the handful of native marine mechanics on the islands. I’m speaking from experience as I’m in the boating industry and on many occasions had to wait weeks to have my engines serviced. Having trade schools that offers such curriculums would be vital to our economy.
We complain about the foreigners coming into our country and taking our high end government jobs, but have we considered offering lucrative salaries to natives living abroad who possess these various academic skill sets? Some may have only stayed away due to lack of opportunities. It will certainly create more of a balanced society and a level playing field.
We live in one of the greatest countries on earth with having the best of both worlds. Here is what I meant by that, its relatively peaceful, still a God fearing nation, we are still under the British rule and protection although frustrating at times and last but not least, we utilize the US currency. What more could you ask for? Have you ever wondered why folks from across the Caribbean and other countries are knocking down the doors to enter our boarders? We have got to start thinking outside of the box if we are going to compete in this changing world and save this beautiful by nature country.
Ed Forbes
Concern citizen
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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