TCI News
TCI represented at the First Regional Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean
#Providenciales, December 5, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication led by the Honourable Minister, Vaden Delroy Williams and accompanied by Deputy Secretary, Mrs. Bridgette Newman and the Director of Social Development, Mrs. Tiffany Thomas Browne recently returned from their attendance at and participation in the First Regional Dialogue in Latin America and 
the Caribbean, “ON THE ROAD TO EQUALITY”: 30 Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, held in Santiago, Chile November 27-29, 2018 in the Raul Prebisch Conference Room, at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Building.
The sessions began on Tuesday November 27, 2018 with an Adolescent Round Table Meeting where young people from countries around the two regions met to discuss their role in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, implementation challenges and promotion of participation by children and adolescents. The young people also made presentations on a number of community projects undertaken by them which emanated from their need to participate.
On Wednesday, the Opening Ceremony saw the attendance of a number of high level dignitaries, government officials, civil society representatives as well as NGOs from countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
A number of stakeholders and practitioners in the areas of Child Protection and Social Services as well as Gender and Violence against Women and Girls Organizations were also in attendance. A contingent of more than forty bright sparks (young people) from both regions also attended the ceremony; which began with a commemorative video of the 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: this was closely followed by statements from a number of key representatives of stakeholder agencies.
Each speaker reminded the gathering of various aspects of the road travelled towards the 30 year milestone and the importance of continuing to ensure that all boys, girls and adolescents benefit from a better world.
The need to ensure countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean continue to find innovative and strategic ways to make the plight of so many boys, girls and adolescents more visible was also stressed. It was noted that inequalities, abuse and violence continue to impact the lives of boys, girls and adolescents in these regions and a plea was made to governments, NGOs, Private Sector individuals as well as Civil Society to work more closely with our young people to give them a voice and take account of the fact that young people are not just the future of Latin American and Caribbean Countries but they are the Now generation.
The remainder of the Conference was punctuated by a number of presentations and interventions by country representatives which at times left persons moved to tears, to hear the plight faced by boys, girls and adolescents in a number of these countries.
Presentations and round table discussions included topics such as:
- Dialogue Equality and Children I and II – the situation of children and adolescents in the region
- Social Protection Systems for children and Adolescents – to analyze the overall situation in the region in
terms of social protection policies, legislation and strategies and to discuss how the construction and strengthening of social protection systems contribute to the fulfilment of the rights of children and adolescents, as provided for in the Convention on the Rights of the Child/ determine how social protection policies in the region have incorporated the life cycle perspective as part of a systemic and comprehensive approach to social protection as a central pillar of social society, focusing on institutional, financial and technical challenges associated with the construction of social protection systems which are sensitive and relevant to children and adolescents in the region.
- Early Childhood Development – to analyze the overall situation in the region in terms of policies, legislation, programmes, strategies and efforts made by the Latin American and Caribbean States to guarantee the rights of boys, girls in early childhood as provided for in the Convention on the rights of the Child/ reflect on the importance of strengthening coordination between different sectors and stakeholders and of public and private investment, in order to scale up comprehensive programmes for early childhood.
- Prevention and response to violence of all kinds – to analyze the regional situation with regard to policies, legislation, programmes, strategies and efforts made by the Latin and Caribbean States to reduce the high levels of violence against children and adolescents and to ensure fulfilment of their rights, as provided for in the Convention of the Rights of the Child/address two issues related to the expressions and consequences of violence in the region: the migration of children and adolescents and the challenges facing systems of adolescent criminal responsibility.
- Development and participation of adolescents – to analyze the regional picture in relation to policies, legislation, programmes, strategies and efforts made by Latin American and Caribbean States to guarantee the rights of girls and boys in adolescence, as provided for in the Convention
In what could only be described as a most inspiring and touching closing, the young people brought forward a Declaration prepared by them and ratified by ECLAC that sought to make their feelings known about the current situation, noting that it was their belief that it was very important to ensure good development of each country, since they are the persons changing the future. That laws were necessary to protect their rights, allow them to enjoy a dignified life, good health and full childhood in addition to receiving a quality education without exclusion.
The Declaration of the young people covered proposals for change and commitments assumed by them for the full exercise of their rights in the areas of:
- Violence
- Education
- Participation
- Gender and Identity
Commenting on the four day experience, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, Honourable Vaden Delroy Williams stated, “My team and I were pleased to be a part of the First Regional Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean, “ On the Road to Equality”: 30 years of the Convention on the rights of the child. As I sat and listened to a number of the presentations and interventions by various countries and heard firsthand of the struggles that so many boys, girls and adolescents continue to face; the violence, inequality, limited access to educational opportunities and the like, I had to say that we in the Turks and Caicos Islands are truly blessed.
Yes, there is still lots of work to be done to ensure that we give our boys, girls and adolescents a country that they can be proud of but I am happy with strides that the Department of Social Development continue to make in the area of Child safeguarding and protection.”
Press Release: Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation & Communication
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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