TCI News
Political leader calls for CCTV following another arson attack in Grand Turk
#Providenciales, August 10, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – An urgent call for CCTV to be activated in Grand Turk comes now from a businessman, Member of Parliament, victim of possible arson and government minister, Edwin Astwood who on Tuesday spoke out following another devastating fire, believed to have been intentionally set in the capital of the country.
“We have been disheartened to see a number of local popular businesses and historic buildings, like the historic, iconic Victoria Public library which was destroyed by fire on March 9,2017. The Victoria Public Library was one of the most visited sites in Grand Turk, it was the home to the Tourist Board’s Island Fish Fry and it had been standing, completed in that very spot since 1889; which makes it 130 years old.”
The Minister reminded that hardworking people are being adversely impacted by the repeated fires; a spree which has for years been raging with no significant arrests as the fires continue to happen.
The latest casualty was a tour bus, described as one of the most popular for transporting Carnival Cruise Line passengers.
Overnight Monday, the huge bus was torched and destroyed by a fire, which Minister Edwin Astwood believes was maliciously set by someone living in the close-knit island community.
“I was very upset to wake up to the news of another fire in Grand Turk, which in all accounts looks to be the act of an arsonist. Persons have work hard to build their business and properties, then this happens, some individual, or individuals, intentionally starts a fire with the aim to destroy your property or building.”
In February, a fire destroyed a restaurant and lounge owned by the Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South & Salt Cay; he and his brothers vow to rebuild their establishment. On Tuesday there was a direct plea for help in Grand Turk.
“We all must do everything we can to put a stop to arson in our communities. I, in my official capacity of Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South & Salt Cay, and as a resident and business person in the island of Grand Turk, will be calling for the urgent implementation of the CCTV system in our communities, with a greater number of camera locations. I will also be moving for an increase in the punishment and sentencing of those individuals convicted of committing arson, said Hon. Astwood in a media statement issued to Magnetic Media.
So far, thankfully, there have been no human casualties in the apparent arson-spree; but damages are immeasurable in some cases and in others, including at the H.J. Robinson High school where an entire school block was set ablaze in 2016; the price tag was purported to be $2 million for reconstruction.
The Minister with responsibility of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services had some advice for residents; Keep entry points to buildings secure, including sheds or garages, perimeter walls, fencing and gates; board up and secure unused or derelict buildings; prevent intruders and trespassing by making sure perimeters and buildings are well maintained and any damage is repaired as soon as possible; consider installing security systems such as CCTV, alarms and security lighting and keep any flammable substances stored safely and securely, not left in the open.
He explained that the person or people responsible for the insensitive, criminal acts are exhibiting classic signs of anti-social behaviour and the issue could be as extreme as a weapon of terror, to as devious as covering up a crime or exacting revenge or as frivolous as seeking attention because of boredom.
Currently ‘arson’ in that terminology is not on the law books in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Grand Turk still has no domestic fire unit, though one is promised for this budget year.
On Wednesday, TCI Police Commissioner Trevor Botting said CCTV installation in Grand Turk is started but Botting was unable to give a date for its completion.
#magneticmedianews
#arsoningrandturk
#leadercallsforcctv
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
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