TCI News

Former TCI Premier questions equity of Stimulus Package and Emergency Orders; says reconsider Gym as Detention Center

Published

6 years ago

April 2, 2020

#TurksandCaicosIslands – FULL STATEMENT by MICHAEL MISICK:

I sat and waited patiently to see what would this government’s so-called stimulus package would look like. When it was finally announced, I like other citizens was curiously optimistic that it would provide the type of relief our people need and rightfully deserve.

As details of the plan were revealed by the Premier, I carefully examined the entire stimulus program giving the government the benefit of the doubt. After analyzing it closely the conclusion that I have come to is that this sham of a plan is purely smoke and mirrors. The reality is that there is not much in it for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

While the gesture of $1200, at first sight, may seem generous we have to put that into its true context. First of all, this is a one-time payment and we do not know how long this crisis will last. Secondly, it targets the hospitality workers, in particular, leaving other sectors uncovered. Unfortunately in our country, 90 percent of the hospitality workers are not from here so many may just collect the check and leave this country resulting in us as a nation reaping no benefit. Thirdly the red tape that has been wrapped around this money will mean that it will take a long time for anyone to get it if they get it at all.

The stimulus package for self-employed persons and small to medium businesses is in the same category being very difficult to access. The last few years under this administration has been very hard on the small businessman, many are fighting tooth and nail just to keep their doors open, I am sure most small business donâ€™t have there NIB or NHIP paid up to date. So while they may truly be hurting this alone is a gigantic obstacle that will bar them from receiving the aid.

What is abundantly clear however and extremely easy to access is the stimulus that provides for 50 percent reduction in stamp duties and 3 months exemption from import duties. So it does not matter if a developer or ex-pat is up to date with NHIP or behind on NIB there is no qualifier, there is no bar, and no hindrance, just a big sweet free for all for import, stamp duty breaks and tax holidays. In my view this is unnecessary. We are giving away monies that could me use to help the poor, the same people who were given renovation tax holidays after the hurricane are the same people that will get the holiday again. Think about it, we did not have a hurricane so why is there a need for repairs?

Noticeably absent from the stimulus package is help for the people that would need it the most. The poor, the unemployed, the youth and the elderly. It is my view that all adult citizens should get this payment of $1200 whether working or not, $1200 is too small as it should be at least $1500 per citizen. The old folks on retirement pension should get it as well as the young mothers without jobs. There should also be made provision for children. Every Turks and Caicos Islander child in my view should get a $500 payment to sustain them during these times They too need food and supplies.

Instead of giving stamp duties and duty-free concession to the rich and the building material companies that will buy and stock up to sell at regular prices, I believe a better way to help our citizens is for the government to forgive and forgo all back fees on government lease land to Islanders and award them freehold title at no cost. Furthermore, all of the land that interim government and their so-called “recovery team” have taken from Turks and Caicos Islands should be returned so that islanders can build there dream home or business and be empowered.

Why is it that every time there is a stimulus we the Citizens of this country are left out? Why is it always us that have to subsidize the folks that are making millions of dollars when the economy is good without giving much back? This blatant and total disregard and shameless contempt for us as a people can be plainly seen.

Why is it that all the local businesses especially the restaurants and takeouts are closed when IGA has been allowed to stay open to sell groceries and boil fish and grits, rum, beer and sundry, while our brothers and sisters have to close their place of business and sit at home fretting over how to pay their bills? Why is the Wine Cellar is told to close while IGA is allowed to sell wine, vodka, and whiskey by the case, bottle, and shot? Can someone answer these questions for me? Something is Rotten in Denmark and it is not cheese. I say the law should be fair and the law must be clear. If a category of business is exempt by law then let it be exempt across the board with no favoritism. The system of having to apply to a secret close door committee for your business to be included on an exempt list leaves room for subjective selections rather than an open and transparent process whereby everyone is equal under the law.

While I am writing it pains my heart to have seen the notice published in the gazette by the Minister designating the only sports complex that we have in Providenciales as a detention center. This is a direct attack on the athletic development of our youth and this can not be allowed to happen. As the person who with my hard-working ministers was responsible for building this complex, I am appalled that this would even be considered. This complex was built for the enjoyment of our citizens especially young people it was built as a place designated for growing sport and developing strong all-around individuals. I was blessed to see many a NBA star and streetball legends visit that facility and marvel at its foresight and quality. I call on the minister and the government to reconsider their plans for turning the Gustavo Lightbourne sports complex into a detention center whether it be permanent or temporary, think of the children, our children, your children and their need to have this facility to develop their skills. There must be another suitable place that can be rented and use for this purpose.

Finally, I say to citizens and residents alike as difficult as it may seem we have to stay safe and stay inside and avoid personal contact with others. This virus is no joke and if it is not contained it could have a devastating effect on us as a country with the possibility of countless lives lost. We only need to see whatâ€™s happening in Italy, Spain, and America. I know that when we watch TV we sometimes think, well itâ€™s happening there and can not happen here but in this global village we live in nothing is far away anymore. So letâ€™s abide by the curfew and the other emergency measures that have been put in place for our protection and safety. Let us be our brother’s keeper and keep each other safe and out of harm’s way. Continue to pray medical professionals and essential workers, pray protection for our elderly and at-risk persons and most of all pray for the good Lord to Bless and spare our Turks and Caicos Islands.

Related Topics:#coronavirus #covid #magneticmedianews #michaelmisick #mikemisick #tcistimuluspackage

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News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

Published

5 days ago

August 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

1 week ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

1 week ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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