TCI News
TCI: PDM Gov’t did not deliver for Leeward & Long Bay says MP Missick
December 10, 2020 – The People’s Democratic Movement is accused by Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay of neglecting Electoral District 5.
Akierra Missick, during a PNP Drive-Thru Rally on Friday November 27 bemoaned the PDM Administration for failing to deliver on a beautification project, limping along in the road improvement development and discontinuing the potable water plan started by the Progressive National Party (PNP )prior to departing office, she said.
“Nothing hurt my heart more than during the idle of our pandemic so many of you called me because you were struggling to access water, potable water to your homes because we were home a lot more than we would normally be and the tanks were running out a lot faster than normal. And to find out that our water project which started in mid-2016 just wasn’t completed by this administration. And so I want to say to you Leeward and Long Bay, you know, on day one – because I’ve already did my research, I already have the plans, I already have everything phased out like I did the last time – we will recommence the installation of quality access to city water here in the Leeward ad Long Bay constituency.”
The Member was also disappointed about the green park, which went from incomplete to ignored.
“In the last four years, I will ask you do you think it was fair that the people in Leeward Palms and those in Leeward who may use the Leeward Green Park, should wait until 2020 for this government to restart the project and seek to complete the park? Four years, four years without a safe place for your family, for the young people in the constituency for all of us to exercise, to walk in in a safe environment,” said Misick to tooting horns at the Long Bay Storage Parking lot.
The former Minister of Education and Youth said she would ensure side-walk infrastructure at the Long Bay High School zone and promised to improve safety by increasing the CCTV installations.
Misick, an attorney asked for a third time as representative for the district, offering her idea for economic empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders.
“To ensure the scale is tipped in your balance as a Turks and Caicos Islander to benefit from this level of tourism development in these islands. Whether that is from reduced rates in business licenses, reduced rates on the taxation that applies to the numbers we will ensure that you are not only able to benefit from this portion of the industry but it is time for us to become leaders in this industry and I am hoping you will work with me to ensure this happens.”
The Member for ED 5 slammed the PDM’s Covid-19 stimulus payout as lacking understanding about how an economy grows and lacking understanding of what citizens are facing amidst the pandemic which has driven economies – including Turks and Caicos – into a deep recession.
“You have a party or a government in place with less restrictions, full access to money and as my brother Jamell says $154 million dollars in the bank and yet they only giving you, if you get your documents in time for the December 5 deadline, six whole hundred dollars. Six whole hundred dollars…” Misick added: “You are worth six hundred dollars, I didn’t say it, they did! Their actions; their policies, their decisions.”
Her message obviously resonated with attendees of the rally; in island vernacular the incumbent for the district said: “On the form you gatta say, if it’s for rent, if it’s for grocery, if it’s for mortgage, if it’s for this and that. That ain’t none of ya business give me the money or you’re not. It’s really that simple. You say I qualified for it, give it to me.”
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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News5 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
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News7 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
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Bahamas News4 days agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
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