News

General Elections will go ahead, says Turks and Caicos Governor

Published

6 years ago

February 19, 2021

PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, 19^th February, the electorate of the Turks and Caicos Islands go to the polls to select a Government to lead the Territory through the next four years.

I have been advised by the Supervisor of Elections that everything is in place for the election to go ahead. I’ve been advised by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) that there is nothing to stop the election taking place, and I’ve been advised by the Commissioner that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force can police the election. Much preparatory and contingency work has gone into this election and their confidence in making their reports to me give me confidence that the election will be free, fair and secure.

This will be an election like none have so far been. It’s taking place at a time of pandemic when there is community spread and when the COVID numbers are high. To prevent those voting, who are either COVID positive or in quarantine, would have undoubtedly significantly impacted the election result, hence the political, health and good governance consensus that their right to vote must be protected and honoured.

To do that you will see changes. The election workers will be in full PPE and working behind Plexiglas screens. You, the electorate will be asked to strictly adhere to all the protocols in place, to socially distance and to ensure you spend the minimum amount of time in the vicinity of the polling booth. The election count will take longer than in the past and so the result will likely be known later than usual. Polls close three hours later in Providenciales than is normal and there are precautions that have to be taken in terms of protecting those involved in the count that will add time.

Elections are quite rightly moments of excitement and expectation but we ask all those participating in the election to be mature, considered and considerate to your fellow citizens. I’d ask the candidates, those actively supporting the candidates and of course their supporters to remember that the population are voting, amongst other things, on who will manage the next phase of the COVID pandemic, so please do not only be responsible, but be seen to be responsible.

The candidates have their agents able to observe the process and I have asked for two different teams of on-the ground election observers to be present in the Islands: CARICOM and the . Washington DC based ‘International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ are already here and you will see them throughout the Islands tomorrow. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is also conducting a virtual observation of the election. All three will produce reports. I, myself, intend to visit every Island on election day so I can witness the election first hand.

Two final points. The first in regard to ‘treating’. As the Supervisor of Elections has already made clear, this is an illegal act. If a candidate has offered you a financial or material inducement to vote, for them, at the very least you have been given wonderful evidence of why you should neither trust them, nor vote for them. If a candidate has attempted to buy your vote you now know that this person: someone who wants to sit in the legislature; someone who the Territory will rely on to pass laws; to scrutinise legislation; to oversee government spending; someone the Territory will rely on to enforce the rules and fund those that do; are quite prepared themselves to break the law. In the privacy of the polling station don’t vote for someone you know by their actions, rather than their words, are corrupted and corruptible before the next government is even formed.

Finally the overwhelming message is – if you have the vote, then use it. Those who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are rightly proud of their heritage and a defining part of Turks and Caicos Islanders status is the right to vote. Don’t be deterred from voting. Many people have worked hard to ensure the right you have, is a right you should be able to exercise and enjoy on 19^th February. Every single vote here matters, and if it is cast we will ensure that every single vote is both counted and therefore counts.

I end by offering my very best wishes to every candidate, be they independent or hold a party affiliation while offering thanks for the amazing amount of work done by those who organised, those who will oversee, administer and assure the election.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #nigeldakin #tcigeneralelections21

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 days ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.

The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.

During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.

During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.

CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.

Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.

“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.

Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.

They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.

After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.

“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.

For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.