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TCI: Promise to get three-year old hurricane damage repaired for modern school campuses

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#TurksandCaicos, April 17, 2021 – Minister for Infrastructure Akierra Misick reports there are school blocks on the twin islands of Middle and North Caicos which had not been repaired since Hurricane Irma hit in September 2017. 

The shocking reveal follows a site visit on Tuesday, which included both the Ministers of Education and Immigration; the latter, Arlington Musgrove, who is also the parliamentary representative for the district. Minister Misick said:   “the Ministry of Infrastructure through the Public Works Department is committed to enhancing the Campuses so that the students not only become twenty-first century learners, but have twenty-first century campuses to meet their developmental needs. Consideration will be especially given to developing the sporting facilities on the Twin Islands and renovation of various school blocks, which were not repaired post the 2017 hurricanes.”

A media statement informed, “On April 13 2020, Hon. Akierra M.D. Missick, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing Planning & Development along with Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education and Labour, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, MP for the Twin Islands and Minister of Border Control and Hon. Randy Howell MP for Blue Hills, visited North and Middle Caicos to tour Government schools there and welcome students back to face-to-face learning. The schools visited were; Charles Hubert James Primary School, Adelaide Oemler Primary School, Raymond Gardiner High School and Doris Robinson Primary School.”

The Minister was also joined by Gavin Thomas (Directors of Public Works), Roger Harvey (Civil Supervisor) Bernadya Smith (Executive Administrator) and by Public Works colleagues based in the Twin Islands. 

“Visiting our Twin Islands School Campuses was indeed a pleasure, and reminded me of what I loved most about serving as the Minister of Education in the past. While engaging with the students we could see and feel the excitement of the students returning to face to face learning and we are proud that this government was able to provide that in a safe environment”

Monday April 12 was the first day for full in person learning for students across the country; a major decision announced by the new Education Minister, ending a year of out-of-the-classroom learning for thousands of children. 

Undone construction refurbishment more than three and a half years following the hurricane was inexcusable to the Minister. 

“It is clear that our public servants in the Twin Islands are making do with what they have; but this Administration will not require them to work in conditions that are not comfortable. Hon Musgrove has provided me with space options on the Twin Islands, and our Estates team will commence the required reviews to make the expansion a reality,” stated Minister Missick.

According to the Minister’s report, space has already been identified by the Member of Parliament for the school expansion and sport facility projects. 

In addition to the various schools, the group also visited the building site of the Promenade & Craft Market in Bottle Creek, North Caicos managed by the Ministry of IHPD, and lastly had an opportunity to sample the delicious lunch options at the Seaview Cafe, Middle Caicos.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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