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Good News! TCI Gov’t ends FY 2020-2021 with lower than expected Operating Deficit

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#TuksandCaicos, May 5, 2021 – Monday, May 3, 2021, marked 50 working days of the new TCI PNP administration. Even though the new government took over in the middle of the pandemic when the future economic potential of the islands seemed murkier, the country is doing far much better than anticipated from a financial standpoint.

Speaking about the progress made by the new government, the Premier explained the country’s financial state while emphasizing how critical planning has been vital in fulfilling the Citizen’s Contract; the Progressive National Party’s 2021 campaign manifesto. 

“In these early days, planning has been critical. Hence, upon establishing the financial position from an insider’s point of view, our effort has been centered on planning for fiscal sustainability and fiscal soundness in these unprecedented times,” said the Premier, and Minister of Finance,  Hon. Washington Misick. 

“We have spent the last two months rejiggering the budget to mitigate unforeseeable risks and put the country on a trajectory of growth as global efforts take us to the other side of this pandemic,” he added while explaining the new government’s strategies in overcoming the consequences of the pandemic.

In his speech, the Premier focused on new spending; these will be included in the new Budget set to be read in June 2021. 

“At this juncture, we are on target to deliver the Budget by the end of June, including an additional $48 million in brand new spending,” said Hon. Missick. Even though the far-reaching effects of the pandemic led to a 26 per cent shrink in revenue collection, the Premier admitted the fiscal performance was better than projected. 

Announced was $2 million dollars for a law enforcement training academy; $6 million dollars has been carved out for land purchases, in order said the Premier to buy back beach front land for the development of recreational sites for the people of the country. 

Also in that ‘new spend’ list was $3 million for software toward the digital transformation of Government; $2 million to reinstate public sector pensions and there is to be a half a million dollar investment for a health information system. 

Significantly and uniquely, $15 million is allocated to poverty alleviation projects including community enhancements and coming soon is urban renewal programs across the country. 

A hotline will be set up; the Premier said he is creating a way for residents to speak directly to government instead of to social media.

“The overall outturn of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government fiscal performance has been better than expected when the budget was last revised. This is due to improvement in revenue collection in the final quarter of the year as well as reduction in expenditure for the year.

“Turks and Caicos Islands Government was able to end the fiscal year 2020/2021 with a lower-than-expected operating deficit. The total deficit for the financial year was $93 million after debt repayment. This deficit was funded from the cash reserves,” said Hon. Misick, before shifting focus to the achievements made during their 50 days of governance. 

Turks and Caicos, as a result of the better performance of the economy may no longer have to increase borrowing from the Republic Bank.

The last quarter’s actuals outperformed estimates, negating an early trigger to draw down on funds from the $80M facility negotiated with Republic Bank. Because of that, the requirement to negotiate the restructuring of that facility for a larger facility is no longer necessary.

The Premier conservatively forecasts, the economy will expand by 2.5 per cent in the current fiscal period.

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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