News
TCI Rates BBB+ with Standard & Poor’s as PNP Gov’t Rates C+ in our Survey
We had hoped at least 323 people would have participated in Magnetic Media’s impromptu survey; a public-fuelled evaluation of the new government and its performance so far. Five per cent of the voters who turned out at the polls on February 19 would have been a decent-sized sample, we believe, of the performance of the Washington Misick-led PNP Government.
Next time, in 200 days, we will give our audiences an anonymous option.
Nonetheless, our first-time poll attracted 134 participants, the majority of whom were women but just slightly. Sixty-four men and 70 women returned a letter grade ranging from ‘A’ for Excellent to ‘D’ for Disappointment.
Most of those who responded to the survey gave the now 108-day old government a ‘B’ grade for ‘Very Good’. There were no ‘F’ grades lodged for the Progressive National Party administration.
These were the results of the poll carried out on WhatsApp over two days from May 28 to May 30:
There were 128 people who gave the PNP Government an ‘A’ grade; 156 people returned a ‘B’ grade; 72 participants gave a ‘C’ grade for an ‘okay’ performance so far and 14 say they are ‘Disappointed’ and returned a ‘D’ grade.
It gave the PNP a 2.76 GPA or a C+ performance.
The sizing up of the Progressive National Party’s performance after an avalanche of a victory at the national polls, has been a topic of discussions since the party hit its 50th day in office. The Premier at that time offered his thoughts on his team’s performance. Soon after the 100th day in office, marked on May 30th, the Premier was talking about two rating; his Government’s and the economy’s.
“It is with great pleasure, that we can say to you today, for those of you who may not have seen it, or read it or be aware of it that Turks and Caicos Islands has been able to retain and improve on its credit rating,” said the Premier, adding, “We have retained our BBB+ Credit Rating (from Standard & Poor’s) with a Positive Outlook.”
The Premier said the visiting team from Standard & Poor’s found that “investors, tourists and the local business community have confidence in this Government and in the Turks and Caicos Islands. And that is something that I am happy to take credit for,” explained the Premier in a Press Conference held at his Providenciales Office on Wednesday June 2, 2021.
“I was juggling between a B and a C but I will give them a B at this stage. Mainly because within their first 100 days in office, I believe they have addressed (though not completed) some very serious issued affecting Turks and Caicos Islanders. Eg, the one-time stimulus that was made easily accessible, the effort to address the overflow of work permit and employment opportunities for TC Islanders and the workshops for local contractors with a view to giving all an equal opportunity to be on Government Jobs; also the reinstatement of pension for Civil Servants,” said a female participant of the Survey, who agreed to us sharing her comments.
She was also forthcoming with comments from members of the public.
“Based on feedback and my own personal experience as to their failure to acknowledge or respond to communication from citizens, I would give them a D. I didn’t give them an F because I’m sure they respond to some, given the nature of the correspondence, I don’t think they accept criticisms well… EJ has proven that on many occasions.”
The woman, who is a prominent and influential Turks and Caicos Islander added: “I’ll also give them a D on the Vaccine Drive. Mainly because they are misleading the public on information given, eg, that the vaccine is the reason the numbers have dropped, that the vaccine will protect you from the virus.”
More men believe the PNP deserved an ‘A’ grade; 22 males and 10 females describe the government’s performance as ‘Excellent’.
More women believe the PNP deserves a ‘B’ grade; 28 females and 24 males support that the Turks and Caicos currently has a ‘Very Good’ government.
Women outnumbered the men in the C grade category; 24 females to 12 males for the ‘Okay’ performance.
However, weighing down the final grade would have been the number of disappointed residents. Eight women and six men gave the ‘D’ grade.
“It’s very soon in their administration. I will give a ‘D’. I am not amused at how they are handling the Covid testing. I know the numbers are more than they are saying. Jay needs to be more transparent with us.”
Health
U.S. Food Overhaul Under ‘MAHA’ Could Improve Quality for Tourists and Locals in TCI & Bahamas
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
July 19, 2025 – A major shift is underway in America that could directly enhance the food quality of staples imported to the Turks & Caicos Islands and The Bahamas. Under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative—a joint effort by President Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr.—dozens of major U.S. food brands are pledging to remove synthetic dyes and harmful additives from their products.
Among the most notable changes, ice-cream manufacturers responsible for over 90% of U.S. sales have agreed to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colours (including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) by 2028. This is part of a broader wave: PepsiCo, In‑N‑Out, Nestlé, Kraft‑Heinz, Tyson Foods, and General Mills are all steering away from synthetic dyes and additives.
MAHA centers on reducing ultra-processed foods, artificial ingredients, and dietary chemicals linked to chronic health issues, particularly in children. The movement also targets high fructose corn syrup and emphasizes whole-food nutrition.
Why does this matter here? Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas import nearly all their food from the U.S. and follow American food safety standards. These ingredient changes mean future shipments—from cereals to frozen desserts—will contain fewer artificial ingredients.
Local nutritionists and public health officials see long-term benefits. “Cleaner imported food directly supports our goal of better overall
health and preventing diet-related diseases,” said a regional health officer. “It’s a promising shift for our islands.”
But there’s a catch: these reforms are voluntary. Critics point out MAHA relies on peer pressure and promises, not binding regulations. Plus, while removing dyes is a strong first step, concerns remain about sugar, saturated fats, and bottled vs. real ingredients in U.S. exports.
Local Takeaway: Expect cleaner labels on imported U.S. goods by 2028—starting with ice cream, cereals, snacks; this aligns with efforts in TCI & Bahamas to improve nutritional standards and public health outcomes and it is vital to note, that the long-term impact will depend on enforcement, transparency, and maintaining momentum beyond dye removal.
Here are the commitments listed by the White House:
- Steak & Shake moved to 100% all-natural beef tallow and replaced its “buttery blend,” which contained seed oils, with 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter.
- McCormick announced it will drop certain food dyes from its products.
- PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from popular food items — including Lay’s and Tostitos chips — by the end of the year.
- In-N-Out announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and artificial flavors from its menu items.
- Tyson Foods eliminated synthetic dyes in its food products.
- Mars removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles product.
- Sam’s Club committed to removing 40 harmful ingredients — including artificial colors, additives, dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup — from its private-label products.
- Kraft-Heinz announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products.
- General Mills announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools.
- Nestlé announced it will remove all petroleum-based food dyes from its food and beverage products.
- Conagra Foods announced it will remove certain color additives from its frozen products, no longer offer products with artificial dyes in K-12 schools, and stop using artificial dyes in the manufacturing of its products.
- JM Smucker announced it will remove synthetic colors from its consumer food products.
- Hershey announced it will remove synthetic dyes from its snacks.
- Consumer Brands announced it will urge its members to remove artificial colors in food and beverage products served in schools.
In short: an American health initiative may soon ripple into Caribbean kitchens—bringing small changes with potentially big health benefits.
Caribbean News
Regional and U.S. Officials Warn: “Do Not Travel to Haiti” Amid Escalating Violence, Terrorism, and Breakdown in Order
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2025 – In a rare and touching moment during the Royal Navy’s latest deployment to the Turks and Caicos
Islands, Father Matteo Zambon, chaplain aboard HMS Medway, led a communion service at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The intimate spiritual gathering brought reflection and encouragement to inmates and staff, and was described by observers as “deeply moving.”
The service was a standout feature of HMS Medway’s multifaceted visit, showcasing the Royal Navy’s humanitarian and pastoral outreach, not just its operational capacity. While the ship is widely recognized for its disaster readiness and security work in the region, the prison service offered a profound, personal dimension to the deployment.
Alongside this spiritual engagement, HMS Medway conducted a simulated beach landing exercise in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, aimed at improving disaster response coordination. The Royal Navy’s Crisis Response Troop participated in the operation, which took place on the beach adjacent to the Grand Turk cruise pier and concluded safely before ship traffic resumed.
The visit also reinforced UK support for the Overseas Territories during hurricane season. HMS Medway, permanently stationed in the Caribbean, is outfitted with emergency relief supplies, medical kits, and equipment for clearing debris and restoring access in the aftermath of natural disasters.
In Providenciales, the crew met with local officials and conducted further training and outreach activities. The deployment builds on strong
ties established during previous visits, including youth mentorship programs and joint patrols with the TCI Marine Branch and Police Force.
Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has previously praised the UK’s forward-deployed assets like HMS Medway as “critical to disaster preparedness, maritime security, and community support”. This most recent visit deepens that role, showing how hard power can be paired with soft-touch diplomacy.
As HMS Medway resumes regional patrols, its legacy in the Turks and Caicos this year will not only be measured in drills and deployments—but in the quiet connection made behind prison walls, where faith, dignity, and humanity were affirmed by a visiting chaplain in naval uniform.
In a place often associated with hardship and consequence, Father Zambon’s communion service served as a rare reminder: that even the most disciplined missions can carry a message of hope.
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