Connect with us

News

TCI: “Race for the Conch” Back With 101 Swimmers

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – COVID forced the cancellation of the 2020 “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim, but not this year. Conditions could not have been more perfect on Saturday June 26, 2021 for the 11th annual open water swim race in Grace Bay. 101 swimmers took part in the one mile and half mile events that ran along the shore from Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe to just past the Venetian Resort and back. An additional 15 youngsters under 11 years swam in the 100 meter Children’s Swim.  

Co-Race Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann implemented several COVID mitigation measures to get clearance, including a requirement that all athletes had to show a vaccination card or take an antigen test on the spot before registering or checking in. Swimmers supported the forward leaning actions as a small inconvenience for the thrill of getting to race through TCI’s turquoise waters.   

“We didn’t do much promotion of the race this year because of the uncertainties,” said Ben Stubenberg. “So we were truly amazed and happy that so many local and foreign swimmers signed up. We were particularly impressed that many young local swimmers had practiced hard to get ready for the race and held their own.” Chloe Zimmerman added, “We wanted to make this happen. Every swimmer who comes to TCI and swims through our beautiful, clear water knows it doesn’t get better. Huge thanks to all the swimmers, sponsors, providers, and volunteers who made this race happen. You rock!”

This year saw another fast field of swimmers with American Drew Modrov winning the men’s division in the one mile in a blazing 20 minutes 21 seconds. American Genny Jordan won the women’s division with a brilliant time of 22 minutes and 46 seconds. In the half mile, American Eric Erenstopft finished in speedy 11 minutes and 56 seconds, while another American, Beth Stuble finished in a super fast 12 minutes and 8 seconds. Many young local swimmers gained valuable experience in open water swim racing, as they started alongside these and other top swimmers.

Once again, the Race Directors presented conch medals and conch trophies made by local artists Stanford Handfield and Lucie Stubbs respectively. Evans Joseph (Keep it Xtraordinary) printed the T-shirts locally as well. In keeping with the “Eco-SeaSwim” name of the race, the Race Directors welcomed Turks & Caicos Reef Fund to promote reef protection, while Stream2Sea provided reef safe sunscreen for swimmers.  

Special thanks to Sports Commission for valuable advisory support.

Next year’s race takes place on Saturday June 25, 2022. Information on the race can be found at www.ecoseaswim.com

Along with dedicated volunteers, race directors want to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors and service providers who did so much to make this a success: Grace Bay Club, Hartling Group, Surfside Ocean Academy, Accu Diagnostics, Finishing Touch, Turks & Caicos Reservations, Carolina Medical

Centre, Provo Ambulance, Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography, Bay

Bistro, Got-U-Covered,, Blue Loos, TC Crystal Water, NUUN rehydration, Marco Travel, and Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures.

News

Emailer Threatens Our Children; ‘Close Down the School’

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2025 – Turks and Caicos national security leaders were deliberately vague about what led to their snap decision to shut down schools across Providenciales this week. The likely reason was to avoid panic after they were alerted to the dangerous and frightening prospect of what some anonymous sender planned to inflict upon the children, families and at least six private schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, has launched an active investigation following the receipt of suspicious emails to six schools earlier this evening.

At this stage, police intelligence has not confirmed the legitimacy of the threats. However, the police force is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.”

However, holding onto the precise threat spelled out in those ghastly emails, meant parents remained frustratingly clueless about what was so serious that it prompted school officials, to late on Wednesday night, ask them to not to drop their children to school.

Schools which were in session complied with the police statement, though we understand there was no direct communication with school administrations.

Magnetic Media also learned that those now infamous emails, dispatched to half a dozen schools including the International School, Precious Treasures, Provo Primary and British West Indies Collegiate, contained a bone-chilling threat to shoot at the schools this Friday, April 25, 2025.

“…you’ve been randomly selected for a shooting I recommend to have minimal damage done to close the school.  You will be given a 24Hr notice and a 12 Hr notice, God bless.”

There was no blessing obviously and thankfully, no violence.  Some of the schools targeted with the violent email are still on Easter Holiday.

“A joint meeting between education officials and senior police officers was convened promptly after the emails were reported. The RT&CIPF’s Intelligence Unit is fully engaged and working to trace the origin of the messages.

We understand that these messages may cause concern and wish to assure the public that everything possible is being done to protect our school communities,” informed the police press statement.

The statement came after 10 p.m. on Thursday April 23.

The sender, identified in the email as ‘Charles Millson’ and issued the threat to multiple schools via their staff accounts about 12 hours earlier, just minutes before 10 a.m. on April 23.  In the subject line: ‘Close Down the School.’

In this age of hyper-advanced technology, the email probably emanated from a phony account created to perpetrate this crime, which is in violation of the Summary Offences Ordinance, where ‘causing fear’ is cited as a crime and the Firearms Ordinances, which carries a weighty penalty of a 12-year minimum mandatory prison time for possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition.

Authorities are expected to update the public on the progress of the investigation and its next steps. Students will remain home on Friday.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahamas Shifts Stance on SpaceX Flights After Debris Discovery

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – The Bahamas has adopted a more cautious stance on spaceflight activity within its territory following the unexpected fallout from a recent SpaceX launch.

Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, speaking at a national briefing on April 15, announced that no further Falcon 9 rocket landings will be permitted in The Bahamas until SpaceX completes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This decision follows the discovery of debris from a SpaceX Starship test flight in Bahamian waters, which Cooper emphasized occurred without prior Bahamian involvement or consent.

“The Bahamas was not involved in any way with the planning of that rocket’s flight, but we were impacted by it,” he said.

Cooper highlighted the success of a previous Falcon 9 booster landing, which was coordinated with Bahamian authorities and drew scores of space tourism enthusiasts to Exuma and Eleuthera.

The Falcon 9, known for its reusability and high safety record, has completed more than 400 successful landings. However, the recent March 6 launch of the more powerful and experimental Starship—intended for re-entry over the Indian Ocean—ended in a midair breakup visible from multiple countries, including The Bahamas.

The resulting debris field raised environmental and legal concerns.

According to Cooper, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) is leading the response, ensuring the recovery and removal of all debris at SpaceX’s expense. “None of it will remain in our country, and The Bahamas will incur no cost,” he confirmed.

The incident has triggered broader scrutiny of aerospace activities near Bahamian territory. Cooper revealed that additional debris linked to three other aerospace companies has also been found in national waters.

The Office of the Attorney General and DEPP are investigating these findings to determine responsibility and ensure compliance with international treaties.

While acknowledging the promise of the commercial space industry, Cooper stressed the need for stringent oversight. “Maximizing the opportunities and minimizing the risks will require a comprehensive strategy, including diplomatic agreements, regulatory enforcement, scientific partnerships, and legal reforms,” he stated.

The Bahamas remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, safety, and environment as it navigates its role in the emerging era of global space exploration.

Continue Reading

News

NHIB REMAINS OPEN AND COMMITTED TO DELIVERING QUALITY HEALTHCARE: PUBLIC URGED TO CONTINUE MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS  

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th April 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services assures the public that the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) remains operational and fully committed to providing access to quality healthcare services for all insured persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the organisation undergoes administrative review and restructuring, the Ministry emphasizes that the Board is taking all necessary steps to maintain stability and continuity of care. Subscribers are urged to continue making their regular contributions, which are essential to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services at the highest standards, both locally and abroad.

Interim Chair of the NHIB, Mrs. Shonia Been, said, “The Board is actively working to maintain a seamless experience for subscribers and providers alike“We are focused on ensuring that healthcare access remains uninterrupted and that the trust placed in us by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is honoured.”

The NHIB encourages all insured persons, employers, and self-employed individuals to continue making monthly contributions. These payments are critical to sustaining the national health insurance system and enabling the Board to meet its obligations to local and overseas healthcare providers, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the care they need without disruption.

Commenting on the NHIB, the Minister of Health and Human Services, the Hon. Kyle Knowles, stated, “This is a time of renewal and strengthening for the NHIB. While internal assessments are ongoing, the public can be confident that the Board remains open for business and that healthcare delivery is not only stable but being actively protected and improved. We urge all subscribers to continue making their monthly payments, as their contributions directly support our ability to deliver care to every resident who needs it.”

To further enhance transparency and accountability, contracted examiners, Interpath, have commenced a comprehensive forensic examination of the Board’s operations and financials. This process aims to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the NHIB continues to operate in the best interest of the people.

The public is further advised that all NHIB offices throughout the Islands are open for business and ready to assist with queries, claims, registrations, and payments. Customer service teams are available to support subscribers and guide them through any concerns.

As the organisation continues to strengthen its internal operations and governance, it reaffirms its mission to promote the health and well-being of every resident through a fair and sustainable insurance system.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING