News
Ministry of Health & Turks and Caicos Media Meet; but was it good?
#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – When the newest Minister of Health invited media to an informal, some on the record/some off the record lunch date with himself and leaders from Team Health, there was curiosity about what he was after. Within minutes of the meetings start, it was clear that this session was designed to build a relationship with the Media, who are key actors in any sensible society. It was also stated that the session was a beginning.
From Hon Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health & Human Services: “The purpose of the meeting was to simply meet the media in a private setting away from a press conference or an audience; a meeting that allowed for general interaction without limits on questions or subject matter.
I am of the belief that a Government and its Leaders need the media as an ally to help us communicate with our citizens as well as provide avenues or platforms from which we can articulate and defend our policies.
With a primary focus on the COVID-19 pandemic the media encouraged Team Health to also be aware of public’s interest in other functions of the Ministry. (e.g waste management health programmes and special needs issues). It was also realized from our luncheon that our TCI media is willing to act as a mechanism in assisting us with promotion public awareness of key or critical information.
My team and I certainly deemed the luncheon a success and promise to schedule them quarterly or at least biannually in an effort to ensure sustained communication with both the media houses and the public.”
Vivian Tyson, a veteran journalist in the Turks and Caicos and owner of Newsline TCI, an online publication which enjoys a keen following on Facebook said: “I think it was frank, open and seemingly honest that the minister considers the media an integral part of nation-building, and that a meaningful partnership can be forged, where the media is considered and upheld as vital artery through which the relevant government information can flow to the public in a timely manner.
I believe that he also valued our input concerning making government being effective with communication. With that said, we still have to call their remembrance to these commitments made during the luncheon and allow them to make good on them…because after all, we are the watch dog on behalf of the people.”
Among the Health Executives at the lunch session were: Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions & Advocacy Unit; Dr. Jeremy Myers, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Kenrick Neely, Director of Environmental Health Department.
“The meeting was great and a much needed one for persons to understand what is going on and what plans are in place. I also think it we gave more insight on certain things such as vector control management, solid waste and the Health Strategy Plan (past 2015-2020/21) and present 2022-2025/26.”
Latoya Walkin, anchor with People’s Television; Hayden Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of the Turks and Caicos Sun Newspaper and Deandrea Hamilton, CEO and Journalist-owner of Magnetic Media also attended the sessions.
“It is always important that Government and Media have a behind the scenes rapport. After all, we serve the same country and the same people and it makes good sense to have the kind of relationship where that goal is always kept front and center. Relationships are how we keep it together, how we make things happen and it was satisfying to have the insightful exchange over the tranquil ambience at the Shore Club. Health shared with media, Media shared with Health and I believe in the end our islanders will be the better for it,” said Deandrea Hamilton, Magnetic Media.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
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
