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Halfway House has defied the odds, Gov’t pledges to support final phase of construction

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By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

 

#TurksandCaicos, February 23, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has pledged money to support the completion of a halfway house in Chalk Sound, Providenciales.

In a tour led by the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation, executives: Dierin Longmire and Edith Skippings, the progresses made at the site, despite insufficient funding; thefts and damage to the home, were touted and accompanied expressions of gratitude to the Government, the Governor’s Office and supporters of the various charity events held to bring the idea to completion.

“Everybody has been supportive of this, and the people that we are going to help, I know, will also be appreciative because I know, as a recovering addict (myself), I know what it is like to be where they are until they can get clean and sober and find their way,” said Dierin Longmire, president of the TCDPF.

The Foundation has come a long way and is eager to secure the monies which will finalise the building stage, leaving only furnishings to be purchased before they can begin moving in tenants.

Speaking at the tour of the halfway house in early February, Jaron Harvey, Probation and Parole Manager with the Turks and Caicos Islands government shared tangible insight, “About 75 per cent of our clients have some sort of a drug problem and we had to recently send someone back to prison due to (involvement in) crime because they don’t have sustainable housing and we don’t have somewhere we would have been able to put them.”

Because of crimes which they have committed in the past, family has alienated them so with a project like this, we would be able to put them here temporarily and be able to work with them until they realise the potential that they have.  But it is difficult working with someone who is an offender and not being able to control the environment that they go in,” said Mr. Harvey.

The recommendation is a structured environment which increases the likelihood of positive outcomes in rehabilitation and intervention.

“A project like this would be able to assist us even in the pre-sentencing format, where persons are committing crimes and the crimes are not so severe that it causes them to go to prison or for prisoners who are released from prison and a landlord is not willing to rent to them, a project like this is something we endorse.”

The Halfway House will serve as a rehabilitation center to support those who have served time in Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk.

Longmire, during that tour explained that the Halfway House will be home to islanders who have left the system and want a second chance.

“When we bring people in here, we are going to give them 30 days to find a job and when they get a job, we are going to look at how much they are making, and they will begin paying rent.  This will help them to get used to getting back into society, but they need a transitioning place.  They need a job when they come out,” said Derin in sharing the vision for the Halfway House, which will be able to accommodate 25 individuals.

“This is about 25 per cent of jail, because there are 109 inmates at the prison right now.  But if we had to do bunk beds or something like that to house more people, we would be able to do it.”

Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor and Otis Morris, TCI Minister of Home Affairs agreed on the important role of the Halfway House; from the Governor, there was also a plea.

“This only works if the next phase of people embraces it, and those are the Employers.  If you as an employer can give a second chance that would be absolutely wonderful. If someone comes out on parole they’ve been through such a rigorous process to get to that point they genuinely deserve a chance and you’re not taking a big risk so please help.”

The minister, who appeared impressed with the construction on South Dock Road said the funding to complete the construction is coming in the new fiscal year, which begins in April 2022.

“It is in the new budget.  I want to see it finished and operating as conceived.  It will do tremendous good, in the sense of helping to rehabilitate.  This will not only be for drug offenders but for offenders on the whole, and it will really help them get back into the society and make the society better than it is now,” said Minister Morris.

There are no statistics which state the rate of recidivism for the Turks and Caicos, however, it is agreed by all who address the subject that the number of inmates, re-offending and returning to the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (Her Majesty’s Prison) is too high.

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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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