News
TCHTA Launches Monumental 30-Year Anniversary Commemoration to Live Audience
#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2022 – In an exciting Facebook live event on February 9th 2022, the Turks & Caicos launched their 30-year anniversary engaging members, followers, and media in the official rollout of their year-long commemoration of this grand milestone in the association’s history.
Led by the Association’s Communications Manager and Young Leaders President, Sonia Omega Simmons, a faction of the TCHTA’s anniversary committee including CEO Stacy Cox, President Trevor Musgrove, Directors Karen Whitt, Mona Beeson, Malaika Wint-Williams, James McAnally, and Office Manager Nicholette Thomas presented the live audience with an overview of the robust line-up of events and initiatives which include:
Planting of 30 trees throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands led by the Sustainable Tourism Committee in collaboration with the DECR and TCI National Trust;
Adoption of 30 artificial coral reefs in collaboration with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund;
Celebration of the oldest serving members of the Turks & Caicos hospitality industry;
Highlighting 30 of the association’s Allied Members; the smaller businesses in the hospitality sector which provide
critical support to the industry;
30 giveaways extended to the community throughout the year;
and these were just a glance at some of the fascinating plans set to make 2022 an unforgettable year in the life of the association.
Marketing Committee Chair, Karen Whitt, gave the audience just a glimpse into the shaping of the 30-year gala set to take place in May, the month that marks the true ‘birthday’ of the Association. She advised the public that a spectacular night of celebration will take place on May 28th, hinting at a “Casino Royale” themed event with all the bells and whistles befitting an anniversary of this significance.
In his remarks, President Trevor Musgrove joshed that a favourite motto of his, “Go big, or go home”, was the perfect sentiment for what the association had in store as they celebrate this achievement with the Turks & Caicos community. He told listeners he truly believed he had won the “Presidency lottery” to be fortunate to hold the position at such a jubilant and momentous time. He thanked the Past Presidents, hospitality workers, and the community at large for the support over the decades of the Association’s existence on behalf of the Board of Directors and Members.
The live launch ended with its own version of fireworks as General Manager James McAnally of Beaches Resort Villages & Spa kicked off the community giveaways in grand style offering a day or evening pass for 4 at the iconic resort, valued at $1400 USD.
Closing the event, CEO Stacy Cox reminded viewers to share the news, and to follow the association’s social media platforms and local media releases.
The association’s 30-year journey will be hallmarked with video highlights, podcasts, and pop-up events throughout the year. Information on the association can be found on their website at www.turksandcaicoshta.com, or by following them on Facebook: @officialTCHTA and Instagram: @officialturksandcaicoshta.
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
