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Better Solid Waste Management for TCI

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#TurksandCaicos, May 27, 2022 – The growing demand for better control of solid waste management in TCI still remains a challenge.  In recent years, what have we done differently to improve or expand in scope the existing resources to support our current solid waste management situation?

Polluted air has plagued residents of Grand Turk and Providenciales for years. The lingering question is, can we get control of the situation before it becomes a crisis? This is the concern of many citizens across the country.

As a resident of Grand Turk, I have experienced first-hand the impact it can have on this tiny island. Due to the location of the dump site, some residents are in a more vulnerable position to toxic fumes then others.

Citizens are relieved to hear the recent announcement that a dialogue is set to take place among a newly established Solid Waste Management Task Force.  It should also be noted, within the last couple of years, the occasional flare-ups has declined. Nevertheless, to my knowledge it’s yet to be determined whether the fires were the work of an arsonist or uncontrollable combustion.

In all likelihood, until a viable plan is put in place and in motion, I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time. With the damages it could cause to human health over time, even one flare up is to many.

What is even more concerning due to the potential impact it could have on our sanitation services; is the fact that Carnival Cruise Line recently added their largest ship to the fleet and is now embarking on our shores.   This particular ship has a capacity that exceeds 6K passengers. Now imagine the additional number of recyclable cans, bottles, human waste etc. that will be added to our inadequate landfill.

It’s pretty clear as to which companies and or facilities in these islands are generating the lion share of the waste.  The question remains, are they doing enough to support the country as a whole in this area.  In a small developing nation like TCI where the economy depends primarily on its pristine coastline and ecotourism, a lot more can be done by big players like the Ritz-Carlton, Beaches, Carnival Corporation and others.

With the recent opening of the Ritz-Carlton in Providenciales and the newly signed Carnival contract, it was a pivotal time to bring this issue to the table. If provisions were not included, in my opinion it should have been.

Our country is in a financial position right now to lead the way on this issue and not just follow or propose Band-Aids. Any government must have a commitment to put a solid plan of action in place based on reasoning and evidence of critical issues impacting the country.

Therefore, it’s imperative that critical issues such as this, is placed at the forefront of any cabinet discussion. This will help to raise the level of accountability for those responsible for protecting the health and well-being of our citizens.

Here are some proposed ideas to expand upon.

First and foremost, government must provide more support for local level sanitation services and strategies, to include restructuring the existing processes and procedures for garbage collection and disposal.

Grand Turk in particular, the constant easterly winds blows garbage from the dump site towards the leeward side of the island. Rather than having a chain link fence to contain it, erecting a wall will help to alleviate this issue.

Secondly, we must get serious about recycling. The existing company that is undertaking this initiative, why not expand their reach to the other developed islands.

Let’s start with educating and exposing our elementary and high school students to the importance of recycling instead of disposing of garbage. This will help to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Let’s incentivize the private sector to set up local food banks or soup kitchens and encourage resorts, hotels and restaurants to donate their nonperishable and unspoiled perishable foods instead of disposing them in the landfill.

Long term solutions needs to be explored, to include being more open to outside investors with genuine interest and expertise in this arena.

The infrastructure for getting rid of recyclables is partly there. For example, there is a high volume of containers coming into our country on a weekly basis via these cargo ships.

This is a great opportunity to broker a deal with a foreign recycling company. Recyclables can be shipped out in those empty containers on un-laden vessels that are heading back to home base or other ports of departure.  We realize this initiative is a monumental task, but we must act fast as time is running out.

Until the country is ready to tackle this issue head on, we will probably continue to see spontaneous combustion as the cause of landfilled fires.

As concerned citizens, we must become a stronger voice in the push for clean air and continue to sound the alarm before it’s too late.

 

Ed Forbes 

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk 

 

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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