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DDME Leaders make major announcements with the official start of the Hurricane Season

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 6, 2022 – The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially started and in the event of a storm the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, DDME, is “far more prepared” than it was in 2017, says Minister of Immigration, Arlington Musgrove.

That was the year of hurricanes Irma and Maria; which destroyed 80 percent of buildings and hit every island in the archipelago with record setting winds and storm surges.

“I do think the DDME is far more prepared…the plan I see in place if a hurricane happened today.  I think we would weather it through and come out dearly well.” He said

Assistant Director of the DDME Mike Clerveaux agreed, adding, “We are in a far better position now than before. We have been having a lot of meetings and we have been improving our communication systems.”

In response to questions about what the government was prepared to do to support economically vulnerable families  who also need to brace for the hurricane season in light of inflation, Musgrove explained.

“The Government met for a few hours and we discussed ways that we can help people in these times, especially on the bread basket items.”

Musgrove said talks were also on with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development to discuss plans for the aftermath of any hurricane that might hit the islands.

He said attendance of the team at a disaster management conference in Orlando exposed deficiencies.

“We lack storage for the DDME so we are looking to get a property and put a 8000 ft building on that we can store all our stuff.  Not only for the times of hurricanes, we have people who need stuff on a daily basis. The DDME is not just for (Hurricane) disasters, so we’re gonna work closely with Social Services.”

He maintained that the government had a “Foolproof Plan” including plans for different officials to be spread across the islands, and heightened use of satellite phones in case of outages.

The minister who is also the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos said he will be station in the twin islands, in the event of a significant storm.

Minister Musgrove also made it clear that the Contingency Fund was in place for any resources required in the event of catastrophic damages.

He added that knowledge has been gathered from overseas responses which bode well for TCIs readiness and responsiveness.

Musgrove, who is also the Immigration minister admonished anyone who was unsafe to come into the shelters if that need arose.

“The people who are afraid to come to shelter because they think it’s going to be a capture, we encourage everyone who need shelter to please come to the shelter ahead of time.

The Government will give an alert when we get it from the DDME. We encourage everyone who does not have a place to be, we think their houses aren’t safe, Those people who are living in the bushes, we will not arrest you because we want your life to be saved.”

In terms of the shelter availability and COVID19, plans were in place the DDME assistant director said.

“In regards to COVID-19 within our shelter management training we have been putting measures in place to train our managers to check for COVID.”

If someone does test positive at a shelter, Mike Clerveaux (acting director) said there would be specific areas at each shelter designated for quarantine.

While Islanders were urged to download the new DDME App those without the means to do so were ensured they will not be left behind.

Mr Clerveaux said the app would not replace any current communication systems already established including social media pages, but it would work alongside them.

Prior  preparation was again stressed Clerveaux said, “This is the time for us to be prepared, if the average person is not prepared, the community is not prepared, then no matter what we put in place we are still going to have some problems.”

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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