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The Collective Voice of TCI, don’t Underestimate Estimate it’s Power

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#TurksandCaicos, June 8, 2022 – It’s high time we take the great conversations  being had at the dominoes tables, churches and bars to the streets.

The basic definition of collective voice, exercises power through togetherness, the power to drive real change for our children, families and communities. These are some of the conversations taking place at the aforementioned locations, but all too often it stays there.
For the most part, we are fortunate to live in a country where censorship is not a battle we have to fight just yet. We also know, there are plenty of challenges and pressing issues facing our country.  One of the greatest strengths of any country is the right to freedom of expression, with the ability to exercise those rights with out fear or retaliation. Although, this right could be trampled upon if we fail to protect it or by denying its power.
Our aim should be to empower marginalized citizens to share critically important stories and perspectives, in order to bring light to the injustices experienced by systemically marginalized communities that are becoming hot spots for crimes in areas like Five Cays, Kew town and the like.  We have to deliver a consistent message, loudly and often. When our communities speak with a strong, united and collective voice, in most cases our politicians hear us.
There will always be competing interests in any political system. Nevertheless, our collective voice allows us to get their attention.  This is the only way for our community to express collective power effectively and address the fundamental imbalance of power, especially when it comes to new policies being made that can significantly impact our livelihood and wellbeing.
We have the power to make a difference, so let’s do it. Our future generation will grow up knowing they have the power too. Systems don’t change without pressure from the outside.  Our role and our purpose is to be that pressure. If there is no struggle there is no progress.  There are a number of ongoing struggles that I believe should garner greater media attention.
Issues such as certain communities that are being marginalized, better housing affordability, increase in minimum wage, food and gas pricing regulations, crime, ex-felon rehabilitation and the like.  To effect change within a community it requires courage, focus, and hard work from each of us.  If we are not offering solutions to our gripes, we need to change our narrative.  We need more voices of reasoning, substantive conversations, activism and problem solvers, not just criticism.
At the end of the day, we are all Turks Islanders, be it expats or those with belonger status. So what’s important to our communities is for all races and creed, to join in the fight for equality and not remain helpless onlookers or reticent or only speak up when your individual community is impacted.  In order to accomplish this, as concerned citizens, we have to first identify what are the greatest demands and our unifying cause.
Only then can we began to work together against a common enemy rather then fighting amongst ourselves.
We may have differences, but the goal should not be to eliminate them, but to find more common ground. We can all work with and build on shared interest.  My fight may not be your fight, but we can support each other. For example, my passion is the fight for a marine vessel for our dedicated maritime and DECR staff in Grand Turk.
Therefore, until the promises made by our government on this issue translate into reality, we have organized a grassroots Search and Rescue team.  If your passion is keeping the streets of your community garbage free, organize a group or adopt a street like the citizens of Palm Grove and others in Providenciales did etc.
I’ll end by quoting the words of Frederick Douglass. “Those who professes to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the roaring of its many waters”.
Henceforth, let’s fight for what we believe is right and just for the people of these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ed Forbes,
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk 

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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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