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Hopes for Hotels in Grand Turk, resident shares why it’s not happened yet

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, November 22, 2022 – “Somewhere in one of the government buildings is a closet just full of groundbreaking shovels for Grand  Turk, you could make a circle around Grand Turk with shovels.”

That is how Pastor Chad Archbold best explains the pileup of hotel construction projects destined for the island that never seem to reach completion.  A native of Grand Turk, he describes himself as “Someone who is passionate about the things relating specifically to Grand Turk and I’m always looking to see my community be enhanced someday.”

This longing to see the island developed is one Archbold shares with many other Grand Turk residents. We spoke to him and several others before the government’s town hall meeting on November 17th, all expressed a feeling of neglect and a desire to see their island grow past its reputation as a Carnival Cruise destination.

“I believe the island is long past needing a quality project.  People need to stop behaving as if it boils down to politics and the land. It boils down to creating a proper development on the island.  It’s long overdue and Grand Turk has suffered for it.” He said.  “Grand Turk has all of the attributes for a hotel property and with the advent of Carnival over the last decade you have even more going for the island.”

While thankful for Carnival he expressed the need for a constant source of income for residents as ‘cruise ships can only do so much.’

“There are no [hotels] and several attempts over the years to establish and create an extraordinary property on Grand Turk that would have been a catalyst for even greater economics– for various reasons hasn’t materialized. There’s no other word to use the community has suffered. ” the pastor explained.

He describes driving from the lighthouse to White Sands Beach and seeing the potential in the community and being disappointed that there was just nothing there.  In the last two years alone a $200 million dollar hotel and casino contract which should have broken ground in February 2020 seems to have fallen through and the history of failed construction continues all the way back to the Grand Turk Harbour project.

But what has caused the constant failings?

With his over 30-years experience in consulting and working on projects for development in Grand Turk Archbold has some ideas, but he first made it clear this was no fault of Grand Turk, there is no ‘curse’ over the islands.

“In all honesty for some of the attempts there weren’t ample opportunities for some of those to materialize” he said,  “The amount of convincing you have to do when it comes to development on Grand Turk is excessive. It doesn’t matter if people see Carnival and the crowds or how glorious Governors Beach is, it doesn’t matter.”

“If you can’t have proper synergy with the developer or someone working to get this done it won’t happen and the community of Grand Turk has to reach a place in their psychology– knowing that the investment of Grand Turk is for their present and future well being.”   He explained

Even with these factors, he says investment opportunities are available and the naturally beautiful real estate is available; but anyone looking to seriously tackle being the first major hotel on the islands will have to approach the project in a very specific way.

”You have to develop in Grand Turk with the mindset that only I am the major entity here I have to make sure that I have everything that is needed to sustain my project and to make it viable for the community;  from airlift to employment; to the expansion of small businesses in the private sector and job opportunities outside of the government. ” He maintained. “Whatever goes there must compete with anything that you would put on Grace Bay because you only get one shot at it.

In order to effect the major economic revitalization of the community you have to invest significantly.”

Jobs for young people was another major issue for residents ahead of the town meeting with the Premier.  The pastor echoed this recalling an interaction with a young man while he was working on a hotel project years back.

“He told me you don’t understand how much I am desperately looking forward to this, I can tell you I am waiting for it because I think it’s going to change the life of some of us young guys,” Archbold shared.

Going forward, the pastor hopes people will see the value in following through with a significant and sensible and sensitive hotel project, which does not miss but instead captures and preserves the island charm and historic sentiment of the capital of the Turks and Caicos, Grand Turk.

Politics aside, he said, the sake of the island should be first.

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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