By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 19, 2023 – Now under the Office of the Premier, several changes will be made to Radio Turks and Caicos including a merger between the station and the communications directorate.

The revelation was made by Shonia Thomas-Been, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier during a May 3rd sitting of the Appropriations Committee under questioning from Edwin Astwood, Committee Member and Leader of the Opposition.  Astwood was displeased with the optics of the decision to put the national radio station directly under the premier.

“Others who aren’t the Premier, or on his team may see that as a barrier to using the service, because the appearance of it is that it is communications for the Office of the Premier is not for the entire government or country.  That is how it would appear to people,” he maintained.

Astwood requested a guarantee that this would not be the case and PS Thomas-Been responded that the communications directorate was responsible for disseminating information on all areas of government.

“We don’t want the public to be misled because the program objectives are clear that the communications directorate will serve all of the government,” she said.

Another complaint coming from Astwood was the low wages not only for regular work hours but for overtime.  Astwood highlighted that with so much asked of the employees who broadcast national events including the House of Assembly live, they should be compensated well.

The PS agreed with Astwood on this count and promises were made of more rounded salary packages for the staff as the department found its footing following its move.

“This budget does not allow for innovation or creativity within Radio Turks and Caicos,” said Thomas-Been, who continued with,  “At some point we are going to have to revamp this whole budget so that we heighten the programs, products and services of RTC,”  she acknowledged.

By ANDREW COAKLEY, BIS

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, May 15, 2023 – The crowd that had gathered at the Regency Theatre on Monday evening (May 8, 2023) seemed quiet, reflective, and unsure. The place where they were assembled was familiar, but the show they were invited to see was not. Somewhere in the back of their minds, they knew that this gathering at the popular Grand Bahamian performing Arts Theatre was not for a normal Bahamian play or creative arts performance.

No one knew what to expect, but a sense of excitement simmered beneath the veil of uncertainty.

But their curious apprehension would resolve into a combination of relaxation and exhilaration, as Chinese acrobats from the Hunan Province took to the stage and lit up the Regency Theater with something new and spectacular.

And Grand Bahamians showed their approval with loud cheers and constant applause!

The novel experience was made possible thanks to the efforts of Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey and Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Her Excellency Dai Qingli of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Through Minister Moxey’s Sister Cities initiative, the Acrobatic Gala ‘Authentic China, Splendid Hunan’ introduced Hunan cultural performance to The Bahamas.

The event was a part of the Bahamian celebration of ‘The Road to 50,’ a pre-celebration of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Hunan acrobats performed feats that were gravity defying and at times seemed impossible, particularly to a mostly novice audience.  Over two thousand years of Chinese acrobatic tradition exuded from the performers, leaving Grand Bahamians awe-struck.

The Hunan acrobats proved to be well-trained and prepared to delight their audience. From juggling to strength acts, hoop jumping, balancing acts, contortionists, folk songs and even instrumental performances, it kept audiences spell-bond, causing the time to slip by quickly.

Minister Moxey noted that the exchange of culture and ideas is a powerful tool that transcends borders and bring people together.  “It is an opportunity to learn from one another, to celebrate our differences and to embrace our shared values,” added Minister Moxey. “We are excited to share the rich cultural heritage of our island, from our vibrant music and dance traditions to our delicious cuisine and warm hospitality.”

“I would like to again express my heartfelt gratitude to the Sister Cities delegation from Hunan China for this incredible gift. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds and work together to create a brighter and more prosperous future for our cities and by extension, our countries.”

Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Dai Qingli said the acrobatic troupe brought to the people of The Bahamas best wishes for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. She noted that The Bahamas has gone through a remarkable journey in the past decades.

“We respect and admire the Bahamian people’s patient sacrifice, quiet resolve and unyielding struggle that have sustained your country in the face of adversity,” said Ambassador Qingli.  “We hope and believe that by drawing strength from your one nation and one legacy, you will open up an even brighter future for Grand Bahama and for all the Bahamian people. I’m committed and my Embassy is committed to working with the Minister and her team to make this relationship a fulfilling one for both sides.”

Members of the audience were invited on stage to be a part of the grand finale, along with the performers.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Header: Following the show, Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey and Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli joined members of the acrobatic troupe on stage.

1st insert: Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey welcomed the Chinese Acrobat troupe from Hunan Providence, China, who put on a spectacular show for a Grand Bahamian audience on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the Regency Theatre.

(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

Samuel Jules

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday May 15, 2023) The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission has launched a FREE three-month Media Club called Project I.D.E.A., open to high school and university students aged 14-21!

The club was created to spark interest and nurture early media careers, in the TCI.

The TCISC has continuously created paths to mentor budding media and events careers through the ongoing Volunteer programme.  Project I.D.E.A. gives the organisation an opportunity to spend intensive hours with students, and offers further learning opportunities by enlisting industry experts Samuel Jules, Rodney Rigby and Renau Destine.

The prospective club members will enrol in one or all of the three main segments and each segment hosts one session per week.

These are:

Rodney Rigby

Content Creation (Wednesdays 3:30pm – 5:30pm)

Filmmaking/script-writing (Thursdays 3:30pm – 5:30pm)

Photography (Fridays 3:30pm – 5:30pm)

At the end of Project I.D.E.A., all members will have populated a design portfolio with enough content to apply for a media-based university course or creative job role.  In addition, all members who complete the programme will be entered into a pool of media volunteers who will be given continuous opportunities to work on various sports and entertainment gigs across the country.

Each segment is assessed by projects, eliminating the traditional academic learning methods, as this is a technical industry.  At the end of the Project, members will be given a Level 1 certification in the segment(s) chosen.

Renau Destine

Companies and organisations interested in championing this initiative can sponsor the project through monetary assistance and the purchase of new equipment.  In return, sponsors will be able to utilise the skills of the club members on internal projects.

To sponsor Project I.D.E.A. or for more information contact Project Director Nandina Hislop at nehislop@gov.tc.

Application Process

Application Portal Closes: May 26, 2023

Club Duration: June 1 – August 19, 2023

How to apply: Online form – https://forms.office.com/r/bhTt9rsasN. In-person applications can be done at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, and forms are available on-site.

No tuition fees

Nandina Hislop

Accepted applicants will be contacted by May 29, 2023.

Project I.D.E.A. Timeline 

Introductory Sessions

June 1 & 2

Club Breaks

June 7-16

Club Commences

June 19 – August 18

Project I.D.E.A. Certification

August 19