News
Road safety, its high time TCI transform the way we move
#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2023 – In the recent past, tremendous growth has been observed in traffic patterns in both Grand Turk and Providenciales, how long will this be sustainable before it becomes a nightmare?
The trajectory the country is on, it’s simply not safe for commuters, cyclists and pedestrians alike, in Grand Turk or Providenciales and eventually North Caicos.
We have got to start thinking “big picture” here, rather than a knee jerk reaction to situations which could end up becoming detrimental to motorists or causing a strain on the public at large.
Case in point: Whilst the government was on the right track with regulating aged old vehicles and banning of used tires from an environmental perspective, many still question whether we put the cart before the horse on this one.
Perhaps, it’s time to start planning for traffic lights in select locations. Round-abouts are still doable, but it’s confusing to some and will not suffice in certain areas. Soft introduction of stop signs could also be a temporary solution, but adaptation will take time as it will be a cultural change in driving habits.
On the major highways and streets, there is no such thing as an absent dedicated bike route not shared with traffic
which is pretty risky. Road traffic department should take a closer look into such areas and highlight the need for government to provide more secure bike paths.
There are a number of viable solutions. For example, can we repurpose coastal roads and select pathways for cyclists and pedestrians?
With the limited number of roads, are we at a point where a cap needs to be placed on the number of motor vehicles one business can operate, while allowing others to share in the growth and development?
Is it time to conduct a feasibility study on traffic patterns and a way to transform the way we move?
This can be done by bringing in a consultant to predict and provide models of transport planning to work from.
The leeward highway in Providenciales and lighthouse road in Grand Turk, are all good examples to start with. They are the main arteries into town and a constant flow of traffic.
With those roads being a critically needed thoroughfare, what long term plans are in place to help ease rush-hour traffic woes? This is especially concerning for residents during the busy season in Provo or multiple cruise ship days in Grand Turk. At times, golf carts, hummers and ATVs could be lined up for quite a stretch.
With having limited land space available, in order to expand the roads in certain areas, in all likelihood it will have to involve encroaching on eminent domain in Provo or the salt pounds in Grand Turk.
Perhaps, completing the tarmac road on the ridge in Grand Turk could offer an alternative route to the lighthouse or erecting an overpass in the downtown area in Providenciales, may ease the bottleneck traffic and make it safer for pedestrians trying to cross that busy highway.
We have got to start thinking long term and put measures in place to proactively manage traffic in such a way that reduces the estimated crash potential.
With the advances in information technology, available closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the streets, we should be collecting and analyzing data to support our future growth and development in this critical area.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
