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UK-Rwanda Asylum plan going forward

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

#UnitedKingdom, March 23, 2023 – To the chagrin of human rights activists, the UK is moving doggedly ahead with its plan to send refugees to Rwanda and is increasing the scope of the initiative following an introduction of the Immigration Bill in Parliament and a recent visit to the African nation by Suella Braverman, UK Home Secretary. 

The plan now applies to ‘all categories of people who pass through safe countries and make illegal and dangerous journeys to the UK’ it will mean that anyone who comes to the UK illegally – who cannot be returned to their home country – will be relocated to Rwanda according to a Government debrief.

The UK has repeatedly described Rwanda as “safe” over the course of this deal. 

It is an about face from several years prior, where the United Kingdom rated Rwanda poorly on its human rights record.   Posted to the official government website is a July 2021 statement from Ambassador Rita French criticising Rwanda for ignoring recommendations by the UK to conduct transparent, credible and independent investigations into allegations of human rights violations and to screen, identify and provide support to trafficking victims, including those held in Government transit centres. 

Yet months later this plan, announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is endorsed.

Home Secretary Braverman said in a recent statement posted to the same website: “Rwanda is a progressive, rapidly growing economy at the forefront of innovation – I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing first-hand the rich opportunities this country can provide to relocated people through our partnership.”

Braverman met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, last weekend (March 18 to 19) to discuss and expand the plans which have already cost the UK 140 million pounds.  It will now ship desperate migrants to Rwanda; a country repeatedly condemned for its human rights violations with the possibility of cultural and language barriers to boot.  

Rwanda, which is being paid for its part in this plan, will be able to take as many refugees as they like as the program is uncapped and the country is promising it can fit thousands there.  It is said the deal will net them hundreds of millions of pounds from the UK. 

The plan is the UK’s solution to its illegal migration challenges.  Only time will tell if it will work to dissuade migrants who will find themselves relocated to Rwanda “where they will be supported to rebuild their lives.”

While the atrocities of the 1994 genocide of over half a million people remains an unresolved stain on the reputation of Rwanda; the country has worked hard to re-invent itself.  Now, considered one of the safest in Sub Saharan Africa, with a mixed economy.  Still, the landlocked country sitting in the centre of Africa, is ranked as among the lowest for standard of living and quality of life on the continent.

The US describes Rwanda as a country operating with extreme restrictions on free speech, politically motivated killings, politically motivated threats, harassments and surveillance and sustained allegations of torture. 

The UK court must now consider these factors and decide whether the plan is legal and humane.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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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

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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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

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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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

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