News
Our leaders Say Longer Prison Sentences Will Prevent Gun Violence — But Do They?
#TurksandCaicos, June 12, 2023 – A stark increase from 7 to 12 years mandatory prison sentencing for illegal firearms possession in Turks and Caicos Islands; this is the newly amended law.
Possessing an illegal firearm is considered one of the most egregious crimes in TCI. Therefore, as a deterrent, word of harsh sentence add-ons should spread quickly to would-be criminals and make one think twice before arming themselves with an illegal or unlicensed firearm.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case. Whilst notable progress has been made with reducing violent crimes in TCI, more must be done to stem the flow of illegal weapons into the country.
Based on the continuous firearms related violence, it’s evident a number of weapons are still ending up in the hands of individuals who shouldn’t have them.
It would be remiss of me if I fail to commend the bravery of our dedicated police officers who are often confronted with these challenges in their efforts to deter and rid the streets of these illegal firearms.
Nevertheless, I have ambivalent feelings about the haste in which this amended law was implemented. It came on the backdrop of the rash of gun related homicides several months ago that were connected to gang violence.
Furthermore, studies have shown there is little evidence to support the intended purposes of firearm sentencing enhancements, reducing crime rates and gun use.
In my opinion, what the courts failed to take into consideration is the negative impact it will have on the same group of young adults we are trying to help and protect.
The courts should not be callously handing down these verdicts, especially to our youth who are first-time offenders and without physically harming an individual. The impact on the individual and the community can sometimes produce absurd and unintended results.
It’s obvious this law alone is not stopping the violence or importation of illegal weapons. In addition, these felons are not serving life sentences and will eventually be released into society.
Many concerned citizens are watching and awaiting the verdict associated with the recent revelations on April 25th, 2023, of an American tourist who was arrested at the airport for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and was subsequently granted bail.
The disposition of this case if not aligned with our strict laws, could be sending a dangerous and conflicting message to potential visitors, as ignorance of the law should not be an excuse.
The outcome will also highlight the glaring contradiction as it relates to recent sentencing of local individuals for similar offenses. Hopefully it will prompt legislators to take a second look at the laws and display a willingness to consider how they might more reasonably revise it.
If not already in place, this should include creating some sort of a safety net that allows judges to sentence below the mandatory minimum for first time offenders, and give them a second chance if doing so will not endanger the public.
There are others, but I can cite one example of an incident that was brought to the public attention that still raises some questions or lacking follow up information.
A few years ago, a mechanic/boat operator was arrested for firearms found on a luxury yacht in Turtle Cove. If I’m not mistaken, he is not serving a 7 year minimum sentence which was the law at the time. It goes to show that those in the upper echelon of society always have the advantage.
It is time for our judicial system to take a hard look at how this law is negatively impacting the marginalized communities, and stop pretending that the penalties for illegal possession of a firearm apply universally across this country.
I have absolutely nothing personally against the mechanic/boat operator or the American tourist, but does the law only apply to some? If there are legal loopholes in the law, let’s make every effort to close them.
Apart from the fact that there could be inherent biases in the laws, are we conducting our own intensive research to see why more and more of our youth are illegally arming themselves?
Could it be because of the recent rise in gang violence and their fears of insecurity? Did the pandemic contribute to increase social anxiety? Have they lost confidence in our law enforcement ability to resolve reported crimes within a reasonable timeframe? 
In an interview with a recently released felon, he expressed his remorse for his involvement in a crime he was convicted for. The challenge facing him now is a struggle to find an employer who is willing to give him a second chance.
These are all valid and real concerns and must be dealt with in this country. With that being said, we should not make our young men the scapegoat of our broken society. Until we can effectively tackle the source, it will only result in a mass incarceration problem.
Since there is no cookie cutter approach to these types of challenges, I think it’s extremely important that before any country mimic or adapt the laws or policies of others, it’s imperative that they conduct their own thorough research and analysis to determine the impact.
The fact of the matter is, TCI is not in the position as some of the other developed countries in terms of having the necessary available resources to deal with this growing problem.
The government must dig deeper, and invest in more community driven social programs such as, a pre-release job training services and work release programs for ex-felons etc. Once released, without real intervention, rehabilitation and support, this could result in the perpetuating of criminal behavior.
Despite the controversial nature of this law, I appeal to our young men. We understand due to certain circumstances beyond your control, be it mental or emotional, many of you are struggling with temptation to do the wrong thing.
We hear you, I can assure you that your life is worth more than any problem you are facing. Think twice, Stop the senseless killings, Don’t throw away your freedom with the mere possession or use of an illicit firearm.
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
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
-
News1 week agoBeaches Turks & Caicos shares dining etiquette training at Provo youth summer camp
-
News3 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
-
News1 day agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
-
Bahamas News1 day agoCBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players
-
Bahamas News22 hours agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday