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Magnetic Media stands by its Report as TCIAA issues statement 

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Airports Authority has released a statement defending its decision to develop the Howard Hamilton/Providenciales Airport via a public private partnership referencing reported hysteria, they say, was prompted by a report from the Magnetic Media News team on July 2, 2023 after residents reacted to the news.

Magnetic Media stands resolutely behind its report; rejecting any notion that the information contained within was or is inaccurate.

The facts contained in said report came directly from the TCIAA, by their own admission, in their May 25th statement titled, “UK GIVES GREENLIGHT TO HOWARD HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT,” regarding UK approval to move forward with the redevelopment and engage in a public private partnership of their choosing.

The Magnetic Media news team printed that statement in full on May 29th; giving it also front page billing in our e-newspaper, The Magnate.

On June 16th, Cabinet revealed they had also greenlighted the project in a June 14th meeting which prompted a Magnetic Media report containing these facts, as shared by the TCIAA.

As investors expressed aggressive interest in partnering with the TCIAA, The Authority did extensive consultation with stakeholders in the aviation industry regarding the redevelopment of the airport, before deciding that a PPP was a viable option.

“In the last quarter of 2021, the Government received various unsolicited presentations for the redevelopment of the Airport, all of which varied in size of scope and proposal, making it abundantly clear that a consultancy was required to present the best options,” the statement said.

They then presented a business case to the UK asking for approval to move forward with the PPP as referenced in their May 25 statement.

While the exact terms of that PPP contract are yet to be determined or released to the public, the TCIAA and the Government made it clear in the joint statement they were ready and willing to share both the risk and the reward for the redevelopment with a private partner.

“Under the proposed program, the TCIAA will retain ownership of the Airport with a maximum 30-year period for the funding/payback arrangement. It is envisioned that through a meticulously designed and executed procurement exercise involving a pre-qualification stage, a renowned international airport operator could be engaged for the operation and maintenance of the Airport, while the construction of the terminal will be via a local investor or a consortium thereof,” they said.

Despite the finer details having not been released, the public was informed by the Authority that the PPP would see significant investment from whichever  private partner they choose, which will be repaid over time.

“There will be no impact on TCIG’s debt status. TCIG’s remuneration would result from a structured revenue share scheme or dividend repayment policy depending on whether the project is structured as a PPP or developed with Public funding/financing,” the statement conveyed.

Both Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Arlington Musgrove,  Minister of Immigration went on record expressing confidence in the upcoming plans, and Cabinet has approved the TCIAAs plans allowing the Board to now decide on which partner they will choose to complete the redevelopment going forward.

Musgrove himself maintained that the PPP was not a matter of money.

“The TCIAA and TCIG want the public to know that the decision to pursue a PPP program for the redevelopment is not premised on a situation where the TCIAA and/TCIG cannot self-fund the project,” said Hon. Musgrove, who continued with, “The decision to pursue a PPP is premised on a ‘big picture’ understanding and approach to value for money and the benefits which can be achieved for the greater social good.”

The Authority says its statement defending the PPP was prompted by the public’s reaction to the news.

While the TCIAA has routinely consulted stakeholders on the matter of the redevelopment before making the decision to enter into a PPP, the public has not been afforded the opportunity to have their questions regarding the major redevelopment answered as all communication has come in the form of static statements, not press conferences.

Magnetic Media is committed to true and fair reporting and bears no responsibility for, nor can the team control, or seek to sway, the reaction of the public to facts.

All facts in the report came directly from the TCIAA and Government officials.

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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