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Why the Rush? PDM Questions Airport PPP Motion and Demands Residents get slice of the Pie

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff writer

While expressing full support for the expansion of the Providenciales/Howard Hamilton International Airport, the Opposition People’s Democratic Movement says they disagree using a PPP to fund the over $400 million project and the party has serious concerns regarding how the motion greenlighting the Public-Private-Partnership was passed on July 19 (2023).

“I personally believe that the government should have looked into local resources, we currently have a BBB+ credit rating, and I believe the government has more than enough finances– whatever remaining balance that would have been required to fund this airport is where the [opportunity] comes to level the playing field for our people. We could have had the low-income, middle-class, and upper class trying to buy shares,” said Robert Been, Deputy Party Leader.

The Deputy continued, “We are not going to reach financial freedom by working on a 9 to 5— [this] is a position that you want to put your people in, to have the power, to be owners of such huge organizations.”

The government has not ruled out publicly listing the program so residents can take part in it. The government has also, however, been criticised for the lack of consultation on the method it wants to finance the expansion of the country’s No. 1 airport gateway.

Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, queried why the PNP Administration was so insistent on getting a PPP;his comments align with his belief that the PPP will exclude the average islander when it comes to sharing in the profitability of the new airport.

Astwood has made it clear he has reason to be suspicious about how much the arrangement would eventually cost islanders; he cited other “failed” PPPs.

“Other options were presented to you. Why not consider them? Why not come to the people and let them know what is going on?  If we are investing just under 500 million in the PPP in this deal, how much are we going to be paying in the future? How much will the people of the TCI be paying for the next 50 years?” He asked.

Concerns were also raised about the requirement from the UK Secretary of State that the PPP for the new airport project be properly and widely vetted by members of the House of Assembly. The PDM informed that two reports, one suggesting there were likely better options to fund the expanded airport and the other giving a green light to the PPP, were presented in tandem with the motion.  The departure of members of the PNP, PDM and Governor appointed left many votes out of the process and the premier scrapped for a quorum to get the motion through to passage, said the Opposition.

“This government continues to sell the people of this country short without considering the wishes of our people. We definitely don’t believe that the majority support was given by the House of Assembly, with the backbenchers having to leave to catch a flight,” said Been referencing the fact that the bill authorizing the PPP was passed with a chunk of Parliament missing from both sides of the House.

Astwood also worries about the quality and life of this new PPP proposal and during the one on one with Magnetic Media on Friday July 28, had said, “Will my children be old women by the time we get out of this deal?  How much and how long?

Yes, it (the airport redevelopment) has to be done right away but we support moving in the right direction, moving with the right action, bringing our people along, allowing our people to benefit from what is going on, the money making here in the country.  And the airport is a cash cow.”

With such a momentous motion, Parliament should have adjourned providing an opportunity for all members able to make a contribution and cast a vote for or against the PPP.

“We support the urgent redevelopment— but we support moving in the right direction with the right action, bringing our people along and allowing them to benefit.”

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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