News
Drivers Want Money Back and demand Probe after DMV Court Ruling
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 14, 2023 – A mass of reactions continue to pour in after the verdict in a landmark case that will likely affect how driver’s licenses are distributed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ranging from anger to incredulity to gratitude, residents had a lot to say after Wilkie Arthur, TCI Resident took the DMV and the Attorney General’s Chambers to court following an attempt to force him to pay for 11 years of fees on his unrenewed license. Those fees were incurred while he was incarcerated and thus had no reason to renew his license. Arthur won the case.
“This department needs to be investigated. This department needs to be investigated thoroughly, somebody needs to go in there and see how far back this was done and somebody needs to be held accountable. I don’t care if it was ten years back. I don’t care who was in power. I don’t care who was the director. This is injustice.”
After publishing the ruling, the Magnetic Media team was inundated with public reaction, which largely expressed outrage at the ‘nonsense’ rule which has been enforced, as being the law, for years.
Some residents pointed out the illogical nature of the rule: “That man didn’t have a car so he was not driving, it’s as simple as that. Why would I renew my driver’s license if I don’t have a car?”, one resident asked.
Another resident agreed that the practice was an undue burden to residents: “Stop trying to kill the poor man. We don’t have money to back pay for licenses. If I didn’t have a license for 10 years that means I wasn’t driving. Now I have a car. I need my license, what sense is somebody going to renew their license if they don’t have a car? Stupid!”
Others said many had been victims of similar practices: “These are the kinds of things that are happening to us here but we are not as bold – These things are wrong! It’s treason that’s all I can say– If you’re going to lead a country, don’t bleed it,” chided one resident. 
Another resident celebrated: “These things have been going on for a long time and I am so happy that he (Wilkie) came out and pointed that out for us. Now everybody needs to go get their licenses and they can’t charge you a thing.”
DMV Director Wilbur explained during the hearing that currently TCI laws speak to the renewal of a driver’s license being back-dated to its date of expiration which was interpreted as including the annual fee. The interpretation of that law has affected Turks and Caicos Islanders for years as residents have found themselves facing large sums for renewal after extended periods, despite having legitimate reasons not to have paid the fees including illness, emigration, lack of a car, etc.
Some residents contended that the interpretation was just that, an interpretation made policy, but not truly law. Caley eventually admitted that there is no law governing the Department of Motor Vehicles that speaks specifically of back fees.
Residents expressed anger at this and called for criminal charges to be brought, citing all the residents who would have had to pay large amounts of cash over the years.
“How many people have you done this to?” one questioned. “That’s operating above the law.”
Another chimed in: “All those who have paid money before should request their money back from government.”
“I wish everybody could find their receipts— any department that made them do any back-paying, go and report it and get your money back.” It was a sentiment repeated by the majority of respondents over and over.
Others cautioned the government not to make the practice into a law and chided them for allowing policies like this to flourish.
“This is all common sense. You don’t know what’s good for your people or how to help your people or ease up some burdens. That’s what the people put you there for.”
“I want somebody to send this to the Attorney General’s office, from the top straight down you should be ashamed of yourselves!”, one resident said.
The government has not commented yet on how exactly this will alter how licenses are given out, but the court has made its position known, awarding the case to Arthur who is now going through the process of getting his license.
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.
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.
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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