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Fix the Blind Spot, says Christian Council President as Illegal Migrants make landfall

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By Deandrea Hamilton

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#TurksandCaicos, September 11, 2023 – The president of the Turks and Caicos Christian Council has now called on country leaders to “fix” the blind spot in the country’s border security system in order to thwart illegal invasions of unchecked migrants.

“We need to act quickly. Right now our borders are wide open, we only have serious criminal activity happening in Turks and Caicos and nobody is being caught. We have daylight assassinations… in Grace Bay and some of these criminals who are showing up we don’t know what they are a part of,” explained the former US military officer.

Wilbert Jennings, Christian Council President and Presidential Security company owner, is very concerned, as are other residents.  The church leader has now joined the chorus of people expressing dismay at the inundation of an unknown number of Haitians into the country in recent days and the response of government to the dangers illegal landings create.

A day after the comments, the Royal TCI Police informed that there were at the very least, 200 irregular migrants who made it to shore in the northwestern end of Providenciales.  “At approximately 10:10 pm on Tuesday, 29th August 2022, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Maritime Operations personnel onboard one of its maritime vessels contacted the 911 Police Control room and reported that they were in pursuit of what appeared to be a large wooden illegal vessel (sloop) carrying an estimated 200 people, making its way to the general area of North West Point, Providenciales,” explained a  police report, which also admits very few of those smuggled into the country were captured.

The northwestern area is a notorious blind spot, the radar station which is located in the south, is less able to detect vessels slipping in on the far side of the island.

 “It’s high time for us to fix it. Apparently, the system is not working and we don’t know who is in our country. It’s clear something is not right. They made it to shore, what happened to the radar system? They didn’t get detected, something is wrong,” said Jennings.

Jennings has registered the perspective of the Christian Council, making it clear that the current stream of illegal migrants into the country is unacceptable and called for the new radar station to be made operational.

“All they need to do now is make it happen. That’s the question we need to ask, why is it taking so long for it to happen? And money is not an issue in Turks and Caicos. We know the amount of money that was invested in the police department.”

Residents have estimated that hundreds must have gotten in to Provo in those final days of August. Confidence in border protection continues to plunge with the delay in setting up the second radar site and questions about Marine Police capability in the north-west; already that station has been approved but has yet to materialize.

The police, in its August 31, 2023 statement admitted its boat was unable to stop the 200 migrants who escaped ashore for fear of running aground.

“The sloop failed to comply with instructions given by the Police and continued to make its way to shallow waters. The Police vessel was unable to get any closer in such shallow water. The migrant vessel ran aground, and its passengers began jumping into the water and ran to the shore. It is believed the migrants landed somewhere between the Chrystal Bay and Malcolm Bay areas,” informed RTCIPF.

Police this week announced that onboard an illegal migrant vessel was seized some $500k in illicit drugs, namely marijuana.

The discovery fueled public discontent about what is making it into the Turks and Caicos Islands and fueling the unwelcomed rise in violent criminal activity.

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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