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Green Revolution to Outfit Five Public Health facilities with Solar systems

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2023 – The projects toward a more sustainable energy future for the Turks and Caicos Islands have now been identified in partnership with RESEMBID; the European Union’s arm which supports renewable energy interventions in overseas territories.

For the TCI, five health facilities will be made more resilient and less reliant on fossil fuel generated electricity.  Project officer in the islands is Zepherinus Norbert and he named the public sites to benefit.

“There are four components to the project.  Component one is we are going to be installing the solar PV systems. That is roof top, solar PV systems at four clinics:  the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales; the Bottle Creek Clinic, in North Caicos, the Middle Caicos clinic and the South Caicos Clinic will receive solar PV systems.  Also, the Wellness Center in Grand Turk.”

Solar power or Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems will be added to the facilities by December 2023, cutting costs to government and creating energy efficiency and resiliency for the benefit of the public.

“We have gone through procurement and we have secured a contractor and that is Green Revolutions limited, they were the successful bidders.”

Mr. Norbert confirmed that the size of the systems will allow for partial solar electricity, not full.  He called this first component a pilot project which will be monitored by both RESEMBID and the TCI Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“The long-term goal is for everyone in TCI [to go green] because on every rooftop there is a free source of energy,” said Norbert in a one on one with Magnetic Media in August (2023), “so the goal is to provide the necessary policies and regulatory framework to facilitate this transition. Create the public awareness  so that people know where to go, how can I actually participate in this program and then there is the capacity building through training.”

The EU is funding this transition which will also include training and the RESEMBID team explained this means a transfer of skills to benefit the islands long into the future.

“This month (August) is when we will be rolling out the NABCEP training.  NABCEP is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and this training will be online.”

Ten candidates from the community will get this training free; it will make them certified Solar PV installers and designers.

“We are also going to be rolling out the SEI, Solar Energy International programme for ten of the public servants – including the Community College – to be involved and certified in the area of solar design and installation.”

Damian Dickenson, a Turks and Caicos native is the project assistant, commenting that is a full on support for the RESEMBID mission and pleased at the response of islanders.

“We’ve seen a large amount of the public’s willingness to transition, not only the elderly citizens but also the kids. Everyone really has this passion that you don’t really see too often to transition towards green energy, not just with solar but maybe with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTECH) or wind power as well.”

In the new year, attentions will shift to the next component for RESEMBID and Home Affairs; a strategic street lighting programme.

“Solar street lights will be installed in Providenciales to assist with areas where there are challenges in terms of safety concerns and the whole idea of ensuring that the areas are populated and we demonstrate that it can be done through the use of renewable energy as well.”

RESEMBID has one year to complete the entire project.

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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