Connect with us

News

Opposition says it knew Nothing of the damming Review of Royal TCI Police 

Published

on

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, October 23, 2023 – Like residents, the opposition PDM Party was completely blindsided by reports of a review of into the TCI Police Force and subsequent findings that point to serious failings.

The Guardian broke the news on October 17 claiming to have seen a report from the Foreign Office which indicated that there were serious gaps in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

When Magnetic Media reached out to the Opposition they confirmed they had been left out of the loop.  We queried whether the opposition knew the report was commissioned, who commissioned it, whether they had seen the full report, and if the opposition knew the extent of the reported failures of the police force.

The answer to all of the questions from Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition and Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member was a resounding No.

We sent similar questions to the Premier’s Press Office but received no response up to news publication time.

Currently, the Police Force is under the purview of the Governor. Though the Premier sits on the National Security Council as co-chair of with the Governor there is no elected member of Cabinet with responsibility for domestic security who is law-bound to give account to residents in policing matters.

It has caused friction in the House of Assembly. Garland is on record calling for immediate changes to the constitution to allow elected members to investigate the very same, the inner workings of the publicly-funded Force.

In 2022, amid the same crime wave that reportedly prompted the Foreign Office to give up and close inspection of the Police Force.

“The legislature should not be prohibited or restricted from being able to appoint a select committee given this present time and what is taking place in our country,” he continued “This House has to approve the funding for the police department every year but this house cannot enquire— into anything in the police department.  This House cannot continue to function as a rubber stamp for the executive.”

Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood has indicated current talks on Constitutional reform seek to create an oversight body for the Royal TCI Police.

Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

Published

on

The Rick Fox Political Timeline

 

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

  • youth development,
  • healthcare access,
  • infrastructure upgrades,
  • environmental restoration,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

  • 20 community clean-ups,
  • 16 streets and locations served,
  • and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Continue Reading

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a privately-owned parcel of land.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy.  Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.

Continue Reading

News

US President Leads Rededication of United States; Theme is One Nation Under God 

Published

on

USA, May 22, 2026 – Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday for “Rededicate 250,” a large-scale prayer and patriotism event tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

The day-long gathering centered on faith, national unity and what organizers described as a call to “rededicate” the United States to God and country under the theme, “One Nation Under God.”

Hosted under the Freedom 250 banner, the event featured worship music, public prayers, patriotic tributes and speeches from high-profile political and religious figures. Organizers said the rally was designed to inspire Americans to reflect on the nation’s founding principles and spiritual heritage ahead of the semiquincentennial celebrations next year.

Multiple media outlets reported that thousands attended the event, though no official crowd estimate was immediately released. Giant screens, patriotic imagery and religious symbols lined the National Mall as participants waved American flags, sang hymns and joined in collective prayer.

A recorded message from former U.S. President Donald Trump was aired during the program, while several conservative leaders and evangelical figures also addressed the crowd. Scripture readings and references to America’s Christian roots featured heavily throughout the presentations.

One of the most talked-about moments came in a recorded message from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who appeared seated behind what appeared to be the historic Resolute Desk as he delivered a scripture reading and message to attendees. Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7:14, the often-quoted biblical passage which states: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray… then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The verse was used to reinforce the event’s central theme of national prayer, repentance and renewal.

The event also drew criticism from opponents who argued it blurred the line between religion and politics, with some activists raising concerns about Christian nationalism and the increasing role of faith-based references in public life.

Still, supporters defended the gathering as a peaceful and constitutionally protected expression of faith, patriotism and freedom of assembly.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING