TCI News

TCI Pride

Published

3 years ago

October 10, 2023

Shanieka

TCI, a Prideful nation, but is it helping or hindering?

Whilst it’s great to have self-pride and confident, it’s easy to take it too far.

Is it time to adjust our mindset and behavior so that we can reel in the self-pride and let go of our ego?

The premise of this article is to spark some needed dialogue on how we as a nation can turn our pride into purpose and become a more balanced and understanding society.

It is my belief, this will help to move our country forward, not only for ourselves, but for others as well as the next generation.

There is a good, bad and the ugly side that comes along with self-pride. First, we have got to learn that admitting you’re wrong is not a weakness—it’s simply a part of being human instead of jumping to defensiveness.

Don’t be so quick to follow your instincts, which is to defend. Try taking a few deep breaths, we can Agree—to Disagree. Too often, we fail to take the time to learn from the person we are engaging with, instead, we try to showcase ourselves.

It’s ok to be quiet sometimes and help celebrate the success of others. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to get your point across. Pride makes you self-conscious, as a result, you’re less likely to say or do anything that will upset your status.

Like many other cultures, some of us struggle with admitting our shortcomings. Oftentimes, we would compare ourselves with others and always searching for ways to rationalize that we are better than others, or, is quick to tout we have been there, done that mentality.

As a prideful person, unconsciously, you may tie your self-worth to what you have or what you’ve done. We should be mindful that the healthiest form of self-worth, is connected to who you are as a person and not reliant on appearances, achievements or belongings.

What’s disheartening at times in our culture, is how difficult it is for us to have a sensible conversation without an argument. We have got to learn how to overcome pride by admitting that we don’t have all the answers, no matter how educated you are.

Author Stephen R Covertly said it best, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply”.

Sometimes, it’s okay to say “I don’t know the answer without telling a story. Try having the courage to ask questions to expand our thinking.

From my observation, at times, we could be dying inside or need help, but because of our pride we will refuse to seek help. This is primarily for fear of what our neighbors might think or say, because in our minds, it’s all about outward appearances.

Pride prevents us from acknowledging our human vulnerabilities. We tend to see this behavior more often among some with a higher level of education or in position of authority. If it’s not their idea, it’s tossed aside. This is the sentiment expressed from many bright members on committees assigned by the government and statutory bodies.

It’s time to put pride aside in order for the country to move forward.

This shame-driven pride makes us too uncomfortable to say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake.” When pride rules, we believe we’re always right. This makes it difficult to maintain and sustain relationships; nobody likes being with or working with a know-it-all, which could also be hindering us as a developing nation.

On the contrary, we seem to have lost our sense of pride and morality when it comes to standing up for the most vulnerable in our communities, our youth. It’s evident with respect to the senseless violence we are experiencing against one another. At what point are we willing to stand on our principles and fight for what we believe in.

In order for TCI to move forward and compete in this ever-changing world, we cannot let self pride affect our attitudes and find ways to build back a nation that is founded on morality and the values we all share.

Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

Published

6 days ago

August 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

1 week ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

News

BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa

– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –

[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.

The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.

The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.

Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.

While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.

Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.

Expanded Winter Season

To South Caicos:
Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
To Turks and Caicos:
Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.

“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”

The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.

“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”

For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com