News
Sandals Foundation Provides Back Packs with School Supplies for all School-aged Children in South Caicos
Sandals Foundation Ambassadors along with the principal of the Iris Stubbs, the Minister of Tourism and the Education Officer
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 10, 2023— The Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism joined forces to deliver two hundred and fifty back packs with stationery to every child that is registered and attending an educational institution on the island of South Caicos. Additionally, the foundation distributed t-shirts to the three schools on island, namely the Iris Stubbs Primary School, Calvary Christian Primary School and Marjorie Basden High School. The t- shirts were donated for arts and crafts or textile projects such as tie and dye. Chinaware were also donated to the Home Economics Department of Marjorie Basden High School.
The Sandals Foundation contingent of seven members was led by general manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, James McAnally who enjoyed the company of Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management and her team from the ministry, members of the Fisheries Department who provided the vessel to transport the team by sea, and members of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), who provided ground transportation and an island tour for the party. The Ministry of Education was represented by Reinwald Lewis, Education Officer. This was truly a collaborative effort that left a smiling face on every child’s face.
The invaluable contribution of the tourism minister and her team cannot be overstated. McAnally praised Minister Connolly and her team on their collaborative effort. “The Ministry of Tourism did not hesitate to help and we appreciate all that they did to ensure the success of our visit to South Caicos.”
Sharon Minott (centre), principal of the Calvary Christian School shows BTC GM and the Minister of Tourism exhibits
McAnally recognizes the short and long term effects of the team’s visit and donations to these schools. According to McAnally, “Such initiatives foster a sense of community and collaboration between the tourism industry and local residents. It makes a big difference for us to be here interacting with the students and the staff. This is a joy that could not have been experienced if we had just shipped the packages across. By being here, the community is reminded of the fact that we genuinely care as we are committed to community development, not just in Providenciales, but to all the isles that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we also have a first-hand experience of what the community has to offer.”
Minister Connolly, noted, “This was a win – win for all parties involved. The locals had an opportunity to showcase the history and aspects of the culture that are unique to South Caicos, all students received school supplies, and schools were given additional resources. The Sandals Foundation’s sustained contribution to Education and community development on a whole, throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, is priceless.”
BTC General Manager presents a school bag with supplies to a MBHS student
Public Relations Coordinator and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, Jodian Scott–Banton shared: “It was an activity packed, fulfilling day of adventure across the Atlantic Ocean. I especially enjoyed dancing with the students of the Iris Stubbs Primary School. Upon arrival at the school we were greeted by a rake and scrape student band and students singing and dancing to cultural songs like, “Throw out Your Line”. I also appreciated the exhibition done by Calvary Christian Primary School in their school hall. They showcased the local talents and all the rising stars or prominent figures who hail from South Caicos. Several historic artefacts were also on display. The Sandals Foundation values the sharing and preservation of culture throughout the Caribbean. We are therefore very pleased to see that the traditional folk forms as well as the history of the island, are being passed on to the younger generations. We travelled to South Caicos to impact them but the experience also left a lasting impression on us.”
Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos acknowledges the impact of the project on enhanced learning. “More children now have access to essential learning materials, thus increasing the likelihood of improved concentration which results in enhanced learning. The provision of school supplies helps to reduce barriers to education and knowing this, brings great joy.”
BTC Sandals Foundation Ambassadors with GM (white shirt) pose for a photo
Orville thanked all the Sandals Foundation ambassadors who assisted with the project from the planning phase to its execution, “Thanks to Devon Williams and Jaseth Wilson who worked on the logistics and packed the boxes well in advance of our trip. Thanks to Erline Raphael, Tanya Swann, Shanice Maxwell, Bernard Florvil, Jodian Scott–Banton and the “captain of the Beaches Turks and Caicos ship”, Jams McAnally for always supporting the Sandals Foundation projects.
He also made special mention of Kathy Lockhart, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (FMRM) who received the Beaches team at the Seaview Marina Dock. “Kathy was instrumental in the organization of the ground transportation. She was also our tour guide for the day. She was well informed and she was a gracious host.”
Ronlee James, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism emphasized the importance of other entities taking note of what was accomplished through this collaborative venture and he encourages more stakeholders to seize the opportunity to give back. “Education is everybody’s business,” he continued, “when we invest in education and local development it leads to a more attractive and sustainable tourist destination. Thank you Sandals Foundation.”
Photo Caption
Header: SF SXC 1 – Grade six girls from Iris Stubbs pose with the Minister of Tourism and the Beaches Turks and Caicos General Manager with school supplies
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
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
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
