News

Don’t become an easy victim of crime this Holiday Season

Published

3 years ago

December 15, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – Greetings my fellow Turks and Caicos islanders! The holiday shopping season is officially upon us once again. This should be a time of giving, joy, blessings and family celebration. Unfortunately, with the uptick of senseless crimes these beautiful by nature islands are experiencing, it could limit us from the way we traditionally shop and celebrate.

This time of the year can become a time of sorrow and misfortunes for many who might fall victim to crime due to letting their guards down. Being caught of guard, gives criminals the opportunity to prey on the most vulnerable.

With this in mind, as you go about your daily business, below are a few safety tips you should be cognizant off during the holiday season and year-round.

We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.

Avoid driving alone, especially late at night.
Always set your vehicle alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vehicles with dark tinted windows.
Park as close as possible to your destination and take notice of who are around and where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied, unlocked with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables visible on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
If possible, ask store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location or walk in groups.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

ATM withdrawals should be done during daylight hours. If it’s necessary at night, choose one that is located inside a store or well-lighted location.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping:

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
If possible, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, a purse or exposed wallet.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert of your surroundings.
Pay for purchases with a debit or credit card whenever possible.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home in the event it’s stolen or compromised.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of mobility to avoid mishaps.
Keep your cell phone easy accessible in case of emergency.
If you feel you are about to be mugged, activate your panic button on your vehicle keys. This will draw attention to the surroundings and possibly scare off a potential mugger.

At Home:

Be extra cautious about remembering to lock doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.

Strangers at Your Door:

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or repairman.
Ensure that your door is equipped with a peephole and a chain lock that prevents it from opening all the way.

Don’t let the holiday Grinch steal your joy. As always, in the event of an emergency dial 911 immediately.

Be well

Be Kind

Be Safe

Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

Grand Turk

News

ELECTRICITY BILL SHOCKER: PELICAN ENERGY WARNED GOV’T

Published

3 days ago

August 10, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

TCIG knew from April that fuel factor could surge almost 80%; Minister says $500 cost-of-living payment was part of Government’s response

PROVIDENCIALES — The Turks and Caicos Government knew months before July’s shocking electricity bills that consumers faced a potentially massive increase in the fuel factor.

Minister of Information Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders revealed Friday that Pelican Energy warned his Ministry in April that generation fuel costs were projected to rise from $3.09 per gallon in May to $4.79 in June and July.

That translated into a projected fuel factor jump from about 17.5 cents to 31 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of almost 80%.

Saunders said he personally advised Cabinet of the projected increase and presented options for cushioning the impact.

He characterised Government’s $500 cost-of-living payment as its “initial response” to rising fuel costs, before a separate fuel-factor subsidy was approved.

Cabinet records show Government agreed on June 24 to provide funding to mitigate the fuel-factor impact, with the relief programme approved July 8.

Eligible residential customers — those averaging less than $1,500 monthly over the previous three bills — are capped at 22 cents per kWh from July through October.

Pelican confirmed Friday that Government’s contribution was already applied to July bills, meaning the bills now triggering widespread public outrage would have been even higher without the subsidy.

Saunders did not disclose the programme’s total cost.

His admission that Government knew since April, however, raises another question amid the backlash: why were consumers not directly warned by Government about the scale of the approaching increase?

Bahamas News

More Bahamians Accessing HIV, STI Care Through NHI

Published

3 days ago

August 10, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.

NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.

“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.

The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”

The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.

NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.

Health

47,459 MEASLES CASES, 44 DEATHS ACROSS AMERICAS

Published

3 days ago

August 10, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Americas has recorded 47,459 confirmed measles cases and 44 deaths in 2026, the region’s highest case count in 22 years, prompting the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to urge stronger vaccination, surveillance and rapid outbreak response.

As of July 18, cases were already more than triple the 15,011 recorded during all of 2025. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Peru account for 95% of confirmed cases. Guatemala leads with 30,371 cases and 26 deaths, followed by Mexico with 12,255 cases and 17 deaths.

PAHO classifies the regional public health risk as very high, citing active outbreaks, immunity gaps, international travel and populations with inadequate vaccination coverage.

The organization says prevention starts with vaccination. Countries are being urged to achieve and maintain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly protecting children and under-vaccinated communities.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.

PAHO is urging health authorities to detect suspected cases early and respond rapidly to stop transmission. Unvaccinated and under-vaccinated people, young children and communities with limited healthcare access face increased risk of severe illness and death.