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“Pay Increase was never About You!”; Premier Housing bills soar to near Half a Million Dollars says Astwood

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – “It’s too much. It’s too much what we’re paying for the Office of the Premier.”

The new salaries for the Members of the House of Assembly have been revealed courtesy of Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, as he accuses the government of doing the Pay and Grade review for the ‘wrong reasons’.

“I want to tell the members of the public, this increase was never about you! Sorry.  Let’s see who got the biggest benefit,” he said, before listing out the upgraded salaries during a House of Assembly sitting on December 13.

The Leader of the Opposition confirmed figures that had been floating around on social media in the week following the reveal of salary increases for civil servants. The figures he provided were as follows:

  • Premier Pre increase – Base Salary – $146,600; Allowance $24,000
  • Premier Post Increase – Base Salary – $195,000; Allowance $24,000; Housing $219,000  + Housing Maintenance – $206,700
  • Deputy Premier Pre increase – Base Salary – $131,000;  Allowance – $ 60,000
  • Deputy Premier Post Increase – Base Salary – $175,000 ; Allowance – $60,000
  • Minister Pre increase –   Base Salary – $117, 917; Allowance – $58,200
  • Minister Post Increase – Base Salary – $157, 950; Allowance – $58,200
  • Leader of the Opposition Pre increase –   Base Salary – $78,000; Allowance – $18,000
  • Leader of the Opposition Post Increase – Base Salary – $104, 000   Allowance -$18,000
  • Members Pre increase – Base Salary – $72,800   Allowance – $10,200
  • Members Post Increase – Base Salary – $97,500    Allowance – $10,200

“We are happy about the civil servants getting their raise – but this plays into the narrative that politicians are just here for themselves, and I don’t want to be a part of that,” he said.

“I am ashamed, and if you all need to take away my money, take it away, you can’t miss what you ain’t had!” the Opposition Leader screamed.

Chatter could be heard from the Members of the Government across the room, who urged him to calm down and drink water but did not interrupt. Notably, politicians do not give themselves increases, rather the increases are approved by the Integrity Commission.

To this, Astwood countered that the Integrity Commission had received the recommended figures from the consultants who conducted the review.

“The Government, they are giving the people the crumbs and taking the whole table and pushing it into their jeeps and riding away with it! That is not right!” he said.

Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, speaking up after Astwood had ended his speech, described the tirade as almost cheap politics.  He referenced the fact that Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member, had called for an increase for the Opposition Leader the week earlier.

Robinson maintained that the PNP government was the first one brave enough to give across-the-board raises to the public service in over a decade.

“I have to let the public know, I ain’t no hater. I’ve been a minister but some things are a little too much. Let’s take care of the people at the bottom first. [Us] at the top? yes we should be getting something- give us $10,000– something that we can manage, we already make a lot of money.”  Astwood advised during his speech.

The Opposition Leader maintained that the pay increases had gone overboard in the House of Assembly, especially in Cabinet.

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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