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PNP Gov’t Member accuses Opposition Leader of “Cheap” Politics

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Dana Malcolm 

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – Jameka Williams, Government Appointed Member of the House of Assembly, is challenging the Leader of the Opposition for what she described as ‘cheap political tactics’ highlighting his previous and current stance on increases in pay for Members of the House of Assembly.

“Last week in the House of Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition presented what some may describe as his most passionate speech arguing that the Integrity Commission increased the salaries for Ministers and members of the House of Assembly by an exorbitant amount. In my rebuttal, I pleaded with the Leader of the Opposition to retract his statement, and to discontinue using cheap political tactics to mislead the public into thinking that he was not an advocate and supporter of the salary increases— I reminded him of a previous House sitting where he was advocating for salary increases for members, ” Williams posted to Facebook.

After being accused of “lying” by Astwood, Williams provided what she described as evidence of the Opposition Leader Astwood, a three time member of parliament, lobbying for an increase in another clip from the House of Assembly

“Myself [I] have never shied away from dealing with this topic. There is a lot of noise out there in the public that my parliamentary colleagues are bad people– they are only in here for the salary— I beg to differ, and the proof is in the pudding. I am being hard on my parliamentary members but they are all good people and I know they’re in it for the right purpose,” the Leader of the Opposition said.

The Opposition Leader, on December 13, had decried the increases which range from $25,000 to $49,000 thousand per year. Astwood said his ire was turned toward the size of the raises, not the actual need for a raise.

“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 continued “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!” he had said.

Williams, who is one of the four un-elected, appointed members of the House of Assembly, will get a pay increase of $24,700 per year, taking her annual parliamentary income to $97,500 though she has no set constituency.

Astwood points to a more conservative jump in the annual pay, but Williams has accused him of being disingenuous.

“You were not genuine and your statements were only made to jump on any bandwagon that you erroneously believe will get you some political mileage. Mr. Leader of the Opposition this will not give you or your party, the PDM, brownie points at the next general election,” she maintained.

Astwood had maintained that while an increase was necessary, the figures quoted were exorbitant.

“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 had advised during his speech.

“Be a man of your word, you are not fooling anyone. Whenever you try to mislead the public and use cheap political tactics, I will expose you” Williams promised.

Astwood has already issued his rebuttal, remaining adamant that the people believe the pay increase is too much and so does he.

“Therefore, I make no excuses for expressing the feelings of the people that I represent in the House of Assembly. That is what we are being paid to do and will do just that.   So, it is “a sin and a shame” that this current PNP government is giving themselves such huge raises; while not wanting to do the work of representing the people.”

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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