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The ISU explains its interest in Dock Yard 

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 10, 2023 – As one of the largest irregular settlements in the Turks and Caicos, Dock Yard is dangerous not because of the people who live there, but because of the state of the community.

“Dock Yard is the textbook example of an informal settlement it reflects everything that the United Nations has identified as a danger; the density the inability to access, utilities, the inability to dispose of waste,” Carlos Simons, Head of the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) told media during a November 27 briefing.

It is the ISU’s mandate to fix this.

While acknowledging that there were legal residents in the settlement, Simons said that it was very likely there would be individuals found living there without status; as for what the Unit is legally required to do in these instances, the KC attorney at law explained this:

“These persons will be referred to the Immigration Department to be dealt with in accordance with immigration laws. The objective of this exercise is not to expose illegal immigrants but to regularize the settlement of communities in the TCI.”

He stressed though that the majority of people who live in Dock Yard are ‘law-abiding, church-going, loyal residents.’

“We are not approaching the Dock Yard problem without bearing that in mind.”

And Carlos Simons would know, as a former Supreme Court Justice, he was specially selected to carry out this massive mandate for the Turks and Caicos Islands, which as it stands, is the only British Overseas Territory with the problem of squatting.

Simons, in managing misconceptions about the role and work of the newly formed ISU, described the majority of residents in the Dock Yard community in Kew Town, Providenciales as law-abiding residents who work and send their children to school; these are values that the Government wants to keep, but there are significant and well-placed concerns which threaten a healthy and peaceful existence in the area. Most of the country’s murders for the past two years have happened in Kew Town and Dock Yard has been at the center of it all.

“The threats of criminals hiding amongst them, the threat of an outbreak of disease, difficulties, disposing, waste, and so forth. The congestion does not allow for emergency services access. It’s just unsafe,” the ISU Head stressed.

The removal of illegal structures in the settlement has been paused; the original removal was set for December 8.  However, according to a notice from the ISU on November 21st, any demolition will now take place beginning on January 8, 2024.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

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PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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Decomposing Body Found

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.

At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard.  A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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Caribbean News

S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.

Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”

S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.

For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.

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