Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

July 19, 2025 – A major shift is underway in America that could directly enhance the food quality of staples imported to the Turks & Caicos Islands and The Bahamas.  Under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative—a joint effort by President Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr.—dozens of major U.S. food brands are pledging to remove synthetic dyes and harmful additives from their products.

Among the most notable changes, ice-cream manufacturers responsible for over 90% of U.S. sales have agreed to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colours (including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) by 2028.  This is part of a broader wave: PepsiCo, In‑N‑Out, Nestlé, Kraft‑Heinz, Tyson Foods, and General Mills are all steering away from synthetic dyes and additives.

MAHA centers on reducing ultra-processed foods, artificial ingredients, and dietary chemicals linked to chronic health issues, particularly in children. The movement also targets high fructose corn syrup and emphasizes whole-food nutrition.

Why does this matter here? Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas import nearly all their food from the U.S. and follow American food safety standards. These ingredient changes mean future shipments—from cereals to frozen desserts—will contain fewer artificial ingredients.

Local nutritionists and public health officials see long-term benefits. “Cleaner imported food directly supports our goal of better overall health and preventing diet-related diseases,” said a regional health officer. “It’s a promising shift for our islands.”

But there’s a catch: these reforms are voluntary. Critics point out MAHA relies on peer pressure and promises, not binding regulations. Plus, while removing dyes is a strong first step, concerns remain about sugar, saturated fats, and bottled vs. real ingredients in U.S. exports.

Local Takeaway: Expect cleaner labels on imported U.S. goods by 2028—starting with ice cream, cereals, snacks; this aligns with efforts in TCI & Bahamas to improve nutritional standards and public health outcomes and it is vital to note, that the long-term impact will depend on enforcement, transparency, and maintaining momentum beyond dye removal.

Here are the commitments listed by the White House:

• Steak & Shake moved to 100% all-natural beef tallow and replaced its “buttery blend,” which contained seed oils, with 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter.
• McCormick announced it will drop certain food dyes from its products.
• PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from popular food items — including Lay’s and Tostitos chips — by the end of the year.
• In-N-Out announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and artificial flavors from its menu items.
• Tyson Foods eliminated synthetic dyes in its food products.
• Mars removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles product.
• Sam’s Club committed to removing 40 harmful ingredients — including artificial colors, additives, dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup — from its private-label products.
• Kraft-Heinz announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products.
• General Mills announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools.
• Nestlé announced it will remove all petroleum-based food dyes from its food and beverage products.
• Conagra Foods announced it will remove certain color additives from its frozen products, no longer offer products with artificial dyes in K-12 schools, and stop using artificial dyes in the manufacturing of its products.
• JM Smucker announced it will remove synthetic colors from its consumer food products.
• Hershey announced it will remove synthetic dyes from its snacks.
• Consumer Brands announced it will urge its members to remove artificial colors in food and beverage products served in schools.

In short: an American health initiative may soon ripple into Caribbean kitchens—bringing small changes with potentially big health benefits.

By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Regional and U.S. authorities are sounding a loud alarm: Haiti is unsafe for travel.

July 17, 2025 – In two back-to-back warnings, the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State have advised their citizens against travel to Haiti, citing kidnapping, terrorism, gang violence, mob justice, civil unrest, and a failing healthcare system.

The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, reissued this week, includes a new terrorism indicator and leaves no ambiguity: “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.” Since July 2023, non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families have been ordered out of the country.

According to the alert, kidnapping is widespread, including against U.S. citizens, who in some cases have been injured or killed. Victims have been targeted during routine activities or ambushed in convoys, with families forced to pay ransom demands ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The advisory also warns of mob killings and vigilante-style executions, where crowds have publicly assaulted individuals suspected of committing crimes.

Bahamian Advisory Adds Context for Caribbean Citizens

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its updated travel guidance earlier this week, urging Bahamian citizens to reconsider any travel to Haiti and take “extreme precautions” if already in-country.

Citizens are advised to:

• Stockpile essentials (food, water, fuel)
• Avoid walking, driving, or using public transport—especially at night
• Use secure vehicles with locked doors and tinted windows

State of Emergency and Rogue Law Enforcement

Haiti remains under a state of emergency declared in March 2024. Protests, civil unrest, and attacks on public infrastructure are frequent. The advisory notes that police presence is unreliable, and rogue elements of the Haitian National Police (PNH) may be operating. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme care when approached by law enforcement, or when navigating official roadblocks.

Firearms and Crime

Guns are widespread, and crimes involving firearms—including robberies, carjackings, and sexual assaults—are common. Citizens are warned not to attempt to procure or supply firearms under any pretext. Gunfire at night and isolated beaches should be avoided due to criminal activity.

Health Risks and Limited Care

Healthcare is described as dangerously limited. Hospitals are often closed due to unrest or attacks, and under-equipped when open. Payment is required upfront, even with insurance. Bahamian citizens are urged to secure emergency evacuation insurance.

There is an active cholera outbreak (since 2022), and risks remain high for malaria, dengue, chikungunya, zika, and other vector-borne diseases. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, cholera, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

Legal and Border Controls

Travelers are reminded to carry proper identification. Failure to produce legal status may result in detention or fines. The possession of cannabis or controlled substances carries 1–15 years imprisonment, and foreigners risk deportation. Agricultural goods and endangered species such as conch require proper documentation to avoid fines of up to $10,000 USD.

Natural Disasters

The advisory also reminds the public that Haiti is vulnerable to hurricanes during the June–November season, and remains seismically active, with earthquake and tsunami risks in coastal regions.

Final Guidance

While The Bahamas and Haiti share cultural ties, both governments warn that anyone perceived as foreign or affluent may be at risk, regardless of race or heritage.

Citizens currently in Haiti are urged to:

• Remain indoors after dark
• Monitor trusted local media
• Comply with curfews and evacuation orders
• Register with the nearest Bahamian or allied embassy

The travel alerts remain in effect until further notice.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2025 – In a rare and touching moment during the Royal Navy’s latest deployment to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Father Matteo Zambon, chaplain aboard HMS Medway, led a communion service at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The intimate spiritual gathering brought reflection and encouragement to inmates and staff, and was described by observers as “deeply moving.”

The service was a standout feature of HMS Medway’s multifaceted visit, showcasing the Royal Navy’s humanitarian and pastoral outreach, not just its operational capacity. While the ship is widely recognized for its disaster readiness and security work in the region, the prison service offered a profound, personal dimension to the deployment.

Alongside this spiritual engagement, HMS Medway conducted a simulated beach landing exercise in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, aimed at improving disaster response coordination. The Royal Navy’s Crisis Response Troop participated in the operation, which took place on the beach adjacent to the Grand Turk cruise pier and concluded safely before ship traffic resumed.

The visit also reinforced UK support for the Overseas Territories during hurricane season. HMS Medway, permanently stationed in the Caribbean, is outfitted with emergency relief supplies, medical kits, and equipment for clearing debris and restoring access in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In Providenciales, the crew met with local officials and conducted further training and outreach activities. The deployment builds on strong ties established during previous visits, including youth mentorship programs and joint patrols with the TCI Marine Branch and Police Force.

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has previously praised the UK’s forward-deployed assets like HMS Medway as “critical to disaster preparedness, maritime security, and community support”. This most recent visit deepens that role, showing how hard power can be paired with soft-touch diplomacy.

As HMS Medway resumes regional patrols, its legacy in the Turks and Caicos this year will not only be measured in drills and deployments—but in the quiet connection made behind prison walls, where faith, dignity, and humanity were affirmed by a visiting chaplain in naval uniform.

In a place often associated with hardship and consequence, Father Zambon’s communion service served as a rare reminder: that even the most disciplined missions can carry a message of hope.