News
Rev Wayde Coleby, Healing Waters Ministry International dies suddenly at 67 years-old
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – Late Sunday night, condolences flooded social media with news that another beloved Turks and Caicos Islander was gone. Posts were alight with disbelief, shock and bewilderment on the sudden passing of pastor, preacher, father, friend and community man, Rev Wayde Coleby of Healing Waters Ministry in Providenciales, TCI.
In a demonstration of his transcending reach and virtue, Hon Philip Davis, Bahamas Prime Minister made known to his cabinet colleague that she could count on her party and her government to support her during the difficult loss of her father. The Prime Minister was speaking to Hon Jobeth Coleby-Davis, cabinet minister and elected representative for the Elizabeth constituency.
“With profound sadness, my wife, Ann Marie, and I extend our deepest condolences to the Honourable Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport and Energy, and her family on the passing of her father, Mr. Wayde Coleby.
Mr. Coleby was a respected member of our community, known for his dedication to family and his unwavering strength of character. His legacy is one of integrity and love, qualities that he instilled in his daughter, who continues to serve our nation with distinction.
In these moments of grief, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the bonds that tie us together as a people. Mr. Coleby’s life was a testament to the enduring values of family, hard work, and commitment to one’s community. His passing is not only a loss to his family but also to all who knew him.
As a nation, we share in the sorrow of the Coleby family. We pray that they find comfort and strength during this difficult time. May the memories of Mr. Coleby’s kindness and his enduring spirit provide solace to all who mourn his loss.
In this time of bereavement, we stand together in offering our heartfelt sympathy. May Mr. Wayde Coleby rest in peace, and may his family be comforted by the outpouring of love and support from all corners of our nation.”
On social media, expressions of Coleby’s love for his children and theirs for him are often shared with a radiant smile, perhaps on his bicycle, maybe dancing to rhythmic gospel songs or offering his perspective on what we can each do to contribute to developing personal and national Christian character.
The Turks and Caicos Christian Council said, “a Giant in the Faith, an anointed Preacher, Teacher & Reacher of the Gospel,” said Wilbert Jennings, the President who added a message to loved ones, “We wish we could help ease the pain and suffering you are experiencing during this time, not only for the Family but for the entire Church Community and the Turks and Caicos at large, as we know Pastor Coleby was loved by many and because of this he has left a legacy that the Healing Waters Ministry Family and the entire Turks & Caicos Community will forever cherish.”
There is no mistaking the unbridled love and admiration for this now fallen soldier.
On Tuesday, members of the clergy and community gathered with the family of Rev Coleby to remember him in a service which was broadcast live over social media.
Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis, flew in for the ceremony and spoke on her father’s life, saying, “His loss and the shock of it is extremely hard.”
Bishop Coleta Williams, Pastor at Abundant Life Ministry, also spoke at the event, “He’s been a faithful pastor. His life was not easy, but he’s been faithful.”
The church, where he has been shepherd said: “We regret to announce the passing of our Pastor, Father, Brother, and Friend Wayde Coleby. We however rejoice knowing that he is now in a better place. Quoting from his favorite Psalm 23, verse 6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Magnetic Media joins the chorus of people from around the globe who are saddened by this news, devastated by this loss and in need of prayers in support as we offer deepest condolences to his immediate, church and community families.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
