News
A high-stakes upcoming election in TCI, who is better poised to bridge our divide?
#TurksandCaicos, March 09, 2024 – In a thriving democracy like Turks and Caicos Islands, we need more than just a few political parties; it demands that these parties truly connect with a wider electorate. This involves creating policies that mirror the collective ambitions and hurdles of our island nation, not just the interest of a select few.
The path to being an informed voter is riddled with challenges, particularly the allure of aligning with a party or ideology without deep analysis. In an era filled with misinformation, how do we base our beliefs on truth and politicians genuine concern for the people?
We must see beyond political divisions, recognizing our shared fate, because unity is our strength, though often hard to achieve.
Times like these have never been more critical. As Turks Islanders, we have to ask ourselves are we safer and better off now than 3 years ago?
On the heels of the pandemic among many other competing priorities this government had to face, most would agree a number of boxes have been checked. What the voters will have to decide is, whether or not the right boxes were checked and have made a difference in the lives of the ordinary citizens.
The country is facing a pivotal moment;
Turks Islanders must assess governance by the real improvements in everyday lives.
Case in point: With the rapid growth and development, are we advancing fast enough to keep up with the growing demands, from food security to adequate housing and transportation? Are we attracting and entertaining the right investors who can deliver on what is needed to strengthen our economy and create better employment opportunities for our people? Is national security front and center of our leaders discussions, and are we investing enough in this area in terms of improving in critical infrastructure and advancement in technology? These are some of the essentials concerns often get lost in political rhetoric.
Democracy works when you have two strong political parties working in concert to bring people together. This will ensure they are shaping policies together that impact the entire country in a positive way and not disenfranchise some.
Every candidate should have to answer a few simple questions; What have you personally done in your career that has directly impacted people? What have you done to uplift citizens in your communities and made a difference in the vast majority of us?
There is nothing wrong with being a strong supporter of a particular party, but at what point do we as concerned citizens become more educated voters? It’s important to understand that when people possess strong political identities they may be more vulnerable to false narratives or facts.
We have more in common than we have apart, and we will all rise and fall together if we don’t unit. What some candidates lack is the ability to stay engaged and focused on what it takes to execute on issues rather than just platitudes. So, how do we change that?
It is our voice and action that matters and this should include civil servants.
A voice that speaks out against injustice, calls out corruption and that wants to have a say in the values shaping our communities.
More and more of our people are feeling voiceless and stifled and feel that those in power are creating division and putting their interests before those of the people.
That is why I believe we need political leaders whose mission includes helping everyday people unlock their power to create real change, rather than implementing policies that in the end hurt the little guy and stifle local entrepreneurships.
We should be looking to elect candidates who are interested in growing the middle class, because the wealth gap is widening between the rich and the poor, helping our communities grow, improving our healthcare system, lowering inflation and making life for everyday Turks Islanders better.
Having honest, forthright and visionary leaders are all too rare in politics. Some of our inspiring leaders are on the outside or were on the inside at one point. They see the issues, they talk about the issues, but once on the inside they tend to lose focus and appear hesitant to challenge the status quo.
Use your voice to advocate for lasting change in TCI. We have to make our government better, more efficient and more responsive.
At a time when division among our people is more prevalent than unity, we must stick together. We must have a drive passion and purpose to get the attention needed.
We have to ask ourselves some serious questions like: What drives me? Where do I get my resolve and what am I made of?
Our country will head down a road of morale bankruptcy if politicians continue to put their own interests ahead of their principles and promises.
You can have all the intelligence in the world, but without shared terms it will not build collective understanding in our country.
We must create a society in which people can find and use their power to participate, influence and act and not just sit on the sidelines.
Despite the frequent leadership changes, politics appears to remain mired in division and toxicity, which means that it’s tempting for many to just disengage or tune out.
So how do we stay engaged without losing hope or falling into despair? With our changing demographics landscape, as Turks Islanders we must find ways to bridge our divides.
A politician must ask themselves, do their actions and decisions reflect the greater good? Does it really serve their constituents to have another term? Whilst years of experience in politics or lack thereof could be considered an advantage over an opponent, it is not always synonymous with forward thinking.
Many of us are biologically predisposed to certain political parties and leaders, but silence should not be an option for concerned citizens.
No governing body should be above constructive criticism. If this is allowed it derails true democracy.
I don’t believe we’re just “preaching to the choir, because our relentless efforts will eventually lead to some level of progress. The key to survival and thriving is to never lose hope in these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
In order to move the country forward we have to be equipped and empowered with the right mindset and become more educated and informed voters.
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
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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