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E Jay Saunders predicts more seats for PNP after Premier’s Demotion

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2024 – “The only thing we should be thinking about on Election Day is improving on our 14 seats and getting our premier a second term— and we want to deliver that for the Premier.”  That was the unexpected declaration coming from E Jay Saunders, All Island Elected Member, in an address to the nation via his personal YouTube channel on February 28th as over 900 residents looked on.

“I had and I retain full confidence in Hon. Charles Washington Misick,” Saunders said during the live video.

A short 24 hours earlier Saunders had been fired from his post as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance after trying to issue a leadership challenge to Washington Misick, TCI Premier for the top spot of the PNP party over the Weekend.

The abrupt pivot left many residents confused and even disappointed while others highlighted it as a smart move.

Saunders had fallen short of gaining the two-thirds delegate support needed to truly force a vote against Misick for the top spot, only securing 40 percent of votes from delegates supporting his challenge. Had he won the runoff and went on to win leadership of the PNP, the former DP would have become the man in charge but he maintains he didn’t enter the fray at the party’s National General Council (NGC) meeting, for political gain.

“My acceptance to having my nomination being made on the floor of congress was due to one thing— my belief that governments should be of, by, and for the people. On Saturday a number of delegates, 40 percent of them specifically, had a different view than the status quo; and I gave them that opportunity to express their view,” he continued. ” I was an instrument for 40 percent of the delegates on Saturday. I was a manifestation of their view.”

Saunders’ also said that he did not  regret his decision, calling it a move that was ‘led by the delegates’ but the downplay on his personal aspirations and the reaction by the party leader to his interest, elicited strong criticism about Saunders’ address.  It was clear to some that what went unstated in the ten-minute monologue was disappointing; residents admitting they expected the former finance minister to ‘own up’ to the job he clearly wanted for himself.

Despite his abrupt exit from the Cabinet and the front bench and the fact that communication between himself and the premier seems to have stalled a bit, Saunders says there’s no drama or hard feelings.

“For clarity, the Premier and I have no disagreements, and we share no animosity towards each other. In parliamentary democracy, in some cases, if a Minister challenges an incumbent leader and fails, it leads to the resignation or removal of the Minister cabinet. This is what took place on Saturday and yesterday.”

During the live message Saunders also extended a protective hand over Delthia Missick, First Lady of the Turks and Caicos.

“Do not say or post negative things about her, it is not fair to her and her family and it is not right. If anything she should be admired for her tenacity,” he said.

Residents had launched accusatory attacks against the wife of the premier after Saunders was sacked; she too posted comments in her own defence.

Saunders, who concluded with a list of thank you and some of his favourite accomplishments used the opportunity to set the record straight, denying that he ever reported the PNP Leader to the Governor or aimed to initiate a vote of ‘no confidence’ in the leadership of Washington Misick.

The visit to the Governor before the PNP convention vote was simply a courtesy call to personally indicate that he might not be returning to cabinet, E Jay Saunders explained, adding that he realised that his challenge might result in a loss and a demotion.

All positions held by Saunders, namely: deputy party leader, deputy premier and minister of finance, investment and Trade were all bestowed by Washington Misick; his prerogative and at his pleasure as the duly re-elected leader of the Progressive National Party and the duly elected leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

”Now that it’s over, we the PNP have an election to win, and we need all hands on deck fully behind the leader of the party.”

Saunders has forecast that the PNP will increase its share of constituency seats in the next national poll.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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