News
Fairness Needed! Consumer Demand Outpacing supply in TCI
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 20, 2024 – The boom in tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while excellent for the economy, is exposing the need for urgent infrastructural upgrades in order to cope more competently and more equitably with the increased demand; already two of the country’s key utilities are showing signs of strain.
Over the weekend multiple residents called the news team complaining that they were without an essential resource, water, and now nightly restrictions are being introduced. 
On March 18, Provo Water Company revealed nightly lock-offs would begin, without which they say there simply wouldn’t be enough water to go around.
“In light of the exceptionally high demand experienced from now until the end of April 2024, we have reluctantly implemented nightly water restrictions from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM to replenish the Suzie Turn tank, which caters to two-thirds of the Island’s water needs. This measure is crucial to ensure sufficient water availability for the following day’s requirements,” the company said in an emailed letter to consumers.
Holding a 65-year government contract, Provo Water is the older and more extensive provider of the two local water services currently in operation in the Turks and Caicos, the other being Leeward Water Services. It’s now telling customers they should consider backup water drums to make up the 9-hour gap where water will be turned off. In tandem with the lock-offs are necessary maintenance runs.
Residents say they had already been experiencing disruptions prior to the announcement; the news team was flooded with comments including:
“Water pressure terrible over here in Belglade,” another resident said, “The water problem has been worse lately. Even the hotels are having issues now.”
Residents reported low water pressure to total water loss in their homes all across Providenciales, issues the company has warned could occur.
Tourists are similarly affected and with air arrivals up six percent in January and 13 percent in February according to statistics released this week by Experience Turks and Caicos; long stay visitors numbered over 126,000 guests for the first two months of this year. This figure would add to the resident population.
Melissa Monko, a guest, posted in the Facebook Group ‘Turks and Caicos Tourist Guide,’ that her Turtle Cove getaway was out of water, sharing the notice from Provo Water Company.
“It was off in the mornings and afternoons for several days. Seems they have a plan in place now,” she said.
The utility company says it recognizes the inconvenience caused and is now engaged in expansions across Providenciales to alleviate the problem. Cited as fixes from are, new transmission mains to be completed by May, valve replacements, to be completed by September, and a new desalination plant.
The Energy and Utilities Commission has been in consistent dialogue with the water company and after carrying out their own assessment, have found the lock-offs necessary. It now says the EUD is supportive of the plans to increase capacity, but are warning that they will be carrying out strict oversight to make sure the measures are not only effective but do not come at the undue cost of residents.
“The EUD has maintained open lines of communication with PWC, thoroughly discussing the immediate challenges, the anticipated increase in demand, and the company’s strategic mitigation plan,” said Delano Arthur, Energy & Utilities Commissioner who added, “It is our priority to ensure that these necessary infrastructure upgrades and expansions are executed in a manner that balances reliability, sustainability, and affordability for all residents and businesses in Providenciales.”
Also looking to expand its services is the Turks and Caicos’ sole power company, but in that effort, there is a proposed increase in the electricity rate. An application for the increase has already been lodged by FortisTCI.
”Over the past few years, the Turks and Caicos economy has experienced robust economic growth. This has led to increased demand for electricity. The rising demand requires expansion to the electricity system to ensure continued reliable service to our customers. This, together with high inflation and rising interest costs, are the primary reasons for the electricity rates review,” FortisTCI shared with the public.
That rate increase is currently under review by the government, and in an effort to better regulate all utilities, TCIG is in the process of introducing a draft policy for Public Utility Regulatory Reform, which it hopes will guide the provision of higher-quality services.
It’s another significant indicator that the sheer number of people travelling in and out of the British overseas territory and new people coming in to add to the labour force is overwhelming to the current infrastructure.
Regarding travel, the Providenciales International Airport is another, possibly the most glaring, example of just how interest and intrigue are growing more quickly than infrastructural development.
On March 16, two days before the water restriction announcement and three days after the electricity rate increase application was
disclosed, over 10,000 guests were scheduled to pass through the airport. However, the Providenciales International was unable to manage the record-setting passenger demand. With flights unable to land, it forced delays and cancellations and resulted in 528 guests having to overnight in the destination which had little to no rooms available.
No industry is being spared the crush, banking is also affected. During an attempt at digitization, several banks shut their doors replacing teller services with full-service Automated Banking Machines. Unfortunately, residents and tourists report that the ABMs are usually low on cash and often out of service making it difficult to access their money.
The government has also recognized that the current roads are unsustainable, single routes lead to some of the most important infrastructure like airports, causing chaos whenever there are disruptions. A new consultation is being undertaken to find out how best to rework the country’s road network to manage the explosion of motor vehicles and the traffic congestion it is creating.
Now that the bi-partisan Vision 2040 document is launched by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, it may more clearly chart the way forward in identifying trends, predicting demands and instituting commonsense plans which result in an island nation ready to embrace the growth it is gunning for.
Until there is deeper consideration, there will remain an unfair burden on the consumer who – often without compensation – is left to withstand or wilt under the weight of any failure to forecast, that includes all of the fumbles and fouls that go along with it.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
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
