TCI News
Adventist Youth Make Global Impact on Youth Day: “Show Up in the Cities”
PROVIDENCIALES, March 21 – Adventist youth from all corners of the globe embarked on a transformative journey as they participated in the annual Global Youth Day under the rallying cry, “Show Up in the Cities.” This dynamic initiative, spearheaded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, aims to empower its youth to actively engage with their communities and effect positive change.
Ikechuku Orukwowu of the Ephesus SDA church administers a blood sugar test to a member of the community at the GK Supermarket in Long Bay. Global Youth Day, March 16, 2024
Since its inception in 2013, Global Youth Day has been a beacon of hope, emphasizing the core values of salvation, discipleship, and mission through tangible actions tailored to meet the needs of local communities. This year, the focus remained on practical outreach, with young Adventists engaged in projects that are not only relevant but also sustainable for their cities.
The diversity of projects envisioned reflects the breadth of impact the Adventist youth aspire to achieve. Over the 11-year period the Adventist churches within the Turks and Caicos Islands have conducted blood drives to support healthcare systems, health projects including screenings and awareness campaigns, and cleaning campaigns to beautify urban spaces. Additionally, all members engage in literature distribution, providing essential resources and spreading messages of health and hope.
Elder Judith Robinson, from the Antioch SDA church talks with recovering patients at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk, while other members of the Church look on. March 16, 2024
Beyond these traditional endeavors, the scope of involvement extends to embracing the vulnerable within society. This includes adopting homes such as orphanages, elderly care facilities, and hospices, exemplifying the Adventist commitment to compassion and inclusivity. Moreover, the initiative seeks to equip youth with practical skills through training programs, fostering personal growth and community development.
Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Adventist youth are also encouraged to undertake nature conservation projects, promoting sustainability through activities like tree planting and pollution awareness campaigns. Furthermore, the initiative extends its reach to encompass broader societal issues, including mental health awareness and lifestyle seminars aimed at promoting holistic well-being.
President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh – day Adventists, Pastor Steve Cornwall noted that all the churches within the conference participated in Global Youth Day 2024. Cornwall hailed it a huge success while also noting some key community issues that the churches need to actively engage in. “In my view, the key community issues that the church should engage in addressing are fostering unity and compassion, promoting holistic wellness, and actively participating in environmental conservation efforts,” Cornwall shared. He further added, “With the recent upsurge in crime we need to take a stand to reclaim the lives of our youth. Due to the socio-economic disparities that exist within some of our local communities, it makes it even more difficult for some families to survive. Therefore, the distribution of basic humanitarian supplies, such as food and clothing, were received with open arms. When we consistently engage in community outreach it helps to raise awareness about important issues, inspire positive change, foster unity, and strengthen community bonds.”
Eshmalee Cherizard from the Blue Hills SDA church shares literature with a member of the Kew Town Community. Global Youth Day. March 16, 2024
As the day unfolded, countless stories emerged of young Adventists making a tangible difference in their communities. The spirit of service and compassion resonated, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds alike.
Eshmalee Cherizard, a youth who attends the Blue Hills SDA Church, shared the highlights of her day. “I love going out in the community to hand out tracks and pray for people. It makes me feel good knowing that I am helping someone to have a great day. So many people need to know about God, and I get to tell them how wonderful He is.”
Little Amelia Lindsay of the Victory SDA company located on Industrial Drive Road proudly advertises free food tasting, clothing and medical checks.
Youth Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Jermaine Reid has sounded the call for all Adventist youth to continue their good deeds. “As a church we need to be more like Jesus in our evangelism strategies, taking the gospel to the people. Let the gospel put on shoes and walk the streets as Jesus did finding the people where they are. Each church within our conference will continue its outreach efforts.” Reid ended by noting, “As a conference we are always ready to serve the community.”
In essence, Global Youth Day stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and youthful idealism. Through their unwavering commitment to service and mission, Adventist youth are not merely spectators but active participants in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Written by Jodian Scott-Banton
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
SALT CAY — Residents say Salt Cay’s prolonged water shortage remains unresolved, with no visible activity or relief from the measures Government said would be advanced last week.
The crisis began in June after a critical filter failed at the island’s reverse osmosis plant, severely disrupting local water production.
Residents told Magnetic Media Tuesday morning that neither the replacement filter nor the promised bulk shipment of emergency water appeared to have arrived.
Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders, however, said the filter is already on Salt Cay.
“The RO filter is on Salt Cay and it’s being installed,” Saunders told Magnetic Media.
The large emergency water shipment has not materialised. Saunders said transporting more than 1,000 gallons in a single container requires a barge, and officials are still attempting to source one.
Government had previously indicated that it would try to deliver up to 2,500 gallons to partially replenish Salt Cay’s depleted storage tanks while repairs continued.
Saunders had initially projected that the RO plant would be fully operational by August 19. He now says the system is expected to return to full operation “in a few days.”
For residents, however, the immediate reality remains unchanged: the shortage continues, the bulk water has not arrived and the promised relief is not yet flowing.
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