TCI News
Palmdale Primary gets Pinwheel Garden as part of Child Protection Month activities
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas is intent on maintaining safe environments in which children can thrive — free from all forms of abuse be it physical, mental, verbal and/or sexual, in addition to neglect, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said Monday.
Mr. LaRoda was addressing a Child Protection Month planting of the Pinwheel Garden Ceremony (held Monday, April 15) at Palmdale Primary School. The event was a collaborative effort between the School, the Child Protection Unit and Child Protection Month Committee of the Department of Social Services, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Unit, and The Bahamas Social Workers Association. It took place in the school’s Reading Garden where students are encouraged to travel the world through reading.
Child Protection Month was launched earlier this month by Minister LaRoda under the theme: “One Nation United to Protect our Children: Moving from Challenge to Change” and is a collaboration between the Ministry, its Department of Social Services, and the SCAN Unit.
Minister LaRoda provided students participating in Monday’s ceremony with a brief overview on the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which speaks to children’s rights to: Life, survival and development; the Right to healthcare; Protection from violence, abuse and/or neglect; the Right to an education that enables children to fulfil their potential; the Right to be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents, and the Right to express their opinions and be listened to.
The Convention applies to everyone under the age of 18. Its aim is to ensure that children grow up in a spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity. The UNCRC was drafted in 1989 and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
“What we have found in our country is that there has been an increase in abuse against women, but also children, particularly girls. And so the Government of The Bahamas, along with Civil Society, the Church and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) constantly strive to make this country a better place for children to live, and to thrive in,” Minister LaRoda said.
“(In furtherance of that objective) an entire month is dedicated to the protection of children and the prevention of the abuse of children. Be mindful, however, that our efforts occur year-round.
“And so if you are, or if you have friends who are being subjected to abuse I want you to know that there are places you can go, people who you can trust (trusted adults) — whether it’s your teacher, parents, the Police, the Department of Social Services — so that none of you beautiful kids here this morning, or those throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, have to be subjected to abuse.”
Pinwheels serve as a reminder of the commitment to safe-guarding the innocence and well-being of every child, embodying the spirit of childhood – they spin freely, with joy, curiosity, and boundless energy and evoke memories of carefree days filled with laughter, innocence and wonder.
The Pinwheel’s constant motion symbolizes the momentum of the collective effort to prevent child abuse. It further serves as a reminder that societies must remain vigilant in their endeavors to protect one of its more vulnerable groups of persons – its children.
Moreover, the Pinwheel’s vibrant colours represent the diversity and resilience of children. Regardless of their backgrounds and/or circumstances, every child deserves to grow and thrive in an environment free from harm and fear.
“By displaying Pinwheel’s during Child Protection Month, we not only raise awareness, but also spark conversations about the importance of creating safe and nurturing communities for our children,” said Mrs. Ceonn Edwards, Guidance Counsellor at Palmdale Primary.
“Each Pinwheel planted serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our responsibility to take action and to make a difference. Let us pledge to keep the Pinwheels spinning, not just for this month, but every day of the year. Together, we can create a world where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to flourish.”
Miss Knastachia Cooper, BaSW, President of The Bahamas Social Workers Association, said the occasion provided the Association with another opportunity to fulfill its mandate.
“Our Association was officially formed in 2021 to spread awareness to the community that we, as social workers, are here to protect and serve our communities; to rebrand and to get more persons into the profession because it is an important profession, as well as to spread awareness about social issues that may be happening in our communities,” Miss Cooper said.
“Child Protection Month and the planting of Pinwheel Gardens play significant roles in helping to spread awareness throughout our communities about the dangers of child abuse and that, as one nation, we must come together to stop child abuse – hence our theme: ‘One Nation United to Protect our Children.”
School principal, Mr. Clinton Josey, said the event provided the school with yet another opportunity to have a positive impact on “the whole child.”
“When we are talking about the whole child, it is very important in this day and time, to talk about child abuse/child protection because if we want our children to learn, we need to know exactly where they are as it relates to their emotional scales etcetera,” Principal Josey said.
“To bring awareness to child abuse and child protection by sharing with our children what child abuse could look like, the examples thereof, and the approach they can take as it relates to being safe and reporting these matters is very, very important to us.” (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
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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