News
A Heartless Government
Turks and Caicos, August 15, 2024 – The recent demolition of a Senior Citizen’s home in Five Cays by Washy’s 14-1 PNP Government is a shocking and heartless act that cannot be overlooked. The demolished house belonged to Ms. Myrtle Gardiner, an elderly woman whose original home had already been destroyed by fire. This action by the PNP Government is not only cruel but also demonstrates a blatant disregard for the welfare of our vulnerable citizens.
Ms. Myrtle, already suffering from the trauma of losing her home to a fire, has now faced further distress as the 14-1 PNP Government has torn down her new place of refuge that was undergoing redevelopment.
It is deeply concerning that those tasked with protecting and serving our community have instead chosen to subject one of our most vulnerable members to such harsh treatment. Ms. Myrtle has been an upstanding member of the Five Cays community for decades.
As a community, we must stand together and voice our outrage at this inhumane act. The authorities must be held accountable for their actions, and immediate steps must be taken to provide the necessary support and compensation to Ms. Myrtle.
At the end of the day, if this government is not willing to help someone like her, then who are they willing to help?
I demand the following from the 14-1 PNP Government:
- An immediate investigation into the circumstances leading to the demolition of Ms. Myrtle’s home, with transparency and accountability at every step. Particularly, why was Ms. Myrtle’s home the target of the demolition exercise instead of the thousands of shacks occupied by illegal immigrants? Is it because Ms. Myrtle lives near the Five Cays beach and some investor wants her land? Was Ms. Myrtle’s house demolished as a part of a political gimmick as failed election promises of addressing illegal squatting were ignored for almost four years? Was Ms. Myrtle targeted because the 14-1 PNP Government felt that at 79 years old, no one would represent her rights? I want answers because this deplorable act will not get lost in the news cycle.
- Immediate provision of alternative housing for Ms. Myrtle must be made available, ensuring she has a safe and secure place to live until this PNP Government rebuilds her home on the same land she has lived on for decades. The role of a government should not be to make our most vulnerable citizens homeless.
- Comprehensive support and compensation for the emotional and physical trauma inflicted upon Ms. Myrtle by this callous act. Ms. Myrtle, still dealing with the trauma of losing family photos and heirlooms from her house fire, is now left wondering why this PNP Government decided to destroy all she has acquired since. This is just shameful.
- The Government must immediately implement policies to protect the homes and rights of vulnerable citizens, ensuring such incidents do not occur in the future. This is one of the reasons I created the Housing Department when I was a Minister. Almost four years after the PDM was not returned to office, there has been very little progress, if any, by this department. Either this is poor leadership by this PNP Government or just a lack of will to address the housing crisis. Imagine not one new house has been built by this government in almost four years.
The well-being of our senior citizens must be a priority. As a society, we are judged by how we treat our most vulnerable members.
This demolition is a stark reminder that we have much work to do to ensure fairness, justice, and compassion for all. I call on all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to join me in condemning this reprehensible act and advocate for the rights and dignity of our senior citizens. Together, we can create a community where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, is treated with the respect and care they deserve.
The Informal Settlement Unit falls under the direct responsibility of the Deputy Premier Hon. Jamel Robinson. Therefore, he along with Premier Hon. Washington Misick and the outgoing MP for Five Cays Hon. Rachel Taylor must be held to account for this heinous act.
Time ain’t long now, and the people cannot wait to show y’all.
It’s time for TCIs!
Sean Astwood
PDM All Island Candidate
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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