News
Trouble in Paradise: Can We Stop the Bleeding in TCI?
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen
October 8, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is at a critical juncture in our country’s history. Rapid development brings opportunities, but it also comes with deep challenges. As an islander, I can’t help but feel concerned about where we’re headed. Our country, once known for unity and shared values, now seems at risk of losing the very things that made it so special.
Growth is inevitable, but what concerns me most is the erosion of our guiding principles. Generations before us embraced diversity, welcoming people of different backgrounds—nurses, teachers, police officers, and laborers alike—into our community. They believed in the ideal that we were all responsible for each other.
We are now facing a new wave of immigration that doesn’t feel the same. It’s more than just a shift in demographics; it’s a shift in the culture and fabric of our society.
Turks and Caicos has always stood out because of its strong social fabric. Our people lived by the belief that we were each other’s keepers, ensuring the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We also had the benefit of support from Britain and the economic security of the American dollar. But today, we face a new reality—one filled with confusion, division, and violence.
The rise of social media has only deepened the divide. We now chase fleeting things—money, status, likes—while neglecting the connections that truly matter.
We’ve built walls around ourselves and lost trust in one another. In the space between us, misinformation and fear have flourished, leaving us disconnected and vulnerable to manipulation. And for the first time, violence has become a part of the TCI experience, particularly among our youth.
Real conversations and conflict resolution must become a part of the norm of how issues are resolved and not allow our emotions and pride to get the best of us.
The question is, are we teaching conflict resolution in our homes, schools, and churches?
Our youth are left with no tools to handle disagreements, and violence has become the default. We must ask ourselves, what are we doing to guide them away from this dangerous path?
If we want real change, we can’t just complain—we must act. We need to hold our governments, governor and those responsible for our national security accountable for failure to proactively address glaring issues. But it’s not just about the government. 
Every institution—legal, political, religious, and social—has played a role in this unraveling. True accountability requires us to look at the bigger picture and address the systemic issues plaguing our society.
We must also guard against the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few. In addition, providing equal opportunity to disenfranchised communities is vital.
Despite the concerted efforts made by our dedicated law enforcement department to curb crime in these pocket areas, in my opinion, not enough is being done to steer individuals away from the life of crime.
When a country fails to deliver on their promise in these challenged areas, ordinary people are left behind, illegal activities festers, resentment and hate grow, which could lead to violence. We’ve seen it happen elsewhere, and we must prevent it from happening here.
This is a reflection on the serious issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands, and it highlights how violence and crime have become normalized to the point where concern for the loss of human live is often secondary to curiosity about location.
What we fail to grasp is the interconnectedness of these islands, what affects one impacts all. This is a shared struggle requiring a collective response.
There is no single solution. The issues are multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and holistic approach. Many of the solutions have been previously raised or touched on by various concerned citizens and groups.
Just to name a few;
Is there an Active Prison Board? A robust prison system with a focus on rehabilitation could indeed mitigate the formation of dangerous subgroups, both in and out of prison. Proper policies and leadership from a dedicated prison board would ensure the system works not just to detain but to reform.
Do we have a widely recognized “Think Tank Committee” designed to solicit independent voices and ideas to help influence government and public decisions?
Maritime Patrol: Strengthening maritime patrols around key areas such as Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Great Sand Cay would help secure the islands from illegal activities like trafficking and other crimes that take advantage of unpatrolled waters.
Crime Stoppers Program: Increasing the financial appeal and effectiveness of anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers could build public trust. It’s crucial that more people believe in the confidentiality of the system to encourage a higher level of crime reporting.
Lighting and CCTV: Improving surveillance infrastructure, with better lighting and strategically placed CCTV, would undoubtedly enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent and solve crimes. These technological tools are vital in deterring criminal activity, providing a sense of security for tourists and citizens alike, in addition to quickly identifying suspects.
The natural beauty of TCI, often hides these deep-rooted issues, but progress and change won’t come from ignoring the underlying challenges.
What we need is strong, decisive leadership, paired with community involvement. Having a comprehensive strategy along with a well executed plan, will disrupt and dismantle these illegal drug trade networks which appears to be fueling the fire.
To answer the question, “Yes we can”. Real change will only come when everyday people rise up, not as lone voices, but in large numbers, unafraid to speak truth to power.
This is our country’s moment of reckoning. Let’s not waste it.
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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