Connect with us

News

Sean Astwood laments: ‘A Nation Under Siege’ as country counts Murder No. 42

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

#Turks and Caicos, November 6, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos has now recorded 42 murders for 2024 and is listed as having one of the highest murder rates on the planet; a vexing statistic for the little nation home to around 46,000 people who live amidst the most picturesque spots in the world.

Former deputy premier, Sean Astwood has offered his thoughts on the out of control killings.

“For a country known for its tranquility and safety, this level of violence is unprecedented and alarming. The escalating violence that has gripped our communities is a heartbreaking situation. We are not just witnessing random acts of crime; we are seeing organized and brutal attacks that have never been part of our society. Over the last three and half plus years we are now facing gang rapes, kidnappings, beheadings, and broad daylight public executions— horrors we could not have imagined just several years ago.”

Astwood is one of many voices lamenting on the soaring rate and gruesome nature of crimes and the criminals perpetrating them.

On Monday November 4, while in her home a woman was shot to death.  Some are describing her murder, No. 42 for the year, as “a hit”.

The former member of parliament for Five Cays explained in an Op-Ed piece:  “Let me be clear: this level of crime CANNOT be allowed to be the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our once-peaceful shores are now being tainted by the blood of victims whose lives have been cut short by criminal elements that have no regard for human life or the law.

These violent crimes are not only robbing families of their loved ones, but they are also robbing our nation of its sense of security and peace.

We must ask ourselves; how did we get here? How did a nation once known for its serene beauty and low crime rates become a place where fear and violence dominate? The answer lies in a combination of external influences and internal failures. Our islands have been infiltrated by organized criminal networks, fueled by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the spread of illegal firearms.

These elements have taken root in our communities, and without urgent, decisive action, they will continue to spread their toxic influence.

I refuse to believe that this is our fate. I believe that we can and must take back control of our islands. We need a government that is not only aware of the challenges but also willing to take the bold, necessary steps to confront these criminals head-on.

Our law enforcement agencies need more resources, better tools, and greater support to dismantle these criminal networks and bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.”

But Police are generously allocated tens of millions each fiscal year, with the UK leading national security there has been a change of Commissioner of Police over the years with former officers from Canada, the UK and most recently Grenada appointed to the helm.  Technology, new assets and legislative overhauls have among the tactics employed in the effort to curb crime.  Still, there continues to be a surging murder rate which is tied to illegal migration and gang activity.  The majority of those killed are part of the documented and undocumented expatriate community.

Astwood, who is announced as a candidate or the People’s Democratic Movement in the 2025 General Elections says his team has ideas; he has personally pledged to activate measure to reduce crime.

“I am committed to pushing for comprehensive crime-fighting strategies that will restore peace to our communities.

We need to empower our police with forensic technologies, strengthen our borders to prevent illegal firearms from entering, and foster a system of accountability that ensures no criminal feels untouchable. With the support of you, the electorate, me along with my PDM colleagues will ensure restoring peace in our communities and make TCI Safe again. Safe to live, safe to work, safe to send our children to school, and safe to socialize with our family and friends. We are at a turning point. The future of our nation is at stake, and we must act now to stop this wave of violence before it destroys everything we hold dear. The safety and security of our people must be the top priority.

I stand with the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in demanding change, demanding action, and demanding justice. Together, we can overcome this crisis and reclaim the peace that has always defined our nation.

The time to act is now, and I will not rest until we have restored the Turks and Caicos Islands to the safe, beautiful paradise that we all know and love.”

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING