News
Statement by Robert Been Jr., Deputy Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement
Response to the Governor’s Comments on Hon. Edwin Astwood’s Position on the “Cost of Living Relief” Initiative
Turks and Caicos, November 12th, 2024 – In response to Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam’s recent remarks addressing the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Edwin Astwood, I must clarify, emphatically, that our concerns regarding the timing and nature of the Cost of Living Relief initiative are not only grounded in democratic principles but are supported by the precedent of electoral integrity laws, such as those enshrined in the UK Representation of the People Act of 1983.
We categorically refute the Governor’s implication that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition’s statements lack respect for the facts. Our concerns over the stimulus package are based on clear, relevant concerns for the integrity of our democratic processes. The sudden rollout of the stimulus package by the PNP Administration in close proximity to an impending election is neither coincidental nor neutral. It directly aligns with the offence of “Treating” as defined in the UK’s Representation of the People Act, which is applied when a candidate or party offers food, drink, or other provisions to sway voters. In this case, the stimulus represents a financial handout aimed at manipulating public sentiment and electoral choices under the guise of relief. “Treating” as an offence is also described under Section 71 of our Electoral Laws in the TCI.
For clarity, Treating occurs when an act of giving financial or other incentives is intended to curry favor with the electorate ahead of an election. The timing of this “Cost of Living Relief” distribution is a calculated move by the PNP Administration to influence voters. The proximity to the upcoming election raises legitimate questions about motives and the appearance of electoral manipulation.
The PDM stands firm on the constitutional role of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition to challenge any attempt that undermines the principles of fairness and transparency in our electoral process. The PDM understands the people of this country are hurting financially, this is why we have been calling for comprehensive economic policies to create sustainable jobs, stimulate growth, and create meaningful opportunities for wealth creation and upward social mobility. While this $1,000 USD handout will provide temporary relief, our people of Turks and Caicos Islands deserve leaders who prioritize sustainable solutions over temporary handouts, especially when those handouts are rolled out strategically to impact an election outcome.
While the Governor has stated that she upholds principles of neutrality and integrity, we find it troubling that Her Excellency fails to address the clear ethical concerns and appearance of political bias surrounding this initiative. Good governance demands that we not only follow the letter of the law but also the spirit of impartiality that governs democratic societies. By permitting this initiative to proceed without question, Her Excellency has overlooked the wider implications of political interference, placing the constitutional integrity of her office under scrutiny.
We, the Peoples Democratic Movement, will not be silenced. We will continue to expose the calculated attempts by the PNP Government to leverage state resources for electoral gain. We call upon the Governor to reflect on her responsibility to uphold an impartial democracy and to take a firm stand against any actions that compromise the integrity of our election process.
The peoples of Turks and Caicos are not pawns, and we owe it to them to protect the sanctity of the democratic process. We urge the public to remain vigilant, to recognize these acts for what they are, and to stand with the PDM as we fight for a fair and transparent future for Turks and Caicos.
Your Future, Our Priority.
Mr. Robert Been Jr.
Deputy Leader, Peoples Democratic Movement
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
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
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