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TCI Crown Land Amnesty Program Extended with Enhanced Eligibility Criteria

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PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, November 13, 2024: The Turks and Caicos Islands Crown Land Unit (CLU) announced the extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Program with an expansion of the eligibility criteria effective as of October 4, 2024.

The Crown Land Amnesty Program aims to offer opportunities for individuals to regularize their land ownership status, contributing to the sustainable development of the islands.  The extended program now allows Turks & Caicos Islanders who have received an offer for a Residential Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) over Crown land and have made substantial property improvements or have made a payment towards the lease to apply for regularization, thereby providing a pathway to secure legal title and promoting security, investment, and development.

In addition, the amendment also permits those whose residential lease may have been cancelled while their application for renewal or freehold title was being processed an opportunity to obtain formal title to the land.

In a statement, Keisha Holder-Lopez, Director of the Crown Land Unit, said, “The extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Amendment Ordinance 2024, effective October 15, 2024, signals a commitment to providing further opportunities for individuals regarding Crown land matters, and it further allows a broader range of individuals to benefit from the initiative, promoting fairness and inclusivity in land ownership processes.”

She continued, “The amendment also extends the amnesty period until May 31, 2026, this amendment enhances the inclusivity of the initiative. Now, individuals with offer letters for a Residential Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) or a Freehold Title (FHT) have access to terminal amnesty options, even if their lease was terminated before expiration. This allows for lease renewal or conversion to FHT under specific conditions, including land development initiation before 2023 or financial commitments toward acquiring formal land title.”

Under the current Crown Land Amnesty program, applicants have the opportunity to acquire the freehold title with a 50% discount on the property’s market value through various options.

Option 1: Enables the conversion of a Residential CPL to a FHT without the obligation to settle any outstanding arrears owed to the Crown. This initiative aims to streamline the process of transitioning from leasehold to freehold ownership, providing a pathway for individuals to secure their property rights under favorable terms.

Option 2: Allows applicants to acquire an FHT through installment payments, contingent upon meeting specific conditions. To be eligible for this option, applicants must be residents of the Islands and use the property as their primary residence during the application process. 

Additionally, the freehold purchase price must exceed $75,000, and applicants must demonstrate their inability to secure a mortgage or loan to purchase the freehold title. This provision aims to facilitate property ownership for individuals facing financial constraints, ensuring that residency and genuine need are prioritized in the acquisition process.

Option 3: Allows for the conversion of a Residential CPL to a long lease, subject to specific criteria.  Applicants must reside in the Islands and use the property as their primary residence during the application process. They must also demonstrate an inability to secure a mortgage or loan for freehold purchase.

Furthermore, applicants must be either over 60 years old or incapacitated due to illness, preventing them from working. Compliance with property boundaries is essential, ensuring that no buildings encroach on adjacent parcels.

Option 4: Allows for parcel adjustment, reconfiguration, or exchange to facilitate the acquisition of an FHT. This option provides flexibility for applicants who may benefit from modifying the layout of their land parcels to meet the requirements for freehold ownership. Generally, the larger the size of the parcel, the higher the value provided that all other variables remain constant. By accommodating adjustments, it allows persons to reduce the size of the lot to make it more affordable. It also permits the government to settle a number of long-standing matters where persons have either encroached on or built on the wrong parcel.

These options extend to executors or administrators of an estate if the property was the deceased’s primary residence and expand accessibility to property rights within the framework of the program.

The extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Program not only underscores the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and equitable land distribution but also represents a significant step toward resolving land tenure issues and promoting sustainable development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Director Lopez said, “By offering a pathway for individuals to secure legal title to their occupied land and broadening eligibility criteria, the program aims to facilitate a more comprehensive and accessible process, fostering security, investment, and development.”

She continued, “We encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to formalize their land tenure status. By participating in the Crown Land Amnesty Program, residents can secure their rights, contribute to the economic growth of the islands, and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.”

To learn more about the Crown Land Amnesty Program and initiate the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the TCI Crown Land Unit or visit its website at www.gov.tc/crownland/rcplamnesty, along with its social media pages @tcicrownlandunit.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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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.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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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.

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