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Her Excellency The Governor and the Chair of The Integrity Commission publish the findings of the Independent Effectiveness Review of The Integrity Commission

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Turks and Caicos, December 18, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Chair of the Integrity Commission, Hon. Justice Lobban Jackson, today publish jointly the findings of the Independent Effectiveness Review of the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

The Independent Review, conducted by Crest Advisory, assessed the Integrity Commission’s structure, operations and overall performance against its constitutional mandate and objectives. A specialist consultancy firm, Crest Advisory, with expertise in regulatory oversight, accountability measures and criminal justice, was selected to undertake the independent review.

More than 40 stakeholders were interviewed during the independent review, in conjunction with public calls for evidence, inviting input from both the general public and a comprehensive range of public office holders.  Declarants included elected officials and senior public servants, members of the public, Commissioners and Integrity Commission staff.

The review found that the Integrity Commission requires fundamental reform:

  • The challenges faced by the Integrity Commission demonstrate that it is unable to fulfil its mandate effectively.
  • It does not sufficiently distinguish between strategic and operational responsibilities, leaving it unable to focus its efforts or measure its success.
  • Public trust has been compromised by perceived shortcomings in its investigative practices and a lack of transparency more broadly.

The findings make clear that without substantial reform, the Commission will struggle to meet its objectives effectively. The report proposes more than 40 recommendations to fundamentally restructure and reform the Commission.

The recommendations were developed from an evaluation of the evidence gathered, stakeholder consultation, international best practice, evaluations of public services and government arms’ length bodies, as well as expert advice.

To address the findings and implement the recommendations outlined in the review, Her Excellency the Governor and Chair will establish a working group consisting of leads in governance, legal oversight and public administration to work collaboratively with the Board of Commissioners and stakeholders to implement a comprehensive reform plan in line with the recommendations of the report.

Her Excellency the Governor said:

“The Integrity Commission holds a significant role within the Constitutional governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands, affirming standards of accountability for individuals holding public office. The findings of this review make clear that the Integrity Commission requires significant reform to regain public trust and deliver on its mandate effectively. The Chair and I are taking decisive action to take forward the recommendations of the review.  I want to thank the Chair, the Board and the staff of the Integrity Commission for their openness and cooperation throughout this review process. Their willingness to engage constructively and acknowledge the need for change is a critical step towards meaningful reform.

Hon. Justice Lobban Jackson

Together, we can work to restore public confidence and ensure the Commission fulfils its vital role with integrity and effectiveness.”

Chair of the Integrity Commission said:

“This independent review has provided a sobering but necessary assessment of the Integrity Commission’s performance. While the findings are difficult, they present an opportunity for growth and renewal. The review has highlighted significant challenges within the Integrity Commission that must be addressed as a matter of priority to build a stronger, more effective institution that operates with the transparency and accountability the public deserves.  We welcome the establishment of the working group and are fully committed to working collaboratively to implement the recommended changes and rebuild confidence in the Commission’s work.”

The full report on the Effectiveness Review will be laid in the House and made available on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website.

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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