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Vision for Safety and Hope in our Turks and Caicos Islands

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Turks and Caicos Islands – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM), I must come to you again, compelled by duty and love for our country, to address the continued escalating violence tearing apart the fabric of our communities. The recent murders in Five Cays and The Bight, alongside the tragic loss of a young man in Wheeland, are not just statistics; they are cries for help from families and our communities, shattered by grief and fear.

With the grim tally now at 46 homicides in 2024, we are staring into the abyss of a crisis that we simply cannot ignore. The Premier’s continued silence in the face of this violence is a total betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders. Let us be reminded that he co-chairs the National Security Council, sharing that duty with Her Excellency the Governor, and they convene a meeting at least once a week. How can a government that claims to serve the people remain so disconnected from the harsh realities of their lives?

The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands deserve more than empty rhetoric; they deserve a government that is proactive, engaged, and transparent. The Hon. Premier and PNP administration’s failure to address the surge in crime is not just a failure of policy—it is a failure of leadership. We need a government that stands alongside our citizens, not a premier and a government that hides from the challenges we face.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made it my priority to communicate openly, honestly, and regularly with our people, providing updates and addressing concerns, whether the news was good or bad. I knew that it is the responsibility of our leaders to be transparent and accountable, especially in times of crisis. Yet, the current Premier and PNP government appears to be hiding from the pressing issues that plague our society today, not just crime, but also illegal immigration, cost of living, healthcare, and critical housing shortage.

But let me be clear: amid this darkness, the PDM, offers a vision of hope. We believe in a Turks and Caicos where every individual can live without fear, where our communities can thrive, and where our families can feel safe in their homes. Our vision is rooted in action—investing in community programs, diversion programs, strengthening the family, poverty eradication, fully resourcing Law enforcement, enhancing police visibility, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

We envision a future where open dialogues replace silence, where our leaders engage with the people they represent, and where we come together as a united front to confront crime and social issues. The PDM is committed to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands for all.

Together, we can reclaim our streets, restore peace to our communities, and save our country’s image, and one of the best places to live and visit. I call upon the Premier to step out of the shadows and ring the Bell so that elections can occur, and I call on all of you to join us in this fight for a safer and happier future. It is time to prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens and to restore faith in our government.

Remember- Your future is our Priority…..

 

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Bahamas News

Dredging Is Not Just About Size — It Is About What Is Being Destroyed, Warns Save Exuma Alliance Regarding Yntegra’s Proposed Rosewood Resort

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Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) — a coalition of Central Exuma business owners, tour operators and residents — has warned that the issue of dredging in the North Bay of Sampson Cay, Exuma, is not just about the number of acres being dredged – but what exists within the proposed dredge area. SEA describes the site as an ecological treasure trove filled with seagrass, coral, turtles and abundant marine life.

This comes after foreign developer Yntegra agreed to reduce the scope of its dredging following government warnings that it would impact The Bahamas carbon credit status, which shows the importance of the marine habitat.

“It is easy to point to other developments and say they are dredging more, but that is not comparing like with like,” SEA said in response to comparisons made by Yntegra. “If one area is largely sand with little marine life, that is very different from what we have in North Bay. Anyone who has spent time there can tell you it is filled with turtles, fish, and — critically — the seagrass and coral that provide essential habitat.”

Miami-based investment group Yntegra is seeking to construct a large-scale Rosewood-branded resort on Sampson Cay. Since its announcement, the project has generated environmental, social and economic concerns among residents and business operators in Central Exuma.

The proposed development includes dredging in North Bay, construction of a substantial seawall that would alter natural water flow, more than 100 structures, two mega yacht marinas, and an industrial dock serviced by fuel and supply ships in an area currently used by swimmers. Opponents argue that the scale and design of Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project are incompatible with the fragile ecosystem and cultural character of the Central Exumas.

SEA noted that the government’s Climate Change Unit has also raised concerns about the environmental cost of dredging associated with Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project.

“The government has acknowledged that this is an area of significant importance,” SEA said. “While the financial implications are serious, for us here in Exuma this is about more than money. It underscores how valuable this marine ecosystem is — the seagrass, coral and marine life that make Exuma exceptional. This is what attracts visitors from around the world. We should not minimize the concern by comparing this bay to areas that do not have the same remarkable underwater ecosystem. It is simply not the same.”

Experienced boat captain Tito Baldwin also questioned the feasibility of the marine infrastructure proposed as part of this plan. He warned that the dredging currently outlined would not be sufficient to accommodate the vessels required to service the project.

“It’s going to have to be at least four times larger than what has been proposed,” Baldwin said. “As designed, it is beyond possibility.”

He explained that vessels supplying fuel, construction materials and provisions for a projected 300-person workforce would require significantly greater depth and maneuvering space.

“For supply vessels delivering hundreds of thousands of gallons of diesel, you’re looking at ships with a 10-foot draft,” Baldwin said. “To operate safely, you would need at least 13 feet of depth. That means dredging far deeper than what has been proposed. With currents running east and west in that area, you would also need a much wider turning basin to maneuver safely. As it stands, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.”

SEA is urging individuals concerned about the environmental impact of dredging connected to Yntegra’s Rosewood Exuma project to visit www.saveexumaalliance.org for more information. A petition calling for a halt to approvals is also available on the site, with more than 7,100 signatures collected to date.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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