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Providenciales Lights Up with Solar Streetlights

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, January 31st, 2025 – The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD), under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU), announces the installation of sixty (60) state-of-the-art solar streetlights in key areas of Providenciales.

This project, made possible by funding from the European Union through the RESEMBID programme and implemented by Expertise France, represents a significant advancement in public safety and disaster resilience for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The streetlights have been strategically installed in areas that were previously vulnerable due to limited lighting, including portions of South Dock Road, the Five Cays roundabout, Kewtown Road, Wheeland, and The Bight Park.

By targeting these high-priority zones, the project aims to improve safety, reduce crime, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Mr. Desmond Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, commended the initiative.

“The installation of these solar streetlights is a testament of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he said.

“This project not only enhances public safety but aligns with our national goals for sustainability and disaster preparedness. We are proud to deliver tangible results that directly benefit the residents of Providenciales and beyond.”

More than just providing illumination, the solar streetlights are a critical component of the country’s disaster preparedness strategy.

In a region frequently impacted by hurricanes, these solar-powered lights ensure reliable lighting even during power outages. The consistent illumination supports emergency response efforts by allowing rescue teams to navigate affected areas safely and more effectively.

During crises, well-lit communities help maintain order, sustain essential services, and ensure the safety of residents in the aftermath of a disaster.

The solar streetlights offer several long-term environmental and economic benefits that align with the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility:

  • Environmental Benefits: By harnessing renewable energy, the lights reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lowering the country’s carbon footprint and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
  • Cost Savings: Solar lighting eliminates electricity costs associated with traditional grid-tied systems and minimizes operational expenses, providing a cost-efficient alternative.
  • Low Maintenance: Built for durability, the streetlights require minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance costs and freeing up resources for other community projects.
  • Hurricane Resilience: The streetlights are engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, ensuring continued functionality during extreme weather events.

Further, these solar streetlights feature cutting-edge technology designed specifically for hurricane-prone regions. Key innovations include:

  • Wind-Resistant Design: The poles’ cylindrical shape minimizes wind resistance, ensuring stability during high winds and storms.
  • Efficient Solar Capture: Vertically mounted solar panels optimize energy absorption throughout the day, even in cloudy or overcast conditions.
  • Weatherproof Integration: Solar modules are seamlessly integrated into the pole design, protecting them from severe weather impacts and enhancing durability.

“This initiative is a clear reflection of our dedication to sustainable development and disaster resilience,” said EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “I’d like to express my gratitude to the European Union, Expertise France, and RENERGY (the contracting firm) for their invaluable contributions to this project and for the safe execution of the initiative. Through these partnerships, we are fostering a safer and greener future for our islands.”

With robust political support and strong partnerships, the Government aims to expand the project to additional areas, ensuring that more communities benefit from sustainable and reliable lighting.

 

For additional information:
Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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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