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Clement Howell High School Triumphs at the 27th Annual Inter-High School HIV/AIDS Debate

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 28 February 2025: The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully hosted the 27th Annual Inter-High School HIV/AIDS Debate on February 19, 2025, at the Salvation Army Building under the theme “Take the Right Path.” The debate aimed to foster critical thinking and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS-related rights, progress, and challenges, engaging students in a compelling discussion on the moot:  “Be it Resolved: That enough is being done to uphold the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS globally.”

The Master of Ceremony was Mrs. Cheryl Ann Francis-Foreman and welcomed several distinguished guests, including Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, who delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, provided a warm welcome, emphasising the importance of youth-led discussions in shaping policies and fostering inclusive societies. Other notable attendees included Deputy Permanent Secretaries Mrs. Tamera Howell-Robinson and Ms. Renessa Williams.

Participating schools included:

  • Wesley Methodist High School – coached by Mrs Carla Thomas Ferguson
  • Clement Howell High School – coached by Ms. Christina Williams
  • A. Louise Garland Thomas High School – coached by Ms. Latoya McEwan and Ms. Royette Dickenson
  • Marjorie Basden High School – coached by Ms. Saneka Setram
  • Helena Jones Robinson High School – coached by Ms. Aletheia Narcisse

After an intense and insightful competition, Clement Howell High School emerged as the 2025 champions, with Wesley Methodist High School securing second place and A. Louise Garland Thomas High School taking third. The Best Speaker award was presented to Reriana Nikes from Clement Howell High School for an outstanding performance and persuasive arguments.

The debate was judged by a distinguished panel:

  • Anansa Jervis – Executive Director, TC Health and Wellness Foundation
  • Dr. Samantha Barrett – Medical Officer, Primary Health Care Department, MOHHS
  • Mr. Vernal Lightbourn – Human Rights Commission
  • Ms. Gemely Lubin – Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Leonard Glasgow served as the timekeeper, ensuring a fair and structured competition.

This annual event serves as an important platform for young minds to critically engage with pressing health and social issues, especially those related to HIV/AIDS, human rights, and public health policies. By participating in these debates, students not only raise awareness but also challenge stigma and promote informed decision-making among their peers and the wider community.

The rights of people living with HIV/AIDS remain a critical global issue, with progress being made in treatment access, non-discrimination, and policy reforms. However, challenges persist, such as stigma, unequal healthcare access, and legal barriers. Events like this empower the next generation to advocate for health equity and social justice.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Astwood, underscored the significance of the event, stating:

“Empowering young people to engage in discussions on HIV/AIDS rights is essential in breaking down stigma and fostering a more inclusive society. By equipping students with knowledge and critical thinking skills, we are shaping future advocates for public health and human rights. This debate is not just an academic exercise—it is a vital step toward achieving health equity and ensuring that no one living with HIV/AIDS is left behind.”

The Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit extends its sincere gratitude to Building Materials Do It Center and Sail Rock Resort for their generous sponsorship of the event. Special appreciation is also extended to the participating schools, teachers, judges, TC Health and Wellness Foundation, and all those who contributed to the event’s success.

Through initiatives like this, the Ministry continues its commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering youth, and promoting a future free of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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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

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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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

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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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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