News
National Debate: Misick vs Astwood is a Good Watch BEFORE you cast that Vote
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – Both Political leaders have claimed victory following a 2-hour National Debate, hosted by Radio Turks and Caicos on Thursday January 30, 2025 and streamed live on Facebook. Supporters of both the incumbent, Washington Misick, the PNP Party Leader and Turks and Caicos Premier and challenger, Edwin Astwood the Opposition leader of the People’s Democratic Movement are declaring that it was their representative who most ably demonstrated he is the best man to lead the country into the next decade.
Published polls are varied too, but they all, up to Friday afternoon had awarded Washington Misick (PNP) the winner of the National debate which was moderated by Almando Rigby, a John Maxwell certified Leader and Damian Wilson, a former deputy Director of the government
owned radio station.
A vote orchestrated on Friday by @IAmLTBourne on X had 40% of his voters siding with the PDM, 60% siding with the PNP. One hundred and fifty people participated in the poll up to the time we looked in. The same poll was made available to Instagram users by iamltbourne. This time, 140 people voted with 59% supporting the PNP leader as the winner; 41% of the vote went to Astwood of the PDM.
Lightbourne has 1,289 and it is unknown how many people would have had access to the link which was shared, inviting people who watched the debate to vote for their winner.
Magnetic Media aimed to get its own feedback. Members of the electorate who tuned into the debate and who returned a comment to us were almost even in their choice of who was the better man of the two candidates.
When Misick was preferred, it was explained to us that he showed himself to be a more seasoned leader with reports on accomplishments. When Astwood was preferred, it was said to be due to his unrelenting reminders of Misick’s shortcomings over the past four years and his apparent ability to get under his challenger’s skin. Yet more were disappointed with the overall outcome of the face off, feeling no more convinced about which side should get the votes and which man would make the better premier.
The range of topics covered seemed to be satisfactory for the viewers. However the promises about each plan fell flat, for too many courted by Magnetic Media.
Even the candidates were not impressed with each other; but then again that was to be expected. Here was a particularly memorable string of swipes as the hopefuls entered a verbal foray on the illegal migration problems.
“There is nothing that he said tonight that should give you any confidence in him, nothing whatsoever,” said Washington Misick, TCI Premier, who added, “He doesn’t have a plan and I am so disappointed because I thought we were coming here to have a real debate based on plans.”
Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood countered over the course of the 2 hours and 20 minutes that his party has plans and repeatedly accused the premier of “lies”.
“I’m not sure who has been in power over the last four years, maybe it is his brother the former premier, the honourable Michael Misick, maybe it is him because surely from what the honourable premier is saying here, he hasn’t been in office and he hasn’t been in power over the last four years,” said Astwood in rebuttal to Premier Washington Misick’s response to the issue of illegal immigration.
“The reality is that our people are waking up in the mornings and seeing droves of people running across, our people are reporting hearing their dogs barking and when they come out they see people in their yards; our people are calling it, they have a name, the ‘back pack people’ now. They’re afraid to go walking in the mornings, not because of dogs, not because of animals but because they don’t know who they are going to buck up,”said Astwood, who had earlier called the PDM the party of Protection, Detention and Management as he chided Misick.
“But yet the premier is saying they have stopped the boats and they have turned them around. That is not so, that is not the reality. I don’t know which Utopia the premier is living in but that is not the reality of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”
Ahead of this scorching observation, there was a report from the premier on his government’s progress when it comes to stemming the flow
of illegal migration. He too had a response laced with biting words, aimed at clipping the wings of the PDM’s high tech plan for curbing illegal migration.
“My acronym on the PDM is not prevention, detection and management, it is Poor Decision Makers because he hasn’t said one thing here tonight that is practical, that is grounded in substance, that is even implementable. He is dealing in generalities and he is expecting the public to buy into that.”
Misick said there are new police stations coming and he named them Blue Hills and Five Cays.
“We have drones in the air and we will be providing additional drones, we already have a Google system that we are working on that you can literally drive through Dock Yard or anywhere and see from the map where cars are, where people are sitting down outside their yard and what is going on there. We are using technology in fighting crime.”
Residents, particularly the 9,353 voters, should make time to watch the debate which is still available on Facebook at RTC Station. The Moderators questioned the leaders on other pressing matters like Education, Immigration, Youth Development, Healthcare, Housing, the Cost of living and an Independent Turks and Caicos Islands.
The National Debate was hosted by government-owned Radio Turks and Caicos and had over 38,000 views and nearly 5,000 comments.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
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
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
