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Norman B. Saunders Airport ready for flights, TCIAA issues statement to explain delay in AA launch 

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, February 16, 2025  – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority said, despite a media report to the contrary, it is ready to take on international flights in South Caicos.

“The TCIAA is excited about the potential for expanded air service to South Caicos and is actively working with airlines to facilitate this growth. We are confident that Norman B. Saunders International Airport is prepared to welcome all international flights authorised by their respective state regulators,” said a statement obtained by Magnetic Media.

It followed widespread concern about the reported set back which could hinder the buoyancy of the South Caicos economy and stymie its potential as a leading regional vacation destination.

The online report focused on the delay in the start of international flights into the country’s fishing capital, it would have been the first regular direct flights for the islands in decades.

American Airlines informed the Miami Herald that the flight – originally set to start on Valentine’s Weekend – was pushed back, now due to launch in March instead.  The TCIAA corroborated the timeline but said the reason was due to a lack of approvals.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has noted a recent media report with wide circulation regarding American Airlines’ rescheduled inaugural flight between Miami and South Caicos, now tentatively set for 29th March 2025.

This report incorrectly suggests that the Norman B. Saunders International Airport is not approved for international commercial service.

The TCIAA wishes to clarify that the Norman B. Saunders International Airport in South Caicos holds approvals from both UK and local regulators for Tier 1 Operations. This designation authorizes the airport to accommodate international commercial flights.”

The inspection still has to happen, even as South Caicos is on the cusp of an incredible season.

In 2021, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, former TCI premier heralded a re-birth for South Caicos during a groundbreaking of the airport.  The terminal, completed, officially opened and renamed in May 2024 by Washington Misick, successive (and current) premier of the British overseas territory echoed a similar sentiment.

Both leaders had forecast that the expanded capacity for South Caicos would revive a once held distinction as being an economic mecca for the Turks and Caicos.

Two months later, in July 2024, the announcement came from Experience Turks and Caicos that American Airlines would operate two flights per week from Miami to the Norman B. Saunders airport, (XSC) beginning February 15, 2025.

“This new service aligns perfectly with our policy vision to diversify the tourism offering and ensure that each island within the Turks and Caicos Islands benefits from the tourism industry,” said Alvin Hegner, Chairman of Experience Turks and Caicos.

“South Caicos is our fishing capital but it is also full of history. From the Salinas, a reminder of the sea salt industry that the Turks and Caicos once depended on to Cockburn Town where Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited on the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can take day tours to learn about the history or take in sights such as the Boiling Hole, an underwater passage that connects the ocean to the main salina pond.  There are countless marine activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, bone-fishing and a range of activities year-round such as the highly anticipated South Caicos Regatta. We recently appointed a local representative to South Caicos to assist in the enhancement and development of the Big South and I am certain the community will benefit from all of these new developments,” he said.

The TCIAA said they have done everything needed to ensure this vision for South Caicos does not fall flat, and beyond their international approvals, there are airline standards which still have to be met.

“While the airport is fully capable of supporting such operations, some airlines, including U.S.-based carriers, require an inspection and certification by their respective national regulatory bodies before commending service to a new destination.

This regulatory process is specific to the airline, their national regulator and the time within which their national regulator can complete their inspection and certification process, and is separate from the airport’s existing international operating approvals and should not be misconstrued as a limitation on the airport’s ability to welcome international flights.”

The two-hour twenty minute flights, twice weekly, are now tentatively set for take off on March 29, 2025.

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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