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PAROLE BOARD CHAIR and MEMBERS PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS 12TH FEBURARY 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety & Utilities

 

 

Expression of Interest

OVERVIEW: The Parole Board, which is an independent body, plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, overseeing the process by which incarcerated individuals are evaluated for potential release back into society. This body is responsible for making informed decisions on parole applications, ensuring that each case is considered with the utmost care, balancing public safety, the interests of justice, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Serving on the Parole Board requires a deep commitment to fairness, integrity, and the community’s well-being.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the positions of Parole Board Chair and Members.

Parole Board Chair

The Chair leads the Parole Board, guiding its members in the assessment of parole applications and ensuring that all decisions are made based on a comprehensive evaluation of each case. This leadership role involves coordinating board activities, setting agendas, and ensuring that deliberations are thorough and impartial. The Chairman also represents the board in communications with government officials, community organizations, and the public, articulating the board’s decisions and policies.

Applicants for the Chairman position should possess a strong background in one of the following areas: law, criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Experience in leadership, strategic decision-making, and a demonstrated commitment to public service are essential. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, the ability to foster a collaborative and respectful environment, and the capacity to handle complex and sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.

Parole Board Members

In this role, you will be required to analyze complex information, including offender backgrounds, rehabilitation progress, and potential risks. You will participate in panel discussions and hearings, where you will work collaboratively with other board members to evaluate cases and reach decisions. Your decisions will have a significant impact on both the individuals seeking parole and the community at large, so it is crucial that you approach each case with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to justice.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role. Additionally, you will be expected to adhere to high standards of corporate and personal integrity, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the public and upholding principles of equality and diversity. Overall, as a Parole Board Member, you will play an important part in ensuring that the parole system operates fairly and effectively, contributing to the rehabilitation of offenders and the safety and well-being of the community.

This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the criminal justice system and positively impact the lives of individuals and the community. If you have the qualifications and the passion to lead a critical institution like the Parole Board, we invite you to submit your expression of interest. Join us in this vital work of ensuring justice, promoting rehabilitation, and enhancing public safety.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

  • Lead and manage the parole board, ensuring effective performance of duties.
  • Guide the board in making unbiased, well-informed decisions on parole applications.
  • Develop and set agendas for board meetings, and ensuring timely and organized addressing of all necessary cases and issues.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of parole applications. Analyze prisoner’s backgrounds, rehabilitation efforts, and potential risks to ensure all relevant information is considered.
  • Apply knowledge and judgement to make fair decisions based on evidence to decide whether a prisoner should be safely released into the community. This includes setting appropriate license conditions for those who are granted release and, in relevant cases, determining whether to recommend the transfer of a prisoner to open conditions.
  • Be proactive to identify and resolve issues in all allocated cases at the earliest opportunity, applying the current relevant ordnance, procedure and guidance.
  • Assess parole cases on referral to conclude on the papers or set directions for effective case management of those to be considered at an oral hearing.
  • Actively participate in oral hearings by ensuring that all areas of risk are thoroughly identified and addressed; lead a comprehensive discussion of the case to accurately weigh the evidence; Collaborate with other panel members to evaluate the available evidence and provide detailed written explanations for the panel’s decisions or recommendations in each case.
  • Keep up to date with current law, policies, procedures, and new developments regarding parole and offender management.
  • Be an effective ambassador whenever representing the Parole Board.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Candidates must evidence all of the following:

  1. Proven ability to make sound judgments and decisions independently, using evidence-based methods.
  2. Skill in assimilating and clarifying complex evidence from multiple sources.
  3. Competence in weighing facts and evidence critically.
  4. Ability to analyze and evaluate large volumes of complex information.
  5. Capability to identify key issues within tight deadlines and work independently.
  6. Proficiency in condensing complex and potentially conflicting information into accessible, legally justified documents.
  7. Experience in collaborating with colleagues to draft and review reports.
  8. Ability to create well-structured written accounts that accurately document, analyze, and summarize evidence in support of decisions or recommendations.
  9. Clear, succinct, and accessible writing style.
  10. Strong attention to detail.
  11. Ability to work collaboratively to produce written reasons that accurately reflect the Board’s decision or recommendation.
  12. Demonstrable experience in chairing roles, whether from judicial, tribunal, or equivalent appointments, employment, or other relevant positions.
  13. Strong ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, and capable of challenging opinions constructively, working collaboratively, and resolving differences to reach sound decisions.
  14. Proven high standards of corporate and personal integrity and conduct with a strong commitment to serving the public.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • Experience in risk assessment or public protection.

All Expressons of Interest must be sent to the Ministry of Public Safety amd Utilties in a sealed envelope marked Expression of Interest, Visiting Committee and/or Parole Board.

Alternatively, emails could be sent to the Head of Secretariat, Ms. Shanetta Thompson at ssthompson@gov.tc headed Expressions of Interest on or before March 12, 2025.

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Walker Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas: A Partner in America’s Extended Family

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

 

The United States and The Bahamas share more than proximity — they share a bond of history, trade, and culture that Washington’s newest diplomat calls “part of America’s extended community.”

Now, for the first time in 14 years, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau will again be led by a Senate-confirmed ambassador. Herschel Walker, the Heisman-winning football legend turned entrepreneur, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as America’s official envoy to The Bahamas.

Walker, who will oversee one of the Caribbean’s most strategically positioned U.S. missions, told senators during his confirmation hearing that The Bahamas will play a key role in upcoming U.S. 250th Independence celebrations. “The Bahamian people,” he said, “will be included in this milestone year, because our stories are intertwined — through family, trade, and friendship.”

While his nomination was unconventional, his priorities are anything but vague. Walker vowed to counter growing Chinese influence in the Caribbean, calling Beijing’s investments in Bahamian deep-water ports “a direct threat to U.S. national security.” He pledged to work closely with Bahamian authorities to ensure American interests remain the region’s cornerstone.

“There’s a rise in drug smuggling in The Bahamas, and this is a real danger to the United States,” Walker said, referring to the Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) partnership. He promised to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and law enforcement coordination to disrupt trafficking routes that have grown increasingly sophisticated.

But Walker also emphasized opportunity over fear — signaling that his ambassadorship will not only focus on security, but on strengthening The Bahamas as a gateway for U.S. investment, trade, and tourism.

“I will advise the American business community of the vast investment opportunities that exist in The Bahamas,” he said. “And I will make sure the Bahamian government maintains an environment where U.S. companies can invest confidently — because America must prove it is still great as an investor.”

For a small island nation sitting less than 50 miles off the coast of Florida, this renewed diplomatic attention carries weight. Since 2011, the post of U.S. ambassador had remained vacant — a gap that many observers say weakened direct ties, delayed joint security initiatives, and allowed other powers to move in.

Walker’s confirmation — approved 51 to 47 — ends that silence. And with it comes the expectation that this former Olympian and business owner will translate his discipline, charisma, and resilience into diplomatic results.

Critics question his lack of foreign policy experience, but Walker counters with confidence: “Throughout my life, people have underestimated me. I’ve always proved them wrong — by outworking everyone.”

As he prepares to take up residence in Nassau, Walker says his mission is simple: rebuild trust, deepen cooperation, and remind both nations that their futures are tied not just by geography — but by shared purpose, mutual respect, and the enduring ties of community.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

 

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Bahamas News

PAY STANDOFF: Prime Minister Cancels Talks as Unions Warn of More Protests

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

Monday, October 13, 2025 — Nassau, The Bahamas – What began as a calm holiday meeting has spiraled into a full-blown standoff between The Bahamas Government and two of the country’s most powerful public sector unions — the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) — after the Prime Minister abruptly cancelled follow-up talks set for Tuesday, blaming public comments made by union leaders.

The announcement of the cancelled meeting came late Monday, just hours after a tense sit-down at the Office of the Prime Minister, held on National Heroes Day, where both BUT President Belinda Wilson and BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson accused the government of dragging its feet on salary increases and retroactive pay owed to thousands of public officers.

Wilson, never one to mince words, said the Prime Minister’s “technical officers” — the very people responsible for executing his instructions — were failing to carry out his directives regarding payment timelines.

“The Prime Minister’s issue,” Wilson said, “is that he has persons working for him who are not following his instructions. If those officers would follow through on what he told them to do, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Wilson added that the BUT and other unions are demanding retroactive pay dating back to September 2024, and that all increases be applied and paid by the October payday, not December as previously stated by the Prime Minister.

“Senior civil servants already received their retroactive pay — thousands of dollars — backdated to September of last year,” Wilson charged. “We’re saying the small man deserves the same. This isn’t a gift. It’s money already earned.”

Her comments came after the government publicly insisted that the salary adjustments would be implemented by December 2025, just ahead of Christmas — a timeline unions flatly reject as too slow.

Ferguson: ‘No More Excuses’

Following Wilson, BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson delivered a fiery statement of his own, telling reporters the unions would no longer tolerate delays or mixed messages from the Davis administration.

“The Prime Minister was receptive — but we’re not accepting excuses,” Ferguson said. “If the Prime Minister’s having a memory lapse, we have the Hansard from Parliament to remind him exactly what he promised public officers.”

Ferguson went further, warning that if Tuesday’s meeting failed to produce results, unions would “visit the House of Assembly” and intensify their campaign for immediate payment.

“Public servants, ready yourselves,” he declared. “We are prepared to stand together — all across The Bahamas — until our needs are met.”

Now, with the Prime Minister cancelling tomorrow’s talks altogether, that threat appears closer to becoming reality.

Government Bungles Response

Observers say the administration’s handling of the matter has been confused and contradictory, with conflicting statements on payment timelines and poor communication fueling frustration among teachers, nurses, and general public officers.

The government has maintained that the funds are allocated and will be disbursed before year’s end, but unionists insist they’ve heard it all before — and this time they want results, not promises.

The Prime Minister’s decision to cancel the meeting, rather than clarify or de-escalate tensions, has drawn sharp criticism across social media and among rank-and-file civil servants who see the move as punitive and dismissive.

Slowdown and the Threat of Another Mass Protest

Across several ministries, departments, and schools, reports are already surfacing of a go-slow in the public service, as workers express solidarity with the unions’ demands.

Many believe another mass demonstration is imminent, similar to the one staged last week Tuesday when thousands of workers gathered outside the House of Assembly on Bay Street as Parliament reopened after summer recess.

That protest brought parts of downtown Nassau to a standstill as union members sang, marched, and even sat in the street — a powerful show of defiance that now threatens to repeat itself unless the government moves quickly to resolve the impasse.

A Political Flashpoint

What began as a straightforward salary dispute has now evolved into a test of credibility and competence for the Davis administration. With a restless public sector, rising inflation, and unions unified across professions, the government risks not only another protest — but a full-blown industrial crisis heading into the year’s end.

For now, the unions are standing firm: they want retroactive pay from September 2024 and full salary adjustments by this October. Anything less, they warn, could push the country’s workforce from a slowdown into open confrontation.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Nassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community

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[Nassau, Bahamas, October 8, 2025] Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) proudly celebrates its sixth corporate anniversary by unveiling a series of transformative additions that further enhance the guest and community experience. The anniversary comes at a pivotal moment in the growth of the port, with the opening of a new swimming pool, an expanded marina, and a state-of-the-art ferry terminal that will support transfers to the Royal Beach Club, which is currently under construction on Paradise Island.

Since its $300 million redevelopment, Nassau Cruise Port – the largest transit cruise port in the world – has welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most vibrant cruise destinations in the world. This anniversary not only reflects its commitment to delivering world-class facilities, but also its dedication to creating meaningful connections between visitors and the Bahamian community.

“This milestone represents much more than the passage of time,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “It reflects our promise to continually elevate the guest experience, contribute to the local economy, and provide opportunities for Bahamians. During our first year (2019) of operating the Nassau Cruise Port, Nassau welcomed approximately. 3.85 million cruise guests, and 2025 will see well over 6 million cruise visitors visit Nassau. Our focus on driving cruise tourism and the $350 million investment in our downtown waterfront is a testament to our vision of making Nassau a premier cruise and leisure destination.”

The new pool offers a refreshing retreat for visitors enjoying Nassau’s waterfront, while the expanded marina will accommodate additional yachts, boosting tourism and local commerce. The ferry terminal expansion enhances passenger flow and supports convenient, seamless transfers to the Royal Beach Club, strengthening Nassau’s position as a hub for Caribbean cruising and leisure.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, NCP will host a series of internal and external activities to celebrate its team and to highlight its ongoing investments in the Bahamian economy, including job creation, local vendor opportunities, and cultural showcases at the port.

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