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Graceway Communities delivers vibrant new Playground to Ianthe Pratt Primary School, students thrilled

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – A $100,000 investment into a re-imagined playground was delivered on St Patrick’s Day to the hundreds of students of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School (IPPS), in the Bight by Graceway Communities, the philanthropic arm of Graceway Supermarkets.

If there was any indication of the joy which the completion of the refurbishment brought to the children and faculty of the school, it had to be the moment a golden ribbon was cut; youngsters could be heard screaming gleefully.  The ribbon cutting also opened the playground to playtime for the smartly dressed students.

They were overjoyed.

“It is a vital part of our students’ development; fostering physical activity, social interaction and essential life skills such as teamwork and communication,” explained Edith Cox, Group Chief Finance Director and the Human Resources Director, of the grocery store conglomerate, who added, “This morning, I am representing Graceway Communities and I am proud of the work that we have done and continue to do in our communities.  This is our first delivered project for 2025, coming at a cost of around $100,000, I am delighted that this school, which is basically in our backyard is the beneficiary.”

This was the third playground project by Graceway Communities shared Cox, who said more of these vital spaces are on the way.

“Education and sports are two important pillars of Graceway Communities, and we will continue to support our children across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

A blue token scheme launched in 2019 by Graceway Supermarkets drove this renovation idea.

Tokens earned with the use of reusable shopping bags are used as voting cards for worthwhile causes.  Ianthe Pratt Primary School won, receiving the most tokens and therefore the most votes, pointing Graceway to what community project should be next.

“Our customers and our community thought, Ianthe Pratt was the most deserving recipient.”

That announcement met with healthy applause from the audience, which included government and corporate dignitaries, community leaders and the directors and executives from Graceway Supermarkets.

“This moment is a testament of what we can achieve when a community comes together with a shared vision and a dedication to the well being of our children.  Our generous stakeholders, from all the various entities that have been so ably highlighted, it was about your intentionality,” said Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services who also congratulated the IPPS team for their involvement.

“It is always said that children learn their best through play, it is an opportunity for them to forge relationships, an opportunity for them to harness their social skills and that will be done through play,” said the minister.

“This is one way we can empower our people, through play.  Once again, thank you on behalf of the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In a poem, Karessa Wynter, IPPS Head girl said: “So here’s to the fun, to memories made, on slides and swings will never fade with every giggle we’ll celebrate, thanks Graceway, you’re truly great!”

Commendation for the project came from Audric Skippings, Member of Parliament for The Bight who encouraged the students to take care of the playground and reminded audiences that the investment is made into the lives of the next generation of the Turks and Caicos.

Mark Garland, Director of Education also offered his gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

“Thank you for the partnership that has resulted in the construction, the erection of this playground.  Today is a very good day, an exciting day for the students.”

The playground was blessed by area pastor, Rev Pedro Williams which followed a robust vote of thanks from the school’s principal, Ms. Neekimo King.

With the ribbon cut and a new sign unveiled, the children were free to explore and play at the refurbished site which now makes up, arguably, the most thrilling spot on campus.

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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