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Panel Discussion on Child Abuse Highlights the Need for Greater Community Engagement

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Eight esteemed panelists for the discussion on Child Abuse Prevention

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Social Development and Welfare hosted a profoundly impactful panel discussion, “Beyond the Law: How Can Communities Foster a Culture of Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse?” at Brayton Hall. This event brought together eight esteemed panelists, each a trained expert in their field, including:

  • Mrs. Stacey Jogie (Education Representative)

    Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes (Director of Social Development & Welfare)

  • Dr. Angela Brooks (Legal Expert)
  • Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes (Director of Social Development & Welfare)
  • Inspector Ensa Wilson (Law Enforcement Representative)
  • Mr. Joseph Vixaille (Creole Community Representative)
  • Mrs. Lucrecia Martinez (Dominican Community Representative)
  • Rev. Alces Dor (Religious Leader)
  • Dr. Amatti Sani (Medical Expert)

While the panel was rich with insight and expertise, the turnout from major stakeholders and the broader community highlighted a troubling truth: the stigma surrounding child abuse often prevents open dialogue. Many prefer the anonymity of online forums of myths, misunderstandings, and unqualified opinions by the naysayers, the hear Sayers, oppositionists and lore-bearers over engaging directly with solutions.

A matter as urgent as child abuse affecting the safety, well-being, and future of our children in the Turks and Caicos Islands, deserves the undivided attention of all.

As a society, we must collectively commit to breaking the silence, setting aside our differences, and supporting the agencies and individuals working tirelessly to safeguard our children. Child abuse is a serious concern that demands our collective attention and action. There can be no exceptions, no excuses, and no allowances for ignorance of the law or favoritism based on personal connections. Child abuse is child abuse, and it must be confronted with unwavering determination.

Inspector Ensa Wilson (Law Enforcement Representative)

This is a call to action for every citizen, organisation, and institution- Child abuse is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play in fostering safe, nurturing environments for our children to thrive.                                                                                                                                                                    The Department of Social Development and Welfare remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through ongoing awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, and in partnership with community stakeholders, the department continues to advocate for stronger measures to safeguard our most vulnerable members of society our children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programmes, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

Mrs. Stacey Jogie (Education Representative)

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321                                                                                                                                                                                                                To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:                                                                                                                                                                                                                        MASH: 1-649-338-4013                                                                                                                                                                                                       mash@gov.tc                                                                                     reportabusetci@gov.tc

 

Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare

Facebook: @department of social development, tci

 

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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