News
TCIs First Ports Authority Director honoured in Opening of $4 Million Complex
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, April 11, 2025 – The new $4 Million, 8,000 square foot home of the Ports Authority at South Dock, Providenciales is named in honour of the man who was the first to hold the position of director; the late Clinton Hugh Wilson; a dedication ceremony cemented his legacy as a visionary leader.
“His contributions help to shape the very institutions that protect our borders and support our economy. He was a man of vision, integrity
and action. One who saw the importance of strong institutions and dedicated his life to building them.
Although Mr. Wilson is no longer with us today his presence is felt in the very fabric of our law enforcement and port operation. His work laid the foundation for the continued group and modernization of this critical sector and today we assure that his name and legacy live on in a meaningful way,” said Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Developments.
The opening and dedication event was held on Friday April 4, 2025 and featured a string of tribute remarks from the territory’s governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Hon Arlington Musgrove, the Minister of Public Works with responsibility for the Ports, Wilson’s former colleagues and his own family. There was a stirring tribute song by his daughter, Alyssa and a gracious acceptance speech delivered by his wife, Sheba Wilson.
“This moment means more than words can truly express for our family. It’s a reminder that his labour was not in vain, that his sacrifices, his sleepless nights, his unwavering integrity, and his tireless service to this country have not been forgotten.
To have his name now etched into the very structure of the Port Authority, an institution which he helped to build is fitting and powerful. It’s not just a building. It is a monument to his vision, to his commitment and to his quiet, but steadfast leadership.
For his children, this moment is especially meaningful. You all now have a physical place where your father‘s legacy lives on a place that you can point to and say that’s my dad,” shared Sheba Wilson.
The late, Mr. Wilson, also affectionately called ‘TC’ was a pioneering member of the SPICE Unit and was an expert enforcement agent and is credited with, “setting up the operational framework of the Ports Authority.”
“It takes vision. It takes determination and it takes hard work, rolling up your sleeves to drive delivery; so today really is a day for the Wilson family for the Minister and for the whole entire team of the Port Authority. It is no small feat to get here, but particularly to deliver major infrastructure whilst you’re also ensuring the day-to-day operations and business continuity of the Port Authority, so I’d like to just say today, thanks on behalf of everyone for all that you have done in driving this and your service to this nation. As we cut the ribbon today, let it not just be about the opening of a building but really the acknowledgment of the foundational pillars that you have built to enable the
progression and the economic success of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” shared Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam, when she brought remarks.
The new complex was described as a major step toward modernizing the maritime infrastructure of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Clinton Wilson Port Complex sits at South Dock and initiates the roll out of several other key developments.
“It’s a one stop for all things shipping; with four rental units housing key stakeholders, government departments, such as Border Service and the Traffic Department and Ports Authority is designed to make operations smoother, more efficient and precise. Just as important, it creates a safe well-equipped environment for our staff to thrive. They deserve this. They deserve the best and we intend to give it to them. At over 8,000 square feet and about $4 million invested, this is the first major “visible” step in the broader plan to redevelop South Dock, Providenciales.
This building is only the beginning; it’s the flagship of a bigger vision and in that same spirit, I am incredibly proud and honored to pay tribute to one of the founding fathers of the Ports Authority,” said Tueton Williams, Chairman of the Board of the Ports Authority.
Within the next two months, a new berth will be opened at South Dock; expanding capacity due to the ability to simultaneously accommodate a containerized boat and a barge. The new docking space will free up the current berth at South Dock and eventually deliver an import/export hub capable of serving more ships, faster.
“It will not only improve our operational capabilities but also enhance our ability to serve our community and our partners. it represents the significant investment in our future, and we are confident that it will play a crucial role in our continued growth and success,” said Lynco Williams, Project Manager.
With family and friends looking on, the project manager welcomed audiences virtually and in person.
“The commissioning of the Clinton Wilson Port Complex marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of South Dock. This complex, the first component of the South Dock redevelopment project represents a crucial step towards establishing a world class logistics hub for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This project’s completion could not have been possible without the dedication, vision and collaborative spirit of numerous stakeholders. We extend our deepest appreciation to the government of the Turks & Caicos Islands and the various departments for unwavering support, consistent funding and enduring commitment to the South Dock redevelopment project,” informed Delton Jones, Director of the TCI Ports
Authority.
A bundle of keys, giving access to the multi-service building were handed over by Stephen Walkin of AEMS Construction who thanked the Ports Authority for the opportunity. AEMS Construction delivered the project on budget and within near perfect timing; it was said to be just a few days off the target in a job saluted as well done.
“We express our sincere thanks to the architects and engineers whose expert expertise transformed the initial concepts into a functional, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing design. We commend the exceptional work of our contractors, A&S and their subcontractors; their professionalism and focus on quality with instrumental in achieving the milestone. The invaluable feedback of our port users significantly shaped the functionality of this complex, ensuring it meets their operational needs effectively. We deeply appreciate your input.”
Also attending the event from TCIG were: HE, Anya Williams, Deputy Governor; Hon Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Border Services Minister; Hon Jameka Williams, Deputy Speaker; Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs; Rachel Taylor, MP for the area and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports; Zhavago Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture and Environment, other House of Assembly members including Hon Sammy Been and Hon Willin Belliard along with Delthia Misick, First lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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