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Turks & Caicos taking seriously: World No Tobacco Day 2025

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 2 June 2025: The Department of Behavioural Health Services joined the rest of the world on 31 May 2025 in observance of World No Tobacco Day, under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. This year’s theme is a fitting one, as we have seen an increase in tobacco use amongst youths and young people globally. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), “an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among young people exceeds that of adults.”

We are not exempt from such an alarming rise in tobacco and vape use here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We have also seen significant increases in vaping and e-cigarettes use trending amongst our youth population. This is of great concern, as the risks associated with tobacco use in young people, especially our teens, is detrimental. It is important for young people and the larger population to recognise that the tobacco company’s main goal is to sell their product and increase profit; there is little to no concern regarding the damage it causes an individual. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Tobacco and nicotine industries use insidious strategies to make their harmful products appealing, especially to young people. Manipulative product designs, attractive flavours, and glamourised marketing create a false sense of security and evoke desirability” and this illusion needs to be broken.

Commenting on World No Tobacco Day, the Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Kyle Knowles stated, “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed in implementing policies and legislation that targets the sales and use of tobacco products to minors and young people. The overall health and well-being of our people is of utmost concern and we are resolute in ensuring that prevention strategies and campaigns are in place which promote awareness surrounding the dangers of tobacco use and its products.”

As we observe World No Tobacco Day, the Department of Behavioural Health Services would like to remind the general public of the following under the Turks and Caicos Tobacco Ordinance:

Smoking in Public Places:

  • 23. (1) A person shall not smoke or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace, or public conveyance, including a place listed in Schedule 3.
  • (4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction— (a) to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both; and (b) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years, or to both.

Prohibition of Tobacco Sales to Minors:

  • 24. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product to a child.
  • (3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.

Offenses, penalties and liabilities

  • 48. (1) A person who obstructs or hinders an authorized officer in the performance of his duties commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both.

Prohibition on sales of tobacco product in certain places

  • 27. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product in the following places— (a) facilities where health care services are provided; (b) sports, athletic or recreational facilities; (c) government buildings; (d) educational facilities; and (e) any other place as may be prescribed.
  • (2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.

We all have a role to play in the fight against tobacco, and this is how you can join the campaign and show your support as we build a healthier Turks and Caicos:

Schools:

  • Raise awareness of the health risk and dangers associated with smoking, tobacco products, nicotine and other related paraphernalia’s associated with smoking.

Community/Consumers:

  • Educate yourself and become aware of the facts surrounding tobacco use and the dangers to your health.

For more information on how you can stop smoking, contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on 649-338-3616 or 649-338-3613. Also, be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS  and @TCIDBHS on Instagram.

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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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