News
SAFETY DURING RECLAMATION EXERCISES
Understanding the Importance of Public Safety and Compliance During Reclamation Operations
The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with partner agencies, continues to carry out reclamation exercises across the Turks and Caicos Islands as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to support safer, more orderly, and sustainable communities.
As these activities continue, the ISU is reminding members of the public of the importance of complying with safety instructions and
avoiding actions that may place themselves or others at risk during reclamation exercises.
In this context, reclamation refers to the process of returning land under unlawful occupation back to lawful control and safe use. Reclamation exercises may involve the removal of unauthorized or unsafe structures, site clearing, debris removal, and restoration activities intended to return affected areas to a condition suitable for lawful and productive use.
While these exercises are carefully coordinated and managed by multiple agencies, they can involve heavy equipment, unstable structures, falling debris, and other hazardous conditions. As a result, public safety remains the highest priority throughout all operations.
One of the most important ways persons can assist in ensuring their own safety is by complying with notices issued prior to reclamation exercises. Persons served with notices are urged to carefully follow all instructions contained within those notices, including directives to vacate structures and avoid the area during operational activities. Compliance not only protects individuals and families from harm, but also allows exercises to proceed in a safe and orderly manner.
The ISU is also advising members of the public that persons should not enter reclamation sites while exercises are underway for any reason. This restriction applies not only during the active phase of the operation, but also during the period immediately following the dismantling of structures while debris and materials remain on site. Even after structures have been removed, the area may still contain hazards including unstable debris, exposed sharp objects, hidden dangers beneath rubble, and active heavy equipment.
Persons are therefore strongly discouraged from returning to reclamation sites to retrieve building materials, personal items, or any other
objects once exercises have commenced. Entering active or unsecured work zones can place lives at serious risk and may interfere with the safe execution of the operation.
Members of the public should also be aware that unauthorized persons entering reclamation sites may be treated as trespassers by the relevant authorities. Access to these sites is restricted to authorized personnel directly involved in the execution and management of the operation.
Additionally, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has a duty to protect life and maintain public safety during these exercises. As such, police officers may take the necessary steps, including the physical removal of unauthorized persons from operational areas, where their presence presents a danger to themselves or others.
These measures are not intended to punish members of the public, but rather to prevent injuries, avoid unnecessary confrontation, and ensure that reclamation exercises can be completed safely, efficiently, and without major incident.
The ISU is therefore encouraging all residents and community members to cooperate with instructions issued before and during reclamation exercises and to respect all safety barriers, notices, and directions provided by authorities on site.
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.
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.
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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