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Turks and Caicos Islands Surpasses Regional Targets in the World Bank Digital Skills Programme

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Washington, D.C. – 5 May 2026– The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage through the successful implementation of the Vincula LAC Digital Skills Programme, an initiative led by the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the World Bank and Coursera.

Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Vincula LAC Graduation Ceremony held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. were members of the Vincula LAC Turks and Caicos Implementation Team, Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Prinicia Miller, Workforce Development Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). Their attendance reflects the Turks and Caicos Islands’ strategic commitment to equipping its citizens with globally competitive digital skills and strengthening workforce capacity to support economic growth and innovation.

To mark the occasion locally, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College hosted a live watch event where participants across the Turks and Caicos Islands gathered to view the graduation ceremony and were formally presented with their certificates. The event served as a national celebration of achievement and progress in digital skills development.

In attendance were the Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, and the Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Dr. Delores Stapleton-Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs and Dr. Patroy Montaque, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. Both ministers delivered remarks congratulating graduates from across the Turks and Caicos Islands and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to digital education and workforce opportunities.

Since its launch in the Turks and Caicos Islands in August 2025, the Vincula LAC programme has demonstrated strong national engagement and impact. By the end of the programme, approximately 688 participants across the country had enrolled, collectively expressing interest in over 1,400 courses. Against an allocation of 500 licenses, the Turks and Caicos Islands achieved an exceptional 516 course completions, surpassing The World Bank’s target by 3.2 percent.

This performance reflects not only strong national engagement but also a clear demonstration of the country’s capacity to maximize access and translate opportunity into measurable outcomes.

Available data indicates strong participation across several islands.  Among those who reported their location, 155 graduates were from Providenciales, 31 from Grand Turk, 18 from North and Middle Caicos and 8 from South Caicos. While not all participants indicated their island of residence at point of completion, these figures demonstrate broad national engagement and the programme’s reach across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The programme continues to play a critical role in equipping citizens with in-demand digital skills that support national development priorities, economic diversification, and workforce resilience.

Building on this success, the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture are pleased to announce that funding has been allocated to continue the online Coursera offerings.  A total of 200 licenses have been secured for the year and will be strategically rotated to ensure maximum utilisation and national reach. The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College will continue to manage and deliver the programme as part of its online offerings.

Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy stated: 

“This initiative is not simply about course completion. It is about national capacity building. We are deliberately positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands to compete in a digital global economy by investing in our people, expanding access to technology-driven learning, and creating pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.”

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture stated: 

“Education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The success of the Vincula LAC programme demonstrates what is possible when access, opportunity, and intentional policy align. We are proud of our graduates and remain committed to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to develop the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.”

Dr. Candice Williams, President/CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College stated: 

“This achievement reflects transformation. It demonstrates our ability as a nation to convert access into achievement and learning into impact. At TCICC, we are committed to ensuring that digital education is not a privilege, but a pathway. A pathway that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and positions the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leader in workforce development within the region.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites residents across the islands to enroll in its online Coursera programmes and gain in-demand digital skills through flexible, self-paced learning and globally recognised certifications.

Whether you are starting your career, advancing professionally, or exploring new opportunities, this is your moment to invest in your future.

Do not wait for opportunity. Prepare for it!

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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