NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Regional policymakers, development financiers, economists and international partners are converging on Nassau this week as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) stages its 56th Annual Meeting at the Baha Mar Resort from June 1-5, 2026.

Held under the theme, “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times,” the gathering is expected to place The Bahamas at the center of discussions on some of the region’s most pressing challenges, from climate resilience and energy security to debt sustainability and economic growth.

At the launch of the annual meeting on March 19, CDB President Daniel Best underscored the importance of bringing together leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond at a time of global uncertainty.

“The Annual Meeting provides a strategic moment for the Caribbean, an opportunity for our leaders, governments, development institutions, private sector, youth, and international partners to come together to identify practical solutions that can help the Region navigate uncertainty while unlocking the opportunities that lie ahead,” Best said.

The conference host, newly named Bahamas Minister of Finance and Chairman of the CDB Board of Governors, Michael Halkitis, also emphasized the significance of the event during the March 19 launch ceremony.

“Today’s gathering marks more than the start of preparations for an important meeting. It represents the beginning of a renewed conversation about the future of the Caribbean, about our shared aspirations, our common challenges, and the partnerships that will shape the path forward for our region,” Halkitis said.

He added: “Hosting the 56th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank here in Nassau provides an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and advance meaningful dialogue on the future of the Caribbean.”

Over the five-day meeting, delegates will tackle major issues including energy transition and resilience, innovative debt solutions for Caribbean economies, and the impact of global economic shocks on regional development.

The programme features a number of high-level events including the Youth FIRE Forum, the William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, the President’s Chat titled Financing the Future: MDB Strategies for Uncertain Times, and a series of policy seminars examining climate finance, infrastructure, economic resilience and development lending.

Among the featured participants are CDB President Daniel Best, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis, senior officials from multilateral development banks, regional finance ministers, central bank governors, economists, development specialists and private-sector leaders. The President’s Chat is expected to bring together leaders of major multilateral development banks to discuss financing strategies for developing states facing mounting economic pressures.

The annual meeting also includes sessions branded “EDGE X by CDB: Analytics Unlocked,” which will explore the economic costs of traffic congestion in the Caribbean and how global crises continue to affect regional economies.

The CDB Annual Meeting traditionally attracts representatives from the Bank’s 28 member countries, including government ministers, senior public officials, development agencies, international financial institutions, youth delegates, academics and private-sector stakeholders. Hundreds of delegates are expected to participate in discussions that will help shape development priorities and financing strategies across the Caribbean in the years ahead.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Turks and Caicos, June 1, 2026 – As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today, Turks and Caicos Islanders are being encouraged to prepare both practically and spiritually, with national disaster officials launching a series of island-wide prayer services while government agencies finalize readiness plans for the months ahead.

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) kicked off its annual hurricane season prayer initiative on Sunday, May 31, with a service at Providence Baptist Church in North Caicos. The initiative reflects the country’s longstanding tradition of seeking divine protection at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The prayer circuit will continue on June 7 at Abundant Life Ministries International in Providenciales, June 14 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in South Caicos, June 21 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, and conclude on June 28 at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk.

While churches unite in prayer, government agencies are strengthening operational readiness.

On May 28, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the first State of Preparedness Meeting for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, bringing together key government officials, emergency responders, utility providers and critical infrastructure partners ahead of the June 1 start of the season.

According to the Governor’s Office, representatives from the DDME, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, healthcare and emergency services, along with utility and infrastructure leaders, reviewed national readiness plans, shelter preparedness, continuity of essential services, inter-agency coordination and response strategies.

The Governor emphasized the importance of proactive preparation, coordination and public awareness to ensure the Turks and Caicos Islands remains resilient throughout the hurricane season.

The discussions come as forecasters at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, predict a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. NOAA says there is a 55 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season. Forecasters are predicting between eight and 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes.

Despite the relatively favorable outlook, NOAA officials continue to caution against complacency.

“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”

For Turks and Caicos, that message resonates strongly. The islands remain among the Caribbean territories most vulnerable to hurricanes, and memories of major storms such as Hurricanes Ike, Irma and Maria continue to underscore the importance of preparedness.

As hurricane season opens, officials are urging residents to secure emergency supplies, review family preparedness plans, stay informed through official channels and participate in community readiness efforts. And for many across the islands, that preparation begins with prayer.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

By Dreandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Plenty of grocery bargains can still be found across the Turks and Caicos Islands, with some staple items selling for less than a dollar. But the latest Breadbasket Price Report reveals a persistent reality for consumers: where you live continues to play a major role in what you pay at the checkout counter.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition’s May 2026 Breadbasket Report highlights dozens of products surveyed between May 1 and May 13, tracking prices across Providenciales, South Caicos, Grand Turk and North Caicos.

The good news for consumers is that several everyday items remain available at remarkably low prices. The survey found purified water for as little as 60 cents, ramen noodles for 60 cents, Vienna sausage for $1.25, evaporated milk for $1.40, vegetable oil for $3.35 and bananas for $1.10 at some Providenciales retailers.

But when prices rise, they rise dramatically.

The report suggests that the further consumers move from the country’s primary shipping hub at South Dock, Providenciales, the more likely they are to encounter significantly higher grocery prices.

Among the most eye-catching examples was a package of adult diapers selling for $46 at a North Caicos store, one of the highest prices recorded in the entire survey. Baby diapers were also listed at $46 in another North Caicos location.

North Caicos shoppers were additionally paying as much as $25.50 for a 20-pound bag of Riceland long grain rice, $23 for another rice product and $15 for bottled water, all among the highest prices flagged by the Department.

South Caicos showed similar trends. The report found leg quarters selling for $30, drumsticks reaching $30, eggs priced as high as $30 per tray, diapers at $27.50, rice at $26, and bottled water climbing to $27.50.

Meanwhile, Grand Turk residents faced their own premium prices, including shredded cheddar cheese at $27.99, bottled water at $20, cooking oil approaching $10, and rice products exceeding $16 per package.

The Department identifies the two lowest prices for each item in green and the two highest prices in red, making it easier for consumers to compare costs and shop strategically.

Providenciales supermarkets continued to dominate the low-price category, with Graceway Smart, Graceway IGA, GK Retail, GK Wholesale, Sunny Foods and other major retailers frequently appearing among the lowest-cost options.

The findings underscore a challenge long familiar to residents: transportation costs, shipping logistics and island geography continue to influence the price of food and household goods throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For consumers, the lesson from May’s report is straightforward. Comparison shopping remains one of the best tools for saving money, but geography still matters — and often determines how much families ultimately spend to fill their grocery carts.