News
Edwin Astwood Statement: Carnival and the PNP Government “Secret Dealings!”
Press Statement*
From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.
The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.
It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.
Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.
The critical issue is that of this PNP government’s continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.
The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people,
our communities, and our collective well-being.
At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.
By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.
It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”
The Premier and his government’s lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.
Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.
As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?
On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.
it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement. Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.
Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
People’s Democratic Movement
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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