News
Opposition says PNP Gov’t continues to make bad contractual deals, putting ‘profits over people’
Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 31, 2024 – The Opposition says it is “profoundly shocked and dismayed” by a recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, on the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations.
In a statement issued by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Edwin A. Astwood, he said over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting, and sought clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and they “left without substantive information by the Government.”
He said, included in the meeting, were the Premier and Cabinet Ministers, and the lack of information 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,” he pointed out.
Mr. Astwood who is also the leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), is contending that simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient, and 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.
He said the critical issue is that, the Progressive National Party (PNP) Government’s continuation in making “bad contractual deals” with Outside companies that have been shown to have “ultimately disadvantaged” the people of the 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 prioritise profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition said 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, and 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.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
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