Connect with us

News

Turks and Caicos Islands represented at Red Ensign Group Conference 2024  

Published

on

The 35th Red Ensign Group (REG) Conference was convened and hosted by Jersey over the period 17 – 20 June 2024. The primary objective of this conference ranges from sustainability to greener shipping and innovation, future maritime strategies and maritime safety standards within the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. Over the four days of the conference, a range of issues pertaining to maritime safety, security and the protection of the marine environment were highlighted and discussed by the delegates regarding best practices, exchange of information and ways of improving the performance of the British Registers. These included but were not limited to:

  1. Health and growth of the Red Ensign Group fleet
  2. Status of IMO Convention and UK Legislative Changes
  3. REG inputs in Caribbean Regional meetings
  4. International Maritime Organisation Mandatory Instrument (Triple I/III) Code Strategy and Future Direction
  5. Long-Term Maritime Strategy
  6. Hydrography and Marine Spatial Planning
  7. Search and Rescue and Counter Pollution
  8. Port Marine Safety Code and Marine Safety Management System
  9. Vessel Registration (processes/procedures)
  10. Digital Approach to Registries
  11. Establishment of Capacity Building Working Group
  12. REG Maritime Security Tabletop Exercise
  13. Maritime Sanctions

Approximately 80 delegates from all sixteen REG maritime administrations were in attendance, including Turks and Caicos Islands delegates, Director Thecla Joseph and Senior Maritime Officer Trevor Williams from the Department of Maritime and Shipping, Harbour Master Eric Cooper from the Port Authority and Representative to the UK and Head of Office Turks and Caicos Islands Government, London Office, Tracy Knight. Out of the fruitful debates and discussions, there were many recommendations for the delegates to implement in support of improving maritime safety in their respective territories. The conference will ultimately help to strengthen the role of the Maritime Administration and, by extension, the TCI to carry out its flag, port and coastal state responsibilities. Director Thecla Joseph stated, “The conference not only contributes to the development and strengthening of the maritime sector but also promotes the exchange of information between administrations regarding experiences and best practices for a more effective implementation of international instruments beneficial to TCI as we prepare for our IMO audit in December 2024”.

 Senior Maritime Officer Williams also commented on the success of the conference,  “This is all about working together and being responsible for some of the most significant coastal areas in the world; vital in supporting and improving our ship registers, while showing the benefits of maritime sector to the local economies.”

Harbour Master Eric Cooper stated “The Ports Authority is grateful for the nomination and to be part of TCI delegation. Participation in this year’s Conference and Coastal State Forum allowed an assessment on current workplans along with prioritising future work plans consisting in meeting our shared Coastal State obligations.” TCI Representative to the UK also commented, “It was an honour to be part of the TCI delegation to the REG Conference this year. The Conference provided an opportunity for engagement on maritime strategy and policy matters, as well as to build valuable relationships with persons from across the REG family.”

 

Caption

The REG conference began in 1988 as an opportunity for the registrars of the REG to get together to share ideas, harmonize processes and discuss ways forward. Since then, it has expanded to cover seafarer welfare and regulatory matters as well as coastal preparedness including search and rescue and pollution response. 

Every year the conference is held at a different location, reflecting the geography of the Red Ensign Group. REG consists of the UK, the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man and Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. There will also be delegates in attendance from the non-ship registry Overseas Territories of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha.  Source: https://www.redensigngroup.org/

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING