News
Is this Economy Working for You?
Sean R. Astwood
Turks and Caicos, September 5, 2024 – In recent years, the widening gap between economic prosperity and the struggles of the average person has become impossible to ignore. While corporations report record profits and government boast about surplus after surplus, many families find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of everyday life. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages that do not keep up with inflation, and an ever-increasing burden of debt have created an environment where prosperity in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) feels like a distant memory.
The financial strain on everyday people is getting worse. Each month, thousands of households face the daunting task of balancing their finances. Rent and mortgage payments consume a significant portion of their income, leaving little room for essentials like groceries, healthcare, and education. A recent small random survey of average working TCIs revealed that nearly 60% would struggle to cover an unexpected $300 expense. This statistic highlights a deeper issue: the fragility of financial security for the average person.
Inflation continues to erode buying power, making it harder to afford basic necessities. Gas prices fluctuate unpredictably, and grocery bills have surged, forcing families to make tough choices about what to buy and what to go without. The burden of loans from banks and other financial companies with insanely high interest rates, along with continuous medical expenses, weighs heavily on TCI families, many of whom feel trapped in a cycle of financial instability that is causing widespread stress. I also spoke with a cross section of persons near retirement age, private and public sector workers, who have expressed that they are not able to retire. Higher interest rates have significantly increased their monthly mortgage payments, while their salaries remain stagnant. The fear of losing home ownership post-retirement is real.
As these pressures mount, feelings of hopelessness are spreading across. Many people feel overwhelmed by their financial situations. This despair is not just economic; it affects communities. Reports of mental health struggles are on the rise, although they are often underreported social interactions and community ties, leading to a general sense of disillusionment with our political system, and causing some to buy into the false narrative that all politicians and political parties are the same.
People are questioning whether their voices matter in a system that seems to prioritize the interests of big business over the welfare of its people. Cries for help are met with silence from the government, promises made during the last elections campaign have been quickly forgotten, leaving many feeling that their efforts are futile. The notion that hard work leads to success has become increasingly elusive, and the promise of upward mobility feels like a cruel joke.
However, in this bleak landscape, there is a flicker of hope on the horizon. As we approach the next elections, the opportunity for change is near. A new government, one that prioritizes the needs of the man on the streets over big business, could bring a renewed sense of optimism.
As a candidate, I am focused on implementing policies that address wage stagnation, affordable housing, crime and border security, healthcare and immigration reform, the full implementation of e-government and true prosperity for all TCIs. These well-thought-out policies and programs resonate deeply with a populace weary of empty promises. It is time to think big and act boldly for our people and our country. The possibility of a government that truly represents the interests of its people will soon be realized.
By voting for candidates who prioritize economic reform and social equity, you can reclaim your dreams and begin to rebuild your lives. Your power as a voter cannot be underestimated; it has the potential to reshape our economy into one that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. That is why my plan to designate certain sectors of the economy for TCIs only is so important. Under my plan, specific sectors of the economy will be exclusively owned and operated by Turks and Caicos Islanders. This means that all shares, business licenses, company assets, bank accounts, and profits will be 100% TCI-owned.
Under this plan, expatriates would be limited to acting solely as financiers, offering loans to TCI-owned companies without holding any ownership stakes. This approach will address the challenge of access to capital for TCIs, which has been one of the biggest hurdles to locals starting, operating, and expanding their businesses. It will promote greater local business ownership and growth. My plan will also be the final solution to “fronting,” which has historically undermined the efforts of successive governments.
As we stand at this crossroads, let us harness our frustrations and channel them into a movement for change. Together, we can create a future where financial security is not a luxury but a right for all. It is time to turn the tide and reclaim the narrative of hope for the average man and woman in our society.
The journey may be long, but with determination and unity, a brighter economic future is within reach.
It’s time for TCIs!
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
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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