Connect with us

News

Over 300 Persons Trained Under Successful Innovative Project  

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 30th October 2024 – Stakeholders in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are pleased to announce that the Post Covid-19 Resilient Recovery project in TCI is drawing to a close at the end of this year. This initiative, which launched in 2022, has made strides in empowering local communities through targeted training programs, designed to support long-term sustainable development.

A central highlight of the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme supported, European Union financed and Expertise France implemented project which concludes at the end of the year is the Community Hub. The Hub has successfully trained more than 300 individuals in practical skills that are helping improve food security and enhancing economic diversification across TCI. The trainings (delivered by Mario A. M. Smith, a consultant agronomist) in hydroponic crop production and composting gave attendees the tools to expand their skill sets and drive new opportunities for local communities. Two participants have even become certified trainers, marking a significant step toward a self-sustaining, locally-led agricultural sector.

“This initiative has not only been instrumental in driving our recovery from the global pandemic but has also positioned us to thrive in the face of future challenges, bringing tangible benefits to our islands. Our people are more equipped to adapt to a rapidly changing world. This project has fostered collaboration across sectors, showing the power of collective effort in community resilience”, remarked Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Michelle Fulford, one of the Community Hub Training Facilitators, said: “The essence of community resilience is the ability to empower vulnerable groups by building capacity among them. Providing people with the requisite skills to manage and diversify in their operations will help to minimize the impacts of adverse events such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic downturns, and the like.”

In collaboration with the TCI Fishing Cooperative, the Community Hub has also trained over 80 individuals in sustainable fisheries management. By helping local fishers enhance their skills and knowledge, the program is fostering economic growth and promoting responsible environmental stewardship. The project also created ‘Champion Fishers’, individuals who were trained on small scale commercial fisheries management. This team will now lead fisheries training sessions across TCI, with the goal of fostering community-led resilience.

Waste management training held on Provo taught innovative waste reduction strategies. Led by Green VI, the training explored topics such as waste as a resource, creating eco-friendly cleaning products, and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle on island. Participants were also guided in developing social business models that could play a vital role in addressing TCI’s waste management challenges.

The project also developed a Natural Capital Investment Plan (NCIP) that outlines investments which could also benefit TCIs environment. TCIs natural environments include breathtaking coral reefs and expansive mangrove forests which play a critical role in supporting the tourism-focussed economy and provide important services such as storm protection, food provision and carbon sequestration. The plan sets out a pathway to increase future investment to protect TCI’s economy, communities, and natural environments.

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) within the TCI Government, in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) worked closely together with key project partners, including the TCI Fishing Co-operative, TCI National Trust, and Invest Turks and Caicos to develop this plan.

Luc Clerveaux, Director of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) said: “By investing in TCI’s natural capital, we are investing in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its communities.”

“This plan lays a sustainable path forward that not only preserves the environment but also bolsters the TCI economy against the challenges of climate change and global economic fluctuations.”

As the project closes the team will be posting final reports and other essential information to the project website and establishing a resource centre for a virtual Community Hub. This will ensure that the training opportunities and knowledge gained over the course of the project will persist far into the future and provide a location for local individuals and business to access practical information on a wide range of relevant topics.

Visit our website here to stay in touch: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/community-resilience-tc

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

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.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING