News

PM Christie Remarks at at ‘Yes’ Bahamas Campaign Referendum Launch

Published

10 years ago

June 6, 2016

Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the Launch of the YES Bahamas Campaign “Equal Rights for our Sons and Daughters” on Sunday, April 10, 2016 Harry C. Moore Library College of The Bahamas:

It is my very great pleasure to be here today in order to welcome — with excitement and with gratitude — Lady Sharon Wilson and Lynn Holowesko, as the official Co-Chairs of the YES Bahamas Campaign.

I look out at this room and I see people from all of the nation’s political parties, happy and excited to work together in service of this great cause – and it underscores for me the importance of what is at stake. All of us here today are in full agreement that some things are bigger than politics – equal rights for our sons and daughters certainly meets that standard.

Although he couldn’t be here today, I want to thank the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Minnis, for his unquestionable commitment to equal rights for Bahamian citizens. He has worked with the Constitutional Commission, he and I have sat with church leaders, and he worked with me to recruit the very impressive Co-Chairs we are introducing today. I thank him for his resolve and his determination.

He and I agree that the YES Bahamas Campaign must be one that brings Bahamians together. Already, so many people have asked how they can help – we have heard from students and teachers, mothers and fathers, leaders in the church, artists and athletes, Bahamians from across our islands.

The YES Bahamas Campaign will bring people together in common cause, and the Co-Chairs who will run the campaign will bring their very considerable determination, experience, and energy to this historic movement for change.

Lady Sharon Wilson has been a teacher and a Chief Magistrate, runs one of the nation’s leading law firms, and is currently serving as President of the Senate. She is active in her church, the recipient of awards too numerous to list here today, a member of multiple boards, and known for her considerable philanthropic and charitable work.

Mrs. Lynn Holowesko has served as a Senator and as President of the Senate, Chaired both the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission and the National Trust, Co-Chaired a Panel of Experts on Environmental Law for the United Nations, and is – clearly — a very distinguished member of the Bahamian Bar.

In other words: these women are formidable and outstanding leaders! They have already done so much to contribute to our country, but clearly they are not content to rest on their laurels – their presence here today shows their deep patriotism and their dedication to building a more just Bahamas. They will be supported by an excellent team lead by former Senators Cheryl Bazzard and Heather Hunt who will act as Co-Executive Directors. Both of these ladies represent the next generation of outstanding leaders. Each in their own right continues to serve our nation well.

Thank you all so much for bringing on board your enthusiasm and your expertise. I am confident that under your leadership, the YES Bahamas Campaign will both educate and inspire.

Before I turn things over, I want to take a moment to outline how we arrived at this moment – to put this referendum in context, and explain its purpose and importance.

The Bahamas Independence Order of 1973 was an Act of the British Parliament that provided for The Bahamas to become an independent sovereign nation, and our Constitution is an appendix to that Act. The 15 Bahamian men who attended a Constitutional Conference in London in December of 1972 are known as the Framers of our Constitution. To this day, the students in our schools learn of their leadership and contributions.

They created a Constitution which prevented Parliament from passing laws which would discriminate based on race or creed or place of origin – but they did not include sex – that is, they did not insert any language in the Constitution which would prevent Parliament from passing laws which discriminate against men or women.

This referendum is simply about bringing our Constitution up to date to reflect our shared values as a society. Men and women will always be different, and no law or change to the Constitution could or should ever change that – in fact, we celebrate our differences – but we do believe that as citizens who share the same responsibilities, the time has come for men and women, our sons and daughters, to share the same rights.

I know this is a value shared by Bahamians because a long process of consultation has led us to this moment. The Constitutional Commission, appointed in 2012, has traveled far and wide throughout the country, holding town halls and meeting with citizens. The Commission consulted not just widely but deeply, holding extensive meetings with lawyers, academics, church leaders, and many other citizens who wanted to share their views. I acknowledge in particular the very substantial role that was played in the process by the late Dr. Myles Munroe, the founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries. He and other Leaders met many times with the Constitutional Commission and me. They gave excellent suggestions, were very energetically involved, and very committed to seeing the Constitution reformed so that men and women could achieve equal rights as citizens.

Earlier this month, the bills received overwhelming support in the House of Assembly, and then passed unanimously in the Senate. So now they go to the people – and this is a constitutional referendum, so the people’s word is final and binding.

On Tuesday, June 7th, Bahamians will be asked to vote YES on four common sense changes to our Constitution, so that Bahamian men and women are able to pass citizenship to their families in the same way, and so that it will be impossible for any future Parliament to pass laws discriminating against either men or women.

I want to be clear: these bills do not propose radical change. Instead, this is about making sure that the supreme law of the land reflects our values and our commitment to fairness.

The First proposed Amendment would allow children born abroad to obtain Bahamian citizenship from either their Bahamian father or mother, in those circumstances where the other parent is not Bahamian. Right now, only Bahamian men are entitled to pass their Bahamian citizenship to their children born abroad in these situations.

This amendment says: Bahamian mothers and their children should have the same rights as Bahamian fathers and their children.

Amendment Two would enable a Bahamian woman who marries a non-Bahamian man to secure for him the same ability to apply for Bahamian citizenship – following the same steps, and subject to the same considerations – currently afforded to a Bahamian man married to a non-Bahamian woman.

I would like to emphasize that the second bill would NOT make citizenship automatic for foreign husbands of Bahamian women, just as it is not currently automatic for foreign wives. It merely grants those spouses the same right to apply for citizenship, following the same very long process.

There is nothing easy or quick or convenient about becoming a citizen this way – the process typically takes more than 10 years, and involves interviews and inspections to ensure the marriage is legitimate.

Immigration officers are given the same investigative powers as police officers as they determine whether a marriage is legitimate. And as of 2015, it is now a criminal act to participate in a fraudulent marriage, punishable by a fine or jail or both.

Thus, amendment two is designed only to help real Bahamian families, and its purpose is to give Bahamian women the same rights as Bahamian men.

Amendment Three would correct that provision in our Constitution that currently discriminates against men. The change would mean that an unmarried Bahamian man could pass on his Bahamian citizenship to a child fathered with a non- Bahamian woman, if he is able to prove by DNA evidence that he is the father. This right currently belongs only to women.

We are ready for a Constitution that supports fathers who want to keep their children close.

Amendment Four would update Article 26 of the Constitution, so that it would become unconstitutional for Parliament to pass any laws that discriminate based on sex, which is defined as “male or female”.

There have been some questions about the intent and the possible effects of this change. The purpose of this amendment is only to ensure that Bahamian men and women are equal under the law.

I am going to emphasize that in The Bahamas, by law – under the Matrimonial Causes Act — marriage must be between a man and a woman, and this amendment will not change that.

In fact, the lawyers who drafted the language of the amendment went out of their way to protect traditional marriage, by defining “sex” as meaning “male or female”. The language is clear, and the intent of Parliament – which any future court is likewise obliged to consider – is also crystal clear.

And I am advised that there have been NO cases in Commonwealth countries like ours, with a Westminster-style Constitution, in which the right to non- discrimination on the basis of sex led to a judicially-created right to same-sex marriage.

I repeat: this referendum will not cause same-sex marriage to become legal in The Bahamas. Marriage in The Bahamas will be legal only if it is between a man and a woman, and male and female are determined at birth.

I am so emphatic because it is so important for Bahamians to vote on what is really at stake – equal rights for our sons and daughters – and not let false rumours or incorrect information hold sway.

This referendum does not seek to change Bahamian society or our traditional values – instead it seeks to change the Constitution so that it more clearly reflects those values, and our shared belief in fairness.

And so with full confidence, with immense gratitude, and with great anticipation — the baton is passed – to these very distinguished Co-Chairs, and to the many Bahamians who believe in equal rights.

I know the coming weeks will see a great celebration, an outpouring of support from those who are excited to make history, and in particular, the involvement of first-time voters, who have become eligible to vote since the previous election.

The YES Bahamas Campaign will be relying on Bahamians young and old for their creativity and enthusiasm, visiting each of our islands, and providing information to Bahamians on each of the amendments. And the Constitutional Commission will continue a very intense schedule of information sessions, which will also be held across the islands, where Bahamians can ask their questions in person and receive answers and information from legal experts.

In carrying out this work the Commission will continue to operate independently and with neutrality. Its job is to educate not to advocate for a Yes or No vote.

I want to share a conversation I had recently with an old-timer in my constituency. He asked me about the referendum, and I explained it the way I’ve done so here today. I’m not sure he was completely with me, though, until I asked him to think about his grandchildren who were playing near us in the street. Did he think that his grandsons and his granddaughters should have different rights as Bahamian citizens? He was indignant at the very thought. He wants the best for all his grandchildren – his dreams for the girls are no less grand than his dreams for the boys. And so he agreed — he wants them to grow up in a country where they are equal under the law.

I know this gentleman will be voting YES on June 7th, and that in this he will be joined by Bahamians from all walks of life, across our beautiful islands. Because there are moments to unite as a nation, moments when we come together to do the right thing, and this is one of those moments.

Health

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates Patient Safety Awareness Month: “Team Up for Patient Safety”

Published

4 days ago

March 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos Islands – March 23, 2026 – In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, observed March 8–14, 2026, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, operated by InterHealth Canada Ltd., proudly joined healthcare partners worldwide in advancing this year’s theme, “Team Up for Patient Safety.” The 2026 campaign emphasized the critical role of teamwork and reinforced the importance of collaboration among patients, families, care teams, and leadership in creating safer healthcare environments.

While globally observed as a week-long initiative, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extended its activities throughout the entire month of March, underscoring that patient safety requires sustained commitment, continuous learning, and shared accountability.

A Month of Learning, Engagement, and Collaboration

Throughout March, the hospital hosted a series of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) sessions aimed at strengthening competencies and reinforcing a culture of safety across all levels of care. These included:

Patient Safety – Your Role, empowering individuals to recognize and act on their impact on safety outcomes
Effective Communication Strategies, focusing on delivering safe care through structured, reliable communication
TeamSTEPPS – Reinforcement and Expansion, strengthening the use of evidence based teamwork tools to enhance care delivery

Grand Rounds sessions further supported clinical excellence and knowledge translation, featuring:

Rescue Ready 2025: Translating AHA PALS Updates into Practice
Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Roadmap for Caribbean Countries
Beyond the Algorithm: Applying the latest American heart Association BLS & ACLS Guidance in Emergency Practice

To promote engagement and learning in an interactive format, a Patient Safety Trivia Event was also hosted. The event featured five dynamic rounds covering patient safety principles, general knowledge, and a TCI knowledge lightning round, with prizes awarded to the top five participants. In addition, we welcomed Grade 4 students to our Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic, which served as an innovative extension of our patient safety efforts. This initiative allowed children to role-play as caregivers by bringing their teddy bears for “treatment,” helping them understand basic healthcare processes such as first aid, hand hygiene, communication, and safe care practices. By introducing these concepts early, the clinic not only reduces fear associated with healthcare settings but also promotes awareness of patient safety behaviours in a simple, memorable way.

Reaffirming a Shared Commitment

A defining moment of the month was the symbolic passing of the Patient Safety Baton, reinforcing the collective responsibility for safe care:

“Patient safety is not one person’s responsibility. It is a commitment we share across teams, departments, organizations, and nations; and it is upheld in partnership with every patient and family we serve.”

Advancing the 2026 Patient Safety Objectives

Aligned with the global theme, the hospital’s initiatives focused on four strategic priorities:

Promote Collaboration: Encouraging active participation from all members of the care team, including patients and families
Enhance Communication: Strengthening open dialogue to improve understanding of care plans and safety protocols
Recognize Achievements: Celebrating progress while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
Engage Communities: Inspiring broader discussions on patient safety, equity, and quality in healthcare delivery

Acknowledgements

The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extend sincere appreciation to all who participated in the month’s activities and contributed to the success and sustainability of this important initiative.

Special thanks are extended to our dedicated healthcare teams for their unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care; our video and production team for effectively amplifying key messages; our valued healthcare partners for their collaboration and support; and the leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands, including Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Honourable Premier, Charles Washington Misick and the Honourable Minister of Health, Kyle Knowles for their continued guidance and commitment to advancing patient safety nationally.

Building a Culture That Lasts

“Patient safety is not a solo effort, it is a collective commitment that defines the integrity of our healthcare system,” said Isha Honoré, Quality, Risk, Patient Safety and Management Lead at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital. “Our responsibility is to design and sustain environments where teams are supported, patients are heard, and risks are proactively managed. Through sustained engagement beyond this month, we are advancing a culture of high reliability, where safety is consistently delivered, measured, and continuously improved.”

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, noting that patient safety remains central to the hospital’s mission and strategic direction. “Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. This year’s theme, ‘Team Up for Patient Safety,’ reinforces a simple but powerful truth, safe care is achieved when we work together. At the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, we are committed to fostering a culture where collaboration, communication, and accountability guide every interaction. I am proud of our teams for their dedication throughout this month and beyond, as we continue to strengthen systems, empower our staff and patients, and deliver care that is consistently safe, reliable, and of high quality.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains dedicated to fostering a culture where safety is prioritized, communication is strengthened, and every voice, staff, patient, and family, is valued.

Healthcare professionals, community partners, patients, and families are encouraged to continue supporting patient safety by speaking up, staying informed, and working collaboratively to improve care outcomes.

Health

Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA) Elects New Executive

Published

4 days ago

March 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, March 23, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA) held its 2026 General Meeting and Elections on Saturday March 21^st 2026 at the Hamilton Education Foundation Conference Center in Grace Bay, Providenciales.

Outgoing Acting President Dr. Jameiko Harvey, welcomed physician and dental attendees present both in person and virtually from across the Turks and Caicos Islands to the gathering. Following introductions of the outgoing executives: Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing(Secretary), Dr. Marcella Malcolm (Treasurer), Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant (Public Relations and Training Officer); Dr. Darren Hall (Immediate Past President) was invited to address the gathering and spoke of the significant role the organization played in the development of healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands over the years. In his delivery, Dr. Hall recognized the contributions of Dr. Ken Peterson, TCIMA’s first President and founding member, who held the office for several years. Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, also a founding member of the Association, addressed the group, sharing the history of the organization and issued the charge for members to actively participate in the organization to the betterment, not only of its membership, but also to the greater good of the community.

The Turks And Caicos Islands Medical Association (TCIMA), is registered as a Non-Profit Organization company under the Turks and Caicos Islands Companies Ordinance with membership consisting of Physicians and Dentists permanently resident and registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Included amongst the objects of the Association are:

The promotion of the health sciences and the better health of individuals and the communities in which they live.
The promotion of the interests of the medical profession and especially to secure the conditions which will make it possible for them to render to their society the best professional services possible.
To obtain for the medical profession the opportunity to participate actively at all levels in the formulation of national medical health policies in The Turks and Caicos Islands.

Following the election, the members of the Association welcomed the new executive team consisting of: Dr. Francois Bourne as President, Dr. Susan Delpeche as Vice President, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing as Secretary, Dr. Marcela Malcolm as Treasurer, Dr. Karlansia Mills as Public Relations Officer and Dr. Joanna Bowden as Education Officer, who will serve in these positions for a period of two years.

Incoming President Dr. Francois Bourne addressed the gathering outlining plans to engage with the membership across all islands, establish transparent processes and urged members to build an organization that they are proud of and that represents them. Medical practitioners ordinarily resident in The Turks and Caicos Islands and registered and licensed under the Turks and Caicos Islands Health Professions Ordinance 2016 are eligible to become a Member of the Association. Applications are accepted via the Association’s website – https://www.tcimedicalassociation.org/membership

News

CARICOM – A Regional Club With Benefits; Turks & Caicos Wants In

Published

6 days ago

March 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – Public reaction across the Turks and Caicos Islands was immediate and, in some cases, heated after the Government confirmed in the House of Assembly on Friday, March 13, that it is exploring a move from Associate Member to full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The announcement, delivered by Acting Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services Jamell Robinson, sparked strong concern among residents, particularly over fears that full membership could require the territory to accept free movement of labour or weaken its immigration controls.

Social media commentary over the weekend questioned why there had been no public consultation and whether the move signaled a shift in the country’s political direction.

However, a review of the official statement and follow-up remarks made by Robinson this week shows the proposal is not sudden, is not final, and would require approval from all fifteen CARICOM member states before the Turks and Caicos Islands could become a full member.

NOT A NEW IDEA

In his ministerial statement to Parliament, Robinson confirmed that discussions about full membership have been taking place within regional forums for some time.

“As an Associate Member of CARICOM, the Turks and Caicos Islands also participated in caucus meetings and discussions among Overseas Territories and Associate Members regarding regional cooperation and the continued advancement toward full membership within the CARICOM Community,” he told the House.

He added that full membership would allow the territory to engage more directly in decisions affecting the region.

“Full membership in CARICOM would present meaningful opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It would strengthen our ability to engage more fully in regional decision-making… and ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands is better positioned to benefit from collective advocacy and coordinated action on issues of common concern.”

The idea of deeper integration is not new. Since the return of elected government in 2012, successive administrations have promoted stronger ties with CARICOM.

Former Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing regularly attended Heads of Government meetings and spoke openly about the importance of regional cooperation, even suggesting that long-term political development for the territory would likely place it closer to the Caribbean than to Britain.

Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson also maintained active participation in CARICOM during her term, focusing on security cooperation, economic recovery, and regional partnerships, though her administration did not pursue full membership.

Under the current administration, Premier Charles Washington Misick has repeatedly said stronger regional integration is necessary for economic stability, security cooperation, and food supply resilience.

FREE MOVEMENT FEARS ADDRESSED

Much of the public backlash centered on the belief that full membership would force the Turks and Caicos Islands to accept the CARICOM free movement of labour provisions.

Speaking Monday to Cheryl Forman, host of First Edition on Radio Turks and Caicos, Robinson said that is not the position being taken by the Government.

“We’re looking for full membership, and just to be clear right off the bat, the Turks and Caicos is not looking to sign on to the free movement of labour portion of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” he said.

He noted that other British Overseas Territories and even some CARICOM members have negotiated exemptions.

“Just like Bermuda, just like the BVI… The Bahamas did not sign off on that portion. Free movement across the region does not even exist in the way people think. It applies only to certain skills and professions.”

Robinson stressed that any agreement would be negotiated and would not remove the territory’s ability to control immigration.

“The full membership process isn’t going to be a case where we lose our ability to determine our immigration and labour policies. Those are things that will form part of our negotiated position.”

WHY GOVERNMENT WANTS FULL MEMBERSHIP

Robinson outlined several reasons the administration believes deeper integration could benefit the territory.

One argument is that Associate Members can participate in discussions but do not have voting power.

“You can think of it as being part of a club. As an associate member, you don’t get all the benefits. You can sit in the room, but you don’t always have a final say in decisions that may impact you.”

He also said regional partnerships have already proven critical in national security.

“If it were not for the ability of our Premier to pick up the phone and speak to Prime Minister Davis in The Bahamas and Prime Minister Holness in Jamaica, our crime situation would be completely different,” Robinson said, referring to the deployment of tactical officers from both countries to assist local police operations.

He added that closer ties could also help reduce the cost of living through regional trade.

“In some cases, the very same products we import from the United States originate in the Caribbean, go to the US to be repackaged, and then come back to us. If we can trade more directly within the region, that could help bring down prices.”

Robinson also pointed to discussions within CARICOM about improving regional shipping, food production, and transportation links, including plans for Guyana to become a major agricultural supplier for the region.

NOT A GUARANTEE

Despite the public debate, Robinson emphasized that full membership is not automatic.

Any application must be negotiated and approved by all CARICOM member states, meaning the Turks and Caicos Islands cannot simply decide to join on its own terms.

That reality, he said, is why the Government is still developing its negotiating position, including work on population policy, immigration strategy, and labour planning before any final step is taken.

The debate now unfolding across the territory reflects more than a policy proposal.

It highlights a deeper question that has existed for more than a decade — whether the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies primarily with the United Kingdom, or increasingly with the Caribbean region to which it is geographically, economically, and culturally connected.

For now, full CARICOM membership remains only a possibility — but one that has clearly stirred strong emotions in a country still deciding how far regional integration should go.

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