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New TCHTA Board Deepens Strategic Partnerships Across Sectors

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 20 th 2025 – In the early weeks of its new term, the Board of Directors of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) has maintained strong momentum, continuing the Association’s focus on stakeholder engagement and sector-wide collaboration. Building on existing priorities set out in its strategic plan, the Board has engaged key national stakeholders in high-level conversations focused on safety, public health, and financial accessibility, all critical to maintaining the strength and reputation of the destination’s leading industry.

In a meeting with the country’s new Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey and Acting Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, the group engaged in meaningful dialogue around enhancing public safety and preserving Turks and Caicos’ standing as a secure destination. The Commissioner shared encouraging news of a 27% reduction in serious crime year-to-date and outlined several strategic focus areas being explored to build on this momentum, including broader collaboration with the private sector as the Force continues to expand and evolve.

The Commissioner spoke of improved intelligence-led policing efforts, greater emphasis on public education and officer wellness, enhanced traffic and tourism-related enforcement, and emphasized that “Sun, Sand, Sea…and Security” must remain central to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the benefit of both residents and visitors.                                                                                                                                                      The TCHTA reiterated its support of national efforts, and the parties agreed on the value of reinvigorating quarterly engagements and exploring avenues for information sharing, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.

In a separate session spearheaded by the association’s People Development Committee, Human Resource managers from TCHTA member properties met with the Minister of Health, Kyle Knowles, to explore ways to streamline the health certification process for migrant workers – a key step in onboarding staff within the hospitality industry. The conversation highlighted delays and bottlenecks in the current certification process, communication challenges, and opportunities for policy and procedural improvements.

The Minister committed to quarterly check-in meetings with the HR working group to track progress, share updates on system implementations, and collaborate on sustainable solutions. This will help ensure industry compliance with the Ministry’s requirements and make the system more responsive to the realities of the tourism workforce.

This month, the TCHTA also held a follow-up engagement with members of the Bankers Association, continuing the dialogue on how best to support both businesses and their employees through more responsive financial services. Updates were shared on previous action items, and both parties agreed to continue identifying ways to improve financial literacy and education initiatives, access to timely banking solutions, and relationship-building between hospitality employers and the financial community.

“Our focus as a Board is to stay engaged, stay aligned, and stay proactive,” said James McAnally, President of the TCHTA. “By leveraging relationships, elevating member concerns, and driving collaborative results, we’re continuing the important work of ensuring this industry and our people are supported at every level.”

These cross-sector engagements are part of the TCHTA’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, accountability, and the shared advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a world-class destination.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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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.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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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.

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