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Amendments to the Immigration Ordinance Passed to Allow Advance Passenger Information System Implementation in the Turks and Caicos Islands

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#TurksandCaicos, August 21, 2017 – Grand Turk – The Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, Honourable Sean R. Astwood, successfully took the Immigration Amendment Bill 2017 through its second and third readings when the House of Assembly resumed this morning with its ninth meeting to allow the introduction of an Advance Passenger Information System in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), once implemented, will capture passengers’ biographic data and travel details which will be shared  with Border Control Officials prior to the arrival of passengers in the TCI.

This electronic database of passenger details, which will be shared among cooperating countries of the United Kingdom, the United States and members of the Caribbean Community CARICOM, is an undertaking in collaboration with the Joint Regional Communications Center JRCC, a sub agency of CARICOM IMPACS and the United States Government.

The benefits of APIS will be the improvement in crime perception and detection, and deterrence to engagement in the smuggling of drugs, humans, weapons and other contraband, thereby making the borders of the TCI safer while improving the overall passenger experience by reducing congestion and delays at the ports.

During his delivery in the House of Assembly, the Deputy Premier noted:

“Mr. Speaker, thanks to globalization and the advancement in communication we now live in a world that, in essence has shrunk, and one that has led to one global integrated community without boundaries.   And Mr. Speaker, while there is much to be gained from the exposure to world markets, trade and commerce, such as a thriving and healthy tourism industry, as a small island developing state we cannot continue to ignore the increased exposure to threats that this growth brings and we cannot return to a day and time when we had very little exposure to threat, nor should we want to, as our days of less exposure and less threat were also our days of less success as a country and as a people.”

“Instead Mr. Speaker, small island developing states, like our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands, must find the balance to embrace the opportunities of globalization and a shrunken world, while capitalizing on the power of an integrated world community to mitigate against the inherent threats that comes with it.”

The Deputy Premier added:

“Mr. Speaker, there is also the threat of international terrorism, that is not only a concern for Border Control, it should also be of concern to the Airports Authority as well as our Airline Carriers.   Mr. Speaker, not only has security inspections intensified in light of these risks but one has to wonder if there is also the need to reinstate border control checks on departure, which will create further delays in the check-in process as we have already seen in the arrivals and entering of passengers.”

“Mr. Speaker, the threat of drug trafficking, passenger and gun smuggling along with that of other  illegal contraband also present increased compliance risks that require greater vigilance and intensified inspections by both Border Control and Customs Department.”

“Mr. Speaker, together these risks have brought greater demands on an already stretched human resource and ultimately lowers the quality of the passenger experience on arrival and departure at our ports and this bill, once passed by this honourable House will facilitate the implementation of an Advance Passenger Information System that will allow us to systematically address the concerns and risks that I have outlined above.”

The Immigration Amendment Bill 2017, which also includes provisions for the streamlining of the process for in transit passengers, was tabled for its first reading at the July meeting of the House of Assembly and will come in to force on a day as consented to by His Excellency the Governor, Dr. John Freeman, having been published in the Gazette.

Press Release: TCIG

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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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.

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Bahamas News

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

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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.

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

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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.

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