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Cable Operators Ordered To Cease Transmission Of 19 Channels

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KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS): Subscriber television (cable) operators are to cease transmission of 19 unlicensed channels in their packages by May 31 this year, or face sanctions.

The directive was issued by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) today (April 24), at a press conference at its headquarters in New Kingston.

It represents the first phase of enforcement measures being undertaken by the Commission in relation to copyright regulations.

The channels to be affected include nine from the Encore suite of channels, five from the Showtime group of channels, four from the Starz group, as well as the channel known as the ‘Movie Channel Extra’.
Chairman of the BCJ, Professor Hopeton Dunn, said this action had become necessary as the distribution of unlicenced channels by local cable companies “has been elevated to a contentious international trade issue.”
He noted that cable television operators in Jamaica are required to comply with local and international copyright laws and regulations, but have in fact, been operating in breach of these requirements for many years, particularly in relation to the channels and programmes they sell to subscribers.

This, he said, is in spite of many measures that have been taken by the Commission to secure compliance.
Professor Dunn pointed out that with approximately 98 unauthorised channels being transmitted, additional enforcement measures are required for the orderly, phased elimination of unlicenced cable channel operations in Jamaica.

In this initial phase of the compliance regime, the Chairman noted that cable operators have been directed to remove the 19 channels and to provide their subscribers with notice of discontinuation and an explanation of the reasons for doing so.

“Cable operators must also make whatever arrangements become necessary, based on the terms of contracts with subscribers, including refunds and channel substitution, where applicable and appropriate,” he said.
Cable operators have also been directed, with immediate effect, to cease the promotion of any unlicenced channel to members of the public, as these will constitute false advertising and a violation of the Commission’s directive.
The Commission’s decision is as a result of intensive meetings and discussions with all stakeholders over the past six months. This included local cable operators, international channel owners, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, among other Government departments.
“Our focus has been on ensuring that our cable operators obtain legitimate content for distribution in Jamaica and on arriving at a strategy for the orderly and phased elimination of unlicenced cable channels operating in Jamaica,” Professor Dunn said.

The Commission Chairman, said it regrets the inconvenience that these copyright compliance actions will cause Jamaicans, and asked for understanding of “these necessary regulatory changes in order to bring Jamaica into compliance with our international commitments and in order that subscribers are being sold cable channels which are legal in Jamaica”.

“The Broadcasting Commission has, and must continue to enforce the rules governing broadcasting, and in particular, the requirements for compliance with the Copyright Act,” he said.

“The public is being assured that we will remain vigilant in relation to the fair and balanced implementation of these compliance requirements and that we will maintain the ongoing dialogue that we have been having with all the stakeholders in order to ensure that there are settled arrangements and where possible, the crafting of new approaches for a more durable arrangement in relation to the cable sector,” Professor Dunn said.
The full list of channels to be discontinued in Jamaica are: Encore Black; Encore Family; Encore Love; Encore Suspense; Encore WAM; Encore Classic; . Encore Drama; Encore Mystery; Encore Movie Plex; Showtime East; Showtime West; Showtime TOO; Showtime 2; Showtime Showcase; Starz Comedy; Starz West; Starz Kids and Family; Starz Multiplex; and The Movie Channel Xtra.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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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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