News
Airport Congestion slammed by Residents who say Authorities must do better
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – The overwhelming feeling is the TCI Airports Authority must figure out a way to end the miserable time residents and visitors spend trying to enter and exit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The destination cannot wait on a brand new airport, it needs mitigation now.
Residents, speaking to our news organization were appalled by the video which gave visual confirmation to the frustrating lines, lengthy wait times and uncomfortable conditions at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and their concern was not just for the guests who visit but also for residents.
“For a high end destination, our airport is sure pop down! They really need to get it together,” said a resident who was on Saturday trying to take a flight out of Providenciales.
“I’m here and the Airport and I think only hell hotter than here,” she said about the temperature, which at the time was a real feel of 86°F.
One frequent traveler and resident of Provo said, at this stage, she just avoids the flying on weekends adding that the consistent waits and lines are bound to have a negative impact on tourism.
“Coming to Provo is also horrible. They kept us on the plane for 25 minutes, letting groups of 20 out at a time. As a tourist, I would rethink my next visit.”
She also questioned the previous expansion, which she believes was an expensive failure.
“Not sure why the airport is like that after all that money they spent on it a few years ago. Someone was sleeping at the wheel. They need to take a page out of The Bahamas airport plans. Bahamas has loads of visitors and you never see this mess.
I refuse to travel on weekends.”
In 2010, a three phased expansion of the PLS was announced. It did open up the arrivals terminal and boost the count on restrooms. It also lengthened the runway and created a new parking apron. What it did not do was adequately address the limited space at the facility.
About the lines, which extended to outside of the terminal area, there were these labels:
“Ridiculous!” and “Horrendous!”
The TCIAA informed in a statement on Saturday night that with over 4000 travellers, 27 flights and several flight delays it was difficult mitigating the overwhelming circumstances which led to hundreds of passengers being crammed into the arrivals area, and spilling out into the ground transportation parking lot as they queued up to check in and pass the security check point.
The exhaustion and frustration was palpable. Staff also looked worn out. It is said this is what has been happening every weekend.
Services one expects to be available or operable at an airport are not.
“Can you believe you go through all of this and no internet? Only in the café.”
To the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority statement on the unprecedented congestion, there was this
reaction:
“I thank you for your proactive approach, but we have to do better, keeping the passengers on the aircraft leads to ramp congestion, a terrible arrival experience and it delays every departure.
It also leads to the over congestion in the departure area plus the air condition unit is unable to support the passenger numbers.”
A most compelling statement came from an air industry professional who said, “If this is not considered a real emergency, I don’t know what is. It’s total chaos and we’re risking our reputation. How much longer will our top end clients put up with this? Or will they choose next time to go somewhere with a better airport?”
The TCIAA said it is working with stakeholders on ways to alleviate the problems, however, there was no naming of those partners and no announcement about what will be done to improve conditions at the PLS on weekends.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
