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Cabinet Shuffled, shocking termination; Premier relieves Akierra Missick of duties

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By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm

Editorial Team

 

#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2022 – It has been over a week since Hon Akeirra Misick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay was terminated as the minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development; a cabinet shuffle that meant she would no longer be the holder of the PPID portfolio.  Needless to say, for this enormously popular, three-time member of the House of Assembly, it unleashed a firestorm of speculation and confusion.

In a statement made late Monday after a day of packing up and moving out of the Ministry that she had served in since the PNP was elected in 2021, the former deputy premier under Rufus Ewing (former PNP-elected Premier) described leaving her staff as ‘emotional.’

The decision was prompted by the Premier who in her words: “relieved her of her Cabinet portfolio.”

“The Premier can appoint and revoke any Cabinet minister’s appointment whenever he sees fit, and he is not obligated to offer any reasons for that decision. As politicians we must be mature enough to appreciate and understand that.” She maintained stressing that it was “not right for me, or you, to speculate on these matters.”

Still, when the news broke on Sunday November 6, social media was rife with confusion from residents as the unexpected cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Washington Misick went into immediate effect.

Though the decision was promoted as amicable and practical; residents from both sides of the political divide rejected the notion and immediately alternate and albeit unsubstantiated scenarios emerged as more likely to some in the public domain.

“When the country elected my government and I in February 2021, I stated them that our team was comprised of a deep bench of talent.  I remain convinced that this group of individuals will continue to work by implementing the policies, legislation and programs to progress these Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Premier Misick.

The morning after, Akierra Misick made it clear in a video she was “pivoting from frontline politics in The Turks and Caicos.”

Missick and Minister Jamell Robinson had only until the end of the day(Monday) to pack up and turn over the reins to those who will be taking over from them.

The MP took the time again to speak to her constituents in Leeward and Long Bay whom she will continue represent in parliament via video on social media.

“It’s my last day in the office of PPID—- it is amazing the amount of stuff one acquires at work.” She laughed, telling her followers it was ‘almost like moving house.’

“I’m just taking on another opportunity to return to practice law, to be a better member of parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and focus on them. At the end of the day it was an honor and a privilege to serve as your minister of PPID.”

By Tuesday November 8, Jamell Robinson and Shaun Malcolm were sworn in by Her Excellency Anya Williams, TCI Governor, acting.

In the statement on Monday November 7, Missick said, “I leave this portfolio of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure with my integrity intact.”

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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