News
Bring back the Marine Branch to the Capital
#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2023 – It’s a new year with new possibilities and we are calling on the Governor to bring back our marine branch to Grand Turk, the Capital of Turks and Caicos Islands.
To serve and protect is what all branches of law enforcement are known for. This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea.
With that being said, it has been over 4 years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand Turk.
The island of Grand Turk itself, is in a strategic position to support the ongoing efforts with battling illegal immigration and poaching on our banks. There are several reference points to support this request.
First and foremost, the marine unit was designed specifically to protect our boarders and to work in concert with our DECR and Fisheries departments to help enforce regulations.
Having said that, this should be cause for our government and chief law enforcement department heads, to prioritize what’s best suited for each island or community in terms of manpower and resources.
With marine life and ecotourism being the bread and butter of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to protect it?
Apart from boarder control, don’t the lives of residents and visitors in these two sister islands matter? Whilst citizens commend the progress being made with the coordination of efforts to intercept illegal migrants’ vessels, more could be done.
Stronger effort and commitment should be made to close every loophole and continue building a redundant and resilient internal and external force to deal with potential challenges and safety issues of all islands, particularly the ones that are most vulnerable.
Frankly, having a marine vessel show up to the Capital once or twice a month does not provide real security and is unacceptable.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the marine branch in Grand Turk on emergency matters, and I truly appreciated their dedication and commitment to serve and protect.
Unfortunately, it has been several years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to the facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.
With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our banks and depleting our marine livelihood. In addition, there are limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators, leaving us to fend for ourselves.
For this same reason, back in 2018, concerned citizens such as myself and others, took the initiative to create a grassroots search and rescue operation.
In terms of the number of reported incidents on the water, since the inception of the operation we have responded to and or assisted in over 25 emergency calls.
With the only active marine branch being in Provo and South Caicos, logistically, it will be a hit or miss to assist vessels in distress or police interception of any illegal activities in the waters near Grand Turk or Salt Cay.
With illegal migration being at the top of the list for threats relative to national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our nation’s best interest to leave these two islands exposed.
How many more illegal vessels have to make landfall in Grand Turk and Salt Cay? Or better yet, how many more vessels have to capsize or near drowning incidents have to occur before something is done?
Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in the waters, such matters must not be taken lightly.
This is a long term problem that requires both an immediate and long-term solution and commitment. The share number of reported incidents over the years, including the recent plane crash near the island of Salt Cay, underscores the urgent need for a vessel in Grand Turk.
As a small developing country, depending solely on tourism, the time to act is now.
The old adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is what’s at stake here. This can be done by making sure the necessary precautions are in place to prevent a crisis before it occurs, as opposed to damage control.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
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.
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.
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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