Bahamas worried over increased tariff as announced by United States
The Bahamas government Wednesday warned that the implementation of a 10 per cent tariff by the United States on goods and services exported from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country “could potentially influence both trade flows and visitor arrivals.”
“The United States remains The Bahamas’ principal trading partner, accounting for approximately 83.3 per cent of our total imports in 2024, valued at an estimated five billion US dollars.
“This longstanding economic partnership is also reflected in our tourism sector, where, in 2024, 84 per cent of our stopover visitors originated from the United States,” Prime Minister Phillip Davis said as he presented the US$3.89 billion budget to Parliament.
In April, US President Donald Trump announced far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all US trading partners in a move economists and other traders say is designed to dismantle much of the architecture of the global economy and trigger broader trade wars.
In the case of the Caribbean, Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on most regional countries, while in the case of Guyana, the tariff is as high, as 38 per cent.
Prime Minister Davis told legislators that while the close relationship Nassau shares with Washington has yielded considerable benefits, it also underscores the Caribbean country’s exposure to developments in the US economy.
“Any slowdown or heightened economic uncertainty in that market can have a direct impact on Bahamian trade and tourism. This sensitivity is particularly relevant considering recent policy announcements from the United States, specifically, the proposed imposition of a 10 per cent tariff on all Caribbean nations, including The Bahamas.
“Such a measure, if implemented, could potentially influence both trade flows and visitor arrivals. In this context, the government is committed to pursuing constructive dialogue with our US and CARICOM partners to address the implications of this policy shift in a manner that protects and promotes mutual economic interests,” Davis said.
He said well before the election of the current US President, the Bahamas government had taken proactive steps to strengthen the country’s economic resilience through the adoption of a National Trade Policy.
“This policy lays the foundation for a trade diversification framework that seeks to broaden our export base and reduce overdependence on any single market. At the core of these efforts is a commitment to ensuring that global trade developments do not unduly disadvantage Bahamian businesses or consumers.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the government has also been collaborating with the private sector to explore enhanced trade opportunities with Canada, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and India, while also investigating new shipping channels and logistics solutions.
“Let me share one example: the average price of a dozen eggs in The Bahamas currently stands at US$3.79. In comparison, during the period when eggs were primarily imported from the United States, prices soared to as much as US$10 per dozen eggs due to the devastating impact of bird flu on the American poultry industry.
“In response, with government support the private sector was able to shift its sourcing to the Dominican Republic, which not only stabilised supply but also resulted in significant economic benefits for Bahamian consumers by reducing costs.”
Prime Minister Davis said the Golden Yoke programme had a beneficial impact on pricing, noting that currently, the price of eggs in Florida averages around US$5.60 per dozen.
“The fact that Bahamian consumers are paying less highlights the positive impact and strategic advantage of diversifying our trade partnerships,” he said.
Source- CMC
Reggae Boyz edge Soca Warriors in Unity Cup semifinal
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors in the opening match of the Unity Cup here at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, Tuesday.
The win secures Jamaica’s place in the final, set for May 31st, where they will face either Ghana or Nigeria.
Kasey Palmer opened the scoring for Jamaica in the 25th minute, sending the Reggae Boyz into the break with a 1-0 advantage. The lead was doubled early in the second half when Rumarn Burrell produced a spectacular acrobatic finish, seemingly putting Jamaica in control after 53 minutes.
However, Trinidad and Tobago responded almost instantly, with Isaiah Leacock pulling a goal back just moments later. The Soca Warriors then completed their comeback when captain Kevin Molino nodded in a header to level the score in the 69th minute.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time and penalties, Jamaica was awarded a second penalty in the dying moments when Renaldo Cephas was brought down inside the area by veteran T&T custodian Marvin Phillip.
Defender Richard King held his nerve, converting from the spot in 90-plus minutes to seal a dramatic late winner and send the Reggae Boyz into the final.
Source- CMC
Scoreboard roundup
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Knicks 121, Pacers 130
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Stars 1, Oilers 4
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Dodgers 9, Guardians 5
Cardinals 7, Orioles 4
Giants 1, Tigers 3
Braves 0, Phillies 2
Twins 4, Rays 2
White Sox 4, Mets 6
Red Sox 1, Brewers 5
Reds 7, Royals 2
Rockies 3, Cubs 4
Blue Jays 0, Rangers 2
Athletics 1, Astros 11
Yankees 3, Angels 2
Marlins 6, Padres 8
Pirates 9, Diamondbacks 6
Nationals 1, Mariners 9
Officer testifies in Sean Combs' trial, says car registered to Combs' company left Kid Cudi's home after break-in
The Los Angeles police officer who responded to Kid Cudi’s home on Dec. 22, 2011, after the rapper reported a break-in there testified Wednesday that a black SUV he saw leaving the scene was registered to Sean Combs’ company.
LAPD Officer Christopher Ignacio testified that he walked through the home with Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, and recorded the incident as trespassing, which he described to the court as “someone entering someone’s property without the owner’s consent.”
Ignacio further testified that he ran the license plate from a black Cadillac Escalade SUV seen driving from the house. The jury saw that the resulting report showed the vehicle's registered owner as Bad Boy Productions, Inc., which Combs owned.
On cross-examination, Ignacio testified that his report said nothing about kidnapping or a firearm being involved.
Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez also took the stand Wednesday, testifying that it did not take him long to conclude that the car fire at Cudi's residence on Jan. 9, 2012, was caused by a “makeshift firebomb” commonly known as a Molotov cocktail.
Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash then testified about the times he heard Combs call girlfriend Cassie Ventura derogatory names.
Nash further testified that he heard Combs tell Ventura “that he wouldn’t put her music out, that he would get her parents fired from their jobs, that he would put out sex tapes,” the latter referring to video recordings of "freak-off" sexual encounters addressed in previous testimony.
Nash told the jury that Combs required Nash to send to him photos of Ventura in different outfits so he could choose.
Nash told the court that he recalled arriving with Ventura at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. “She looked bomb. Her hair was down,” Nash testified, then told the jury that Combs came over and said, “I thought I told you she needs to wear her hair up.”
Nash testified Combs angrily grabbed him by his jacket and lifted him up. “I just started asking people at the party for hair pins,” Nash told the court.
Nash also testified about going to a gay club with Ventura, Rita Ora and others one night in 2013. The group had returned to Ventura’s apartment, Nash told the court, when Ventura “got a call from Puff" telling her “that she ought to bring her a** to his house.”
Nash told the court that Ventura “started to panic” before Combs called back and told Nash that “we were wild and that he thought he told us not to be going out.”
Nash testified that Ventura “just packed her stuff and went to his house.”
Source-ABC
Kendrick Lamar leads Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs charts
Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther" may no longer top the Hot 100, but the song still leads Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a 22nd week.
The GNX cut garnered 16.7 million official U.S. streams and 2,000 sales downloads, according to Luminate, tying with K. Dot's song "Not Like Us."
SZA is now back to having a song with the most weeks at #1, after "Kill Bill" previously topped the chart for 21 weeks in 2022 and 2023.
"Luther" also appears on the Hot Rap Songs chart, where it dominates for a 22nd week, following close behind K. Dot's 26-week record for "Not Like Us."
"Luther" led the Hot 100 for 13 weeks before Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want” featuring Tate McRae kicked it out of the #1 spot.
Source-ABC
Male Succumbs to Injuries
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirms that JEAN RONEL JEAN BAPTISTE succumbed to his injuries following a shooting incident.
Jean-Baptiste of Kew Town was pronounced dead by a medical doctor while undergoing treatment on 23rd May. He was one of four males who were shot on Walter Cox Drive, Kew Town, on May 21st.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Jean-Baptiste, 32, and three other males were inside a vehicle when another vehicle pulled alongside them. Three occupants exited, began shooting, and then fled.
The injured males were rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends sincere condolences to Mr. Jean Baptiste's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Additionally, in an unrelated incident in South Caicos, a 17-year-old male remains in custody as a person of interest, assisting with the investigation into the wounding of an elderly male. The teenager was detained on 23rd May during a police operation on suspicion of discharging a firearm. Shortly after noon on 21 May, the Police Control Room received a report of an injury related to a firearm in South Caicos.
A 71-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh.
Anyone with information that can assist in this case is urged to contact the police via 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Community support is crucial in helping to bring those responsible to justice.
Wounding and Shooting Incident in TCI
Two firearm-related incidents are engaging the attention of detectives attached to the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Shortly after midnight today, May 25th, the Police Control Room received multiple reports of loud explosions in the Ralph Close, Blue Hills area.
Officers were immediately dispatched to the location and, upon arrival, discovered a male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg. The 41-year-old victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Based on preliminary investigations, the victim was seated outside his home when he was confronted by five masked, armed males announcing a robbery. The victim ran off for assistance and was shot in the process. The victim was transported for medical assistance.
While processing the scene, officers found a second male victim lying face down next to a vehicle with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The victim has been identified as ROBERTO YACINTHE, 33, OF Blue Hills.
Initial investigations reveal that the victim was accosted by two males and shot.
Mr. Yacinthe was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor at 1:15 am.
This is the second homicide to have occurred within 12 hours.
Around 2:58 pm yesterday, the body of a male was discovered with gunshot wounds in Five Cays. The victim has been identified as JEAN MILET GARDINER, alias “FANFAN”.
Mr Gardiner, 43, a Haitian national residing in Five Cays, was pronounced deceased at 3:16 pm by a medical practitioner.
The RT&CIPF are pursuing all available leads to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
We are seeking the public’s assistance with these matters and encourage you to notify the nearest police station, dial 999, contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding these incidents.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
American Music Awards 2025
The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, took place Monday night in Las Vegas. Billie Eilish was the top winner, taking home seven awards. Here's the complete list of winners:
Artist of the year: Billie Eilish
New artist of the year: Gracie Abrams
Album of the year: Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Song of the year: Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather"
Favorite touring artist: Billie Eilish
Favorite music video: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, "Die With a Smile"
Favorite male pop artist: Bruno Mars
Favorite female pop artist: Billie Eilish
Favorite pop album: Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Favorite pop song: Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather"
Favorite male country artist: Post Malone
Favorite female country artist: Beyoncé
Favorite country duo or group: Dan + Shay
Favorite country album: Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
Favorite country song: Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help"
Favorite male hip-hop artist: Eminem
Favorite female hip-hop artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Favorite hip-hop album: Eminem, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Favorite hip-hop song: Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us"
Favorite male R&B artist: The Weeknd
Favorite female R&B artist: SZA
Favorite R&B album: The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow
Favorite R&B song: SZA, "Saturn"
Favorite male Latin artist: Bad Bunny
Favorite female Latin artist: Becky G
Favorite Latin duo or group: Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
Favorite Latin album: Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Favorite Latin song: Shakira, "Soltera"
Favorite rock artist: Twenty One Pilots
Favorite rock album: Twenty One Pilots, Clancy
Favorite rock song: Linkin Park, "The Emptiness Machine"
Favorite dance/electronic artist: Lady Gaga
Favorite soundtrack: Arcane League of Legends: Season 2
Favorite Afrobeats artist: Tyla
Favorite K-pop artist: RM
Collaboration of the year: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, "Die with a Smile"
Social song of the year: Doechii, "Anxiety"
TCI Top Model Mainstream Media Award Results
The anticipation is soaring as the official delegates competing for the coveted title of The Face of the Turks & Caicos -TCI Top Model – have been revealed. Their grand debut is set for Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the Beauty Personified launch event, kicking off what is expected to be the most transformative cycle in the contest’s celebrated history.
Themed “En Vogue,” this sixth instalment ushers in a bold new era, as the competition goes co-ed for the very first time. This move toward greater inclusivity reflects the evolving global fashion landscape—providing an equal platform for both male and female talents to shine. Selected from an impressive pool of 28 applicants, ten dynamic contestants are now stepping into the spotlight, each ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, creative transformation, and global opportunity.
The 2025 TCI Top Model Contest Finalists:
Shakem Charles
Kavanna Hanna
Juane Familia
Mynisha Chery
Mosderlin Hicher
Diavion Ebanks
Ancy Dorsica
Shenylce Bello
Hubert Jr. Prospere
Niyeca Thompson
Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of the TCI Top Model Contest, shared: “This cycle is not just a competition—it’s a fashion phenomenon. By opening the runway to both men and women, we’re celebrating talent in all its forms and embracing a future where fashion in Turks and Caicos reflects the diversity and dynamism of our people. ‘En Vogue’ is more than a theme—it’s a statement of intent.”
The 2025 cycle officially launches with Beauty Personified, an exclusive affair at the reflecting pool of The Spa at The Palms Resort, Grace Bay, Providenciales, beginning at 5PM. Hosted by O’Brian Forbes, this elegant evening—complete with a resort chic dress code—promises island glamour, fashion-forward flair, and a first glimpse at the stars of tomorrow. Tickets are limited and priced at $100.
Since its inception in 2009, the TCI Top Model Contest has evolved into the premier platform for fashion, beauty, arts, and entertainment in the Turks and Caicos Islands. More than a modelling competition, it is a movement—empowering young creatives through education, mentorship, and international exposure.
Now entering its sixth cycle, the 2025 competition is the most ambitious yet, offering over $35,000 in cash and prizes, global media coverage, and unmatched career-building opportunities. The Winner, along with the First and Second Runners-Up, will be featured in Times of the Islands and Discover Turks and Caicos magazines, and will serve as brand ambassadors for Basic Essentials, Queen of the World Spa, and more. The top three (3) placers will also receive state-of-the-art cellular devices from FLOW TCI, cash awards, and an exciting slate of prizes that affirm their role as cultural influencers and icons of TCI fashion.
The countdown begins with Beauty Personified, culminating in a show-stopping Grand Finale on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Brayton Hall, Providenciales. This not-to-be-missed event will feature award-winning performances and a high-impact multimedia production that redefines fashion excellence in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Following four (4) rounds of press interviews, Contestant #1, Shakem Charles, emerged as the winner of this year’s award. Mynisha Chery (Contestant #4) and Diavion Ebanks (Contestant #6) also delivered outstanding performances, placing among the top three with interviews that impressed the judges through their eloquence, authenticity, and stage presence.
Tables and tickets are on sale now. Be there to witness the rise of the next Face of the Turks & Caicos.
3-DAY TCI WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A weak high pressure system will continue to support hot and mostly sunny conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: The heat index may reach the low 100s today. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible; prolonged exposure could lead to heat stroke. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activity during peak hours.
WEATHER: A mix of sun and clouds with isolated showers possible this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots, falling light and variable at times.
SEAS: 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 78°F 25°C
HEAT INDEX 103°F 39°C
SUNSET: 07:23 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 04:05 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 10:20 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The high pressure will gradually shift eastward through tonight. By Thursday, a new ridge from the Northeast Atlantic will build across the Turks and Caicos Islands, maintaining generally fair weather through the weekend.
THURSDAY: Partly sunny to sunny, with a high around 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 78°F (25°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots.
SEAS: 3 feet or less
SUNRISE: 06:07 AM
SUNSET: 07:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:35 AM (2.3 FT) 05:12 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:55 AM (0.7 FT) 11:32 PM (0.7 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible in the early morning. Partly sunny to sunny, with a high around 90°F (32°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 79°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots, increasing 15 to 20 knots in the evening.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:07 AM
SUNSET: 07:24 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:34 AM (2.3 FT) 06:13 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:49 AM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven (7) days. The official 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season will commence on June 1st.
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON