TCI NEW MEDIA NETWORK IS ON AIR

PROVIDECIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 - It was an historical moment for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, when on Monday, January 28th at approximately 1:30pm - TCI New Media Network began transmission on channel 7, on WIV'S cable network in Providenciales.

Premier, the Hon. Dr. Michael Misick, in his national address to the nation on January 14, 2008, announced January 28 as the date for testing to begin on the National Station. With the deadline met, the Premier said: "The testing period symbolizes a significant step towards realizing my vision for a national television station that informs and educates the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on the policies, progress and priorities of the government."

General Manager of TCI New Media Network, Ava Dayne Kerr said that: "The testing period will last for approximately two weeks to enable all the major islands in our chain to be tied into the signal". In respect to the programming, the broadcasting on the national station is expected to be "strong and balanced".

She explained that TCI New Media Network's schedule is an effective blend of content indicative to the Turks and Caicos Islands, educational, children's programming, entertainment and sports programming; to be broadcast over eight hours per day.

Ms. Kerr spoke of the support of the corporate community as well, whom she says has extended their services and assistance to help bring to fruition something that promises to provide enjoyment while at the same time living up to its mission to ensure that the people of these beautiful islands are kept informed of the workings of the Government on their behalf.

"I need to mention specifically Digicel, Cable and Wireless, PPC and WIV. I need also to express gratitude to Cabinet Ministers for their support, the staff TCI New Media, our consultants both local and international and of course our contractors", she said.

The International Consultancy firm, Bartlett-McWeeney Communications Ltd (BMC), with headquarters in Nassau, Bahamas was contracted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to manage the development of the National station from studio design to programming and production Services.

Partner and CEO of BMC, Deborah Bartlett said: "The Premier has developed a model for national development that Caribbean leaders should follow".

"Premier Misick trusted a qualified Caribbean media company to manage the process with the mandate to partner and work with qualified people from the Turks and Caicos Islands". Ms. Bartlett says, "We have learned and continue to learn from each other. The result- local people are more equipped to manage their destinies."

Premier Misick says he looks forward to TCI New Media Network transmitting programs to all the islands within the next two weeks and to establishing a first class broadcasting station that will be the envy of the region. "It is all a part of my plan to make the Turks and Caicos Islands the best little country in the world."

END

Courtney S. Robinson
Director, GIS
Office of the Premier,
Grand Turk,
Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tel: (649) 946-2801, ext.40916
Fax: (649) 946-1311
Email: c.robinson@gov.tc