Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Sean Astwood, the former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Island (TCI), says he has returned to front-line politics to stand up for what is right, and to fight for persons who cannot fight for themselves.

Mr. Astwood who was also a former Minister of Border Control and Employment and Member of Parliament for Five Cays (ED 9) Constituency, during the Sharlene Cartwight-Robinson led administration, said his move was not a “decision I have made lightly, it is not for personal gain or glory.

“I came back because I believe that we have a responsibility to balance the playing field for all of those who feel marginalised, to protect the vulnerable, and empower the powerless,” Mr. Astwood said in statement.

The All-Island- (At-Large) candidate in the upcoming general elections, added that he has chosen to re-enter “this often-challenging world” of politics, and to them, “now, more than ever,” more voices are needed, and “our actions are crucial, and our commitment to positive change is non-negotiable.

“I have spent my time away from politics reflecting on the state of our country. I have witnessed the struggles faced by so many of you, the injustices that persist, and the urgent need for leaders who are not only passionate but also compassionate, who are not only ambitious but also empathetic,” he said.

He stressed that his return has to do with what he said is the “crime is out of control,” and the island’s borders are still unprotected, the sloops are still coming, and “over $8M of the Carnival Infrastructure Fund slated for our nation’s capital Grand Turk remains untouched,” Mr. Astwood said.

The All-Island candidate also stated that another issue that influenced his decision, is the Housing Department not producing a “single home”, infrastructures are crumbling, road and traffic systems need immediate attention, and “I have seen the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the potential for progress when we come together with a shared vision for a better future,” he stated.

Urging citizens not to be deterred by naysayers, the cynics, or the skeptics, Mr. Astwood said people should be inspired by the courage of those who came “before us, as always, I must pay homage to Rt Hon JAGS McCartney, the resilience of those who stand beside us, and the hope of those who will follow us,” he argued.

Press Statement*

From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.

The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.

It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.

Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.

The critical issue is that of this PNP government’s continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.

The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being.

At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.

By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.

It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”

The Premier and his government’s lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.

Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.

As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?

On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.

it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement.  Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.

Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

People’s Democratic Movement

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – A string of significant cases are making appearances regularly at the Turks and Caicos CORONER’S Court based in Providenciales.  In all of the matters, each has to go through a number of legal steps and procedures before a final decision can be made by a jury or the coroner herself.

Making the list for two-fold proceedings on Thursday, May 2, 2024, was the case concerning the death of BRANDON JUWAN CRISTOVAL SWANN and person of interest linked to the death, RONALD SAUNDERS.

A case which grabbed national headlines; Swann is the younger brother of the Deputy Governor.   According to CORONER’S Court records, he died at age 28 on the night of October 22, 2021.

The police/ traffic officer who investigated the case at the time told the Coroner when she asked if the traffic and police investigation into the death of Brandon Swann is officially completed and closed, he said “yes, from their prospective.”

The Coroner said, “ok, well, this is where I step in, and an investigation or an inquest is held.”

Having heard limited or partial sworn evidence in open court from the investigator and reviewing certain documentary evidence and statements, the Hon Coroner officially opened a full investigative inquest to determine exactly how Brandon Swann met his death.

The investigator told the court that Swann came or ran down the stairs of the bar on Leeward Highway immediately next to Grant’s Gas station and held on to the vehicle of RONALD SAUNDERS.  It is suspected that Swann lost his balance, fell and was run over by the vehicle driven by Saunders.

The autopsy report said, he died due to multiple blunt trauma injuries.

A jury will be summoned and called to hear the circumstances surrounding the death, review statements, and documentary evidence, including the autopsy report from the Pathologist who performed the autopsy on young Swann.

The Swann family was not present in court, but they’ve hired senior criminal defense counsel Mrs Lara Maroof Misick and the sole person of interest in this inquest proceedings is Mr. Ronald Saunders, who was also not present.

Saunders is however, represented by Mr. Oliver Smith KC and assisted by Mrs Kimone Tennant.

At the conclusion of the inquest, the jury could be left with certain options to consider, and if Ronald Saunders is found culpable in the death of Brandon Swann, he could possibly be arrested and charged with manslaughter.  Saunders could also be cleared, altogether.