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Statement in Full from PNP Natl Chairman: PNP says 52% did not want PDM

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Providenciales, TCI, January 6, 2016 –  I would first like to say that it is an honor and a privilege to once again serve in the House of Assembly; first as part of an administrative government, and now – in Opposition.   I would like to give thanks to members and delegates to the Progressive National Party’s NGC who afforded me the opportunity to represent the interest of the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands.

I would also like to make note of this an historic occasion with the election of our first female Premier, 40 years after the introduction of Ministerial Governance. To Madam Premier and her team, I say the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands have given you a mandate of change and it is my goal to ensure that you keep every promise made on the campaign trail, for I too have a copy of the Change document. PDM may have won, but your victory was but a Pyrrhic victory – and most certainly, not in total repudiation of PNP. The overall final tally of the votes cast at both the individual district level, as well as that of the All Island District, show that the PDM got 48% of those votes, while those entities that included the PNP, PDA and Independents go 52%.

The results were similar in nature to the recently concluded American elections, where Donald Trump secured the Electoral College votes sufficient to be President of the United States, while Hillary Clinton amassed the popular votes, but still lost!   In our case, “other than PDM” got 52% of the votes and are in the opposition, while the PDM got 48%, won 10 seats and the right to govern our country for the next four years. 

It is my pledge to serve diligently as a part of the People’s Loyal Opposition and hold the Premier and her team to account, for a lot of work has been done over the proceeding 4 years and they have a great foundation to build upon:  Debt repaid, money in the bank BBB+ country for the past 2 years, High school built for the first time in 30 plus years, free education up to age 40, programmes at Invest TCI to encourage young entrepreneurs are but a few of such achievements. We certainly realize that we cannot rest on our laurels.   Even the Bishop at the Ecumenical Service prior to the Swearing in Ceremony, paraphrased that we have to take this country to the next level! 

At the ceremony, a few things stood out. First and foremost, the PDM really believe that they have the absolute right to the Throne of God and surely, that cannot be right.  We all know from the reading of the scriptures that God allows any government to stand up.  We further note the saying that the people at various points in time of their history, get the government that they deserve.   That is reflected, whether they voted in a positive way or abstained from voting!

The second thing is that the exercise in “smoke and mirrors” has begun in honest.    It started with the Premier announcing that she has been able to provide the additional 4.1M to contribute to NHIP. That money had to have been in the Consolidated Fund, left by the previous Premier.  You cannot draw a cheque for an outside entity unless the money is in government’s Scotia Bank account!  The number of Papers laid on the table of the House indicated that Hon. C. Washington Misick had done his job well.  

There were the Financial Statements for the NHIP for the years ending March 31, 2011; 2012; 2013 and 2014. The impression that was tried to be conveyed was that in 6 Working days since her appointment as the Premier, the Hon. Sharlene L. Cartwright-Robinson was able to appoint auditors who would have had to review the books of NHIP for the relevant years and come up with the goods. That was nothing more than a pipe dream! To add insult to injury, she laid on the table 6 Contingency Warrants for 2016, ranging in value from the low five digit amount to $2M.   It was only after the Leader of the Opposition, ask the Speaker to ask the Premier to give details of the Warrants, that she read them and append to each of them was the name of C. Washington Misick and this indicated who had actually done what!   She could try, but she would not be allowed to take credit for other people’s work without that fact being pointed out!

We have to establish the right parameters lest we be lulled into nonsense of “real change is here”! It is one thing to win an election, but it is a different ball game in governing. The PDM, having been out of effective governing for 13 years are in for a rude awakening! They will soon fully see that the landscape has tremendously changed from the era of the Hon. Derek Taylor Administration!  The expectations of the segment of the voters who put their Xs in the PDM column are very high. You have to deliver. If you do not, the people will soon realize as the story went, “the Emperor has no clothes on”!

But remember this, heavy is the head that wears the crown, and to be sure, you will soon realize that it is nothing more than a Pyrrhic victory that you have won!

May God continue to bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals  

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Grace Bay Strip Stone Creek Travels

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.

Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.

Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.

“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.

Cruise Sector

In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025. The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.

Marketing Shows

As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.

The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.

Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.

Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels

“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.

Awards & Recognition

Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.

The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.

About Experience Turks and Caicos

 Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort

Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.

About the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:

  • Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
  • Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
  • The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.

Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Photo Captions:

Grand Turk – slow travel with us

North Caicos – Correy Forbes

South Caicos Sail Rock

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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