News
Hunger Strike outside Governor’s Yard
Turks and Caicos, June 6th 2017 – Grand Turk – It’s been 15 days since Valerie Jennings staged a hunger strike (just 6 days short of Mahatma Gandhi’s record). Jennings claimed that she suffers from a disease called Muscular Dystrophy and also has severe feet problems, which poses a treat to her wellbeing. She is currently unemployed, has a young son and no money to treat her medical condition, yet Valerie is silently protesting at the Governor’s yard in Waterloo.
Her protest, which began on Monday 22nd May 2017, came due to the fact that Jennings claimed she was released from her position in the Cultural Department in the Ministry of Tourism without good reason or receiving her appropriate severance package. Jennings said for almost 9 years she’s been “politically” and “medically victimized” by the British under the direct rule of the TCI.
In addition to her strike, Jennings has written to the Queen of England, The Governor, Baroness Anelay, Premier Robinson, the Opposition leader and the media requesting an urgent sit down with the Baroness and a U.N representative to discuss BREXIT, Independence/constitutional change; British assistance with opening of a mental home in the TCI, in addition to TCI being given funds to assist the homeless victims of Hurricane Ike, Crime, unemployment, SIPT, other civil matters, health care and treatment for persons with specials needs in the TCI. Jennings is now calling for TCI Independence, assistance for her medical condition and for justice to be served.
Her form of protest may seem extreme to many, but this concerned citizen has highlighted many important issues that people within the TCI have been dealing with for years and fallen victim to as well. Jennings says injustice was not only done to her but also “her people and our country.” Consequently, Jennings was a candidate in the recent general election.
Though she has made 15 days outside the governor’s gate, the Governor is yet to acknowledge or hear her out. No one knows how long Jennings would be able to maintain her hunger strike, due to the fact the her medical condition also causes her to fall down a lot and her family is gravely concerned.
Story By: Kay-Marie Fletcher
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