Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court Justice weighed in and the decision gives a consequential round one victory to the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party which believes corruption and a failure to follow the letter of the law led to a questionable election outcome; their claim has validity now as Hon Chris Selochan, Supreme Court Justice has ruled that the matter must proceed to trial.

The PDM filed the petition through their attorney George Missick of Geordins Law Firm.  The lion’s share of their petition centered around their claim that the Elections Office failed to follow the precise specifications for ballots as described in the Elections Ordinance.   The other outcry accused the Progressive National Party (PNP) of buying votes to win the House.

On the latter point, the PDM found its case was too weak.

His Lordship Selochan determined there was insufficient evidence in the allegation that the PNP bought or bribed voters to return them to office. On their more substantial point, however, the Judge agreed that there was a case to answer by the government following the February 7, 2025 general election.

Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, the PDM’s Leader and Deputy leader, filed the petition which has now gained traction and renewed attention due to this validating supreme court decision to progress to trial.

Now, minds are racing, and tongues are wagging as residents wonder if it could really be proven that the entire electorate voted incorrectly and if so, will his lordship rule that the General Election be carried out again.

What is clearly outlined in the amended ordinance is there should be two ballots.  Each ballot should be of a different colour.  Each ballot should hold distinguishing information – including occupation – about each candidates offering to hold a parliamentary seat and each ballot must be published ahead of the national poll.

In the 2025 General Election, which was the first to be held using electronic tabulating machines, there was one ballot paper.

Eagle Legal News Media, which heavily focuses on court reporting in the Turks and Caicos Islands, provided some insight.

“His Lordship, the Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan refused the Attorney General’s application to strike out the election petition by Hon Edwin Astwood and Mr. Robert Been, the matter will go to trial,” as shared on social media platforms.

Turks and Caicos Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, KC and Akierra Missick, who is the Senior Civil attorney representing the PNP both submitted arguments to strike out certain portions of the PDM election petitions.

“…in the areas where they alleged corruption and bribery against the PNP for failing to meet the procedural requirements of the Elections Ordinance.”

It is understood by Magnetic Media, the PDM was unable to provide material witnesses to corroborate or prove their allegation of individuals being bribed or “treated” for votes.

On Friday, we learned that the Attorney General’s Chambers has withdrawn an application to have the PDM case related to alleged discrepancies in the Blue Hills district vote, dropped.

“This follows the failure of a similar strike out application, CL 15/25, the Election Petition brought by Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, which was dismissed yesterday in relation to issues with the ballots and voting process.”

The Attorney General was ordered to pay two thirds of the PDM’s legal costs attached to her, now withdrawn application.

As for what happens now, a popular social media pundit – Eugene Arthur – reflects much of the public discourse well.

“If the election was conducted in full compliance with the law, why would the government be so eager to avoid judicial review?

The judge’s ruling sends a powerful message: no political party, and certainly no Attorney General is above electoral scrutiny.  The case will now proceed to trial, where the people of the TCI will finally get the transparency, they deserve.”

[Nassau, Bahamas, March 18, 2025] – Today, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is excited to celebrate Global Recycling Day by announcing the launch of its new ‘Cruisin’ Green’ sustainable waste management program. This timely initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste throughout the port in alignment with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting our marine ecosystems.  Through this highly anticipated initiative, NCP will engage tenants, vendors, employees, cruise lines, cruise passengers, and local visitors in creating a cleaner, greener environment by collecting and sorting cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and paper products.

This significant initiative also signifies the growth of our partnerships with key local organizations, including the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS).

“Cruisin’ Green is not just a recycling program; it represents a significant part of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark within the cruise and maritime industry,” said Mike Maura, CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Our mission is to lead by example and inspire the industry to adopt similar green initiatives, By collaborating with our partners, tenants, and community, we intend to create lasting changes that benefit the environment and future generations of Bahamians for many years.”

Yeshantai Thompson, Health, Safety, & Environment Manager at Nassau Cruise Port, explained how the program will be implemented and emphasized its importance. “By integrating strategically placed recycling bins, clear signage, comprehensive training, and community-driven initiatives, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible in this movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nassau Cruise Port is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and playing a key role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly future within the cruise industry and throughout The Bahamas.  For more information about the Cruisin’ Green initiative and details about how to get involved, follow Nassau Cruise Port online or visit nassaucruiseport.com.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.