TCI News
The Governor VS. The Premier: Truth VS. Deception
#TurksandCaicos, April 16, 2018 – Providenciales – In the face of recent events, it must now be crystal clear to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands generally, but more specifically – those PNP supporters that crossed the party lines during the 2016 elections, that thy were rewarded a ‘six for a nine’. Prize, who lives in Blue Hills – would have seen through the fluff that was on showcase, and realized that there was no substance to the “CHANGE’ that was on offer. But, as the saying goes, “hindsight is 20/20 vision”!
The Governor in his recent meeting with the local press corps, clearly exposed the Empress for having ‘no clothes’. It is quite evident that the Premier and her merry band of Ministers do not possess the skillset to execute the various programmes necessary to promote, let alone contribute to the growth and development of our country.
When I recently spoke in the House of Assembly on the various issues impacting this country, the Premier was quick, in her myriad of responses – to shout from the rooftop, “The Opposition is misleading the people”!
That might have been all well and good, as part of her theatrics; however, the people are now clearly seeing that the chickens coming home to roost. If ‘she is bad’ as the saying goes, let her backchat the Governor on national radio, television or the printed press. Honorable Premier, we are waiting your rebuttal.
It is with this in mind, I would like to highlight a few points from the Governor’s recent press briefing that were attributed to him:
- The PDM Administration has been encouraged by the United Kingdom to draw from the country’s healthy financial reserves to expedite reconstruction following 2017’s hurricanes Irma and Maria.
- In terms of identifying funding to meet immediate post hurricane renovations and repairs the UK has not restricted this in any way, and has encouraged TCIG to draw as necessary on its financial resources including if necessary on its comparatively large reserves.
- Much stringency has disappeared with the nullification of the role of the CFO. To this regard, the UK is not imposing any restrictions.
- It was not anticipated in December or early January … that it would have required running a deficit budget. And the UK did not stand in the way of that… any member of Cabinet can attest to that fact.
It is relatively transparent that the Premier is not living up to her own billing. The Governor in so many words said “p… on that” – I will not be the fall guy for her. He, like the rest of us are of the opinion that she needs to stop hiding behind the coattails of the British and chart the course she was mandated to execute. The blame game or deflecting is a disservice to country and people. Enough is enough!
It is a sin and a shame that the government schools are still in a high degree of disrepair nearly 8 months after the hurricanes. Worse still, knowing that the Premier had unfettered access to funds and she refused to direct that the requisite spending take place as the Minister of Finance is unforgivable!
That said, let us not be lulled in a false sense of security when given this information. It is imperative to note that when it suits the British agenda, they have no problem throwing a government or potential government under the proverbial bus. Do you recall the information dump that occurred mere days before the 2012 elections to put the PNP in as dark a light as possible? I do. The British have always had their own agenda and tend to see to its end. Needless to say, we as Turks and Caicos Islanders must come to that realization and in the words of one of my friends: “cut your own cloth”!
Royal S. Robinson
Opposition Appointed Member
Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.
Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.
The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at
identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.
The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy Premier, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, National Security Advisor, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Director General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security
Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.
Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.
The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.
Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit
The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.
In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.
Security at a Crossroads
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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