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Shocking! PDM calls for resignation of Governor, failing an apology for Cabinet breach

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, May 31, 2018 – The PDM Party is calling on the Governor to resign if he is unwilling to give an apology for breaching the Cabinet Code of Conduct in responding to Magnetic Media questions on the financial management of the country.

“Although he is not a Minister, as President of Cabinet, it is incumbent upon him to abide by and uphold its rules more than any Minister or member. Members of Cabinet have access to confidential and privileged information therefore, any member found to be in breach of Cabinet’s Code of Conduct must tender his or her resignation.”

Today, a jaw dropping media release from the People’s Democratic Movement expresses that His Excellency, Dr. John Freeman was in violation of a code that assures the confidentiality of every member of the Cabinet.

Section 9 of the Code states: “The internal process through which a decision has been made, or the level of Committee by which it was taken should not be disclosed. Decisions reached by the Cabinet or by Ministerial Committees are binding on all members of the Government. They are, however, normally announced and explained as the decision of the Minister concerned”. The actions taken by the Governor undermines binding Cabinet decisions. For him to suggest that there were other options available to the Minister of Finance only seeks to clear himself from being bound by the decisions of Cabinet and therefore threaten the confidence in the Government. In the new reality of governing with a constitution that ushered in greater gubernatorial oversight at every level, the comments from the Governor seem personal.  

The two page media statement came from the desk of the PDM’s Chairman, Douglas Parnell.

In April, Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson, addressed the nation with a strong response to the Governor’s explanations about fiscal operations in the TCI; she boldly stated that the Governor’s comments opened the door to mischievous reaction from the general public and Opposition.

“The new false perception is that we as a Government is able to spend our reserves and run a deficit Budget without UK scrutiny/approvals.  Though not stated by the Governor, I have seen these statements made and am obligated to correct these erroneous perceptions that has now been created out of an effort to correct the British image within our Islands.” Premier Robinson added, “The UK is involved every stage locally by the Governor’s role and so to say there is no micromanaging or local control is certainly incorrect.  The current Governor, as many know nationally is involved at all levels even where neither of his predecessors has been under elected Government. Hence the perception out there that he is running the country.  This is a perception he must feel compelled to correct by actions.”  

It is true that the Governor’s response during a media breakfast in April sparked significant controversy when he denied that the PDM Administration was being micro-managed by the British, specifically in the area of public finances.  H.E. Dr. Freeman explained that he was happy for the opportunity to clarify that the Government is in full control, once certain FCO standards are satisfied, and could have operated a deficit budget in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The PDM Administration had suffered severe rebuke and heavy criticism due to seemingly stunted spending and sluggish response following the catastrophic back to back major storms, which cost the country well over $500 million.

Hon Parnell in the media statement said Cabinet Ministers take seriously the bounds which are placed upon them as a result of Cabinet rules, and now feel compelled to force the Governor to recognize his breach and offer the apology.

“When the Governor violated the code by making public comments about TCIG finances he handicapped Ministers’ ability to frankly air their views and arguments in the privacy of Cabinet and with the assurance that the concealment of these views would be maintained. He undermined the “collective responsibility” to which he is a part. How can any member of Cabinet now express their views with the threat of Cabinet’s President questioning them in public?”

The PDM Party is also questioning the motive of the breach at the press breakfast.

“However, it goes further than seeming personal because with the myriad of apparatuses provided in the new 2011 constitution it is safe to interpret his actions as one who was trying to either cause embarrassment, spark political debate over the performance of this or any Government or worse he was attempting to steer the course of local Government spending priorities all resulting in the abandonment of the neutral stance that is expected from one who holds the highest office in the land. The Governor is a senior United Kingdom Civil Servant and should be aware that his actions would suggest a lack of support for the Government.”  

The Governor’s Press Breakfast meeting was a first of its kind, and based on the uproar generated since, will likely not be repeated.  It was held on April 12, at his Providenciales Office at Raleigh House, Leeward Highway and included at least five media houses.

It is unclear why it has taken the PDM Party so long to make this request of and put this shocking ultimatum to the Governor; however Doug Parnell says at the start of the statement that the party believes nearly two months after the fact, the infraction can be reviewed more objectively.

It was not stated by the PDM Chairman whether the Governor was issued a private request for an apology.

The full Media Statement by the PDM Party is published at this website.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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DDME and TCI Regiment Promote Disaster Resilience on Grand Turk  

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

 

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment joined forces today at the Graceway Grand Turk Supermarket, hosting a public awareness event to mark the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).

The interactive pop-up aimed to educate residents about preparedness and resilience, aligning with this year’s global theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

The theme underscores a growing global message — that investing in prevention and preparedness is far more effective than paying for recovery. The DDME team and Regiment officers shared tips on community readiness, storm safety, and individual action, encouraging residents to take simple steps that can save lives and reduce damage during natural disasters.

According to the international campaign, disasters are becoming “more frequent, more costly, and more devastating,” with direct losses topping $200 billion annually. Experts warn that without urgent investment in resilience, such risks may soon become uninsurable.

The global statement also highlighted that every dollar spent on resilience saves four dollars in avoided losses, urging governments and donors to scale up disaster risk reduction (DRR) financing and integrate resilience into all aspects of climate and development planning.

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The Capital Without Adequate Borders: A Nation at Risk

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Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Imagine this: the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Turk, unguarded, exposed, and left to chance. At a time when our government is overwhelmed with competing priorities for the development of a fragile small island nation, one question demands our immediate attention: are we doing enough to ensure the highest level of maritime security for our Capital?

The reality is sobering. In my opinion, we are not!

In this fight against crime, are we turning over every stone and closing up every loophole?

When pressure mounts in Providenciales, criminals inevitably search for safer havens. Grand Turk and our sister island are left vulnerable. Sporadic interceptions of illegal vessels in the outer islands only highlight the cracks in our defenses.

A once vibrant, self-sustaining community, rich in culture, resources, and natural beauty, now sits in limbo, weighed down by successive governments promises that never seem to materialize.

We cannot afford to neglect the Capital while focusing only on Providenciales. A strong, permanent maritime presence in Grand Turk is no longer optional; it is essential. Without it, our porous borders remain open, our reefs and marine life unprotected, and our sovereignty dangerously compromised.

If you don’t have protected borders, you don’t have a country.

We rarely hear about interception of private yachts breaking our laws, but practically, every month private yachts slip into our harbor, often unsure where to dock, anchor, or declare their arrival. Too often they are seen coming ashore in dinghies, offloading what appears to be garbage or unknown content. It’s unchecked, unmonitored, and unquestioned. Who is watching? Who is enforcing?

Do our customs officers have the tools to respond to vessels at all hours? Are inspections being carried out? Are foreign mariners held to the same standards as locals, required to obtain licenses before fishing, whale watching or exploring our waters?

Without having the proper infrastructure in place or private marinas and oversight, they drop anchor directly on our reefs, destroying in minutes what took nature centuries to create.

And what about security? With no maritime unit based in Grand Turk or Salt Cay, the chances of intercepting illegal vessels smuggling drugs, weapons, or human cargo are slim to none. We are in effect, leaving our doors wide open.
We must ask, does every relevant department have the necessary tools to do their job? Maritime, Fisheries, DECR, Customs and the like.

We must act urgently. This is not only about enforcement; it is about survival. If we remain passive, our outer islands risk becoming playgrounds for traffickers, illegal immigrants and criminals.

So, what is the way forward?

  1.  Extend and Refurbish the Salt Cay boat Ro-Ro dock in Grand Turk to accommodate small vessels.
  2. Repair the broken ramp at Jack Shack, creating proper maritime and first responder access.
  3. Since there are no private marinas in Grand Turk, implement a fair system of mooring and anchoring fees, applied equally to local tour operators and visiting yachts, as is standard worldwide.
  4. Erect a more visible sign near the Customs office identifying their location.
  5. Provide secured docking for maritime and DECR vessels perhaps between the two existing docks, ensuring a rapid-response presence at all times.
  6. Reestablish our maritime branch in Grand Turk along with a proper seaworthy vessel.
  7. We must continue to intensify pressure on the UK and demand accountability for its actions, or lack thereof in safeguarding our external security.

These are costly but not luxuries. They are necessities. The cost of inaction will be far greater in the long run than the investment required today.

On a more positive note, we must also look for opportunities to celebrate even small wins like the recent headway being made on crime control across these islands. Nevertheless, we must not become complacent and find ways to channel our complaints and dismay into action.

It has been nearly a decade now since I relocated back to the Grand Turk community, cherishing the warmth, resilience, and hope that defines this beautiful island. But some truths can no longer be ignored. Our voices cannot remain silent.

We cannot wait for the government alone to tell us what we need. We must demand it. We must lead it. The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now.

Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

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Overcrowding at Grand Turk Prison Now 30% Above Capacity, NSC Warns

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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 PremierAttorney GeneralCommissioner of PoliceNational Security AdvisorCommanding Officer of the RegimentDirector 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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