Press Statement*
From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.
The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.
It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.
Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.
The critical issue is that of this PNP government’s continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.
The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being.
At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.
By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.
It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”
The Premier and his government’s lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.
Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.
As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?
On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.
it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement. Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.
Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
People’s Democratic Movement