TCI News
TCI Cabinet Code restricts the voice of thousands of voters, seven parliamentarians barred from speaking
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Friday June 1, 2018 – A reported, political ‘faux-pas’ by the governor of the Turks and Caicos has exposed just how much the public is not allowed to know when it comes to what happens behind the closed doors of Cabinet meetings; even though 70 per cent of the Cabinet is directly representative of the People.
Divergent opinions, objections, points of views expressed and insights shared by the ten members – which include seven elected House of Assembly parliamentarians – are kept hidden by a Code of Conduct which bans personal perspectives on Cabinet agenda items being shared within the public domain. 
Section 8 of the Code states: “The principle of collective responsibility, save where it is explicitly set aside, applies to all Government Ministers. It requires that Ministers should be able to express their views frankly in the expectation that they can argue freely in private while maintaining collective responsibility in public when decisions have been reached. This in turn requires that the privacy of opinions expressed in Cabinet and Ministerial Committees, including in correspondence, should be maintained.”
While the PDM Chairman and likely others believe assurances of confidentiality are vital to the openness of Cabinet, there is a glaring issue which provokes thought about this Cabinet gag order. Are elected members holding back on pivotal points in the House of Assembly, where representation is required?
The Electorate suspected this was the case in the Rufus Ewing-led administration. And the near 18-month old PDM Administration is facing similar criticisms. 
Douglas Parnell as leader of the People’s Democratic Movement on Thursday issued a media release calling for an apology from governor, His Excellency Dr. John Freeman. Dr. Freeman is accused of having breached the Code of Conduct, as president of the Cabinet, when he told media about options available to the PDM Administration on fiscal management in the aftermath of the hurricanes of September 2017.
A Magnetic Media report on the comments made in April ignited a firestorm of controversy about who really controls the public purse strings. The premier believed it opened the door to mischief, chiefly from the Opposition Progressive National Party.
Hon Sharlene Robinson, Premier and Minister of Finance, retaliated with a national address and stated, unequivocally that, the UK did indeed micro-manage the finances of the country. Premier Robinson, in detail outlined other measures, established by the UK which hinder swifter spending.
All of this happened back in April. Nearly two months later, it is unclear why the matter is again in the spotlight but the issue has exposed at least two sections of a Code of Conduct, which many never even knew existed.
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”.
Sections 8 and 9 of the Code of Conduct, governing the behavior of Cabinet members explain that the public ought only know the final outcome of a matter discussed at Cabinet; that it was important to present a united front.
The revealed expectation of that Code raises serious questions about the constitutional obligation of a member of parliament to truly represent the people of their given district or constituency. 
If a Cabinet member is unable to speak his or her thoughts or misgivings about Cabinet decisions for fear of retribution or a breach of the Code of Conduct, then doesn’t that disenfranchise and render voiceless the voters who gave them the job, which qualified them for Cabinet?
It is debatable; certainly worthy of national conversation.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
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