TCI News
Olive branch extended by Opposition Leader, says it is time for Turks and Caicos leaders to unite
#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, July 11, 2018 – Turks and Caicos politicians were chastised by one of their own during House of Assembly session today; a former Chief Minister and current Opposition Leader called-out Members for harbouring so much animosity that bipartisan unity is virtually non-existent.
Hon. Washington Misick, during his rebuttal to the Budget Communication made the bold statement.
“And so Mr. Speaker, it is an indictment that we, the Political Class and Senior Management of this country have all drank the kool-aid and now operate at the intersection of capacity deficit and system designed faults that have seen the establishment of a hegemony who do not know from whence we came!”
While the Opposition Leader did not define what exactly is a hegemony – leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others – he did opt to decipher the meaning of his bombastic remark.
“The system that we now have is one that we have to accept responsibility for and it is partly because of the division we have among ourselves… because Mr. Speaker we all bought into the kool- aid, the theory or the snake oil, whatever it is that was sold to us and we have made decisions that we understood things as they were, when things happened but it is now time for that to change.”
Hon Misick, who is the immediate past Minister of Finance said he understands the frustrations eluded to by the Premier and current finance minister in her Budget Communication of the day before, where Hon. Sharlene Robinson said:
“When we got into office, we met certain institutional structures that were resistant to the change the people wanted; that were bent on maintaining the status quo and, on frustrating the will of the people and diluting the power of their vote. And so this budget Mr. Speaker, but must be seen as a significant part of the foundation we are re-building. We have had not only to navigate the institutional and structural landmines put in the people’s way, but also face head on the challenges that nature presented.” 
The PNP Leader in the House of Assembly expounded with, “It is a non-partisan statement… we have to, all of us, whether we are politicians, permanent secretaries and other people in powerful positions, we have to start thinking critically about the next generation and not continue to drink the kool-aid that is served to us. We know what happened in Georgetown; we should let our actions be those that in our best interest and in the best interest of our country.”
Referring to Queen Esther of the Christian Bible, who is revered for her fearless stance which rescued her nation of Israel from complete annihilation by an evil ruler, Hon Misick said “we are all Esthers in our different roles… we should all in our separate roles think about the decisions we make, whether we are dancing to the music of a hegemony who do not know from whence we come.”
There were many analogies and Bible scriptures lacing the early remarks of Hon Washington Misick, the fifth all-Island member. There was also a backwards glance, deemed vital to perspective, by the Member and it captured some of the major events of 2008 and 2009 affecting the TCI including Hurricane Ike, the global financial meltdown and constitutional suspension. 
Hon Misick labelled the story of the Turks and Caicos’ economy in the last decade as ‘unprecedented’ and a full recovery, no longer in need of a doctor’s care.
“…yet it continues long after the patient has recovered, it continues to this day.”
The Opposition Leader called on the Premier not to “flip-flop” on the matter.
The phrase ‘drinking the kool-aid’ is a euphemism emanating from a heart-breaking story from 1978 which happened in Georgetown, Guyana. Cyanide and Valium spiked kool-aid was willfully drank by 900 people who were followers of American Jim Jones. The poisoning of the Peoples Temple ‘cult’ members is one of the worst mass genocides and one of the more infamous chapters in Caribbean history.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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