TCI News

Olive branch extended by Opposition Leader, says it is time for Turks and Caicos leaders to unite

Published

5 years ago

July 11, 2018

File Photo Hon Washington Misick, LOO - Photo by Magnetic Media

#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.

Related Topics:#budgetrebuttal2018 #magneticmedianews #tcibudgetdebate2018 #washingtonmisick pnp

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Branch out and Tap in to greater Financial Opportunities says Robert Hall

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Teachers in The Turks and Caicos need to be allowed to market their skills to the private sector, broadening their earning potential and likely enhancing their tenure as teachers, also attached to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

Robert Hall, a former Minister of Education made the edgy suggestion at an Education Week Symposium which was carried live on the TCIG’s Facebook page.

“For instance, a good music teacher, rather than simply training voices why not get into the entertainment field?”

Home Economics teachers and Technical Drawing teachers and similarly talented individuals should break into the industry and tap into the Turks and Caicos’ multi-million-dollar clientele.

“Why not offer the service and you can do that at a cheaper rate. In each case whether it is the Home Ec teacher, the TD teacher or woodworking teacher; pull some of your students along with you into those areas,” he urged.

The presence of local job experience programs aside, what Hall is suggesting, should it be carried out, could put local teachers and students in the direct path of mega successful hoteliers, architects, artistes and more. Some of the most successful people in the world frequent the Turks and Caicos and there have been several occasions where residents have their talents recognized and honed by investors.

It is well known that the late Prince, a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, gave unique opportunities to Quinton Dean in music and Frank Forbes in culinary arts; one touring with him and the other his personal chef. Forbes was also a personal chef to music and movie star, Tyrese. More recently, recording artist Jenardo Laporte was handed a whopping $20,000 by global music mogul, Drake, when he demonstrated undeniable talent.

Robert Hall is a firm believer. He says that through branching out, educators would be able to seriously help themselves financially.

Caribbean News

Illegal immigration, still a real threat in TCI

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Immigration reform is perhaps the most complex policy to enact, let alone enforce without stepping on individuals human rights or on the toes of a certain group of people. I realize there is an undercurrent of tension right now as it relates to this delicate topic, but it’s important to discuss. This is why in my opinion, no one has the perfect solution or answers, not even major developed countries. Nevertheless, elected politicians have an obligation and a duty to come up with a comprehensive approach and viable solutions in the best interest of our the Turks and Caicos.

The impact of the recent pandemic have created even more of a nightmare for many countries around the world. As

a result, many people are suffering and in dire straits of basic needs. Amid the fears and instability in our neighboring country like Haiti, it’s pretty evident. As we can see, without intervention, it is forcing hundreds, if not thousands of illegal migrants to risk theirs lives to reach our shores.

Years ago, political pundits were taken back when the former premier stated that she cannot stop the illegal Haitian sloops from coming. Although, not politically correct, it has proven to be factual. Despite their tireless efforts, with some progress being made in recent months, which political party has yet to show they can?

For decades our country has dealt with illegal immigration, primarily Haitian and Dominican nationals and there seems to be no real solutions or end in sight. Recently, many other nationalities are seizing on the opportunities and taking advantage of the loopholes in our immigration system and porous boarders.

I’m inclined to believe we literally have thousands of undocumented immigrants living in our country under the shadows, be it from undetected illegal boats coming ashore or persons who have overstayed their visas.

The recent voters list published by Tci Sun, which showed only 9,034 registered voters out of a population of approximately 45k, could be indicative of the magnitude of our illegal immigration problems.

Currently, there are ongoing discussions of enlarging our franchise through a legal framework with descendants of TCI. Looking at it through this prism, although noteworthy, we ought to be careful not to rush this initiative. In doing so, it could be consequential. In the interim, why not deal with the problem at hand?

In a small island nation like TCI, unchecked immigration could threaten the very fabric of our society in terms of our culture, the burden on our existing welfare system, etc. What we need is zero tolerance for illegal immigration. Although we are advocates for human rights, our country has a rule of law that must be adhered too.

In order to properly enforce our current laws and bring about real change, the government will need to have stronger checks and balances in place, in addition to implementing more aggressive deterrent tactics.

Such as, a better tracking system for overstayed visas under the “Operation Guardian programme”.

-Imposing hefty fines for hiring illegals or aiding and abetting illegal entry.

-Housing enforcement of make-shift shacks erected on vacant properties, be it government or private.

-Investing heavily in border control and protecting our sovereign water ways.

-Increasing unannounced worksite immigration inspections, etc.

It’s unfortunate, but given the rapid decline of our indigenous population over the years and the construction boom, the country cannot continue to thrive and survive without foreign workers. The reality is, our country does not have sufficient local labor force to meet the construction demands and the growing need for workers in the service industry.

The question is, at what point are we willing to accept this reality? I also believe there is a broader appetite by the public for the government to make some necessary amendments to our current immigration policies. It’s evident, the British government who is ultimately responsible for our external security, is only spoon feeding us when we cry out. I’m afraid, the road we are currently on, its putting the country in a very precarious position which will be difficult to rebound.

With that being said, there are other options the government should also consider to help mitigate the internal and external impending threats. The first option: Whilst developing bilateral security partnerships is great, let’s ramp up the pressure on the British government to station their own coastguard ship in our waters on a semi-permanent basis. This will help to deal with the constant interceptions of illegal vessels and less reliance on the US and Bahamian Coastguard.

With our limited Marine resources, why are we processing hundreds of illegal migrants on our shores? Our system was not designed to house and support such levels of immigration. The high cost of repatriation is draining our already strapped fiscal budget, which in turn creates other economic shortfalls for the country.

The second option: Consider passing an amnesty bill with a path to citizenship for those without criminal records who can prove they have entered the country prior to XYZ date. For eligibility, such persons would have to provide some form of legal documentation, work history, passport and credible references.

Obviously, this will need to be a well thought out process and will require some kind of “Think Tank” committee to brainstorm this to see what the legal ramifications may be. It will also need to include our census bureau embarking on a countrywide effort for a more accurate headcount.

By doing this, we may accomplish a number of things, for one, it will decrease what I would characterize as the “slave labor pool” in our country. In addition, it will allow those who were once illegal to pay into our NHIB, NIB health and retirement system rather then draining it at our own expense.

“ The bottom line is, it’s a broken system and we cannot continue to kick the can down the road. If we operate the same way we will get the same results”.

As we have seen over the years, even though many of these voyages could be very treacherous, these migrants are undeterred by the seemingly odds of dying to get to TCI.

Therefore, it is futile to just sit back, complain and think it will magically go away. Because, at the end of the day, they are here, living and working among us undetected and have been for years. Something unprecedented must be done.

Illegal immigration is a matter that should concern all of us. Whether or not we choose to confront the problem, or just put a bandaid on it, it’s definitely something we need to tackle head on.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Caribbean News

Tenders Published for Credit Union, South Caicos Port, K-9 Unit and Public Sector Pay Raise

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurkandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Contracts are now up for grabs as some long-awaited projects are poised to get started with funding allotted, and projects in need of companies to execute them; they include, the investigation into another pay increase for public servants, the new credit union, and development in South Caicos.

A suite of tender documents was officially published earlier this year for upgrades including the South Caicos Port Dredging Project.

The South Caicos Channel has not been properly maintained since it was initially constructed. The project aims to restore navigability to the port and increase the vessel, and barge sizes (tonnage capacity) with access to the port according to the government’s tender.

The TCIG says this is to reduce the costs of imports as the fully loaded barges reduce costs of goods and materials to residents, local businesses, and existing and future commercial development interests at South Caicos.

The Office of the Deputy Governor has also opened a tender to reassess payment for all public servants.

A consultant is being sought to do a grading review for the entire sector of which the Deputy Governor is in charge. The Government introduced a pay increase of 10 percent for public servants last year. However, most of that was not cash in hand as it went to a new retirement fund.

The tender follows the increase of the minimum wage in February, to 8 dollars an hour.

Next up is the new National Credit Union which the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade is hoping a consultant will step up to establish. The Credit Union is aimed at expanding financing options for residents beyond commercial lenders.

Customised vehicles are also being brought in for a brand-new K-9 unit at the Department of Customs. Late last year, K-9 Units were used at the nation’s ports and were successful in detecting and thwarting efforts to smuggle illicit drugs into the Turks and Caicos Islands.