TCI News
Turks and Caicos Opposition walks out of Budget Debate, cites HOA Speaker as biased
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, July 13, 2018 – The entire Opposition of the Turks and Caicos Islands this morning walked out of the House of Assembly after the Budget Debate came to what they believe was an abrupt end. 
The PNP side, including Independent member, Hon Josephine Connolly said they were caught off guard by the call for more contributions and then quick close to the debate by the House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Dwayne Taylor.
“The Speaker called for more contributions and he claimed that no one responded and he asked the Premier to wrap up and I believe he ignored the light of Hon Porsha Smith.”
In a telephone interview, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Washington Misick explained that at least four members had not yet made a contribution to the Budget, which was on July 10 presented by Premier and Finance Minister, Hon Sharlene Robinson. 
Among them, the Members for The Bight, South Caicos and Grand Turk North.
The Opposition Leader believes, the Speaker could have over-ridden his own announcement that debate was ended; but chose not to do so intentionally.
“It’s a pattern of his lack of even-handedness and one-sidedness and this is a matter that I plan to look into because as far as we are concerned on our side, we have absolutely no confidence in the Speaker and so we have decided under the circumstances to ‘walk out’.”
Hon Misick explained that the PNP side was caught off guard by the sudden end to the important debate, especially, as the Chairman of the PDM and Member for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Hon Douglas Parnell had yet to make his contribution.
“…who happened to have been out of the chamber at the time, having his speech printed so that he could go back inside to deliver it and the Premier knew that, because I saw him speaking to her about it so I think with them, they saw a strategic opportunity to exclude the Opposition and they embraced it. I know he was caught off guard and so it’s a collusion on the part of the Premier and potentially the chairman of the PDM Party, Hon Parnell and the Speaker; I can’t put it any other way.” 
Hon Misick said while he believes there has been a firm presentation and recommendations made already by the PNP Opposition on the Budget, the Speaker should have extended to them the courtesy of hearing the remaining Opposition House members and their contributions on the debate.
A press conference is called for 1:30 p.m. today, where the Opposition Leader will address the media formally on their lack of confidence his party has in the Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly.
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
-
-
- 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
-
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.
-
TCI News1 week agoFrontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection
-
USA1 week agoNarco-Terrorist Take Down by US Gutting Caribbean Gang-Crime
-
TCI News6 days agoHURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS
-
Caribbean News3 days agoSeven Days. Seven Nations. One Storm — Hurricane Melissa