TCI News
TCI: Leader of The Opposition/PNP Leader Trifling with Country’s Governance
#Providenciales, November 28, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – I am surprised at the two most recent Releases from the Leader of the Opposition who has been fast asleep at the wheel of governance since assuming that Office in 2016 only waking up every now and then to use his few choice words.
I note with amusement the LOO’s remarks as it relates to the Constitution and offer the following:
On the matter of the Constitution:
- The LOO removed himself totally from the process and appointed the Hon AK Missick to act on his behalf. He must be the first Leader of the Opposition to willfully remove himself from a process as important as the Constitution or perhaps it was his intention all along to frustrate the process. He stated that it was verbally communicated to me that his Party wished to wait on a new leader. This is not so, and the contents of an email received on September 6th from Hon AK Missick stated that her Party would not be continuing constitutional talks with us but would wish to discuss “stronger recommendations as to self determination” as a first reason and then the point of selecting a new Executive who would be tasked with determining whether the PNP continue to engage on the Constitution.
“With the HOA adjourned to later this month, we write to advise that we would not be in a position to continue the Constitutional talks.As you’ll agree the proposed changes from both parties are not that substantial to the form of the constitution that would advance our Country and people. We believe stronger recommendations as to self-determination should also be discussed.
Lastly, we are heading into a Party Convention and of the view that as we elect new National Executive members that they be allowed to make a determination on our Part’s direction as it relates to Constitutional engagement”. (Hon Akierra Missick)
This was in response to my email of September 2nd, 2018 in which I outlined the clear decisions to be made: Updated Submissions; Refresher for the people on the 2015 Proposals and Trip To The UK.
- The Leader of the Opposition “LOO” has stated that the UK will only deal with both a Government and Opposition. This is not entirely accurate as the last changes to the Constitution proved otherwise. In 2005, the UK dealt with the Government alone and precedent was set when former Premier Michael Misick negotiated the final changes to the 2006 Constitution with Lord Triesman of HMG. I would hasten to say though that like now, there was a Proposal from a bi partisan Constitutional Committee following public consultations. There were clear steps with three rounds of talks which started in TCI. The third round was in October 2005 with a Michael Misick led Government only delegation for two days of Meetings in the UK. The PDM Opposition were not involved and were granted a 15 minute Meeting to discuss. The UK Minister at the time said there was no need to discuss further as there would have been no change. I note the LOO’s firm stance that the UK has made it clear that they will not and I wish to advise the people of the country that this was not communicated to me in the past or currently and if this is in fact their position, then they would have only communicated this to one party, the Opposition.
- I reiterate again for the public: The Government and the Opposition met in April of this year for a second meeting having had an introductory one in GT and I reported this to the country on several occasions. Both reviewed the submissions of the 2015 Report and agreed additions for further discussions with both Parties. We agreed that we would travel to London together and would engage the people of the Islands in a refresher of the submissions which I did a few weeks ago and which I will do again on Wednesday, November 30th, 2018.
- What the LOO did not remind the people of was the fact that the Proposals as submitted by Premier Rufus Ewing were all rejected. One may recall the statement made by Speaker Robert Hall when the rejection letter was received. Submissions were made under the Rufus Ewing led Administration in 2015 and within a few weeks, the Proposals were all rejected by Her Majesty’s Government. The LOO of the Opposition was correct in that it was mid October when there was a final exchange six weeks or so before Elections were constitutionally due. It was then that the former Premier approached myself as LOO and my inquiry was simply what are the steps to take and to this date, I have not had a response from him or Governor Peter Beckingham on the path forward and this was necessary to inform the Official Opposition who agreed that we would participate. I wish to remind the LOO that when the Constitutional Review was carried out in 2002 and completed in 2006, we knew the process: what the UK would accept etc, the number of rounds of talks with the UK and what else was entailed. In their exercise I was asked to follow blindly to the UK without a known plan.
My efforts have never left out the genesis of these Proposals as the LOO must recognized that not all persons suffer memory loss. Our efforts have been solely to revive the failed submissions of the Former Government whose Proposals we supported on behalf of the people whose voice formed the basis. Each Meeting when presented the opportunity, I spoke with the UK Ministers concerning this and the UK through the Governor invited the Proposals. If they are not minded to meet with the Government alone, they have not stated so and the withdrawal of the PNP at this stage from the Talks was clearly communicated by me to the UK. The UK has not said to me what the LOO has said to the people of this country and we remain surprised at the stance taken by the present Official Opposition to abandon talks on proposals that they submitted and supported as the Government based on the people’s views.
What is so disingenuous of the LOO is that though he has never been at the forefront of Constitutional changes or involved, he knows that the Meeting is not the end of discussions with TCIG but continued dialogue on proposals rejected with more steps to follow.
I have never played politics with the Constitution and will not begin to now as this is a national matter. I will not ask the Official Opposition to join me without a road map and they would be fool hearty to do so as former Premier Rufus Ewing attempted to do. Under both former Leaders Hon Derek Taylor and Hon Michael Misick, both PDM and PNP’s Administration, I accepted to serve. Under former Premier Hon Rufus Ewing, I again accepted to serve and in fact second his Motion in the House of Assembly. Constitutional Talks take time and we can ill afford to waste time.
We reject the foolish notion that the country should wait for the PNP to get their act together and to find a Leader before we can proceed on an invitation from the UK to talk. All OTs are invited to these Talks and the Constitution again appears on the Agenda while in London. I will proceed to discuss the proposals and the way forward on behalf of the people of this country.
The LOO and the PNP know full well that the path to what was communicated by Hon AK Missick on their behalf requires a referendum or General Election and that their petty actions now will only serve to frustrate the process. A change in Leader or Executive Committee whichever reason is correct has no bearing on the wishes of the people already communicated on their behalf. The UK does not deal with Political Parties but with elected Officials in Governments and Oppositions. The change in leadership in a Party can not affect a People’s wish. Constitutional Talks are led by a Government with the encouragement of a bi partisan approach throughout. Like in 2002, 2006 and 2015, we enjoyed that in consulting with our people. In 2006, the Government alone were entertained and in the final talks. We expect that there will be further dialogue as in time past but are equally confident as the elected Government of the day, precedent will allow us to proceed on our people’s behalf. We hope as we do that good sense will prevail and that the PNP Opposition will join the Talks whether they are able to find a new Leader or not.
Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson
Premier & Minister of Finance
The Turks and Caicos Islands
Press Release
TCI News
Beaches Turks & Caicos Food and Beverage Department Blends Health and Family with Smoothies
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Families across the Turks and Caicos Islands are being encouraged to make healthier,
budget-friendly choices all year round, thanks to Beaches Turks & Caicos’ creative team of bartenders who have shared refreshing smoothie recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Recognizing the daily challenge parents face in balancing work, family life and healthy eating, the resort’s bartenders have developed easy-to-make, affordable smoothies that cater to both children and adults. The initiative aligns with Beaches Turks & Caicos’ ongoing commitment to supporting family wellness and community well-being through practical, accessible lifestyle choices.
“Using these recipes is a great way to promote health while keeping things simple,” said Managing Director James McAnally. “Our team members are passionate about enhancing healthy lifestyles within our communities and this is just one way we help families make positive changes year-round.”
Among the standout recipes is the “Morning Sunshine,” a tropical blend of banana, mango and pineapple packed with fibre, potassium and vitamins A and C. Anna-Kay Thompson, bartender at the French Village, said the drink supports digestion and boosts energy levels. “Children are drawn to bright colours; they eat with all their senses. This smoothie is healthy, cost-effective and a great way to start any day,” she added.
Another favourite, the “Triple Tango,” mixes blueberries, kiwi and banana for a vibrant blend that boosts brain health and strengthens the immune system. Junior Jones, bartender at the Caribbean Village, described it as “a dance for the mind and body” thanks to its natural balance of sweet, tart and citrusy flavours.
For those craving something bold, the “Red Razzle” combines watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi and a hint of ginger for a
refreshing, nutrient-rich mix. Packed with antioxidants, fibre and hydration-boosting properties, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. “This smoothie helps promote better nutrition and supports heart and immune health,” said bartender Kevin Williams.
Parents like Judy Morales, who balance work and family life, appreciate the initiative. “These smoothies are a game changer,” she said. “They’re simple, nutritious and fun to make with kids. It’s a great way to stay healthy without spending a lot.”
Bar Manager Uton Graham added that the resort’s bar team enjoys creating healthy beverage options that can be easily replicated at home. “Serving beverages for children requires creativity,” he noted. “We’re happy to share ideas that families can enjoy beyond the resort any time of the year.”
Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to blend more than just ingredients; it blends values of health, family and community. Through its food and beverage initiatives, the resort encourages families to adopt healthier habits while spending quality time together.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 5, 2025 — Staying true to the high quality of service it is known to provide, Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and Great Shape! Inc, have served over 3,000 Turks and Caicos Islanders with state of the art free dental care in its recently concluded clinics – 1000 Smiles.
From October 20 to November 1, a dental volunteer mission team of 140 practicing professionals provided cleaning, filling, extractions, root
canals, sealants and oral health education to residents of Providenciales. Its fifth year being implemented in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the programme’s reach indicate growing support and trust of the initiative facilitated by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International
While visiting the site at the Blue Hills Church of God of Prophecy church in Providenciales, Minister of Health and Human Services the Hon Kyle Knowles shared his satisfaction with the work noting, “As the Minister of Health, to see firsthand the quality of work being executed is an amazing feeling. Being able to see residents of Providenciales getting quality dental care being provided by professionals who have committed themselves to volunteering is what makes this initiative more meaningful.”
“The continued relationship between Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and the government of the TCI augurs well for the development of our people and our communities. For two weeks, more than 3,050 residents were served including adults and students at our primary and secondary schools,” Knowles added.
Managing Director of Beaches Turks and Caicos James McAnally shared, “We are humbled by the numbers of persons that came out this year. As a resort, we value partnerships and through the Great Shape! Inc.’s healthcare partnership, together we have created history with the number of clients being served in any one visit to a region. We are proud to have been involved in creating brighter and healthier smiles for the residents of Providenciales.”
In explaining the customer-centric approach practiced by the medical volunteers, Programme Director of Great Shape! Inc., Shantelle Clarke said, “Some people come in with anxiety and are a little bit scared to get stuff done, but, as we talk through the procedure, explain what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it, we are able to build the trust of patients who develop a sense of ease.”
For the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Chief Dental Officer Dr Janice Baron, the value of the Great Shape! outreach is priceless noting, “It has
established a good example of best practices in the field”.
Meanwhile, more than 1,600 students from Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Richmond Hill Preparatory, Community Christian Academy, Mills Institute, Ashley Learning Centre and Elite Schools also benefited from dental care education through a school tour executed in the first week. Led by the Great Shape! team, students and teachers were reminded about the importance of proper brushing, flossing and oral care through interactive sessions.
“The sessions were dynamic, educational and children-friendly. Students were able to interact and ask questions which the team were able to answer in a fulsome manner which provided much needed information for the students,” says Principal of the Ashley Learning Centre, Shelrica Grant-Banton.
Great Shape! Inc. is one of the largest dental volunteer missions in the world The dental outreach, which commenced in TCI in 2021, is made possible with Beaches Resorts providing accommodations and the charitable arm, the Sandals Foundation, spearheading logistics and offsetting the costs for transportation, as well as food and beverage for the clinics.
For more information about the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org.
