TCI News

TCI: Leader of The Opposition/PNP Leader Trifling with Country’s Governance

Published

7 years ago

November 28, 2018

#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 6^th 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 2^nd, 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 30^th, 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

Finance

TCI Financial Services Opens Debate on Cryptocurrency Rules

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – A new era of digital finance regulation could be on the horizon for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the Financial Services Commission moves to establish a legal framework for virtual assets and cryptocurrency-related businesses.

The TCI Financial Services Commission on Friday launched a public consultation on its proposed Virtual Assets Business Bill, 2026, legislation designed to regulate virtual asset service providers, stablecoin issuers and other digital asset activities operating in or from the territory.

Globally, governments and regulators have been racing to catch up with the rapid growth of digital currencies, blockchain technology and online financial platforms. Concerns over money laundering, cybercrime, fraud and the collapse of poorly regulated crypto exchanges have pushed jurisdictions to tighten oversight while still trying to attract financial innovation and investment.

The proposed TCI bill appears aimed at positioning the territory within that evolving international framework.

According to the FSC, the legislation is aligned with international standards and guidance from bodies including the Financial Action Task Force, International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Financial Stability Board.

The Commission said the bill would introduce a “comprehensive licensing, supervisory, prudential and enforcement framework” for the sector. The proposed law includes anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations, cyber resilience requirements, enforcement measures and even a regulatory sandbox intended to support innovation.

Among the notable features are proposed reserve and governance rules for stablecoins, which are digital currencies typically tied to traditional assets like the US dollar. The draft legislation also outlines exemptions for certain technology providers and closed-loop token systems.

The FSC said the consultation period is intended to gather public and industry feedback before the bill is submitted to Cabinet next month. Written submissions must be received by June 8, 2026.

The consultation paper and draft bill have been published on the FSC website for public review.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

News

Conch Farm Site to become New Home for Watersports Operators

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

$12 million acquisition signals marina plan, not return of commercial conch farming

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s acquisition of the former Conch Farm property is not shaping up as a revival of the once world-famous aquaculture operation in Long Bay.

Instead, the $12 million purchase appears headed in a very different direction — transforming the sprawling waterfront site into what could become the new operational home for scores of marine and watersports operators who have long struggled for space along the eastern shores of Providenciales.

And for many observers familiar with the growing tensions in those areas, the move may actually make more sense than first believed.

Over the years, the rapid expansion of jet ski operators, charter boats, parasailing businesses and excursion companies along eastern beach and marina areas has increasingly created disputes over access, launching rights, docking space and territorial use of waterfront locations.

At times, those disagreements have reportedly escalated into confrontations serious enough to require police intervention.

Now, according to comments delivered by Premier and Finance Minister Charles Washington Misick during debate on the 2026/27 Budget, government intends to use the former Conch Farm property to bring greater order and infrastructure to the rapidly expanding marine sector.

“The acquisition and redevelopment of the Conch Farm property at Long Bay, Providenciales, is a strategic Government investment to strengthen the rapidly growing marine and water sports sector,” the Premier said.

He explained that the project is envisioned as:

“a safe, clean, and well-managed public marina dedicated to local operators.”

The Premier also pointed directly to the growing number of young Turks and Caicos Islanders entering the marine tourism industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So many of these operators are young Turks and Caicos Islanders who have turned to self-employment since COVID-19,” he stated during the Budget presentation.

Government says the marina would provide affordable and regulated launching facilities while creating space for docking, boat services, small vendors, maintenance operations and other marine-related businesses.

The proposal also aims to formalize portions of an industry which has expanded rapidly alongside the country’s booming tourism economy.

“Best of all it ensures that the benefits of our booming tourism industry are retained right here in Turks and Caicos communities,” the Premier added.

The clarification significantly changes early public assumptions that government was preparing to revive the commercial conch farming operation once associated with the property.

The original Caicos Conch Farm was widely regarded as the world’s first and only commercial conch farm before hurricane damage, operational struggles, policy disputes and legal battles eventually led to its closure.

Now, while the historic name and marine legacy remain attached to the site, the government’s immediate vision appears centered far more on marine infrastructure and economic activity than on aquaculture.

And in a tourism economy increasingly dependent on marine excursions and water-based experiences, the move could ultimately reshape one of the most contentious and overcrowded corners of Providenciales’ tourism landscape.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

News

Anantara Targets North Caicos for Latest Luxury Development

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

International resort brand launches sales for residences and resort project on Sandy Point

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – Sales have started on what could become another multi-million-dollar luxury residential resort development for the Turks and Caicos Islands — but this time, North Caicos is poised to become home to the investment by international luxury brand Anantara.

The project, now being marketed globally through developer platforms and international promotional campaigns, is planned for the Sandy Point coastline and is being pitched as a collection of luxury residences paired with high-end resort amenities on one of the country’s least developed major islands.

What may distinguish this proposal from several ambitious North Caicos projects that never fully materialized, however, is the reputation and global footprint behind the Anantara brand itself.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts operates luxury properties across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe under parent company Minor Hotels, an international hospitality group with more than 500 hotels in operation worldwide. The North Caicos project is being promoted as Anantara’s first-ever Caribbean development — a detail likely to draw heightened international attention and investor confidence.

Developers are positioning the investment as an opportunity to experience a quieter, less discovered side of the Turks and Caicos Islands, one they argue rivals the beauty and exclusivity long associated with Providenciales.

And North Caicos, one of the largest islands in the archipelago and widely regarded as its most lush and green, offers a dramatically different landscape from the tourism-heavy pace of Providenciales — with expansive wetlands, undeveloped beaches, dense vegetation and a slower, nature-focused atmosphere increasingly attractive to luxury travelers seeking privacy and wellness-oriented experiences.

According to promotional material, the development is located approximately 25 minutes from Providenciales by combined ferry and air connections and will include 78 branded residences, beachfront villas and resort-style amenities focused on low-density luxury living.

The project team includes several recognized figures in luxury hospitality and development, among them Rob Ayer, associated with Wymara Resort developments, and Caroline Domange, co-founder of Cheval Blanc, the ultra-luxury hospitality brand linked to LVMH.

Premier Charles Washington Misick is also featured prominently in the global announcement, describing the project as:

“the beginning of a new chapter for luxury lifestyles in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The investment aligns closely with government’s increasing emphasis on shifting development beyond Providenciales and driving greater economic activity into the Family Islands.

Still, the proposal is also expected to reignite wider national discussions about infrastructure readiness, housing pressures and the long-term pace of development throughout the territory — particularly as government recently approved the formation of a Public Private Partnership Working Group on Hotel Employee Accommodations.

Promotional material circulating internationally suggests residences at the North Caicos development could start at just under US$1 million — underscoring the ultra-luxury market the project intends to attract.

The project is currently targeting a 2029 opening.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.