TCI:  PNP calls for new election, slams Premier for state of NJS Francis building

#Providenciales, November 20, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Opposition PNP is demanding the PDM Administration resign, dissolve the House of Assembly and order a new general election; Hon Washington Misick cites the crumbling state of the House of Assembly building and the leadership style of the Premier as the reason for the bold request.

Leader of Opposition business in the House of Assembly, Washington Misick today issued a statement.

“The vindictive and capricious style of leadership which this Premier embrace, has resulted in various cancellations or delays to several infrastructure projects, including JAGS McCartney International Airport, Waterloo, the South Caicos International Airport Terminal and the Cultural Amphitheatre (fish-fry village). However, the awarding of the contract for the repairs and refurbishment of the NJS Francis Building is perhaps the most egregious frustration of a contract award, given the building’s centrality to TCI democracy, being the physical seat of government.”

Misick is reports of a relocation of everything and everyone within the NJS Francis building.

“The conditions and the circumstances which have made the NJS Francis building unfit for occupation thereby resulting in the relocation of the employees, falls squarely at the feet of the Premier.”

The new headquarters for Parliament and government staff normally situated there is now to be the H.J. Robinson High school auditorium, explains the statement sent to Magnetic Media early this morning.  The media statement is also where Hon Washington Misick, the former minister of finance gave account of what led to the relocation and dilapidated state of the NJS Francis Building.

“…the Premier reduced and then removed the 2.1 million-dollar originally allocation in the 2016/17 budget for the repairs to the building, and for which tenders went out in 2016. A contract with TCIG and a local contractor was signed in April 2017.  However, instead of informing the contractor of the commencement date of the contract a letter of cancellation was sent on February 7, 2018.”

In a shocking irony, the PNP is now blaming the PDM Administration of stock-piling surplus monies.

“This hoarding of cash will only result in continuous degradation of infrastructure, more potential failures and mould infestation of government buildings. As has become the norm for the Premier, this national disgrace will once again be blamed erroneously on Irma and Maria.  In the meantime, the delivery of services suffers because the government will now have to submit a supplementary appropriation bill and have it passed before it could retender the contract for the repairs and refurbishment.  This is likely to take us well into 2020.”

The Leader of the Opposition said the revelation of a $55 million surplus clearly demonstrates that the country can afford to take care of its business and in conclusion, the former Chief Minister and current fifth All Island member said: “It is in the public interest that this government advises the Governor to dissolve the HOA and call a general election to avoid a complete systemic breakdown.”

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