TCI News
TCI: Tech developer, ex-DigicelTCI boss and son of former CM brings ‘boldness’ as Deputy Leader of PNP
#Providenciales, June 13, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The appointment of EJ Saunders as deputy leader of the Progressive National Party, PNP has energized some of the base of the Opposition, and the party leader says Saunders brings boldness to the team.
“The person that I have target for deputy leader of the party is someone who brings a lot of specialized skills to the party and can relate to the big bold ideas that I have for the Party to move boldly into the second half of the 21st century as a leader in technology,” said Misick during a press conference at the PNP Party headquarters on Airport Road.
Misick before making the announcement explained that the selection was a difficult one, which he expected to be disappointing for some who had expressed interest in the job.
“I am hoping that at the end of the day we can all hold our hands up and be leaders in whatever seats we sit in and that we would rally around the leadership of the party. No one has all of the answers and no one has all of the skills, but I think together, if we build a strong team around those persons who put themselves up to run and particularly those persons who take on the daunting task of leadership to support them.”
During a press conference yesterday, Washington Misick, PNP Leader made the announcement that his second in command will be EJ, a very popular businessman and son of celebrated former chief minister, Norman Saunders.
“…someone who you already know, someone who’s connected to this Progressive National Party from the umbilical cord, who is from a political family who hopefully understands the rigors of being involved in a political party and who promised me that he – he – is committed to do a sterling job and he promised that would start in another 20 minutes…”
An eruption of applause, cheering and music welcomed EJ to his new role in frontline politics of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and specifically in the executive of the Opposition PNP.
Saunders has made no secret of his interest in participating in the leadership of the PNP; having once offered in the leadership race of the party.
“At 46, I make my entrance into frontline politics, later than most politicians, at least in the Turks and Caicos. But the reason why I have started out late is because I have always said that I would not get into politics unless my country or my party needed me, particularly the country.”
Congratulatory greetings on the deputy party leader appointment were posted to the PNPs Facebook page, including from former premier, Michael Misick, who labelled the duo of Hon Washington Misick and EJ Saunders, the “Dream Team.”
In the PNP camp, the party leader has the prerogative to appoint the deputy leader and Hon Washington Misick said it was not easy making the choice for EJ.
“We have so many talented people in this party who qualify to deputize or for that matter, to lead and remember each person who put their name on the dotted line is a leader in his own right.”
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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
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- 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
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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.
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