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.”
#magneticmedianews
#ejsaunderspnpdeputyleader
#dreamteam
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos, 20th January, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI’s remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative’s
importance: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.
“The partnership with the DEA under Op BAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF’s operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement.”
DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: “As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands’ safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.”
The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.
Courtesy of RTCIPF Facebook
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