New PDM Leader says rebuilding the party begins with hearing its members—and the people.

 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Newly elected People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader Doug Parnell says his first priority is neither launching attacks on the Government nor unveiling sweeping policy proposals.

Instead, he says his first assignment is simple.

Listen.

In his first interview since delegates elected him leader of the opposition party, Parnell told Magnetic Media that rebuilding the PDM begins by rebuilding trust—first within the party itself and then across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“My first step is unity inside the party, then renewed connection with the people outside the party,” Parnell said.

Returning PDM Leader Doug Parnell once again takes the helm of a party seeking to recover from successive general election defeats and reconnect with voters who have repeatedly chosen the governing Progressive National Party.

Parnell says that work begins by listening.

His immediate plans include meetings with former party leaders, elected members, officers, candidates, caretakers, branch representatives, youth, women and supporters across the islands before expanding those conversations to the wider public.

“We must listen internally first, then take that same spirit of listening to the country,” he explained.

While many expected the new opposition leader to use his first interview to sharply criticize the Washington Misick administration, Parnell deliberately shifted the conversation away from partisan politics.

“I do not want to make this only about the PNP,” he said.

“The more important issue is what the people of this country are experiencing.”

Instead, he outlined what he believes are the issues weighing most heavily on the public: rising living costs, housing affordability, crime, pressures facing local businesses and uncertainty among young people about whether they have a meaningful future in their own country.

“The issue is not political quarrelling,” he said. “The issue is that too many people feel the country is moving, but they are being left behind.”

He also argued that a widening wealth gap has emerged and said the government has failed to adequately address it.

Asked why he decided to seek the party’s leadership again after spending years largely outside the political spotlight.

“I disagree with that characterization,” he responded.

He acknowledged that anyone involved in public life experiences moments of disappointment but said those moments should never outweigh one’s responsibility to serve.

“Frustration does not remove responsibility,” he said.

“I am not here for personal glory. I am here to steady the ship and help rebuild trust.”

That theme of stability and unity echoed throughout his responses.

Parnell repeatedly stressed that the leadership contest is now behind the party and that healing divisions must become the immediate focus.

“The contest is over. The work of unity begins now.”

He said delegates placed their confidence in him because they believed he understood the party’s history and was prepared to work with supporters and former rivals alike.

“We cannot afford division. We cannot afford bitterness,” he said, adding that the country deserves a serious and united opposition capable of holding any government accountable.

For Parnell, the task ahead extends beyond rebuilding party structures.

He says the PDM must become more visible, more connected and more responsive to the everyday concerns of Islanders.

“What I bring is steadiness, experience and a willingness to listen,” he said.

“The PDM has a proud history, but the public wants to see us more present, more united and more connected to the issues affecting their daily lives.”

The new leader insists the effort is larger than any individual.

“This is not about one man,” Parnell said. “It is about bringing the PDM together again so we can serve the people better.”

Whether that message resonates with voters will unfold over the months ahead.

For now, Doug Parnell has made one thing unmistakably clear.

His first order of business as leader of the People’s Democratic Movement is to listen.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 26 June 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) successfully hosted its Hurricane Preparedness Expo this past Friday, 19 June 2026, at the Dillon Hall in Grand Turk. Residents and visitors attending the event, took full advantage of the opportunity to learn more about hurricane preparedness while participating in exciting activities and receiving complimentary tokens.

The expo brought together several key partners and stakeholders, including the TCI Red Cross, Do it Center (Building Materials), Pelican Energy TCI, Interhealth Canada, TCI Regiment, Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Aged Care and Rehabilitation TCI, the Environmental Health Department, Survey and Mapping Department and the Public Works Department.  These stakeholders and vendors contributed to the event’s success by sharing valuable information and products aimed at helping individuals and families prepare for the hurricane season.

Both the Director and Deputy Director for DDME addressed attendees and emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the Atlantic Hurricane Season.  DDME Director, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Jason Hills stated, “Preparedness is not a one-time activity but an ongoing responsibility. We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps by staying informed and ensuring their emergency plans and supplies are up to date,” DDME Deputy Director Ms. Kevaun Lucas added that, “It only takes one storm to change lives and communities forever. That is why preparedness cannot wait until a hurricane is on our doorstep, take the time now so you will not be caught off guard later.”

DDME would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to all vendors and persons from the Grand Turk community that attended this event.  We also express our sincere thanks to The Hon. Otis Morris and Hon. Sharon Simons for their presence and participation.

The Hurricane Preparedness Expo forms part of the DDME’s ongoing public awareness and community outreach initiatives during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. These events aim to strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country.  The public is warmly encouraged to attend DDME initiatives and take an active role in hurricane preparedness.

UPCOMING CHURCH SERVICE

Sunday, 28 June 2026  •  St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Grand Turk  |  9:00 AM (New time)

OTHER UPCOMING EVENT

Saturday, 4 July 2026  •   Community Hurricane Scavenger Hunt, Meeting point: Oseta Jolly Primary School, Providenciales |  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 26th, 2026) — The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating another major airlift milestone with the announcement that United Airlines will launch new nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales (PLS) beginning December 2026.*

The new weekly service marks a significant expansion of United Airlines’ established presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the result of extensive negotiations with the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA).

This announcement comes on the heels of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ successful roadshow in Denver, where the delegation, led by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, was warmly welcomed by Governor Jared Polis, who proclaimed May 20th, 2026, as Turks and Caicos Islands Friendship Day in Colorado in recognition of the growing ties between the destination and the state.

Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, said this new route will open up new opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This new direct service between Denver and Providenciales is tremendously exciting for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Denver is one of America’s great aviation gateways, opening convenient access to Colorado, California, and the entire western United States. Having already established strong links to the eastern and midwestern markets, we are delighted to now extend our reach to the west. We are confident this route will unlock significant opportunities for tourism, business, and investment and further strengthen our ties with the United States,” he said.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the announcement as a strong endorsement of the destination’s growing appeal and the Ministry’s continued efforts to diversify source markets and expand airlift.

“This new service between Denver and Providenciales represents another important step in expanding the global reach of the Turks and Caicos Islands. For many years, our strongest air connections have been concentrated along the East Coast and in the Midwest of the United States. Today, we continue our strategic expansion westward, creating direct access to one of North America’s most dynamic and affluent regions. This route strengthens our ability to attract visitors whose interests align naturally with the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism product—from luxury travel and wellness experiences to diving, outdoor adventure, and second-home ownership,” he said.

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, described the announcement as another important step in strengthening the destination’s connectivity and competitiveness.

“This new service is the result of continued collaboration between the Government, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Experience Turks and Caicos and our airline partners. Expanding air access is critical to sustaining tourism growth, and we are pleased that United Airlines continues to recognise the immense opportunity that exists here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the Minister said. “As part of our broader strategic vision, we have been deliberately cultivating and developing routes from the western portion of North America — a market of enormous potential — with the goal of securing greater overall air capacity into our destination.”

“We’re excited to give our customers yet another non-stop option between the Caribbean and Denver,” said Tom Kozlowski, Senior Manager of Latin, Caribbean, & Hawaii Network Planning, United Airlines. “United is the largest carrier in Denver, and this new addition will be the westernmost service from Turks and Caicos to the US, opening new tourism opportunities. We know our customers in Denver and surrounds will enjoy easier access to beautiful beaches, unique island charm, and vibrant culture in one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations.”

The addition of the Denver route further strengthens the Turks and Caicos Islands’ airlift portfolio and builds on recent successes in expanding access from key and emerging markets. Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority will continue working closely with airline partners to identify opportunities for strategic growth and enhanced connectivity.

The new route will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft featuring 179 seats, including 20 in business class and 159 in economy.

The tentative flight schedule is below:

Schedule subject to change.

Customers can book flights at united.com and on the United app.

*Subject to Government approval