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Letter to the Editor: Freedom of Expressions, Reboot

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#TurkandCaicosIslands, February 20, 2020 — Submitted by Jamell Robinson Six months have now passed since ‘Expressions’, the people’s radio talk show – on the People’s Radio Station, Radio Turks and Caicos, was suspended indefinitely for a thorough review. Back then, it was said that the review was to “ensure that the objectives of the programme are being met and that the delivery and content are consistent with the tone and messages of a developing and civil society.” One can opine that the outcome of this fake thorough review, which has yet to be published, is that ‘Expressions’ will continue to be suspended until after General Elections are over and done with.

How am I confident in drawing this conclusion, you ask?  Well, ‘Expressions’ has been replaced by the PDM Government’s propaganda talk show ‘TCIG Speaks on RTC’in the Monday and Friday slots where Expressions’ used to be. The only reason they don’t also have the Wednesday slot is that’s when Cabinet is held. What’s most absurd about this show and makes it entirely problematic, is that not only are government ministers interviewed, but no call ins are allowed. This blatant display of propaganda needs to end now. We the people must boycott this show. In fact, this programme should not be aired.  There are many avenues in which the government can tout its so called successes. Unfortunately, the use of a government channel with a public servant as host, propagandizing to the public is not one!

Simply put, this government has abused its powers in relation to the editorial independence of Radio Turks and Caicos. Section 8 of the Radio Turks and Caicos Ordinance clearly states that “No Minister may give a direction to the Board, Radio Turks and Caicos, or any director, officer or staff of Radio Turks and Caicos, in respect to:

a)      A particular programme of a particular allegation or a particular complaint;

c)       Programme standards

It’s clear in the hierarchy of Governance that only the Governor at this point can intervene to right this blatant and illegal wrongdoing.

An excerpt from section 13(1) of the TCI Constitution states: “No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, and includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive and impart (to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his or her correspondence or other means of communication.”

I close with a quote from a famous soon to be infamous TCI Politician, “Stay awake TCI and hold your Government into account. Do not ever lose your voice. Any Government that wants its people to remain silent is bound to fail!!’’ Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Honorable Premier, we are woke and we will hold your government to account!

Stay Blessed TCI

Jamell Robinson, PNP At Large Candidate

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

Kamala Harris to meet with Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

 

#USA, June 5, 2023 – Kamala Harris, United States Vice President will journey to Nassau Bahamas in June for a top level meeting with Caribbean  leaders, marking the first time she will visit the region since occupying office in 2021.

According to the White House in a statement, the meeting will bring attention to a range of regional issues.  Harris and the Caribbean leaders will continue talks on the shared efforts to address the climate crisis, such as promoting climate resilience and adaptation in the region and increasing energy security through clean energy.

Additionally, the statement informed that Harris’ trip “delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean in pursuit of shared prosperity and security, and in recognition of the common bonds and interests between our nations.”

The June 8th meeting builds on and strengthens the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030, which was launched by the Vice President and Caribbean leaders in Los Angeles at the Summit of the Americas as further mentioned by White House Statement.

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Caribbean News

Woman who lost foot is Alexandra Truwit, Yale Grad & All American Swimmer

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – A champion swimmer, marathon runner, Ivy League graduate and world traveler with a huge smile– that is Alexandra Truwit; at only 22 years old, she has a whole life ahead of her, one that may have now been made exponentially harder by the loss of her foot in an incident which continues to be unconfirmed, but reported as a shark attack off the coast of Providenciales.

Magnetic Media learned Truwit, who is a very experienced swimmer, was on a private charter captained by an employee of Big Blue Collective (not a Big Blue Charter).  She was bitten by what eyewitnesses think could have been a Caribbean Reef Shark and her foot below the ankle was completely severed.

It’s a heartbreaking incident exacerbated by the young woman’s obvious love for- and proficiency in- the water.

The Yale website describes Truwit as a Two-time USA Swimming Academic All-American.  Featured as a ‘Teen Titan’ in her high school, she was one of ten young people chosen for the school’s magazine. 

Truwit, who has a twin brother, cites nail art and baking as her life joys. Already having survived ‘mono’ as a teen, she volunteers as a Special Olympics “hugger” and started a Special Olympics club at her high school.

She was airlifted from the Turks and Caicos on the day of her accident and there have been no updates on her condition so far.  Residents in the TCI and the US have expressed via social media their best wishes for the young achiever and must now wait, hoping for the best possible outcome.

One resident said, “So sorry Alexandra you had to encounter such a traumatic experience while on vacation on our beautiful Island.  I am praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for you, hopefully, the surgeon can work their magic for you.”

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Government

Governor’s Appointed Member touts Civil Service Upgrade during Budget Debates

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – There are sweeping changes coming to the civil service this year after years of complaints about delays and understaffing.

“For the year 2023/24, the office of the Deputy Governor has a very ambitious public sector transformation centered around improving service delivery and the customer experience.”

This came from Governors Appointed Member Willin Belliard, as he rose in the budget debates on Thursday May 18 to detail the revamp.

Phase one of E-procurement which will allow for the virtual submission of tenders is to be implemented. Along with that will come E-Jobs, a similar system touted to make job applications virtual, swift and easy.

Implementation of the Human Capital Procurement Program is also on the list of deliverables. Human capital is sorely lacking in the Turks and Caicos across the public and private sectors with hundreds of vacancies sitting open and resignations continuing to pile up.

Public servants will also find it easier to enroll into the all new Public Sector Pension Plan with the advent of a portal to remove the need for paper based applications.

The previously announced pay grading exercise is on the table to be completed and a Contract management unit has now been created to manage the delivery of projects that taxpayers are funding.

Residents of the Turks and Caicos have complained bitterly about the state of the civil service in the country for years. From police records to the treasury, the service is characterized by low staffing, frustrating wait time and long lines.

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