Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court Justice weighed in and the decision gives a consequential round one victory to the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party which believes corruption and a failure to follow the letter of the law led to a questionable election outcome; their claim has validity now as Hon Chris Selochan, Supreme Court Justice has ruled that the matter must proceed to trial.

The PDM filed the petition through their attorney George Missick of Geordins Law Firm.  The lion’s share of their petition centered around their claim that the Elections Office failed to follow the precise specifications for ballots as described in the Elections Ordinance.   The other outcry accused the Progressive National Party (PNP) of buying votes to win the House.

On the latter point, the PDM found its case was too weak.

His Lordship Selochan determined there was insufficient evidence in the allegation that the PNP bought or bribed voters to return them to office. On their more substantial point, however, the Judge agreed that there was a case to answer by the government following the February 7, 2025 general election.

Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, the PDM’s Leader and Deputy leader, filed the petition which has now gained traction and renewed attention due to this validating supreme court decision to progress to trial.

Now, minds are racing, and tongues are wagging as residents wonder if it could really be proven that the entire electorate voted incorrectly and if so, will his lordship rule that the General Election be carried out again.

What is clearly outlined in the amended ordinance is there should be two ballots.  Each ballot should be of a different colour.  Each ballot should hold distinguishing information – including occupation – about each candidates offering to hold a parliamentary seat and each ballot must be published ahead of the national poll.

In the 2025 General Election, which was the first to be held using electronic tabulating machines, there was one ballot paper.

Eagle Legal News Media, which heavily focuses on court reporting in the Turks and Caicos Islands, provided some insight.

“His Lordship, the Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan refused the Attorney General’s application to strike out the election petition by Hon Edwin Astwood and Mr. Robert Been, the matter will go to trial,” as shared on social media platforms.

Turks and Caicos Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, KC and Akierra Missick, who is the Senior Civil attorney representing the PNP both submitted arguments to strike out certain portions of the PDM election petitions.

“…in the areas where they alleged corruption and bribery against the PNP for failing to meet the procedural requirements of the Elections Ordinance.”

It is understood by Magnetic Media, the PDM was unable to provide material witnesses to corroborate or prove their allegation of individuals being bribed or “treated” for votes.

On Friday, we learned that the Attorney General’s Chambers has withdrawn an application to have the PDM case related to alleged discrepancies in the Blue Hills district vote, dropped.

“This follows the failure of a similar strike out application, CL 15/25, the Election Petition brought by Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, which was dismissed yesterday in relation to issues with the ballots and voting process.”

The Attorney General was ordered to pay two thirds of the PDM’s legal costs attached to her, now withdrawn application.

As for what happens now, a popular social media pundit – Eugene Arthur – reflects much of the public discourse well.

“If the election was conducted in full compliance with the law, why would the government be so eager to avoid judicial review?

The judge’s ruling sends a powerful message: no political party, and certainly no Attorney General is above electoral scrutiny.  The case will now proceed to trial, where the people of the TCI will finally get the transparency, they deserve.”

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 March 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elisann Delancy as the new Deputy Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Delancy began her career as a Graduate Teacher at the Marjorie Basden High School, where she quickly made a significant impact on her students and the community. She progressed through various positions, including Assistant Curriculum Development Officer and Curriculum Development Officer. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping local and regional literacy and numeracy programs, serving as the Turks and Caicos Islands Focal Point for the CARICOM, CDB, and OECS LET’s REAP Initiative.

Ms. Delancy holds: a Teacher’s Diploma (Honours) from Mico University College; a Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies. Her award-winning research on the “Impact of Teacher Quality on Students Performance” in the Turks and Caicos Islands has garnered recognition and has been published, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of education.

In addition to her academic credentials, Ms. Delancy has honed her leadership and management skills through various professional development opportunities, including Organisational Leadership from Harvard Business School and Contemporary Project Management from UWI Cave Hill. She is also a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Assessor and an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Currently, she is pursuing Public Financial Management qualifications through ACCA, London, to enhance her knowledge in this critical area.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Delancy stated, “The responsibility of leadership comes with great expectations, and I embrace this calling with gratitude and humility. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I am deeply grateful to God for guiding my path as I continue working to advance education for all. I did not stumble into the path of Educating; I chose this path because I recognised its power as the greatest equaliser, a force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for all. The work ahead remains critical, and I am fully committed to working with the new Director of Education and our team at the Department of Education to build a progressive and responsive education system.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams congratulated Ms. Delancy on her new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Delancy stepping into this vital position. Her passion for education, proven leadership skills, and commitment to developing our youth will undoubtedly propel our educational system forward. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in this role.

Congratulations, Ms. Delancy, on your well-deserved promotion.”

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, March 17, 2025 – Two counts of MALICIOUS INJURY to PROPERTY have been brought against

HAYWOOD MCINTOSH.

McIntosh, also known as “Woody,” was charged by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Response and Operations Unit on 13th March 2025.

The accused, 38, of The Bight, is expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week.

The charges arose from an incident on 1st March 2025, when officers received a report regarding damage to a building and a vehicle along Airport Road, Providenciales.

An investigation was initiated, during which Mr McIntosh was arrested and subsequently charged.