TCI Premier gives half; House dissolved but still no General Election date

#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 24, 2020 – “I have met with the Governor and I have advised him to have the House of Assembly dissolved today, 24 December…our legislative work has been done and so the people will get to decide on who will form the next legislator,” said Sharlene Robinson, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

With bated breath residents waited for more from the Premier, who was flanked by her parliamentary colleagues, but the morsel of a date for the next national poll was not served by the premier and PDM party leader.

“The date for general elections however, will be announced in short order.”

For those, who have been demanding a date for months, namely the Opposition PNP; the dissolution of parliament without an accompanying date was a disappointment. 

The Premier explained, “We thought it important to let you the people go enjoy your holidays first.  Now that the House has been dissolved, it means the clock has truly begun to tick.”

There was also very little in the way of clues about the date to be announced; only that, as the constitution allows, it would happen within 90 days.

“And the people of the Turks and Caicos will get to decide their government by the end of the first quarter…But exactly when the next vote will be, will be announced after the Merry Christmas,” she smiled.

Prior to the announcement, the Premier listed accomplishments of her administration including Child Safety legislation, Cooperative Credit Union legislation and measures to protect the financial services sector and reputation of the TCI. 

Now a caretaker government, the cabinet ministers and members of parliament were praised for their performance.

“I want to thank my colleagues here who have faithfully served this nation in the last four years and whose counsel and wisdom  I have depended on during my tenure as Premier.   At another time, in another place, I will surely declare that one good term, deserves another.  But just for now, let me state that I am proud of this team, OI want to also publically thank their families who have  made sacrifices of their own – the wives and husbands, sons and daughters who labored in the national vineyard for and on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos.   Sometimes we do not stop long enough to appreciate the contribution of families, but indeed these communities of the islands are in essence one big family.”

Premier Robinson, who informed the press conference held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales on Christmas Eve would be her final for 2020; she and her team are optimistic about the New Year and certain of a re-election.

“Through the grace of God, we have a feeling that 2021 will be a great year because we are confident that the people of the Turks and Caicos will vote to don’t stop the movement.  Let us not lose our gains and remember, ‘Don’t stop the Movement’. God bless you.”