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Over 6,000 All Island Votes up for Grabs; more voters, less candidates

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#TurksandCaicos, February 17, 2021 – There are nearly 900 or 11 percent more voters registered to participate in this upcoming general election and there are many more votes up for grabs, at least 5,000, due to a reduced number of political parties contesting in the 2021 national poll.

Historically, governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands volleys back and forth between the two main political engines:  the People’s Democratic Movement, PDM and the Progressive National Party, PNP. 

Once again, the All Island district is a formidable race with five individuals nominated per party and eight independents offering At Large.

With no PPP or PDA in the picture, and if voter turn-out remains in the 80 percent range, there are  literally thousands of votes available to the candidates hoping to be among the five most popular. 

In 2016, some 29,233 votes were cast in the At Large district or category, of which 5,069 were spent on the 11 candidates nominated either with the PDA (4) or Independent (7).

Leading the All Island candidates for two consecutive general elections was Sharlene Robinson; who in 2016 became the country’s first woman premier.  Robinson, as PDM leader drew 3,204 votes; which was actually 223 votes less than the previous run off in 2012.

Robinson also outdistanced the second finisher in 2012 by more votes than in 2016, where Josephine Connolly was within five votes of the popular Sharlene Robinson.  In 2012, Rufus Ewing was second popular and was bested by Mrs. Robinson with 175 more electors giving her the nod.

In 2016, Josephine Connolly, now starring on the PNP ticket after defecting from the PDM, had lost very little ground with 3,023 votes recorded in 2012 and 3,019 votes in 2016; a mere four point difference.  It reflects a steady showing for Connolly, who is striving for a third term in office.

Hugely popular Derek Taylor slumped between 2012 and 2016 by 451 votes.  Taylor, a former chief minister secured 3,191 votes in 2012 and 2,740 electors supported him in the 2016 election.  The question is, does this senior statesman have what it takes to cross the finish line in at least fifth place to serve again?

Karen Malcolm comes from a mighty clan and this kind of national popularity is believed to have been the main impetus for her in a cushy fourth place overall for All Island in 2016.  It was Malcolm’s first bid for elected office as a PDM candidate, earning 2,725 votes. 

The 2016 fifth All Island Candidate was one of four PNP members who held onto a seat after a crushing defeat to the PDM on December 15 that year. 

Also a former chief minister, Washington Misick suffered a steep fall in popularity securing 772 less votes in 2016, than in the previous election where he was well over 3,000 votes.  Barely getting through with a mere 21 votes over the sixth place finisher, Misick assumed Leader of Opposition business in the House of Assembly with the resignation of Rufus Ewing as PNP Leader.  By 2019, the Progressive National Party returned C. Washington Misick officially to the helm.

 Noteworthy for the PNP is that two of the former independents, who between them secured over 2,400 votes are at the forefront of the 2021 General Election campaign.

Jas Walkin is the PNP’s Campaign Manager; in 2016 Walkin had support from 834 electors. 

Michael Misick, former premier for the PNP had 1,629 voters cast ballots in his support of his bid, though he was embroiled in a corruption trial.  The trial, due to the passing of Justice Paul Harrison earlier this month, is on shaky ground.  Its future will be known by March 1, 2021.

As for which political party will claim victory and steer the Turks and Caicos over the next four years, that is difficult to say.  Grassroots members from both sides contend it will be a landslide in their party’s favor, laced with upsets and shockers. 

Swing voters and more neutral observers agree that it will be a tight race which is threatened both by possible voter apathy and fears linked to Covid-19. 

Turks and Caicos general elections are Friday February 19; polls open from 7am to 9pm with times varying based on island and one’s category as voter.

Photo Caption: TCI Elections office, voter simulation exercise and explainer video 2021.

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Government dismisses IDPADA-G remarks as nonsensical, divisive

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– Labour minister reaffirms the government’s inclusive approach

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has dismissed as “nonsensical” and “divisive” the recent comments made by Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent-Guyana (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander, which accused the government of marginalising Afro-Guyanese.

The comments were made following Minister Hamilton’s address at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The forum, which runs under the theme “United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” concludes on Thursday.

In a Tuesday interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister Hamilton said the claim bears no relation to the government’s track record.

“It’s so sad that when these guys who want to suggest that they represent people of African descent’s interest, when they have the opportunity…they [would] rather utilise their two minutes to…bring this narrative that is profane in nature [and] has no basis in reality,” he said.

The minister added that while the forum was designed to address developmental challenges, such as those posed by artificial intelligence, individuals had used the platform to promote what he described as hate, racism, and division.

The labour minister argued that Afro-Guyanese have begun to reject what they see as an attempt to monopolise their representation.

“Vincent Alexander and IDPADA-G have assigned to themselves that they are the spokespersons for Afro-Guyanese.  And daily, thousands of Guyanese are saying to them, ‘you go to hell, you don’t speak for me’,” he stated.

Responding to criticisms that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had failed to include an Afro-Guyanese commissioner in its delegation, the minister said this was not intentional.

“The reality is that Norris Whitter, who is a member of the ERC, was slated to come to New York…and at the late moment, he declined to come,” he explained.

Minister Hamilton stressed that the Government of Guyana remains committed to delivering inclusive development policies.

“We have rolled out educational programs that will affect positively every Guyanese, including people of African descent. The University of Guyana, being free from this year, will affect positively thousands and tens of thousands of Afro-Guyanese…so the government’s program is delivering to the Guyanese people [and] that includes people of African descent,” he said.

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PM Davis: New Solar Power PPA is ‘a bold step forward’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, during his remarks at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, that it was “a bold step forward”.

“We take a step toward energy security, where clean, reliable, and affordable power is no longer a distant dream but a reality unfolding right before us,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the ceremony held at the Blue Hills Power Station.

“This signing represents a promise fulfilled: a declaration made by this administration signaling to the nation and the world that The Bahamas is ready to embrace renewable energy,” he added.  “For too long, we have been at the mercy of volatile fuel markets, burdened by high electricity costs, and vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. From this moment onward, we will begin redefining our energy reality.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, with that agreement, his Government accelerated its” mission to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.

“As we advocate for more international action to lower global carbon emissions, we are demonstrating to the world that we will lead by example,” he said.                                                                                                                                                                      Prime Minister Davis added:  “INTI’s – trading as Madeleine Solar Power, Ltd. — project will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, adding critical capacity right here at Blue Hills Power Station. Seventy megawatts of solar power is supported by 35 megawatts of battery storage.  That is the overall goal; but this contract provides for 20 megawatts. This system is designed to stabilize, sustain, and support our growing energy demands.”

He pointed out that, of course, his Government’s solar expansion was bigger than New Providence.

“Across our Family Islands, independent power producers are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more independent energy future for our Family Islands – Abaco to Andros, Eleuthera to Exuma, Long Island to San Salvador – the shift is happening with tailor-made solutions for each island,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Minister Coleby-Davis and her team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” he added.  “I commend their dedication, and their determination to push past bureaucratic barriers and drive real, tangible change.”

He also thanked the Energy Committee for their integral role.

Prime Minister Davis said:  “To INTI – trading as Madeleine, partners – thank you. Your investment, expertise, and commitment will power homes, businesses, and industries. More importantly, we will power hope.  We are powering a future where Bahamians no longer ask, “Can we afford electricity?” but instead ask, “What more can we achieve with it?”

“Let me be clear – this is only the beginning,” he added.  “As we continue to integrate renewables and invest in cleaner fuel alternatives, we are creating a new energy paradigm for future success where Bahamian families and businesses no longer struggle with keeping the lights on.”

He continued:  “We are proving that small island nations can think big; that we can innovate; that we can rise above our challenges, carve out a sustainable path forward, and lead the way.

“Today, we sign this contract.  Tomorrow, we break ground.  Soon, we will enter this new era for energy in this country, powered by the sun.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, at Blue Hills Power Station.  Also bringing remarks was Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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NASSAU CRUISE PORT AND ARAWAK PORT DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATE WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MARITIME AND CRUISE

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Dr. Brenda Cleare of the LJM Maritime Academy with students

Nassau, Bahamas, March 15, 2025 – On Friday, March 7, 2025, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and Arawak Port Development (APD) held an exclusive luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day.  The goal of this special event was to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime and cruise industries under the theme “A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action.”

The event brought influential women from Nassau Cruise Port, Arawak Port Development, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Port Department, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, and other key stakeholder organizations together, providing an elevated platform for networking, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Women have been instrumental in the driving growth of the Bahamian maritime and cruise industries in many ways, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“Women play a vital role in the success of Nassau Cruise Port with over 50% of our team being female maritime professionals,” stated Mike Maura, CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition to empower the women in our sector and to inspire future female leaders.  Congratulations to all the women who were honored today and attended this event, and to women everywhere. Your efforts are driving positive change in our industry, and we wholeheartedly support your success.”

Dion Bethell, President & CFO of Arawak Port Development, provided some additional perspective. “Women are making waves in the maritime sector, and their impact is undeniable. According to recent statistics, women now represent 20% of the global maritime workforce—an impressive increase that highlights the potential for growth, innovation, and leadership in this vital industry.  At Arawak Port Development, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to chart new courses and redefine the future of maritime.”

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Ja’Ann M. Major, a Director at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, who highlighted some of the major accomplishments of Bahamian women in the maritime industry. She also encouraged the audience to embrace leadership opportunities and to continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry.  “It is often said that when women gather with purpose and passion, the energy is palpable, and theimpact is transformative. Standing here today, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment of Bahamian women to making a difference in our maritime industry.”

She continued, “Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.  Events like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in this industry, but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.

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