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“What time is it? 14 to 1” Washington Misick TCI Leader Again

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#TurksandCaicos, February 22, 2021 – The avalanche styled defeat for the ejected People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is more than an indictment on the party’s performance as government, it is also an incredible charge issued by the Voters of the territory to the now governing, Progressive National Party (PNP).  This fact is not lost on Washington Misick, the new premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands who told the Governor he must get to work quickly.

“We did expect a comfortable majority, but didn’t expect to have such a sweep.  It also places a tremendous responsibility upon us.  Cleary, the public is going to be expecting a lot very fast, so we look forward to working with you to give you a sense of where are heads are and how we can collaborate together so that we can deliver an efficient service for the people of our Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Washington Misick while sat in the board room of the Governor’s Office in receipt in his instruments of appointment; he was joined by his wife Delthia, new first lady of the islands.

The Governor and Deputy Governor agreed with his sentiments, plegding support for the democratic mandate given the PNP as the new government administration.

“On behalf of the Civil Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands, we commit to work with you and your government to ensure that you are able to deliver on your objectives for the betterment of the people of these islands. Your election has come at a critical time in our islands as we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic here in the islands and also as we work towards a complete re-imagination of our economy.  So clearly, there is a lot of work that has to be done and my staff are willing, ready and able as you would know – you have worked with them in the past – to assist you and your government,” said Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and head of the Civil Service.

Minutes before, the chant in a different room, the great room at Progress House, the PNP’s headquarters in Providenciales was both a clever and clear and brought comedy to an already elated environment.

“What time is it?  It’s 14 to 1! What time is it? 14 to 1!”

The slick saying taking root in a salute to the 14 Progressive National Party candidates elected to serve; only one seat not captured by the PNP in the General Election of Friday February 19, 2021.

The landslide win is resounding assurance that voters have given the PNP four years in governance and the cue for the fourteen elected members of parliament to begin the work which will steer the Turks and Caicos though and out of the economically and socially crippling Coronavirus Pandemic.

Premier Misick said he believes the Sharlene Robinson-led PDM Administration’s tone deaf handling of the crisis cost them electors’ support.

“We have a dynamite team who have been working and I want to tip my hat particularly to the two young men in Wheeland and  Blue Hills, said Premier Misick amidst a burst of applause and cheers    from party supporters in the room, he added, “I have never seen a woman to work harder than Rachel Taylor.  We have a great team; the chairman (Calvin Green) came on early and helped to organize us.  We had a lot of training in leaders and other, for our members.  Each constituency had a very effective team.  I think it boils down to organization,” said the elder statesmen who served from 1991-1995 as Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Three significant upsets in the Providenciales districts of Five Cays, Blue Hills and Wheeland considered PDM strong holds held by strong PDM men were game changing moments.  A demonstration of a rejection of the PDM’s Agenda to embrace the PNP’s Citizen’s Contract.

“We organized early.  Once we put out our Contract to the people we were very concise, very precise about what it is we wanted to accomplish.  I also believe that the government missed an opportunity after Covid-19 to really focus on the best welfare interest of the people of these islands, I think those are the two major issues that created the kind of avalanche that we’ve seen here.”

The press conference was carried live on Facebook, Saturday afternoon shortly before the new Premier and Deputy Premier, joined by their wives and PNP Election campaign manager, Jas Walkin were due to be sworn in at the Office of the Governor.

Erwin EJ Saunders, in his first stint as an elected leader of the Turks and Caicos offered thanks and congratulated all actors in the election day event; describing the process as well-executed by all involved, including the now Opposition PDM.

“We certainly have received a mandate, bigger than we expected.  We certainly now need to work for the country.  I think it is a huge responsibility and people will be looking for us to work very quickly. So it’s going to be making sure that we get relief to people but based on the country’s finances.  The most important thing to do very quickly, is to get an assessment of where we are and to get to what I call, rapid revenue recovery,” said Saunders, with wife Indrani at his side. 

Though some 2,100 voters did not turn out to cast ballots in the 2021 General Election, the voter turn-out was strong at 76 percent. 

The new cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday February 24, 2021.

Photo Credit: Newsline TCI

Caribbean News

Local Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine

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Turks & Caicos’ rising star continues to blaze trails on the global stage

Providenciales, TCI – Turks & Caicos native Selena Grant, 24, is making headlines once again—this time as the cover star for the April 2025 issue of Vigor Magazine, an international publication celebrated for spotlighting fashion, culture, and emerging talent from around the world.

Grant, who first captured national attention in May 2024 when she was crowned Miss One Nation TCI, has since built a reputation as one of the country’s most multifaceted young women. In the past year alone, she has claimed 1st Runner-Up titles in both the Miss Universe Turks & Caicos pageant and the international Miss Global International competition. Her success on the runway, however, is only part of her story.

A dedicated community activist, Selena has contributed to humanitarian causes across the Islands, working with organizations such as United Way and Edward C Garland Yoith Centre and other outreach efforts. She also lends her skills to the medical field, currently serving as a lab apprentice at InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now, as the face of Turks & Caicos Fashion Week 2025, Selena is once again flying the national flag high. But this cover moment is not hers alone—it’s a shared triumph with the renowned model , runway coach, designer and photographer Kaye Cox, who not only photographed but also styled, directed, and retouched the entire shoot.

“I was incredibly honored to work with Kaye on this project,” Selena shared. “She’s a creative powerhouse and visionary. From concept to execution, every detail was hers—and I’m just so proud we could bring this vision to life together.”

Shot on the iconic shores of Providenciales, the editorial captures the essence of island elegance with a bold, high-fashion twist. The visuals, rich with cultural pride and artistic depth, immediately caught the eye of Vigor editors and landed both women their well-deserved spot on the cover.

This feature is another major milestone in Selena’s journey and a celebration of the brilliant women behind the lens and in front of it.

This marks yet another milestone in Selena’s modeling career and underscores her continued role as a cultural ambassador for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

From the stage to the studio, from the lab to the pages of an international magazine, Selena Grant continues to prove that beauty, brains, and purpose can go hand in hand—with women like Kaye Cox right there capturing it all.

Congratulations, Selena !

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Bahamas News

Bahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”

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The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – Bahamian archivist and international chess legend Antoinette Seymour has undertaken the significant endeavor of archiving the rich cultural history of the Bahamas’ major islands. In her recent publication, “Been to Cat Island”, the first title in the “Been to Bahamas” series published by Inspire Publishing (Bahamas) 2024, Seymour passionately explores this vital task.

For many, the prospect of documenting the complexities of island history could seem daunting. However, Ms. Seymour, inspired by the strategic teachings of her late father, renowned chess master Warren Seymour, embraces the challenge. “Archivists preserve and safeguard culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, and memory,” she asserts, referencing a 1996 UNESCO publication that states, “The loss of archives is as serious as the loss of memory in a human being.”

“Throughout my life, I have heard fascinating stories about Cat Island and from Cat Islanders—stories that deserve safeguarding,” Ms. Seymour emphasizes. “If these narratives are not preserved, they will tragically vanish.”

In “Been to Cat Island,” readers can explore the unique identity of Cat Island through Seymour’s passionate lens. Discover the origins of icons like Sir Sidney Poitier, encounter delightful anecdotes such as pigs feasting on lobster, and revel in the island’s rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant heritage. This book is not merely a historical account; it is an intimate portrayal of resilience, culture, and connection.

While holding a critical archival position at her alma mater, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, Ms. Seymour remains devoted to her Bahamian roots. She aims to ensure that current and future generations of Bahamians cherish our nation’s rich history. When not archiving, Ms. Seymour travels throughout the island and shares her expertise in chess with children across The Bahamas. She is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of one.

“Been to Cat Island” is available now at Chapter One bookstore, Logos Bookstore, Cia Monet, select museums in The Bahamas and bookstores in Canada, and on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.

 

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Antoinette Seymour

Author Email: antoinetteseymour@yahoo.com

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Caribbean News

‘People will face consequences’ – VP Jagdeo on Adrianna Younge’s death

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Guyana, April 25, 2025 – As the nation mourns the heartbreaking death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed condolences to her family on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and called for full transparency in the ongoing probe.

During a press conference on Thursday, the Vice President described it as a “sad day for Guyana.”

He also made it clear that anyone within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found to be involved in covering up the circumstances surrounding the child’s death will face severe consequences.

Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks come amid growing public outrage and scrutiny of the police’s handling of the case. He pointed to several troubling inconsistencies in the GPF’s initial report.

According to that report, Adrianna was at the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, with her grandmother and siblings when she reportedly disappeared around 13:00-14:00 hours. The police initially claimed that the hotel’s CCTV system was non-functional; however, footage from external sources reportedly captured Adrianna entering a red and black Toyota Raum, bearing registration number PSS 4684, which was later seen heading east toward Vreed-en-Hoop.

“If they have that footage (the police) and they put it in the statement…they should immediately release that footage,” Dr Jagdeo said.

“Something is wrong, and we have to get to the bottom of it. We are not going to rest until that happens. And whoever is culpable, whoever, if there is a coverup, people will face consequences; we are not going to tolerate this. This young girl should never have lost her life.”

Just 24 hours after issuing the initial report, the GPF acknowledged discrepancies in the information released and has since launched an internal review.

Dr Jagdeo also spoke of the emotional toll the incident has taken on Adrianna’s family, stating, “I saw a video of the father speaking and how distraught he was. The family deserves answers, and the people of this country need answers.”

The discovery of Adrianna’s body in the hotel pool after hours of desperate searching has plunged the nation into deep mourning. Frustration over handling the case has sparked protests, with citizens demanding justice and accountability.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has since ordered the GPF to establish a special investigative team to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

“We must uncover the full truth of everything that transpired, and no resource or effort will be spared,” the President said via his official social media account.

President Ali also spoke directly with Adrianna’s mother, pledging the government’s full support in pursuing justice. President Ali has further instructed the GPF to compile a comprehensive report detailing all actions since the investigation began.

To support this, the government has ordered an independent autopsy and Barbadian forensic pathologist Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul is expected to arrive in Guyana at 5:30 p.m. today to conduct the post-mortem examination.

VP Jagdeo also offered his condolences on behalf of the PPP to the families of Maline LaCruz, who was killed by her husband, along with her mother, Waveny LaCruz and sister, Sueann LaCruz. Maline’s younger brother, Ceon LaCruz, was also injured in the shooting and is in critical condition.

He said the government is committed to uncovering the details behind the shooting, particularly the legality of the gun used to kill the three women.

“Because if he had a legal firearm, after the assault, he was supposed to lodge the firearm … we will look at this matter,” he assured.

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