TCI News
TCI: Sean Astwood resigns as Interim Leader & Deputy Leader of PDM, 100 days on
Sean Astwood is resigning frontline politics, saying he will step aside as interim leader and deputy leader to allow the People’s Democratic Movement the opportunity to re-invent itself.
“As the PDM continues to reengineer, reimagine, rethink, reboot and reconnect with the wonderful people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I want to assure the Official Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin Astwood, the NGC, our various branches, especially the Provo Branch (my home branch), PDMs everywhere and all people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, that I remain committed to the orderly development of our party and country,” said Astwood in a statement issued on Sunday May 30.
The former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos said he never anticipated rising to such ranks in his early days as a member of the People’s Democratic Movement, but is grateful for his experiences in the political arena.
“As a believer in the Party of JAGS MCCartney I started this political journey nearly two decades ago. Initially, as political neophyte who always assisted people but never contemplated political service. My journey began with great hope and soon what I thought, at the time, was a devastating legal and political defeat. Since then, this journey with its many ups and down has afforded me to raise to the position within the party politically as Interim Leader and from governance standpoint of Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands holding multiple Ministerial posts. This journey has provided me a profound appreciation for the beauty and potential of our country and its people.”
One day from commemorating the impact of the first chief minister and founding father of his party, the People’s Democratic Movement and Rt Most Excellent JAGS McCartney; Sean Astwood has decided that on June 4, 2021 his resignation should take effect.
“I take pride in my membership of the PDM and the outstanding work we have done; especially in the past term in protecting the environment, positively impacting every constituency throughout our islands, particularly through infrastructural works, and our focus on transforming the way Government does business. I am proud of my service in the various capacities over these many years. I do not claim perfection, but I am resolute in my belief that every single day I got up thinking and doing what I could to provide better for all the people of the TCI; and to protect our country and its environs for those yet unborn. On Monday, May 31st, 2021, our Country will be celebrating JAGS McCartney Day, formerly National Heroes Day. We will be celebrating the father of our Nation and of the PDM. As the JAGS McCartney holiday quickly approaches, the party of JAGS must continue to rebuild,” he penned in the statement.
The People’s Democratic Movement suffered a staggering loss at the polls on February 19; the day after its party leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson resigned from the leadership position. Now, 100 days later so does its deputy and interim leader, Sean Astwood.
“As I step aside as Interim Leader and the position as Deputy Leader of the PDM effective this 4th day of June 2021, I know our party will continue to be strong, and represent the people of these beautiful islands, we call home.”
The party has been silent. Holding no media conferences or in person sessions with the wider press core since its 14 to 1 defeat in the 2021 General Election. The PDM lost significant ground; nine seats lured away by the now governing Progressive National Party, even as the PDM held 45 per cent of the vote.
Sean Astwood’s Five Cays and Chalk Sound constituency was one of the major upsets. The two-term member of parliament, who had enjoyed huge popularity just four years prior, was unseated by Rachel Taylor.
“My undying love for our people, our country and our party, the People’s Democratic Movement, will forever burn. My passion for modernizing our government systems, party, and country, I trust, will continue to be advanced as we grow from strength to strength,” he added a thank you, “I am thankful to God and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; especially my people of Five Cays, South Dock and Chalk Sound for the wonderful opportunity.”
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed. Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.
The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at
31st December 2023.
The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:
⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk
⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales
⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)
⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.
The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.
For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)
By e-mail at: secretary@integritycommission.tc or info@integritycommission.tc
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our
dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.
Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.
In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks
involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.
The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.
Key topics covered in the workshop included:
- The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
- Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
- An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
- Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.
This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.
The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
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