News
103 Days since the TCI General Elections; A Review of the Results
#TurksandCaicos, June 2, 2021 – Only time will tell if the newly elected, Washington Misick-led Progressive National Party government will manage to keep voters as enamoured throughout their term as they were on voting day. When the dust had settled, the tally revealed that the PNP captured 14 of the 15 electoral districts in a record-setting win for the yellow party on General Election day, February 19, 2021.
The victory is aptly described as an avalanche of a win for the PNP; a second time for Washington Misick as democratically elected leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands and a resounding rejection of the People’s Democratic Movement, led by first woman premier, Sharlene Robinson.
In the Coronavirus pandemic, voter turn-out figures were expected to be lower than in previous years due to the threat of the contagion. In the Turks and Caicos, health protocols established by the Elections Office worked well; no outbreak was reported at any polling station.
Prior to the pandemic, voter apathy was anticipated to be high. The Elector’s List, which could have swelled to around 10,000 voters grew by only 849 people between the General Elections of 2016 and 2021.
In the 2016 election, there were 7,732 voters registered. In 2021, there were 8,581 people registered to cast votes.
As Opposition Leader, Charles Washington Misick dismissed the narrative of voter disinterest and it seems he was onto something. The 2021 slate of candidates for the PNP proved to be attractive; drawing 55 per cent of the popular vote in the constituencies and taking all five of the All Island seats in the at-large category.
What the Polls Reveal
Turks and Caicos Elections Office at this stage does not categorise voters who are voting. While demographically there is a break down in voters by sex, age and residential district; there is no dissection or distinction of voters at polling time.
What we do know, in reviewing the official results published on February 21, 2021 is 2,121 voters were a no-show. One quarter of the voters stayed home; leaving the job of deciding the political future of the Turks and Caicos to 6,460 people or 22 per cent of the overall population of the islands.
We also know that voter turn-out was lowest in Blue Hills, with 65 per cent participation; a staggering 349 voters did not turn out.
Here, Randy Howell of the PNP ended a two-term run for Goldray Ewing; and did something which was rare for his party. He won a PDM stronghold; only the second time in election history – according to CaribbeanElections.com – this had been accomplished by a PNP Candidate.
The Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill district, which is the most populous constituency, also recorded one of the lowest voter turn-outs at 69 per cent and 407 voters staying home. Douglas Parnell, former leader of the PDM was topped by Sammy Been; a former MP and Cabinet Minister who had previously won in Grand Turk.
All, but two other electoral districts were in the 70 percentile range when participation was rated. North and Middle Caicos (ED-4) had the highest voter turn-out at 86 per cent. South Caicos (ED-3) followed closely with a voter turn-out of 85 per cent.
Both seats were captured by the Progressive National Party candidates; Arlington Musgrove in Electoral District 4 and John Malcolm in Electoral District 3, respectively.
The highest participation by voters on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales were also to the PNP.
Grand Turk North, (ED-1) supported Otis Morris on the PNP ticket. Morris ran in a constituency which had voted for the PNP in the preceding run-off but for George Lightbourne. Lightbourne departed the PNP months earlier; it was not an amicable parting and one which escalated to litigation over how the new leadership of the PNP was selected; not elected.
George Lightbourne entered the political fray of the 2021 General Elections as an independent candidate in the All-Island category where he secured the third highest number of votes; 162 behind Courtney Missick, who had 280 votes and Jacqueline Lightbourne who performed best among independents and had 300 votes.
PNP Sweeps in Provo
Three-time Member of Parliament and a former Deputy Premier; Akierra Missick continued to make a strong impression on her district: Leeward & Long Bay or ED-5.
Electoral District 5 had the best turn-out in Providenciales; just under 80 per cent participation with 182 voters missing out. Of the 709 votes cast, Misick secured 460 nods of approval for a third term in the House of Assembly.
In the closest race, which also became the most grueling one for those counting and re-counting the ballots; Electoral District 10 was the biggest upset.
Exit poll interviews exposed that newbie, Kyle Knowles, invigorated younger voters. He had 697 people to sway in the months leading to the General Election. Not an easy task, as these were electors known for being staunchly and consistently in support of the PDM and its incumbent, Delroy Williams.
With three voters over his political rival, at least two of whom had turned up in the final hours of the polling day, which closed to Covid-19 free electors at 6 p.m., Knowles pulled off the victory. It was a complete sweep for the Progressive National Party in Providenciales.
Although 159 voters did not participate in Wheeland or ED-10, voter turn-out was at 78 per cent, considerably above average.
It concluded with Knowles getting 273 votes to Williams’ 270.
Never before in the history of the islands had a party won so firmly against its contender.
PNP Party Leader and now Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, C. Washington Misick described the results as a strong show of support for his party, the deep level of disappointment in the now ejected party and a commanding message from the people of the TCI, to get to work.
May 30, 2021 marked 100 days since the February 19 General Elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY & UTILITIES
May 8th, 2024 – The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2024 concluded last week in Miami, marking another milestone in advancing the region’s energy agenda. This year’s forum, held from April 24-27, at the JW Marquis Hotel in downtown Miami, attracted some of the most distinguished names and advocates in the field of renewable energy.
The delegation from The Turks and Caicos Islands led by Hon. Kyle Knowles of the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities included Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Energy and Utilities Commissioner Mr. Delano R. Arthur, Energy Analyst Dr. Eric F. Salamanca, Senior Legal Drafter Ms. Priscilla Paquette, and Executive Administrator Ms. Jasmine Malcolm.
Hon. Knowles was among the high-caliber panelists in the session called “Caribbean Leadership: Delivering on the Vision” where he highlighted the policy directions of TCI government towards transitioning to renewable energy. Hon. Knowles served as a panelist, discussing the transformative strategies required to integrate renewable technologies across the Inland territory, Turks and Caicos Islands (a UK Overseas Territory Caribbean). His insights on policy enhancements and infrastructural development were met with high interest and acclaim, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape.
Commissioner Delano R. Arthur, a key transformative leader in the energy sector, presented a compelling paper titled “Renewable Energy and Resource Bill for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” His presentation highlighted the legal framework for transition
to renewable energy, interconnection agreement, licensing among others. He also emphasizes the use of mature commercial technology, rather than emerging technologies that have not been proven in commercial scale. He also presented an approach to overcoming logistical and financial challenges in TCI. Com. Arthur’s pragmatic and innovative solutions offered a visionary perspective that resonated with the attendees.
Dr. Salamanca, and Atty. Paquette, also contributed to a roundtable discussion on Regulatory Framework led by the Caribbean Development Banks’ Mr. Joseph Williams and Mr. William Hinds, each bringing unique viewpoints and solutions to the challenges facing the TCI energy sector.
The attendance at year’s CREF also provided opportunity to establish networks. Among the most notable side event meeting was with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) where the TCI delegates discussed various projects in support of transition to green/renewable energy in the Turks and Caicos Island.
Commenting on his first CREF, the Hon Minister noted, “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the
Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) held in Miami, Florida. The Forum provided a valuable platform for discussions on the advancement of renewable energy solutions in the Caribbean region.
During the event, I engaged with key stakeholders, industry experts and government officials to exchange ideas on strategies to promote sustainable energy development. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in enhancing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth in our region.
He concluded, “I am committed to working collaboratively with partners both regionally and globally to further renewable energy initiatives and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Our participation in events such as CREF our underscores our dedication to advancing clean energy solutions and building a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the benefit of our citizens.”
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
May 8th, 2024 – After millions of people took the AstraZeneca vaccine as their choice of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization announced on March 5, that it is withdrawing its vaccines from the market worldwide, effective as of May 7 as it was reported to cause side effects.
It is said 170 countries received doses of AstraZeneca; it was expected 35.3 million doses would be shared with 36 Caribbean and Latin
American countries through the COVAX program, according to PAHO.
First reported by the Telegraph, the side effects are identified as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In fact, the medical issues have reportedly been linked to 81 confirmed deaths in the UK alone. Many others are suffering some other medical injury due to the vaccine popularized as an answer to the then new virus.
AstraZeneca is also being sued by more than 45 affected people.
The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, the Telegraph informs, can no longer be used in the European Union and it will be the same for other countries and the UK in the coming months. Over 17 million doses made it into EU countries.
Reports say AstraZeneca made the revelations of the side effects in court documents, adding that the withdrawal of their vaccine is also due to a decrease in demand.
Photo Caption: Public Health Nurse, Patricia Coates (left), administers Daniel Adams’ first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, during the second COVID-19 Vaccination Blitz at the National Arena in St. Andrew, on Saturday (April 3).
JIS photo from 2021.
News
DTR AND DECR HOST STAKEHOLDERS MEETING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO IMPROVE COVERAGE FOR JETSKI OPERATORS
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues
to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions
The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.
Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.
“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be
safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”
Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”
The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
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