Cabinet Shuffled, shocking termination; Premier relieves Akierra Missick of duties

By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm

Editorial Team

#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2022 – It has been over a week since Hon Akeirra Misick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay was terminated as the minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development; a cabinet shuffle that meant she would no longer be the holder of the PPID portfolio.  Needless to say, for this enormously popular, three-time member of the House of Assembly, it unleashed a firestorm of speculation and confusion.

In a statement made late Monday after a day of packing up and moving out of the Ministry that she had served in since the PNP was elected in 2021, the former deputy premier under Rufus Ewing (former PNP-elected Premier) described leaving her staff as ‘emotional.’

The decision was prompted by the Premier who in her words: “relieved her of her Cabinet portfolio.”

“The Premier can appoint and revoke any Cabinet minister’s appointment whenever he sees fit, and he is not obligated to offer any reasons for that decision. As politicians we must be mature enough to appreciate and understand that.” She maintained stressing that it was “not right for me, or you, to speculate on these matters.”

Still, when the news broke on Sunday November 6, social media was rife with confusion from residents as the unexpected cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Washington Misick went into immediate effect.

Though the decision was promoted as amicable and practical; residents from both sides of the political divide rejected the notion and immediately alternate and albeit unsubstantiated scenarios emerged as more likely to some in the public domain.

“When the country elected my government and I in February 2021, I stated them that our team was comprised of a deep bench of talent.  I remain convinced that this group of individuals will continue to work by implementing the policies, legislation and programs to progress these Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Premier Misick.

The morning after, Akierra Misick made it clear in a video she was “pivoting from frontline politics in The Turks and Caicos.”

Missick and Minister Jamell Robinson had only until the end of the day(Monday) to pack up and turn over the reins to those who will be taking over from them.

The MP took the time again to speak to her constituents in Leeward and Long Bay whom she will continue represent in parliament via video on social media.

“It’s my last day in the office of PPID—- it is amazing the amount of stuff one acquires at work.” She laughed, telling her followers it was ‘almost like moving house.’

“I’m just taking on another opportunity to return to practice law, to be a better member of parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and focus on them. At the end of the day it was an honor and a privilege to serve as your minister of PPID.”

By Tuesday November 8, Jamell Robinson and Shaun Malcolm were sworn in by Her Excellency Anya Williams, TCI Governor, acting.

In the statement on Monday November 7, Missick said, “I leave this portfolio of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure with my integrity intact.”