PDM says shuffle points to a ‘sinking ship’ for PNP Administration

By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm

Editorial Team

#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2022 – The deputy leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is demanding an explanation with specific questions begging for answers following the cabinet shuffle by Washington Missick, PNP Party Leader and TCI Premier; Robert Been maintains that the decision once again forces residents to question his leadership capability.

“The people demand more than a press statement about the shuffle and need to know the reasons behind it. Hon Premier, times have changed from when you were the Chief Minister of this country. I am certain to be at the head is not easy, but your position was not awarded to you by the people to act as a selfish dictator. You are charged to make decisions that are in the best interest of the people; decisions that protect the future of our country and that protect the youths who will have to live with the decisions made today. Yet, we are left to wonder whether many of the recent decisions made by this Premier and the Governor are in the best interests of our citizens,” said Been in a statement issued Wednesday, November 9.

Robert Been, a candidate in the 2016 and 2021 general election explained that removal of young leader revealed there were cracks in the Progressive National Party.

“Hon Premier let’s be honest with the people of this country, your first two years of office has been a failure and now you are playing the blame game on your ministers, for example: going public regarding your disappointment in the delivery of E-governance, the disappointment in crime and the list goes on. I would strongly recommend you consider doing the people a favor – call an early election instead of shuffling your ministers frequently.”

He added, “If we can recall, when the Premier made the decision not to have a ministry, he clearly stated that the Hon Minister of Long Bay would be the best person to take charge of government business/affairs, so why the change now?”

Questioning the PNP Administration’s plans in light of a looming recession, its progress on the murderous crime still largely untamed and expecting answers on the value this shuffle brings to TCIG, Been expressed, “This is concerning for the future of our country when those at the helm have no vision to prepare a place for Turks and Caicos Islanders who show aspirations in future leadership.”

While acknowledging that “being at the head is not easy” he said the premier’s  position was not awarded by the people to act as a selfish dictator and Robert Been is now strongly supporting a new call for an early election.

Once again, this PNP Administration continues to demonstrate that they are incapable of governing The Turks and Caicos Islands, and it is made apparent consistently through their poor decision making. Crime continues to increase; health care continues to be a concern. Additionally, the local economy continues to be plagued by high inflation, with the possibility of a recession looming within the next year. I am sure the people expected much more from a government with a mandate of 14-1.