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The question of the week

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By: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader/PDM

Leader/ Opposition

 

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens., not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results” Anon.

The question of the week, on popular talk shows, was “If elections were to be called today what would be the results? And is the Opposition ready for elections?

This is now the conversation just after One and three-quarter years of a general election. Something must be seriously wrong with the direction this current PNP Government is leading the country. Something must be extremely wrong with the representation the people are receiving from this current PNP Government. Because the people are asking us to be ready now!

Allow me, as Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement and Opposition Leader to give a clear and precise answer.

The PDM is more than ready to govern the country- In terms of providing leadership and direction to address the current and future problems of our people, strongly addressing the economic and social needs of our people, and aggressively addressing the safety and security of all residents and visitors of our country the Turks & Caicos Islands.

However, in terms of having all 15 candidates chosen by our people, and ratified by the National General Council of the Party, that process is a work in progress.  We will work with our people to throughout the Turks and Caicos on every island and constituency, to select the right candidates to help our people to realize their dreams. If this failing government chooses to call an early election, we can very quickly be ready to win the hearts and minds of our people.

The PDM is further ahead in being prepared for a general election than the PNP, unless they are planning to simply “run it back” with the same Leadership, and the same Constituency, and All Island Representatives, and the same failed policies and plans from their manifesto. If that’s their plan then I will concede that they are more prepared than the PDM. But if that is not the plan, and they have to conduct their leadership race, candidate selection, manifesto preparation, and platforms developed, then I would state that we the PDM are more prepared than the PNP.

If one were to refer to the first page of the current PNP Government’s manifesto “A Citizen’s Contract”, it states, in the second paragraph “We have listened to you. The policies we are proposing will stand the test of time and build our party’s legacy of looking out for our people, financial accountability, economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental preservation.” It goes on to say, “together these policies will bring improved quality of life, prosperity, security, and justice for our people.”

Even if you were living outside the TCI or some twilight zone over the past 18 months, you would know that this current administration has failed on every one of their fundamental outlined points.  They have not only not delivered, but they have made things worse for the majority of our people, with only the Premier’s inner of the inner circle, and some foreign investors benefiting.

The people of the Turks and Caicos are disappointed by this current PNP Government. The country has changed dramatically for the worse in just under two years, the misery index has increased. Many Turks and Caicos Islanders are now living their worse lives. Many more are now leaving to live in the UK or USA, which could not have happened at a worse time for our nation, when we need all of our people, and want more to return home.

Far too many Turks and Islanders see a visionless government and Premier. One who lacks the energy and vitality for another election season, and the vigor to govern the country. We have to ask if that is what the voters want> And what version of the Premier and current leadership of the PNP will we get?

I want to make it abundantly clear; I stand with you the people of my beloved country. I will always put the people’s interest first, and will always fight for our people and our country.

I am putting to you the people to help me and my team select the best cadre of representatives that truly care about our people and our country.

I come with a more powerful vision, purpose and a mission to provide stronger hope for a better future. Together, we will build a pathway which enhances our people’s social, economic, and cultural position nationally, regionally, and internationally.

Together, there is so much we can do to provide a better quality of life for our people. We must now more than ever be one people. I need all our people, PDM’s, PNP’s, independents, non-voters, and others to be a part of this great TCI Movement to be launched.

I remain resolute in my commitment and the PDM’s commitment to rededicate to the foundational ideals and principles that started this movement. I ask the church leaders and pray warriors to join with me and the PDM to pray for the lives of our people especially our young men who we are losing far too tragically and rapidly. Their dreams snuffed out and the potential for them to be a part of our catalyst for a better future for our people and country.

Stand with me and the PDM as we demonstrate our readiness to provide better for our people and the ‘Beautiful By Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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