News
This PNP Administration Has Run This Country Into The Ground!
From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2022 – What we are seeing is what Political scientists refer to as a “Failed State”, which is when a political party has disintegrated to a point where the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government no longer function properly and has lost all effectiveness.
There is no mystery as to why it is happening- this PNP Administration FAILED conclusively. No group in Turks & Caicos history has done a worse job of running this country than the PNP Class currently in charge. They are vindictive, they are intolerant, they lack compassion, but above all they are incompetent.
In less than two years, which all can see, they have run this country into the ground. This PNP Government has destroyed the Turks and Caicos images; Criminal Gangs running amuck; the country has been Blacklisted; illegal Immigration is out of control; school systems are out of control; no new projects happening, locally owned businesses going under; locals are being passed over for job after job; illegal development at an all-time high; unemployment at its all-time high; cost of living at its all-time high; inflation at its all-time high; mortgage rates at its all-time high; house prices at an all-time high; and now we have an internal supply chain nightmare at the South Dock port in Providenciales where much-needed goods and supplies are being gridlocked on the compound.
In a country with democratic elections, how could this PNP Party stay in power?
The entire Country on November 1, 2022, woke up to the news of the horrific incident that had taken place. I believe that the entire population of the TCI was negatively affected by this, and deeply sympathize with the bereaved family.
I had to question, am I in the Turks and Caicos Islands? We have never seen this before. The criminals have evolved into an extremely dangerous and merciless species. Therefore, Law enforcement operations, methods, and personnel must evolve along it.
We are now seeing a complete breakdown in law and order and public safety, and quality of life in our communities.
Why is the government now heavily condemning those who share images? Yes, we all agree that certain images must be censored. However, if it were not for those images, though lacking sensitivity, the general public may not have been informed in a timely and complete manner. A picture says a thousand words.
I would impress those individuals who are compelled to share images of a crime scene to censor them before sending them out and consider the sensitivity of the situation.
Without timely and complete reporting, officials should not condemn people for thinking that something not right may be going on. In particular when residents can prove that calls for help were made. Cases like these will always attract heavy public scrutiny and can result in the impact of our fragile Tourism Industry.
Transparency restores public faith in the system. It is the only thing that does. Transparency is the antidote to misinformation.
On the other hand, if you want people to draw their own conclusions or come up with their own conspiracies, then you keep hiding things and giving incomplete information.
It appears that nothing has really changed in the past few weeks, the criminals just adopted, and now our law enforcement leaders must do the same. How this elected government has managed the crisis has been a mistake, as they are very ‘hands-off”, proud to let others do the work for them. And suggestions had been put to them months ago, when we were first talking about the unprecedented rise in crime, and they haven’t acted.
The PDM team suggested viable and workable measures that should be put in place, such as the shot-spotter system, and permanent police presence in those hot areas or a 24-hou shift system in the prone communities. They could have also acted sooner and they did not!
The elected PNP Government has been slow to act throughout this, and when they have, they haven’t done enough, and that’s where the source of the problem is. It is fine to say we have to be honest with people now, but we have to again be completely honest that this government has been getting it wrong for some time now. And where we are is not just because of the resources for the police department, but it is the mismanagement and nonmanagement by this PNP Government.
This a hard and very difficult problem, and our people do not think that there is a quick fix or one easy solution to this problem. We understand the complexity of it, as it is also tied to illegal immigration, illegal settlements, and corruption.
We have a massive increase in demand for people coming to our shores, and the people who are coming are not just people seeking a better life. There are dangerous people coming here in these boats.
We are a compassionate country but we need to ensure that our resources are targeted at the people who really need our help. We have many of our people that need to be lifted out of poverty, people who need more advanced medical care, people who need more schooling and training opportunities, people who need an increase in pay, children who need to feel safe and protected at school and home, and people who need to be able simply to live in peace in their country.
We in the PDM would never sit by and watch our country deteriorate before our eyes.
We will always fight to Protect the way of life of our people,
We will always fight for the Safety of our people,
We will always fight for the Prosperity of our people,
And we will always fight for the Unity of our people.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News5 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays