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The call for Citizenship Commission to be disbanded; Arguments erupt but do Complainants have a point?

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, February 7, 2023 – Former Chief Minister Oswald Skippings has responded to the news that a group of PRC holders are bringing a class action lawsuit against the Immigration Department after being denied TCI citizen status.

In an open letter, Skippings who is himself a part of the Commission which makes the decisions about granting Turks and Caicos citizenship described what he called a ‘lack of appreciation’ by some expats for the multiple levels of status they are allowed to hold including Permanent Residency Certificates and Turks and Caicos passports.

The letter was in response to a story carried by the TCI Sun which revealed the lawsuit was brought because plaintiffs felt they were not given sufficient reasons behind why they were denied and the extensive waiting period which, for some,  spanned years. The suit aims to

  • Overturn the decision not to grant them status
  • Quash the appointments of the commission members and;
  •  Mandate that a new commission reconsiders their application.

But weeks since news of the lawsuit broke, residents are now seeing the results of applications filed as far back as 2016.  In affidavits to the lawsuit publicized by the TCI Sun, the appellants listed the incredibly long waiting time for some of them as one of the driving forces behind the legal action.

“After more than six years of considering the applications, no warning was given of the impending unfavourable decision, far less an opportunity to the applicants to address the commission’s concerns with the applications. That cannot be a procedurally fair way of conducting the Islander Status application process,” they said.

But the former chief minister disagrees.  Oswald Skippings fiercely condemns the lawsuit in his own letter.

“Imagine the temerity and the effrontery to attack governments and citizens responsible for the issuance of Islander Status that would empower them not only to further erode our franchise, but to take it totally out of our hands so that we would not only be disempowered economically, socially and industrially, but we will no longer have the voting power to determine who our government is. In other words, not being able to determine who would represent our best interest in the House of Assembly and secure our destiny in our native land.” He said.

Skippings himself is mentioned by name in the affidavits attached to the lawsuit according to The Sun where the plaintiffs cite a newspaper article “expressing passionate views about those who he perceived as foreigners” and question his ability to be objective. Along with the former Chief Minister, committee chairman Benson Harvey is also mentioned for similar reasons.

Just 10 days after the news of the lawsuit broke the Government released an advisory that “formal responses for all Turks and Caicos Islander Status applicants for the years 2016 to 2021 are ready for collection.”

It took between three and seven years for some 50 status applications to receive a formal response; this is indicative of the snail’s-pace system that continues to endure under successive governments.

It’s not just status applications, police records, work permits and more; receiving documentation in The Turks and Caicos is a long and frustrating process that has allowed criminal enterprises to thrive due to under the table deals which fast track application processes, which arguably start out as honest pursuits.  Faced with the sluggish pace of the public sector, which falls under the remit of the Governor’s Office, fake documents, elaborate scams, exploitation and fraud have not only flourished, but have forced government offices to completely shut down.

And the row about the pathway to citizenship and who are the guardians of the process erupts as the Turks and Caicos Islands struggles with indigenous population growth.

The government recently revealed that the Turks and Caicos population growth rate is woefully inadequate and at an unsustainable low; Arlington Musgrove, Minister of immigration and Border Security had said the Turks and Caicos Islander is fast approaching extinction.

Still, for Oswald Skippings and others who share his view, the decision to sue the Commission and the Department of Immigration by expats is seen as “arrogant” and he reminds in his letter, that the grant of citizenship is optional; a privilege and not a right.

“…did you notice the word ‘MAY and not SHALL’ when it refers to the granting of Islander Status?  So be aware that you may qualify for consideration only, and not for any legal entitlement.”

Government

Alpheus Smith appointed Commissioner of Labour in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services

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#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alpheus Smith to the post of Commissioner of Labour within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Mr. Smith’s distinguished career within the Turks and Caicos Government commenced on February 1, 1985, as an Immigration Officer under the guidance of the then Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Thomas Saunders. Over the years, he has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, serving in various capacities within the Immigration Department.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith has ascended through the ranks, demonstrating outstanding leadership and proficiency. In 1988, he was promoted to the role of Senior Immigration Officer, subsequently advancing to the positions of Assistant Director of Immigration and Deputy Director of Immigration.

In 2002, Mr. Smith transitioned to the Labour Department, assuming the role of Assistant Commissioner of Labour. His tenure in this capacity provided him with invaluable experience, during which he frequently acted as the Commissioner of Labour, showcasing his capabilities and commitment to public service.

Mr. Smith’s professional development has been further enriched through participation in numerous training programs, encompassing various facets of Industrial Relations, Court Procedures, Employment Laws, and management training, among others. Notably, in July 2019, while maintaining his full-time employment, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, augmenting his educational foundation and expertise.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Smith stated:

“I give thanks to the almighty for his continued blessings on my life. I am humbly thankful to have been selected for appointment as the new Commissioner of Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I have full confidence that the experience and training that I have gained over the years has greatly prepared me for this role and I will do my best in carrying the duties that this post requires me to do.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on Mr. Smith’s appointment stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Alpheus Smith on his official appointment as the new Labour Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Labour Department is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s most heavily focused costumer service departments. With over 30 years of combined experience in the Immigration and Labour Departments and having had the opportunity to act in this role for an extended period, Mr. Smith has demonstrated his ability to perform this role.

I wish him well on his new appointment and look forward to working with him and the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services to reform the operations of the Labour Department to better serve the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Smith!”

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Government

Fresh feel for Turks & Caicos House of Assembly in return to NJS Francis Building

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – Renewed and better than ever the NJS Francis building has once again been christened as the home of the House of Assembly following a March 21 reopening ceremony.

“As we gather on this auspicious occasion I am filled with a sense of pride, duty, hope and determination. Across our islands we are proud of our resilience and our ability to navigate various challenges including natural disasters,” said Anya Williams, Acting Governor as she spoke on behalf of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.

Williams detailed the history of the establishment  The NJS Francis building served as the home of the House of Assembly for 11 years, from 2006 when the Legislative Council was changed to the HOA until 2017 when it sustained heavy damages during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The following year the auditorium of the HJ Robinson High School was appointed the meeting place for the House of Assembly and repairs began at the NJS Building. Those repairs have only just been completed and the members are back in the true home of the Assembly.

“I believe it is fair to say that some five years and four months later we had overstayed our welcome,” Williams said. She continued “Following significant investment it is with great pride that the  House of Assembly is now able to return to the NJS Francis building in the nation’s capital and to once again proclaim it is the official House of Assembly on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Williams urged those in the HOA to fight for justice progress and the common good.

Washington Misick, TCI Premier, raised a motion of thanks, which was seconded by Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, acknowledging those who had worked to make the building renovation a reality.

Thanked were Olympic Construction, Gordon Burton, House Speaker; Tracey Parker, the HOA Clerk, the HJ Robinson High School body, the Ministry of Physical Planning and others.

“This honourable House thanks the public for their patience during the period that the House of Assembly was away,” Misick maintained.

Stressing the importance of architecture, he said:

“I have a deep sense of pride to be back in the people’s house after five years— the authority we exercise here is given to us by the people, and we must never forget it.“

The police band was on hand to add to the festivities as Members on both sides of the house expressed excitement about the reopening.

“To my colleagues whose first time it is in this chamber, take it in, take your pictures and enjoy this moment, this is an amazing moment,” said Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Parliament TCI Branch.

The House of Assembly has traded the warm interior walls for a fairer shade and the decision for a brighter lighting treatment in the decor appears to let the sunshine in on the people’s business.  What has returned is the classic emerald green carpeting and wood finished furnishings.  There has been an upgrade in the utilities and as is customary, photos of previous leaders and Speakers of the House adorn the hallowed walls.

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Government

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood – Response to Premier’s Absence at CARICOM Meeting

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Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2024 – Weak, ineffective, and afraid are the best words to describe Premier Washington Misick’s most recent inaction as it relates to the international crisis in Haiti that has directly impacted TCI.

With the recent escalation of violence in Haiti causing our country to assemble its national security to plan to tackle an influx of now potentially illegal armed and dangerous Haitian migrants to our shores, we have heard nothing decisive or definitive from the Premier on what his government is doing to protect our country and our people.

Additionally, with the recent announcement of HAITIAN GANGSTERS AND CRIMINALS ARRESTED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, surely this should have catalyzed the Premier to treat with urgency the situation unfolding in Haiti.

Instead, what the public is witnessing is a complete turnover of elected powers to the British Government by this out-of-touch Premier. I dare say he has even turned the TCI power over to the Bahamian Prime Minister, as in his words he has said that the Turks and Caicos Interest was represented by the Government of the Bahamas.

It is said that adversity often reveals a person’s true character. Observe how they respond to difficult situations, setbacks, or failures. Do they take responsibility for their actions, do they give their responsibility to others, do they blame others?

We have seen Premier Misick crumble or hide over and over again when facing critical and difficult matters being faced by our people and our country.

What could be occupying this sleepy Premier time so much so that he cannot attend the high-level meeting of Caricom convened in Jamaica for the specific purpose of addressing the Haitian crisis taking place on our doorsteps and presenting a clear and present danger to our people?

Having read the embarrassment of a statement issued by the Premier, he has not stated why he did not attend in person or virtually. This is unacceptable, and he is duty-bound to explain to the public his absence from an invited meeting of the heads of Caricom. Outside of Death in the family or Sickness, there is no excuse that the Premier could give that would be acceptable.

I would go on to say that Premier Misick and his Cabinet have embarrassed the Turks and Caicos, locally, regionally, and internationally.  His absence from this meeting shows that he does not care about us, our security, our lives nor our livelihood.

With all due respect, no one in the Turks and Caicos Islands elected the Hon. Fred Mitchell to represent them. Does the Hon. Mitchell work for the Governor’s office? Is he our new Deputy Premier? Is the Hon. Mitchell a Member of the House of Assembly of the Turks & Caicos Islands?

However, I have to thank him for standing in the gap to represent the Turks & Caicos Islands, when neither the Premier nor the Governor saw it fit to be in attendance at this high-level meeting, dealing with an issue that potentially causes the Greatest danger to Turks & Caicos lives and livelihood.

I, as Leader of the Opposition, would have happily gone in his stead to represent my people and my country.

As Premier, I – Edwin A. Astwood, would have been the first person in that Caricom meeting, traveling with a team of government heads, in particular the Minister of Immigration, the Permanent Secretary responsible for National Security, and the Commissioner of Police. The Turks and Caicos concerns and experience would only be presented by us on behalf of our people, not by someone representing another country’s interest. “He who feels it- knows it”.

Such careless behavior is the modus operandi of an uninterested Premier Misick, who just can’t seem to be bothered with what matters most to our people and our country. Should he persist with this unconcerned behavior, and to save our country, the people will have to fire him before elections like how he fired Honourable EJ.

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