Bahamas News
We Must Enlarge the Franchise, We are Outnumbered says TCI Premier Washington Misick
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2023 – “We want you to benefit from what we have to offer,” was the message from Hon Washington Misick, TCI Premier as he spoke to the Turks and Caicos Diaspora earlier this week, maintaining that the country was pushing hard to expand its franchise through them.
“We have about 9,000 voters, fortunately, more and more TC-Bahamians are getting their status cards.” He maintained that this was a solution to keeping the voting power in the hands of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”
The Premier, who is in The Bahamas for the 44th Regular Meeting of CARICOM made the comments at a Nassau gathering held Monday February 12 at Crypto Isles on East Bay Street. A second meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 18 in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
It was billed as an invitation only session, was chock-full of professionals from a wide cross-section of fields and was meant to familiarize the Diaspora in The Bahamas with the soon to be amended immigration laws which would allow many more of them to move back to the Turks and Caicos, further strengthening the native population, a significant goal for TCIG and the PNP Administration, he said.
“I would be lying to you if I didn’t tell you that is part of the motive of— including people of TCI heritage to qualify for status in the TCI, but also it is the right thing to do,” he said.
He explained why it was so important.
“What is happening at home at the moment is that we are accommodating large numbers of expatriate workers from the Caribbean and North America, one of the issues that we face today— is that we are already outnumbered—- and that is not going to get any better.”
On the part of the Diaspora, there was keen interest; the meeting was a resounding success and oversubscribed prior to opening.
Welcomed at the reception were leaders at the highest level, for both countries including Hon Philip Davis, Bahamian Prime Minister; Hon JoBeth Coleby Davis, Bahamas Minister of Housing (a part of the TCI Diaspora); Her Excellency Anya Willams, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Hon. Arlington Musgrove, TCI Minister of Immigration and Border Services (a part of the Diaspora).
Members of the
Misick emphasized the pull factors maintaining that the economy was not only booming but that there were entrepreneurial opportunities open to those interested.
“We probably have $2 billion worth of investment in the pipeline over the next two years— but there’s only so many of us.”
He maintained that relationships between the two island states were happening whether they were endorsed by the Government or not, firmly informing, for the TCI’s part his administration was prepared to make it official.
“I didn’t come to this office as Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands to be ordinary, at my age, I can’t afford to be ordinary,” said Misick as he addressed the packed reception, “I don’t want to buy into narrow thinking. I believe we have great people among our diaspora who serve globally. We have people all over the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean but the bulk of our Diaspora resides here in The Bahamas.”
Already identified are the liaison officials for The Bahamas. Andrea Mills, a veteran educator, is assigned to Nassau and Canon Fr. Curtis Robinson, also an educator and Anglican priest is identified for Grand Bahama.
The two were approved at a February 8, 2023 Cabinet meeting informed Premier Misick.
Photo courtesy of the Turks & Caicos Office of the Premier
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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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