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PDM Leader Hon. Edwin A. Astwood Delivers State of the State Address

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Rebuttal

 

Tonight, It is now clear to everyone who watched the Premier’s State of the State address that the Premier and his PNP Cabinet have either spent the last 2 years ignoring all the real issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands or Making them worse.

In his address, the Premier tried to paint a different picture of the country, but his actions over the last 2 years, don’t match the rhetoric that we have heard. This is not what the people that voted his Party into Office were expecting. This PNP Administration has made life harder for the average resident of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

I believe that every TCI who was watching this speech had asked themselves:

After 2 long years of the Hon. Charles W. Misick-led PNP administration, am I better of now than I was 4 years ago, before the pandemic?

The answer I NO.

SO YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

Every TCI is probably paying 30% more for monthly expenses than they did 4 years ago, the cost of living is at an all-time high, for many the chance of owning a home is far out of reach. They just can’t afford the extremely high prices.

Many persons have left the country, and many more are planning to leave. We have not seen an Exodus like this since the late ’60s, and early 70’s.

“SO Mr. PREMIER -YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

Under this current PNP administration, far too many of our families are living paycheck to paycheck.

Under this current PNP administration Wages are struggling to keep pace with the actual cost of living.

Under this current PNP administration, we are seeing moms’ and dads’ paychecks buy them less and less.

Under this current PNP administration, we are seeing our working people choose which essential Items to take home- and which ones to leave behind.

Under this current PNP administration, we are seeing a record amount of vacancies in the Public Service- we heard 400 vacancies.

“SO YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

Under this current PNP administration, we are seeing persons being sent into retirement while there is still a great need for the retention of their services.

The Hon. Premier said tonight that his government had created a Health Care system that is accessible and delivers a High-Quality Care – however – Under this current PNP administration, we are seeing Health care outcomes the worse it has ever been in modern times.

In this nation where the Premier says that the Economy is ROARING, we are hearing of Turks and Caicos Islanders who are skipping blood pressure pills and insulin injections, forced to choose between buying medicine or buying food.

So regardless of whether he site GDP, whether he cites tourist numbers, Cruise Ship numbers, whether he cites job vacancy numbers, decrease in customs processing fees, decrease in fuel tax -or whether you site some other things the Premier is trying to hang his hat on-

The Fact is that for the average TCI, those cited numbers don’t translate into a better life or better opportunities. It has NOT.

“SO YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

We as politicians should never lose sight of whom we are working for.

But what we have heard tonight shows a government that is totally disconnected from its people.

Tonight we heard the Premier take credit for many projects that the previous administration did. His role was only to cut ribbons – nothing else. He took credit for Covid Vaccinations, the travel portal, mental health facilities, agriculture policy, Farmer’s market, and school gardens- none of which he had anything to do with it.

Additionally, they had nothing to do with the South Caicos Airport getting done- their only role thus far was to take walk-throughs and pose for pictures.

“SO YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

Every major thing that this PNP Administration had put in place is having a negative effect on our people.

An example is the Beach vendors Bill which is killing local small businesses and making it harder for the surviving businesses to operate.

Another is the closing down of the Tourist Board and opening of the DMO- which is putting 17 of our people out of work- the Premier said in his speech tonight that “that change is uncomfortable, but it is necessary- so he is viewing the staff as “causalities of war.”

You should not have to wake up every morning and worry about the next thing this Government is going to do to you or your children, or do to your business, or your way of life.

That is why No one is listening to the Premier anymore. His Cabinet and his Team are weak. He commands no more respect. The majority of our People no longer care what he says. He and his team did it to themselves. The people gave them a chance, and they “bit the hand that fed them.”

Recently we have been watching the news from around the world that is showing entire populations revolting against leaders who refuse to improve their lives.

And we can now confirm that they have no idea of how to reverse the economic and cultural trends that are destroying the Turks and Caicos Islands.

They cannot improve anyone’s life, only they can enhance their own.

At some point, the Premier will be gone. His Cabinet will be gone. The rest of us will be gone, too. The country will remain. What kind of country will it be then?

Who will call themselves Turks and Caicos Islanders?

How do we want our children and grandchildren to live?

What social, economic, and political climate will they face?

These are the only questions that matter.

The answers use to be obvious. Prosperity and a successful life. However, the goal for the Turks and Caicos is both simpler and more elusive than mere prosperity:

It includes happiness. There are a lot of ingredients in being happy: Dignity, Purpose, Safety, Opportunity, Self-respect, national pride, freedom, self-determination, and Above all, deep relationships with other people.

Those are the things that you want for your children. They are the things that our leaders should want for us and would want if they cared.

But the current PNP leaders don’t care. We are being governed by soldiers of fortune who feel no long-term obligation to the people that had elected them.

Tonight – The Premier said it himself, he said “I KNOW MY TIME IS LIMITED”

Yes, Premier your time is limited

They’re temporary workers, backup drivers, day traders, Substitute teachers, and guest workers. They’re just passing through. They have no skin in this game, and it shows. They can’t solve our problems. They don’t even bother to talk with our people in order to understand our problems.

When you care about people, you do your best to treat them fairly. Our PNP leaders don’t even try. They hand out jobs and contracts and opportunities based purely on how close you are associated with them.

Yes, the country is Booming, but it is only booming for the Premier and his closest friends. Their little group did increase their economic advantage. But for everyone else, we are still fighting for the crumbs from the table.

It has to be clear that the actions of the Premier and his party are pulling us further and further apart

Unfairness is profoundly contentious. When you favor one child over another, your children don’t hate you. They hate each other.

This is what’s happening in our country, probably by this PNP Administration’s grand design;

Divided countries are easier to rule and exploit. And nothing divides us like the perception that some select people are getting super special treatment, while all others get nothing and are being left behind. The general public should oppose this with everything they have.

SO YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is an alternative-

Across our nation, the PDM party is now showing our people what PDM Leadership looks like:

What it means to respect the people we serve – to hear them out, to talk with them not down at them, to stand up for them, to walk alongside them,

We know that our problems require bold action, but we know that doesn’t mean the government making decisions without the people.

The PDM may not have the Government but we are doing what we can to fill the leadership vacuum in our Government. And on the major issues that are affecting TCIs, the PDM is leading in putting workable recommendations forward.

We are standing up for our people.

Most of all we are respecting You the people as being the ones that we have to answer to. The Premiere only talks about it, we the PDM do it.

That is what I believe, that is what the PDM believes, and that is what the PDM is doing.

In his speech, The Honorable premier never truly established how we will fix some of the things plaguing our people and the country. We are now more uncertain about our future as a nation than ever before.

“SO IN SUMMARY YOU HAVE NOT DELIVERED”

Over the last 2 years, I have put my faith in our people across the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and they haven’t let me down.

I encourage this Premier and his government to do the same – to put his faith in you the TCI people who have never wavered in your belief in this country, regardless of which PARTY leads it.

You know that the soul of the TCI is not about who is the elected government, its men and women like you in every Island and corner of our nation, who are willing to step up and take responsibility for your communities, for your Island, for your country, and ultimately for yourselves.

The majority of the country knows that the PDM can do better, we must do better, and We are better.

Thank you, God Bless you and God bless the TCI

Government

The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Pinned House of Assembly (HOA) Members for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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PRESS RELEASE 

From The Department of Gender Affairs

 

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands October 29th 2024 – In a powerful display of solidarity, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government rallied behind Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a pinning of members of the House of Assembly. This symbolic act, where the leaders were pinned with an awareness badge, signifies their public commitment to the cause. The event, held on October 11th , 2024, was organized by the Department of Gender Affairs and led by Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Gender Affairs, under the theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain: Silence Hides Violence.”

Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick and several other esteemed members of the House of Assembly participated in the ceremony, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to combating domestic violence. By wearing the awareness pins, these leaders visibly pledged their support for victims/survivors and their families, as well as their dedication to breaking the cycle of abuse.

Mrs. Dickenson expressed her elation at the overwhelming support shown by the members. “Their participation sends a powerful message that our government will not tolerate domestic violence in any form,” she stated. “It emphasizes that we all have a role to play in ending the silence that hides this devastating issue too often.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance in the Turks and Caicos Islands aimed at raising awareness of the pervasive problem of domestic abuse and providing support to those affected. The theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain” is a call to action, emphasizing the need to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and create a chain of support for victims. It encourages everyone to speak out against domestic violence and support those who are affected.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government urges all residents to join this important awareness campaign. Together, the community can play a crucial role in stopping the pain of domestic violence and breaking the chain of abuse for generations to come.

If you do not have a pin, we encourage you to collect one from the Department of Gender Affairs. Your participation is crucial in our collective efforts to end domestic violence.

For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and resources for those affected by domestic abuse, please contact the Department of Gender Affairs via telephone at 649-338-2681 (Grand Turk), 649-338-2686 (Providenciales). You can also contact the Department via email at genderaffairs@gov.tc. Continue to look out for its various activities on facebook.com/genderaffairstci or Instagram: @genderaffairstci.

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Government

Shakiah Lewis Appointed Dean of CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Department of Youth Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Shakiah Lewis as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program (CYAP) for the entire CARICOM region.

A dedicated educator and passionate youth advocate, Ms. Lewis, brings extensive experience in regional integration, leadership, and community involvement. She is a member of the TCI National Youth Parliament, TCI Community College Alumni Association, CSA Young Workers Leader, AOL Foundation advocate, and Rotaract Club of Grand Turk Director.

As Dean, Ms. Lewis will promote youth advocacy and leadership development, deepening youth participation in regional integration and development. Her one-year term will focus on championing youth-related issues such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture stated, “I congratulate Ms. Shakiah Lewis on her well-deserved appointment as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program. Her dedication and leadership as a TCI Youth Ambassador, coupled with her impressive civic portfolio have, prepared her well for this regional role. We are proud to have her represent our country and empower young leaders across the Caribbean.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government congratulates Ms. Lewis on this achievement and wishes her success in her new role.

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Government

KAYANNA GIBSON APPOINTED AS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR 

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Kayanna Gibson as Communications Officer within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

Ms. Gibson holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Communication and a Master of Science in Project Management from Manchester Metropolitan University.

In her previous role as an Account Executive at Havas Lynx Global Health Care Communications Agency in Manchester, UK, Ms. Gibson managed client accounts within the HIV/AIDS therapy sector. Her responsibilities included reporting, spreadsheet manipulation, and project portfolio and stakeholder management. As a participant in the Rise Programme at Agent Academy, she engaged in strategic analyses such as marketing mix, personas, and PESTEL/SWOT analysis. She also contributed to content creation and designed empathy maps to inform UX/UI design through design thinking methodologies.

Additionally, she completed a marketing and production placement at Sharp Futures Inc., where she gained experience in marketing finance logistics, social media marketing, and web development. She was responsible for creating and pitching marketing presentations.

Ms. Gibson is a co-author of the journal article “Digital Storytelling: A Relational Pedagogic Approach to Rebuilding Hybrid Places for Creativity, Equity, and Community Building in a Crisis.” She volunteers with the Rotaract Club Providenciales and is a member of the Association of Project Management. She previously served as Junior Minister of Tourism from 2015 to 2016 under the Ministry of Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She was the CTO Youth Congress representative in 2016 in Georgetown, Barbados.

Ms. Gibson shared her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am determined to excel in my role as Communications Officer as I make a meaningful contribution to the Communications Directorate, and by extension, to the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am deeply grateful to God for this opportunity and am honoured to join the Public Service and take with me the words from 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family and country for their unwavering belief in me. It is through their support that I have remained motivated to achieve this long-term goal.”

On the appointment, the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, remarked, “We are happy to welcome Ms. Kayanna Gibson to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service as a Communications Officer. Her unique blend of skills and experience will be invaluable in enhancing our communication strategies as her background in digital media and marketing aligns perfectly with the communication goals of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. We are confident in her ability to significantly impact this role, and we look forward to the innovative ideas she will bring.

Congratulations, Ms. Gibson, on your new role and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.”

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