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PDM calls on House Members Opposed to the DMO to Speak Up

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 26, 2023 – The PDM is calling on all Members of Parliament to speak out in opposition of the establishment of the Destination Marketing and Management Company which had its bylaws signed on April 14.  Despite these advanced stages, in a stinging letter Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, demands that all country leaders regardless of affiliation must not sit idly by.

“We Elected officials, and appointed members cannot sit idly by, and collect salaries from the people’s treasury, while our people are kicked to Curb,” he said, repeating a now familiar condemnation of the PNPs decision to remove TC Islanders from their jobs and open positions to all candidates.

The letter exposes a strong intimation that there are members from even the governing side who are not in agreement with the establishment of the DMO and the dismantling of the TCI Tourist Board.

“If we truly care about our people and their destiny, we all must speak out and oppose this decision.  I am calling on the Members of Parliament to speak out. In particular, all elected representatives cannot remain silent as lambs, betray the people who voted for them, and expect it to be taken kindly,” he said.

Astwood is promising that neither he nor the PDM will be backing down on the issue of the DMO as what he describes as the most qualified people to run the institution are relieved of duty.

“These staff members who are being ‘kicked to the curb’ are the only experts known to the Caribbean region and the World who fully know and understand TCI’s History, Culture, and Tourism Products,” he maintained

The papers incorporating and launching the DMMO are signed and the entity is hiring with  positions advertised and netting up to $120,000 a year on the table for international and local applicants.  Premier Missick, with a markedly different perspective, has promised that though change is difficult, it will benefit the country in the long run.

Astwood’s continued rebuke comes alongside an about-face from the Washington Misick led Government which had promised to keep all employees of the organization on payroll then suddenly sent out termination letters in February, making all staff redundant by this coming June.  A move which remains largely unexplained.

So far, there has been silence in response to the plea by the Opposition Leader, which went public last Friday.

Caribbean News

Cabinet Approves Unemployment Insurance Benefit for NIS Contributors

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Kingston, Jamaica, May 17, 2025 – Cabinet has approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The new benefit will serve as a guaranteed safety net for all employees who contribute to the NIS, except for self-employed persons.

Additionally, work is under way to establish the requisite legal and institutional frameworks to implement this important national support system.

“One of the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the urgent need for a system that supports workers who lose their jobs, helping them to remain financially stable while seeking re-employment,” Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13).

Meanwhile, the Government has taken a decisive step to strengthen the nation’s social security framework by implementing the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO), a US$20-million initiative supported by the World Bank.

Mr. Charles Jr. noted that SPIRO, which was launched last year, represents a transformative shift in social governance, with three strategic pillars – the creation of a unified Social Protection Information System (SPIS), supporting the introduction of unemployment insurance, and modernising of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

“The project is already generating impact through comprehensive assessments led by expert consultants, aimed at overhauling labour market services,” he stated.

The Minister further indicated that there will be upgrades to the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) and LMIS, which will enhance the digital infrastructure for employment services.

 

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Release: JIS

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Government

Governor Calls for Bold, Community-Led Policing in Crime Fight

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Providenciales, TCI Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has issued a strong call for data-driven, intelligence-led and community-based policing to combat rising crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In remarks delivered at the recent swearing-in of Commissioner Fitz Bailey, the Governor underscored the urgent need for reform, accountability and strategic collaboration across agencies and borders.

“Our response to crime must be strategic, data-driven, intelligence-led and collaborative—across agencies, across borders and above all, with the communities we serve,” the Governor said, addressing law enforcement officers and regional dignitaries.

She warned that criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, and that the TCI is at the “sharp end” of regional security threats. Against that backdrop, she outlined a vision for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as an institution rooted in fairness, strengthened by public trust, and driven by results.

“We must be unforgiving in our zero-tolerance approach to misconduct,” she added. “Wearing the badge must continue to be a source of pride, not of power or privilege.”

Governor Selvaratnam praised Commissioner Bailey for his record of modern, community-focused leadership and said his appointment marked a critical moment for the country’s law enforcement strategy. While the ceremony took place two weeks ago, her words continue to resonate amid ongoing public concern about violent crime and border security.

Quoting from the Bible and invoking the moral arc of justice, the Governor emphasized that effective policing must be grounded in integrity, humility and service.

With regional police leaders from Jamaica and The Bahamas in attendance, the event signaled a united front against shared threats—and a new chapter in the push for a safer, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Bahamas News

Heads of Agreement signing ceremony in Freeport, Grand Bahama, but why were they unable to tear the building down with the backhoe?? 

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Freeport, Grand Bahama, May 15, 2025

 

Exciting announcements:

$827 million investment
1750 permanent jobs
1300 construction jobs

Seven-pronged vision includes cruise friendly hotel; redesigned Greg Norman signature golf course; marina; convention space; new pool casino; and refurbished Port Lucaya marina which is being acquired in the deal.

ZNS reported that “money is in the bank” according to Chester Cooper, the investment and tourism minister.

Packed room to hear the announcement of the new Lucayan Hotel which will shutter in order to accommodate the redevelopment.

Staff to be supported during this time.

There is skepticism but also optimism as this deal feels more real than previous two and is touted as a solid fit.

Curt Hollingsworth, Bahamas Consul General based in Florida gets an admirable, honourable mention as being the one to introduce Steve Sirang to the Prime Minister.

Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey described the momentous occasion this way, “I proudly witnessed the signing of the Heads of Agreement
for the sale and redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort to Ancient Waters Bahamas
Limited, wholly owned by Concord Wilshire Capital, LLC. Concord Wilshire is widely
known for stellar and award-winning developments.”

A third event is slated for Port Lucaya Marketplace; it follows the signing and a reception on the Great Lawn of the resort and mock demolition of the luxury lanai suites.

▪️A Magnetic Media report▪️

Photo is a screenshot of ZNS Live coverage

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