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SIPT trial in TCI, Impediment or a Political Gimmick?

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Ed Forbes

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 13, 2023 – It’s time to bring an end to the SIPT trial or compel the British Government to pay for its continuance.

SIPT – an acronym for “Special Investigation and Prosecution Team” in Turks and Caicos Islands.
Since its commencement the first few months of December 2015, despondently, it has officially become one of the longest if not the longest corruption trials in history.
With news stories developing so rapidly on social media these days, how easy it is for one to forget what’s going on with this once closely watched trial. The time has come for our people to wake up and realize the financial impact this trial having on our country.
Our economy is finally making a remarkable rebound from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; Yet, the trial of the century is on its 8th year and is still ongoing with so many uncertainties and leaving more questions than answers.
To make matters worse, we the people are being forced to continue bearing the cost of this trial, with no end in sight.
According to their projections in 2018, reported by TCIweekly News, the price-tag was set to top $36 million.  There has been endless adjournments and delays which have caused the process to drag on. One could only imagine the absorbing cost leading up to 2023.
With a life-long career in fighting major crimes both civilly and criminally, I have always been of the mindset that we should let justice take its course. Nevertheless, how much longer can the country endure this burden?
In my opinion, from the onset of this trial, the cost of any special investigation and the prosecution team should have been footed by the British government. I am sure there are others out there who share similar sentiments.
As a British overseas territory, we have a rule of law in place that governs transfer of land protocols, and the governor has veto powers. Therefore, if the buck stops with the governor who is an appointed British head of state, why are the people of this great country bearing the brunt of this burden?
With the rising cost of inflation, in times like these, such funds could be better used to offset the cost of basic staple food items, energy, and fuel factor etc.
By no means am I excusing any alleged wrongdoing on the behalf of the named defendants, because I frown upon corruption at any level.
Nevertheless, let’s be real here, place the financial responsibility on the shoulders of the British government where it should be.
Bullied or no bullied, if any documents were presented to the governor on the basis of a false prospectus or a false proposition by cabinet ministers as alleged,the governor had the authority to question it. He also had representatives from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office at his beck and call if he so choose.
Former Governor Dakin stealthy exhibited that during his reign, and in essence, showed who really calls the shots. This proves that it’s not so easy to strong-arm a person in his position.
Our people should be up in arms over the lack of full accountability in this matter. This goes way beyond partisan politics and this is where we need to unite for once for the betterment of our fellowmen. This trial is having unparalleled effects on our tight fiscal budgets and a fragile tourism driven economy.
For the good of the country, let’s develop an appetite to collectively voice our opinions and remove this undeserved burden from off our backs, and the backs of our future generation.
Let’s put country before party and not fight against one another, but against what I would consider entrenched and arbitrary systems of colonial and political injustices.

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Caribbean News

Confidence in Gov’t Low following resignations says Cayman Chamber of Commerce 

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

 

Cayman, November 6, 2024 – The business community in the Cayman Islands, has expressed “grave concern” over the stability of the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led Government, after three Ministers quit the Cabinet.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the resignations amounted to a “seismic political shift”, and the reasons they gave for their departure raised serious unease.  This came despite reassurances from former Deputy Premier André Ebanks and Governor, Hon. Jane Owen that the Government is still functioning as normal, after the resignations.

“This moment demands clear and steadfast leadership. As our country faces critical decisions on matters such as funding major projects, the upcoming referendum, and sustaining our international reputation, stability is paramount,” said Chamber President, Joanne Lawson.

Adding that the situation has implications for business stability and international partnerships, she said the business and international partners are “watching closely”, and they cannot afford to let uncertainty damage confidence in the Cayman Islands

The Chamber warned that the Government’s instability could impact local businesses immediately, and that many are delaying or reconsidering investment decisions until there is clarity on governance. “This period of uncertainty “poses risks for our entire community, threatening to slow progress on crucial issues and diminish the confidence of local and international stakeholders alike”.

The President said her group wants to see swift action to restore confidence in the Government, protect the economy, and maintain a stable environment for business. “The Chamber will continue to support the business community and push for a Government that prioritises the well-being and prosperity of all Caymanians.”

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Bahamas News

Government Breaks Ground on Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre

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The Bahamas, November 6, 2024 – The Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville, Minister of Health & Wellness, joined by Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, officially broke ground today on the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre. This groundbreaking represents a critical investment in the expansion of healthcare services throughout the archipelago.

This Advanced Health Centre will cover approximately 14,500 square feet on a four-acre site and hold the main health centre inclusive of a modern surgical suite and recovery wards, an attached morgue, medical waste building and emergency services quarters. With features such as hurricane-impact windows and doors, handicap accessibility and EDGE certification for sustainability this Centre is designed to meet the present and future healthcare needs of the community.

Prime Minister Davis highlighted the significance of the project stating, “This groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to equitable healthcare across The Bahamas, aligning with our vision outlined in our Blueprint of Change.”   

Minister Darville expressed, “This event is about more than constructing a building, it is about delivering on our commitment to improve the health and well-being of our people.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by healthcare professionals, government officials and stakeholders who contributed to the project’s development. Similar to the new Mangrove Cay Clinic, which broke ground on October 16, 2024, the Palmetto Point Advanced Health Centre is expected to be completed within 15 months of the contractor’s mobilization.

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Government

Ministry of Tourism Participates in 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference  

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND MARINE AFFAIRS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE, AGRICULTURE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AND GAMING

 

 

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos, 1st November 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Fisheries, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, and Gaming actively participated in the 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, held from 22 to 26 October 2024, in collaboration with the Government of St. Maarten. Mr. Brian Been, the Ministry’s Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, represented the ministry at this significant event.

The FCCA Conference is recognised as the largest gathering of cruise industry stakeholders in the Caribbean. Attendees engaged in numerous one-on-one sessions, allowing destinations to connect directly with cruise operators. The agenda also featured discussions on training opportunities, capital investments for various destinations, and the latest trends in cruise tourism.

Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the sustainable development of the cruise industry, stating, “We are proud to have elevated our status to Platinum Membership, enhancing our connectivity in product development, marketing, and crucially, in capacity building through training. Recently, Experience TCI organized a series of workshops with FCCA trainers from Aquila in Grand Turk. We are dedicated to the integrated development of cruise tourism in collaboration with our partners.”

A highlight of the conference was the release of the BREA Study, which showcased the continuing success of the Turks and Caicos Islands in cruise tourism. The study revealed an economic contribution of US$116 million from the 2023/2024 cruise season, a significant increase from $86.47 million in 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism extends its gratitude to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, and other partners for their invaluable contributions to the data submission process.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the overall visitor experience, with participation in events like the FCCA Platinum Member Conference playing a vital role in achieving these goals.

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