Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2023 

Good afternoon to the beautiful citizens of the Turks & Caicos Islands,

First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families who have recently lost their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Today, I stand before you with a few questions before proceeding with my press address.

Are the voices of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands going unheard? Where are we heading as a country? where do we see ourselves in the next 30 years if real change doesn’t come? Are we far better off as a country than we were before?

Today crime has reached alarming levels in our nation. We are witnessing the highest crime rates in our countries history, with an increase in gang-related activity leading to tragic incidents of violence, including murders. Last year, we were compelled to seek assistance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force to regain control of our streets. However, upon their departure, we regrettably witnessed a rebirth in gun violence.

The recent beheading of an individual in Five Cays serves as a shocking reminder of the gruesome crimes plaguing our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. That murder marks the eighth (8th) for 2023, and we hope it doesn’t contribute to the growing list of unsolved cases.

These unsolved cases can be seen as a clear indication that either our Premier is not allocating sufficient resources to combat crime, or our Commissioner of Police lacks the answers or solutions to address this escalating issue.

The emotional toll on our citizens cannot be underestimated. Every Turk and Caicos Islander has the right to feel safe and secure within their homes and communities. Our children, the future of our nation, deserve to live and thrive without the threat of violence hanging over their lives.

It is the responsibility of any government to ensure the safety of our streets and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to effectively address the crime and violence that plagues our beloved TCI.

The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) recognizes that crime and violence demand a holistic solution. We are committed to confronting these criminal elements head-on and utilizing all available resources, both legal and material, to reclaim our communities from these detrimental forces. Strategic operations, proper manpower, and necessary equipment must be employed to restore peace, tranquility, and security to our neighborhoods.

However, addressing crime and violence requires a multi-faceted approach. We must look deeper into the root causes of criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency in our communities. We must examine family structures, the impact of fatherlessness, the challenges faced by single mothers, and the importance of providing support through extracurricular activities, youth clubs, church groups, and other community services. These measures act as barriers, preventing our youth from embracing lives of crime.

Furthermore, we need policies in place that foster economic growth and job creation. By cultivating a robust economy, we enable our people to find employment and become productive members of society. This holistic approach should have been a priority for this government

We must engage in genuine and comprehensive consultations with community stakeholders to understand the underlying issues and build trust between residents and the police force. Crimes should no longer go unreported, and we must ensure that our justice system functions effectively to keep criminals, particularly repeat offenders, off our streets. Implementing rehabilitation programs for those willing to turn their lives around is also crucial. We must offer them a second chance.

It is evident that the current government is overwhelmed and in dire need of assistance, not only in addressing crime but also in tackling the growing challenges our country faces. This is not a partisan issue; it affects every citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The PDM has previously proposed solutions, and now it is time to put some of those solutions into action

Moving on to the issue of immigration, it is disheartening to witness the continuous influx of illegal ships making landfall on our shores. These incidents not only threaten our national security but also underscore our lack of knowledge regarding the individuals residing within our country

Additionally, there is a need for more firmer oversight in managing the approval of work permits. We must ensure that locals who are qualified for certain positions are not overlooked in favor of foreign workers.

The emotional toll this situation takes on our people is depressing. Turks and Caicos Islanders are feeling the pain, and we must assure them that the sacrifices of our forefathers were not in vain. As a small country with a small population, every citizen deserves a fair chance at a decent and happy life.

Regrettably, the PNP administration has shown a lack of leadership and direction when it comes to addressing the issue of illegal immigration. It has spiraled out of control, and the consequences of their inaction are evident. We must understand that illegal immigration is not solely a political issue; it affects our entire nation and community.

The minister of immigration in his budget address stated that “For the year 2022/2023 their teams processed, detained, and repatriated over 2882 persons from 31 boats”, can you imagine where those funds could have been invested if our boarders were better protected?

The facts are this, in order to get real control of who is entering our country, we must get a firm grip of our boarders to ensure our people are safe and secure. This is not an easy task, but we must invest heavily in this area.

By effectively managing the influx of illegal immigrants, we can ease the burden on our taxpayers and social services. We must advocate at regional and international levels, ensuring that our unique circumstances are taken into account and that we are not disadvantaged by international laws.

Secondly, we must engage in open and honest conversations with our people regarding the fair and balanced issuance of work permits. We need to develop policies that ensure our citizens have access to the resources of our country, and these resources are distributed fairly. This approach requires the input of all stakeholders to foster consensus on this contentious issue.

Finally, the lack of access to capital and affordable housing has led to a significant exodus of our people from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many are living paycheck to paycheck without seeing a path to financial freedom. The cost of accommodation and land purchases continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for locals to maintain their daily lives.

We are witnessing a wave of brain drain, where our brightest minds are leaving our shores due to the lack of opportunities. It is truly disheartening to see such talent forced to seek careers elsewhere, hindered by limited financial support and inadequate access to capital.

The current government’s approach seems to encourage dependency, rather than empowerment.

Advancing the lives of our citizens appears to be absent from their priority list. Their delegation of important responsibilities to private entities, such as the Tourist Board to the DMO and the airport, indicates a lack of commitment to their 14-1 elected duties.

The PDM pledges to implement economic policies that empower our people and allow them to achieve happiness within the TCI.

We the PDM will develop a robust economic agenda that provides access to capital, better opportunities, and credit facilities. Our goal is to enable our citizens to own properties, live comfortably, and not worry about their next meal or falling behind on bills.

We must create a legislative framework that facilitates economic activity, entrepreneurship, and business growth. We must maximize our potential by treating our people as individuals with immense capabilities rather than beggars reliant on handouts. The PDM believes in providing our people with a hand up, offering opportunities driven by economic growth.

Education and skills training will play a vital role in expanding earning potential. Our young people must be prepared to seize opportunities arising from technological advancements.

In closing, I want to assure my fellow citizens that your voices will be heard once again. When the time comes for the next election, the PDM government-in-waiting will provide you with the government you truly deserve. For far too long, we have accepted the UK and others telling us what we can and can’t do.

It’s time for us to stand up and stop accepting “no” as the final answer. We must take control of our own destiny and demand real representation.

There is only one message we the PDM have and that is to make Turks and Caicos Islanders first. Our goal and vision for this country is to navigate it onto the right path, ultimately leading us to achieving self-determination.