Government

PDM Press Statement: Robert Been Jr.

Published

3 years ago

July 14, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Bahamas News

Halkitis: Don’t Expect 90 Percent Turnout for 2026 Vote

Published

5 days ago

May 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – As debate continues over voter participation in the 2026 General Election in The Bahamas, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis is urging Bahamians to adjust their expectations, suggesting the days of 90 percent voter turnout may be behind us.

Speaking to the Nassau Guardian in its analysis of official election results, Halkitis said he believes voter participation is settling into a new reality, with turnout more likely to remain in the 60 and 70 percent range than return to the lofty levels seen decades ago.

His comments come as newly released Parliamentary Registration Department figures reveal that 69,021 registered voters did not cast ballots in the May 12 election — roughly one-third of all eligible voters.

The data paints a striking picture across several New Providence constituencies.

In Bain Town, turnout fell from 60 percent in 2021 to 55 percent in 2026, with 2,018 registered voters staying home. St. Barnabas recorded the same 55 percent turnout, down from 63 percent in 2021, with 2,165 registered voters not voting.

Centreville also saw participation decline, slipping from 62 percent in 2021 to 59 percent this year. According to the figures, 1,978 registered voters did not cast ballots.

In Englerston, turnout dropped from 61 percent in 2021 to 57 percent in 2026, with 2,028 registered voters choosing not to vote.

By contrast, Nassau Guardian reporting showed constituencies such as Killarney remained among the country’s stronger performers for voter participation, highlighting a widening gap in electoral engagement between communities.

Halkitis pointed to the permanent voter register as one possible factor. Prior to the introduction of the permanent register, voters had to actively register before each election, effectively signaling their intention to participate.

He also noted that residents frequently move between constituencies such as Englerston, Centreville, Bain Town and St. Barnabas without transferring their registration.

“The last thing on your mind is going to transfer,” Halkitis told the Nassau Guardian.

But the minister acknowledged a deeper concern may be voter apathy.

“I think nationally, we’re probably going to be in the 60s and 70s and not so much in the 90s,” he said.

Halkitis suggested stubborn concerns over the cost of living, housing affordability, healthcare and security may be contributing to voter disengagement, particularly in communities facing economic challenges.

Former Minister of State for Finance and economist Zhivargo Laing offered a similar assessment. Speaking to the Nassau Guardian, Laing said disappointment may hit hardest in less prosperous communities where residents are already struggling with economic and social challenges.

The figures underscore a growing question for Bahamian democracy: if voter turnout in some constituencies is now hovering in the mid-50 percent range, is the country witnessing a temporary dip in participation — or the emergence of a new electoral normal?

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Bahamas News

Davis Unveils One Of The Largest Cabinets in Modern Bahamian History

Published

2 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Just days after securing a commanding re-election victory, Prime Minister Philip Davis has unveiled what appears to be one of the largest Cabinets in modern Bahamian political history — fueling debate over government spending, parliamentary independence and the concentration of executive power.

The new administration now includes 29 members of Cabinet, counting the Prime Minister himself, following the swearing in of 21 Cabinet Ministers and eight Ministers of State.

The appointments come after the Progressive Liberal Party secured 33 seats in the country’s expanded 41-seat Parliament.

Critics are already pointing to the math.

Had all Cabinet appointees been selected strictly from elected Members of Parliament, only four PLP MPs would have remained outside government. Instead, several Senate appointments were used to fill ministerial posts, slightly widening the governing bench but still leaving a comparatively slim independent backbench on the government side of the House.

That reality matters constitutionally and politically because Cabinet Ministers are members of the Executive branch and are bound by collective responsibility and confidentiality rules once sworn into office.

In Westminster parliamentary systems like The Bahamas, backbench MPs traditionally provide an additional layer of scrutiny, debate and independent thought — even within the governing party.

Some observers now question whether a Cabinet of this size reduces the room for dissent or independent legislative oversight inside government ranks.

Others are raising concerns about costs at a time when Bahamians continue facing affordability pressures, rising utility bills and broader economic uncertainty.

The expansion also follows recent changes to constituency boundaries which increased the House of Assembly from 39 to 41 seats — meaning additional MPs, additional parliamentary costs and now a larger executive structure.

Historically, Bahamian Cabinets have fluctuated in size depending on administrations and political strategy, but governments traditionally operated with significantly smaller executive teams than the one now assembled.

The Davis administration, however, argues the country’s development agenda requires expanded leadership portfolios and specialized oversight.

Among the changes are re-engineered ministries and at least one newly created portfolio.

The full Cabinet includes:

Senior Leadership

Hon. Philip Edward “Brave” Davis — Prime Minister
Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper — Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education

Cabinet Ministers

Hon. Michael Halkatis — Finance
Hon. Wayne Munroe — Attorney General & Legal Affairs
Hon. Frederick Mitchell — Foreign Affairs
Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin — Tourism
Hon. Michael Darville — Health
Hon. Clay Sweeting — Works & Family Island Affairs
Hon. Keith Bell — Housing & Land Reform
Hon. Jo-Beth Coleby-Davis — Energy, Utility & Aviation
Hon. Ginger Moxey — Grand Bahama
Hon. Mario Bowleg — Youth & Sports
Hon. Jomo Campbell — Agriculture & Marine Resources
Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle — Labour, Public Service & National Insurance
Hon. Zane Lightbourne — Environment & Natural Resources
Hon. Myles Laroda — National Security
Hon. Leon Lundy — Transport
Hon. Lisa Tammy Rahming — Urban Renewal & Community Relations
Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice — Culture, Arts & Heritage
Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald — Economic Affairs
Hon. Barbara Cartwright — Social Services
Hon. Sebastian Bastian — Innovation & National Development

Ministers of State

Hon. Omar Rolle — Social Services
Hon. Wayde Watson — Innovation & National Development
Hon. Leonardo Lightbourne — Agriculture & Marine Resources
Hon. Kirk Cornish — Office of the Prime Minister
Hon. McKell Bonaby — Office of the Prime Minister
Hon. Darren Pickstock — Immigration / Foreign Affairs
Hon. Owen Wells — Health & Wellness

The appointments are expected to shape the PLP’s second consecutive term, making the Davis administration the first Bahamian government in nearly 30 years to secure back-to-back election victories.

But the size of the executive team is likely to remain part of the national conversation — particularly as Bahamians await details on government spending priorities, ministerial budgets and the overall cost of governance under the new administration.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Caribbean News

Browne Wins Fourth Term in Antigua & Barbuda Landslide

Published

4 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Antigua & Barbuda, May 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a historic fourth consecutive term in office, leading the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to a commanding victory in the country’s snap general election held April 30, 2026.

Preliminary results show Browne’s party capturing 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, tightening its grip on power and dramatically weakening the opposition.

The main opposition United Progressive Party was reduced to just one seat, held by its leader, while the Barbuda People’s Movement retained its single constituency in Barbuda.

The result marks a major political turnaround for Browne, whose party had won a much narrower 9–7 majority in the 2023 election before rebuilding support through defections and by-elections.

Voter turnout figures vary in early reports, with initial estimates indicating participation of around 35.8 percent, or roughly 22,700 voters out of more than 63,000 registered. However, broader election data suggests overall turnout may have exceeded 60 percent, reflecting steady engagement despite political tensions.

The election, called nearly two years ahead of schedule, was shaped by concerns over the cost of living, global economic pressures and fallout from U.S. visa restrictions linked to the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme.

Despite those issues, Browne campaigned on economic stability and continued development, pointing to a strong tourism recovery and ongoing infrastructure expansion.

The decisive victory now strengthens his mandate, but also raises questions about the future of the opposition, which faces internal challenges after significant losses at the polls.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.