News
PDM ordered to pay 67% of Legal Fee as Application to reverse DMMO is stopped in Civil Court
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – Magnetic Media was the only news media house present in the Supreme Court in the afternoon hours on Monday, December 11th, 2023, as his Lordship handed down his ruling in the application for leave to apply for judicial review of the DMMO set in motion by the Opposition party, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).
His Lordship promised to issue written detailed reasons for his decision that will be tailored in line with his verbal reasons, handed down, when he gave his decision orally in open court on December 11th, 2023.
No one from Attorney General Chambers, nor any representative of the PNP was present in person, in Court on decision day. However, they did appear by link in the persons of Senior Crown counsel civil division, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte and her junior assistant, Ms. Khadija Macfarlane.
PDM had a very strong support team at the decision hearing present in court, in the persons of Deputy leader of the opposition, Robert Been, Jr; Mr. Erza Taylor, PDM chairman; former minister of Tourism, Ralph Higgs and the PDM’s appointed member, Alvin Garland who on behalf of his party, filed the matter.
Representing the Application was George Missick, attorney at law.
Having heard the appearances in the matter, the judge went on to give his oral decision regarding the application.
He said the applicants did not move or act promptly and that resulted in undue delay in bringing the application before the Court.
He said that in his deliberation, he did invite the parties to provide further submissions and authorities in support of a specific area regarding the application, but what was provided did not take the case for the PDM any further.
He spoke about the guidelines outlined within the parliamentary Standing Orders, which provides recourse; adding that the PDM could have made use of those provisions.
The judge also said he agreed with the Attorney General Representative that he has no jurisdiction to QUASH two already passed bills which are now activated as part of TCI legislation governing the operation of the Destination Marketing and Management Organization, DMMO.
Justice Chris Selochan enforced this by outlining that he is in agreement with a very old case law which clearly supports that no parliament decision can be reviewed by any court of law, unless constitutional breaches exist or arise.
In this matter, the judge said the PDM application had no constitutional grounds.
As it relates to the PDM’S most forceful argument of “no proper consultation or no consultation at all,” the judge said, if he had granted leave to the PDM, this ground would have become relevant as he would have had to hear evidence in that regard.
However, as the case did not advance, the information was not really considered in the ‘application for leave’ stage.
Judge Selochan concluded by saying, in all the circumstances outlined, I therefore refuse leave to judicial review the DMMO.
He then invited Senior principal civil crown counsel Hippolyte to address the court on cost. She asked for full cost from the PDM as she said they should have never brought this application against the Government.
The court then heard from senior civil attorney Mr. George Missick on why they should not pay any cost at all but the Judge ruled that two-thirds of the cost must be paid by the PDM and if not, must be taxed in default.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
