Government

Progress, Praise, Proving – Premier says there is more to come

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, December 29, 2023 – He set a tone for a message of Progress, Praise and Proving; C. Washington Misick, the Turks and Caicos Islands Premier in his New Year’s Day address distinctively itemised his highs, his lows and his wish list in a reflective goodbye to the year 2023 and an optimistic salute to 2024.

“It is a time to retrospect – to measure performance, course correct, to adjust plans in light of emerging circumstances, to make fresh plans, and to set new targets. In so doing, I dedicate anew my efforts through God’s help, to the collective dreams and aspirations of us all,” said the seasoned politician who is approaching the close of two years in office as Premier.

For his PNP Administration, the year ended in dramatic fashion. A string of headlining and status quo shattering moves included an $18 Million dollar pay raise for the public sector; everyone employed by the government learned that with immediate effect their take home pay would be 10 percent more and public school educators getting as high as a 57 percent boost in salaries. Add to this was the increases to pensions and a solemn promise to support senior citizens with living expenses; a promise which in his NYD Address now comes with an implementation date.

“My government has uplifted the pension of public servants employed by TCIG before 1992, recognising that value was eroded by inflation.

My government has also announced the launch of a financial assistance program for needy seniors over seventy (70) years old. This is expected to take effect in April 2024.”

Early in his New Year’s Day message, the premier tackled the issue of what he said he hopes will be meaningful engagement with the private sector on also improving wages, acknowledging the fervent cries of residents who say even the trickle down seems to be plugged up.

“My government will use moral suasion to encourage the private sector to move towards a better and more equitable pay system for certain categories of workers.

Bearing in mind our achievements, I am humbled by the patience and forbearance of those who have not yet fully felt the benefits of this buoyant economy. I want to assure you that this government has your best interests at heart and is working assiduously to ensure that your needs are met and that opportunities are in place for you to survive and thrive, right here in the TCI.”

And for Washington Misick, the economy is healthy. So is investor interest. His prognosis is that there is more to come for the islands which have rebounded exceptionally after a dismal collapse of its leading industry amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“I am especially grateful because: Our economy is strong. Our critical tourist industry continues to grow and outperform many of our competitors. Investor interest has never been better, and the pipeline of new development projects has never been deeper, better resourced, or of a higher quality. Although not enough, more and more Turks and Caicos Islanders are entering the Tourism Industry, aided by targeted concessions including stamp duty rebates, duty exemptions, and MSME grants. Critically, the category of businesses qualifying for grant funding has expanded; and assistance has been rolling out at an increased pace by Invest TCI. You would be pleased to know that additional funding is being made available. Agricultural grants and relief have been made available to qualified farmers; and The fishing industry is targeted for special funding assistance.”

Identifying shortcomings seemed important to the premier in this message; there were new promises on old issues, he and his team had vowed to remedy through their PNP Citizens’ Contract.

“…my government will work to accelerate the delivery of yet unrealised promises in the Citizen’s Contract; many of which are at various stages in the pipeline. Additionally, in light of changing circumstances, there will be a reprioritising of government’s objectives which may result in swapping some projects for others that may be more critical.

My government will focus particularly on housing, the environment, community renewal, operationalising the credit union, agriculture, and fisheries, MSME with linkages to tourism, road and infrastructure improvements, and government office accommodations etc.

Step by step and block by block we are committed to building a stronger safer country.”

Frustrations and hurts about crime were once again laid bare.

“…we are deeply concerned and feel the pulse of the nation when it comes to the recent uptick in violent crimes and gun-related incidences. The communities of the Turks and Caicos can remember a time when petty crimes such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, vandalism, and theft made up the bulk of the matters to be policed and handled by the court. As a former police officer, I have genuine empathy towards the Police, and officers working in areas such as Border Services. The varied issues and challenges that they are confronted with daily are cause for alarm.

Many factors make a country a good place to live. Safety, law, and order rank high on any quality-of-life index.

My government will continue to resource the Police Force and other complementary agencies and will encourage partnerships with public safety personnel. We call on residents to be vigilant, prepared, and organised as we tackle crime together. We strive for a country that is safe and affords a high-quality of life and prosperity for all.”

There was optimism and a pep talk for citizens who may be tempted to give in to apathy; the Premier having already cited that inward investments were near $800 million.

“There is so much to do! be and become in the TCI for those who would seize the opportunities that my government is creating. Your role is to position yourself for the ongoing shift in economic opportunities.

I implore us in 2024 to think big, even if we have to start small. This is the best time to awaken our entrepreneurial spirit – to be ambitious and to take risks.

This is as good a time as ever to strive for excellence and if excellence is further away from our reach, it is enough to strive for continuous improvement. This is as good a time as ever to upskill, to take on a new hobby and to monetise it. This is as good a time as ever to find a niche and to consistently work it into a successful venture.”

Having already touted the opportunities established by his government since February 2021, Misick reiterated his method of management, as outlined when elected in an historic landslide victory 34 months ago.

“I did not promise you a smooth ride or harmony all the time, but I promised you an environment where creative friction will be stimulated, and where there will be progress.

Today, I reiterate the promises to listen, to be empathetic, to be supportive, transparent, and accountable.

I promise that every decision made in Cabinet and every decision made in the House of Assembly that affects every one of us will be for the greater good of the TCI. To all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I say thank you, for your commitment to the growth and development of this country and encourage you to become a part of the change you want to see.”

The Premier thanked the team, he said helped him to check his important boxes and called on his now, better paid Public Sector to deliver higher standards of customer service.

“My government promised to put the “service” back into “public service;” and on this, we have not made the strides that we had hoped, but the commitment remains, and significant progress is now being made to deliver.

More investment has and will continue to be made in reorganising public service management, providing the strategic tools and manpower to measure performance and speed up service delivery. Critical to demanding more from public servants was the need to improve their working conditions and remuneration.

My government has now put in place a compensation package for public servants that recognises the skills required and the weight of responsibilities of the differing roles and is moving rapidly to improve the working environment of staff.”

The Premier, who also delivered his thoughts and hopes in a video format which is posted at his Facebook Page, explained that he, his Ministers and Members are focused on creating not only a better life, but better living for Turks and Caicos residents and visitors.

“My government is committed to three principles of justice – equity, equality, and need; and is walking the talk and delivering for its people’s social development. You can see all the intervention made, whether it be in education, healthcare, social assistance, housing, childcare, or assistance for the elderly and the infirmed,” adding in his conclusion that, “I promise that every decision made in Cabinet and every decision made in the House of Assembly that affects every one of us will be for the greater good of the TCI. To all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I say thank you, for your commitment to the growth and development of this country and encourage you to become a part of the change you want to see.”

Bahamas News

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

Published

4 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.