News
E Jay Saunders predicts more seats for PNP after Premier’s Demotion
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2024 – “The only thing we should be thinking about on Election Day is improving on our 14 seats and getting our premier a second term— and we want to deliver that for the Premier.” That was the unexpected declaration coming from E Jay Saunders, All Island Elected Member, in an address to the nation via his personal YouTube channel on February 28th as over 900 residents looked on.
“I had and I retain full confidence in Hon. Charles Washington Misick,” Saunders said during the live video.
A short 24 hours earlier Saunders had been fired from his post as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance after trying to issue a leadership challenge to Washington Misick, TCI Premier for the top spot of the PNP party over the Weekend.
The abrupt pivot left many residents confused and even disappointed while others highlighted it as a smart move.
Saunders had fallen short of gaining the two-thirds delegate support needed to truly force a vote against Misick for the top spot, only securing 40 percent of votes from delegates supporting his challenge. Had he won the runoff and went on to win leadership of the PNP, the former DP would have become the man in charge but he maintains he didn’t enter the fray at the party’s National General Council (NGC) meeting, for political gain.
“My acceptance to having my nomination being made on the floor of congress was due to one thing— my belief that governments should be of, by, and for the people. On Saturday a number of delegates, 40 percent of them specifically, had a different view than the status quo; and I gave them that opportunity to express their view,” he continued. ” I was an instrument for 40 percent of the delegates on Saturday. I was a manifestation of their view.”
Saunders’ also said that he did not regret his decision, calling it a move that was ‘led by the delegates’ but the
downplay on his personal aspirations and the reaction by the party leader to his interest, elicited strong criticism about Saunders’ address. It was clear to some that what went unstated in the ten-minute monologue was disappointing; residents admitting they expected the former finance minister to ‘own up’ to the job he clearly wanted for himself.
Despite his abrupt exit from the Cabinet and the front bench and the fact that communication between himself and the premier seems to have stalled a bit, Saunders says there’s no drama or hard feelings.
“For clarity, the Premier and I have no disagreements, and we share no animosity towards each other. In parliamentary democracy, in some cases, if a Minister challenges an incumbent leader and fails, it leads to the resignation or removal of the Minister cabinet. This is what took place on Saturday and yesterday.”
During the live message Saunders also extended a protective hand over Delthia Missick, First Lady of the Turks and Caicos.
“Do not say or post negative things about her, it is not fair to her and her family and it is not right. If anything she should be admired for her tenacity,” he said.
Residents had launched accusatory attacks against the wife of the premier after Saunders was sacked; she too posted comments in her own defence.
Saunders, who concluded with a list of thank you and some of his favourite accomplishments used the opportunity to set the record straight, denying that he ever reported the PNP Leader to the Governor or aimed to initiate a vote of ‘no confidence’ in the leadership of Washington Misick.
The visit to the Governor before the PNP convention vote was simply a courtesy call to personally indicate that he might not be returning to cabinet, E Jay Saunders explained, adding that he realised that his challenge might result in a loss and a demotion.
All positions held by Saunders, namely: deputy party leader, deputy premier and minister of finance, investment and Trade were all bestowed by Washington Misick; his prerogative and at his pleasure as the duly re-elected leader of the Progressive National Party and the duly elected leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
”Now that it’s over, we the PNP have an election to win, and we need all hands on deck fully behind the leader of the party.”
Saunders has forecast that the PNP will increase its share of constituency seats in the next national poll.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
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