News
PDM’s Been delayed Appointment of Deputy Premier
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2024 – Unprecedented is how the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) described the one-week absence of a Deputy Premier that occurred in the Turks and Caicos recently.
”Tomorrow March 5th marks a week since Premier Misick removed Hon Saunders as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. This development has raised significant concerns regarding the prolonged absence of a sitting Deputy Premier, marking an unprecedented situation in our history. We urgently call upon Hon. Premier to fulfil his constitutional duty by promptly appointing a new Deputy Premier,” said Robert Been, PDM Deputy Party Leader on Monday, March 4th.
By 12:16 pm Tuesday, March 5th, Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning had been declared the new Deputy Premier by Washington Misick, TCI Premier.
Prior to the appointment, the PDM had thrown the rulebook at Misick.
“Pursuant to section 31 (1) ( c ) of The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Governor Shall acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier appoint one of the Ministers Of Cabinet as Deputy Premier. The appointment of a Deputy Premier is embedded in the constitution, and not at the discretion of the Premier as to whether there should or should not be a Deputy Premier. Despite internal political challenges within the Hon. Premier’s party, we urge him to prioritize the people’s interests and expeditiously fill the Deputy Premier position,” Been wrote.
The deputy leader said with a pool of 14 elected Members of the PNP party, the Premier should find it feasible to make the appointment, describing it as imperative. Been also speculated on why the Premier waited.
“The delay in appointing a Deputy Premier raises questions: Is it possible that Hon. Misick cannot identify any elected members in his party capable of filling the role, or is it the case that none of his elected members have confidence in his leadership to accept the role of Deputy Premier?
Amid pressing issues such as rising crime, increased violence, uncontrolled illegal migration, economic hardship, and various social challenges, the PDM and the people have no choice but to conclude that the elected members may have lost confidence in Hon. Misick’s leadership. However, we assert that the General Election is the appropriate time for the voices of Turks and Caicos Islanders to be heard, and we are confident that those concerned voices will speak.”
Been maintained that the PDM’s role was to ensure accountability within the Government, emphasizing the protection of the government’s role and function from political expediency’ and had called on Her Excellency the Governor to closely monitor the matter.