News
The Truth about Heaving Down Rock, the National Trust Vs Lew1 Shipping
By Hon. Ralph Higgs
As humans, it is very easy to forget what the past looked like when we struggle with today’s challenges. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the time that I served as the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos from 2016 to 2021. Alongside my dedicated PDM colleagues, we poured our hearts into making life better for the constituents of ED4 and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Among the many projects we championed, the transformation of Heaving Down Rock in Leeward, Providenciales, stands out vividly in my memory.
Heaving Down Rock has always been more than just a loading point for mariners; it is a symbol of our rich heritage and the spirit of our people. However, before the improvements, the PNP government was comfortable with Heaving Down Rock being nothing but a quarry loading dock, devoid of basic facilities. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the PNP government gave this public property to a party supporter prioritizing personal connections over the public good. Thankfully, that supporter donated it to the National trust after the public got wind of it.
Today, as a result of the work under my Ministry and the PDM Administration, the Heaving Down Rock facility is comfortably used and enjoyed by the commuters of Pine and Parrot Cay, aquatic operators, and cargo and ferry services. The facility is even casually used by individuals and groups for relaxation or fishing.
As we navigate the present and look toward the future, it is crucial to remember these lessons. Our progress from 2016 to 2021 shows what can be achieved with dedication and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.
As a proud Turks and Caicos Islander, who has always held the country’s best interest at heart, I can assure you that I will continue to build on our progress.
The impasse that currently exists between the National Trust and Lew1 Shipping is nothing short of a national crisis which has serious and direct implications for the people and businesses on North and Middle Caicos and all the cays in between.
This PNP government should not have allowed it to come to this point. They must intervene forthwith to rectify this situation. It is impractical, if not impossible for Lew1 shipping to operate from South Dock. It will increase the already high freight between Providenciales, Pine and Parrot Cay, North and Middle Caicos by at least three (3) fold. And as most of the journey now would be on the high seas; the ocean, there could be many days when the sea is too rough for Lew1 to travel from South Dock to North Caicos and the islands in between. Thereby making a bad situation even worse.
When I was in office, on many ocassions, the National Trust had proposed increasing the cost to Lew1 Shipping out of Heaving Down Rock. Me and my government resisted as we could not support any higher freight on the backs of the people and businesses of our islands. There were also several ocassions when the National Trust sought to close down Lew1 Shipping operations for non-payment. But again, me and my government intervened. We made sure negotiations continued between Lew1 Shipping and National Trust to prevent any disruption in the important service that Lew1 Shipping provides to the family islands.
Successsive governments have provided subsidies to local airlines that operate between our islands. They have also provided subsidies for the ferry to run between Salt Cay and Grand Turk. Most recently, the government wrote off almost $2M worth of debt owning to TCIG by these airlines. The time has perhaps comes for the governement to look at the situation that currently exists between Lew1 Shipping and the National Trust. Surely, it could insist that the two parties negotiate a settlement to this matter while it considers a path to settle the debt owing to the National Trust by Lew1 Shipping.
The National Trust is a quasi-government entity and it raises funds through fees levied on users of our national parks and facilities such as Heaving Down Rock etc. Historcially, the National Trust has been poorly subvented and it has been responsible for raising up to 60% of its budget. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the last meaningful increase which the National Trust received to its subvention came under the former PDM administration. This PNP government has not not seen it fit to increase the National Trust subvention in any direct meaningful way. I am reliably informed that the staff of the National Trust did not even benefit from the increase in salaries that this government implemented a few months ago.
I am certain that the current situation between the National Trust and Lew1 Shipping didn’t happen in a vacuum, neither did it happen overnight. The fact that this government could allow the lifeline of North and Middle Caicos and the resort islands of Parrot Cay and Pine Cay to be cut demonstrates the lack of appreciation for value that Lew1 shipping brings to these islands and they simply do not care of about the struggles at the people and businesses face on daily basis. I am sincerely and respectfully urging the government to order the National Trust to allow Lew1 Shipping to resume operations forthwith and to commence the necessary arrangements to write-off this small debt of approximately of $100,000 which represents about 4 years worth of fees that is owed to the National Trust by Lew1 Shipping and to find an amicable way to address the other concerns raised by the National Trust.
Contact Details:
Ralph Higgs
Tel: 649.232.3917
Email: ralphhiggs46@gmail.com
#TurksandCaicos, June 25, 2024 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare conducted several recruitment drives across the Turks and Caicos Islands, engaging stakeholders, potential foster carers, and advocates to highlight the urgent need for
foster carers. These events raised awareness of the importance of foster care, highlighting the role it plays in providing safe and nurturing environments for children in need and emphasising the overall impact it has on the lives of these children.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is issuing a heartfelt call to the community to continue to support its foster care recruitment initiative, as the demand for loving, stable foster homes has never been greater. The department urges compassionate individuals and families to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in need.
The Turks and Caicos Islands can pave the path for a brighter future by forging a stronger, more supportive community for children in need.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is calling the public to come together and support this vital cause by:
- Spreading the Word: Help the Department of Social Development and Welfare reach a wider audience by sharing information about foster care with friends, family, and community groups.
- Volunteer: There are many ways to support foster children and foster families through volunteer efforts.
- Donate: Financial contributions can help provide essential resources and support services for foster children and families.
Bahamas News
Ready or Not, African and Caribbean Artists set the stage on Fire at AfreximFest in Nassau
Danae Dennie and Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
#TheBahamas, June 25, 2024 – ‘Ready or Not’ AfreximFest is sizzling finale, capping of concert spectacular with Haitian superstar, Wyclef Jean.
This year, AFREXIMFEST 2024 was held for the first time in the Caribbean region, The Bahamas hosting the three days of meeting in Nassau at the Baha Mar resort.
It is a rich tradition for the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to celebrate the rich cultural contributions throughout the various industries and the orange economy is a major highlight.
The concert was MC’d by Nigerian radio personality and television presenter IK Osakioduwa and featured artists from The Bahamas, the continent of Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.
Nigerian Artiste, Flavour brought spunky afro beats, Fanshawn delivered on the down home Bahamian rake n scrape sound with impeccable showmanship; Oudun drummers from Brazil were a pulsating show stopper and Trinidad and Tobago’s KES the Band thrilled the audience with performances of its wildly popular soca hits including ‘Savanah Grass’.
Making a dramatic entrance with his Fugees hit, ‘Ready or Not’ was Grammy Award winning Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper, singer,
producer and songwriter, set the audience in a frenzy with his rendition of Fugees version of the Roberta Flack remake of ‘Killing me Softly’; Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’ and hits he authored for Carlos Santana and Shakira, namely: ‘Maria Maria’ and ‘Hips don’t Lie’. However, it was arguably, ‘911’ his chart topping duet with Mary J. Blige that set the audience ablaze, joining in singing of the song as he wowed onlookers with his salacious guitar solo which showed off Wyclef’s enviable skills on the instrument.
The event and its amazing line up of singers, dancers, comedians and master DJs forged further, the message of solidarity and partnership which became recurring pitch phrases at the meetings. Music proved an ultimate unifier yet again, as AAM2024 wrapped up with stellar reviews from those who packed the concert hall.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 25 June 2024: The Electoral Boundaries Commission has released a report that provides crucial insights into the voter population in the electoral districts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The commission, in its commitment to democratic processes, earnestly invites the public to participate actively by submitting their valuable comments on our draft report before 12 p.m. Friday, 5 July 2024.
Section 60 states: “60. For the purpose of the discharge of its functions, a Commission—
(a) may invite views from members of the public;
(b) shall consult the public about a draft of its report; and
(c) may seek such advice as it considers appropriate.
The Electoral Boundaries Commission has completed the draft report and, as per Section 60 (6), seeks to send it to the public for
consultation.
The Commission’s activities and responsibilities are set out in Section 61 of the Constitution, which provides:
- (1) A Commission shall, as soon as practicable after its appointment, review the Boundaries of the electoral districts into which the Islands are divided; and submit to the Governor and the House of Assembly a report either—
(a) stating that, in the opinion of the Commission, no change in those boundaries is required; or
(b) recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
(2) In determining its recommendations under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, a Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
Summary of the Report
As a first simplistic estimation, the total voter population of 9381 was divided by ten, representing the ten electoral districts. That resulted in the target quota of 938 voters (“target quota”) for each electoral district.
The overall trend saw increased voter population data in Providenciales and Grand Turk, with a minimum population increase in South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos. The increase in voter population in Providenciales is noted in all districts.
Because of the disproportionate growth of voters in these areas the Commission is of the opinion that a more equal distribution can only be achieved by significant adjustments of the boundaries and these can only be effected in certain contiguous districts. However, the technical professionals in the Crown Land and Surveying Departments have advised the Commission of the danger of arbitrarily adjusting the boundaries, as the maps do indicate where few electors may live in a large geographic area, while smaller areas may contain large numbers of electors. The Commission understands that this can only be obtained through a RE-REGISTRATION process, in which all voters will re-register.
The Commission, therefore, agreed that, except for Grand Turk, all electoral boundaries in Providenciales should remain the same until information is available to determine the number of electors on the ground.
Therefore, the Commission will visit all islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the week of July 8th to 12th, 2024, to consult the public on the report’s findings.
All submissions must be sent via email to williamsjuliae@gmail.com
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12kVorjoivMhD9aqPKoaYY0_zvsLYUmdz/view?usp=sharing
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