A Heartless Government

Turks and Caicos, August 15, 2024 – The recent demolition of a Senior Citizen’s home in Five Cays by Washy’s 14-1 PNP Government is a shocking and heartless act that cannot be overlooked. The demolished house belonged to Ms. Myrtle Gardiner, an elderly woman whose original home had already been destroyed by fire. This action by the PNP Government is not only cruel but also demonstrates a blatant disregard for the welfare of our vulnerable citizens.

Ms. Myrtle, already suffering from the trauma of losing her home to a fire, has now faced further distress as the 14-1 PNP Government has torn down her new place of refuge that was undergoing redevelopment.

It is deeply concerning that those tasked with protecting and serving our community have instead chosen to subject one of our most vulnerable members to such harsh treatment. Ms. Myrtle has been an upstanding member of the Five Cays community for decades.

As a community, we must stand together and voice our outrage at this inhumane act. The authorities must be held accountable for their actions, and immediate steps must be taken to provide the necessary support and compensation to Ms. Myrtle.

At the end of the day, if this government is not willing to help someone like her, then who are they willing to help?

I demand the following from the 14-1 PNP Government:

1. An immediate investigation into the circumstances leading to the demolition of Ms. Myrtle’s home, with transparency and accountability at every step. Particularly, why was Ms. Myrtle’s home the target of the demolition exercise instead of the thousands of shacks occupied by illegal immigrants? Is it because Ms. Myrtle lives near the Five Cays beach and some investor wants her land? Was Ms. Myrtle’s house demolished as a part of a political gimmick as failed election promises of addressing illegal squatting were ignored for almost four years? Was Ms. Myrtle targeted because the 14-1 PNP Government felt that at 79 years old, no one would represent her rights? I want answers because this deplorable act will not get lost in the news cycle.
2. Immediate provision of alternative housing for Ms. Myrtle must be made available, ensuring she has a safe and secure place to live until this PNP Government rebuilds her home on the same land she has lived on for decades. The role of a government should not be to make our most vulnerable citizens homeless.
3. Comprehensive support and compensation for the emotional and physical trauma inflicted upon Ms. Myrtle by this callous act. Ms. Myrtle, still dealing with the trauma of losing family photos and heirlooms from her house fire, is now left wondering why this PNP Government decided to destroy all she has acquired since. This is just shameful.
4. The Government must immediately implement policies to protect the homes and rights of vulnerable citizens, ensuring such incidents do not occur in the future. This is one of the reasons I created the Housing Department when I was a Minister. Almost four years after the PDM was not returned to office, there has been very little progress, if any, by this department. Either this is poor leadership by this PNP Government or just a lack of will to address the housing crisis. Imagine not one new house has been built by this government in almost four years.

The well-being of our senior citizens must be a priority. As a society, we are judged by how we treat our most vulnerable members.

This demolition is a stark reminder that we have much work to do to ensure fairness, justice, and compassion for all. I call on all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to join me in condemning this reprehensible act and advocate for the rights and dignity of our senior citizens. Together, we can create a community where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, is treated with the respect and care they deserve.

The Informal Settlement Unit falls under the direct responsibility of the Deputy Premier Hon. Jamel Robinson. Therefore, he along with Premier Hon. Washington Misick and the outgoing MP for Five Cays Hon. Rachel Taylor must be held to account for this heinous act.

Time ain’t long now, and the people cannot wait to show y’all.

It’s time for TCIs!

Sean Astwood

PDM All Island Candidate