Connect with us

News

Opposition Leader has warning as he debates Constitutional Changes

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – The Leader of the Opposition is generally in support of the suite of changes to the parts of the TCI Constitution which will impact general elections, constituency boundaries, the parliament, the role of the governor and the size of the cabinet he said, but during debate on the 2024 Draft Constitution Amendment Order, Edwin Astwood shared that he had reservations as well.

“While endorsing the entire package asked of the UK, there are things that I had differed with and during the town hall meetings I had pointed it out,” shared the LOO who stood after Washington Misick, TCI Premier presented the Order for debate on October 17.

There was no objection to the House of Assembly graduating to Parliament status, no issue with the elected government having greater autonomy when it comes to decisions with domestic impact and no objection to the cabinet having up to nine ministers, but on the method of appointing a Cabinet Secretary, which is a new role within the governance structure, Astwood raised his dire concerns.

“Where we differ a lot, not in whether there should be a Cabinet secretary, is the appointment.  We see in the Cayman Constitution it says, the Cabinet Secretary shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the premier.

Now my thing is, if one premier appoints a cabinet secretary why is it that the next premier cannot appoint a Cabinet Secretary.  So that initial Cabinet Secretary, whoever premier appoints that person, they’re going to be in it for the long haul.”

The Turks and Caicos constitutional changes, which are now passed by the House of Assembly establishes a Cabinet Office to be led by a Cabinet Secretary and in the draft document circulated to the general public during the consultation phase, it is not stated how the role would be filled.

“Mr. Speaker, we know in certain democracies, when the government changes, the attorney general changes…. everybody changes and the work goes on.  But they make it that in our context, we can’t change anybody.  Whoever was there for one government, is to (be there for) the next government, every government… ‘y’all little people down there, you gatta work with whoever we give y’all’ and I don’t like that Mr. Speaker.”

“Who is the Cabinet Secretary really answering to?  Is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the premier or is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the governor and deputy governor?  Think about it Mr. Speaker.  While we may not see any pre-perceived conflicts, there can be conflicts.”

Astwood spend considerable time on the point, explaining his view that the role is sensitive and the inability of each premier to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary could present a problem, due to the potential for personal biases.

“Like how it is with Speaker of the House.  The Speaker of the House is really selected or appointed by the premier and his team.  Just like the speaker of the House the cabinet secretary should come and go with an elected government.  We do it for Speakers.  You are under no false pretenses that if you party lose you go… I believe the Cabinet Secretary should be the same way,” explained Astwood.

Astwood warned that the lack of a provision for a newly elected premier to select his own team could prove problematic.

“This is the person who is following up on your agenda.  This is so core to the functions of your cabinet and for instance, Mr. Speaker, imagine if you were the premier and you come into office and you realise the cabinet secretary is your ex-girlfriend, somebody who really hates you and wants to see you fail, even though they have all of the qualifications and should be professional … imagine the issues you will have getting your agenda, your government, what the people had selected you to do, to get your work done.  That is why I was hoping the Cabinet Secretary could be an appointed position by the premier.”

There were other misgivings articulated by the Opposition leader as well.

“Who is this Cabinet Secretary answering to?  While it may not happen in this current situation, that doesn’t mean that it cannot happen.  Mr. Speaker I have lived long enough and I have been in the House long enough and in Cabinet to work with two governors who were night and day. One tried to help and in my opinion, the other tried to hinder you.”

Within the official proposal, the Cabinet Secretary, is expected to play a non-partisan role; specifically, the draft document explained: “The Cabinet Secretary would – (a) provide frank and politically neutral advice to the Governor, the Cabinet and the Premier on matters of policy; (b) monitor and coordinate the implementation of policy between departments and ministerial portfolios and across the wider Government sector to ensure that Government policy is developed coherently; (c) provide for administrative and secretarial support for the Cabinet and the Premier in order to facilitate government; high-quality and effective (d) arrange the business for, and keeping the minutes of, the meetings of the Cabinet or any Cabinet committee and conveying the conclusions reached at the meetings to the appropriate person or authority; and (e) such other functions as the Governor, acting.”

Members of the Turks and Caicos House of Assembly passed the 2024 Draft Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order on Thursday, October 17.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING