Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, November 16, 2024 – While there has been a consistent decline in the inflation rate according to reports in the US, cost of living remains markedly high and over the summer prices on food, health care and fuel ballooned.  These facts formed the basis, said Washington Misick, TCI Premier for his government’s decision to offer a new stimulus to Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territory Citizens.

He has earmarked $15 million to deliver on his Cost of Living payout plan.

While residents this week rushed to apply for the $1,000 in free cash when the process was opened, there was still criticism on the timing of the stimulus.  The PNP Administration is being accused of using the profits of the public purse to sway voters.

“For what’s our worth, Turks & Caicos, we ask?  Is our vote just a tool for their masquerade masks?  A thousand dollars, that’s what they assign, while their pockets grow heavy and we fall far behind,” a stanza from a poem shared widely on social media.

The poem is titled: Crumbs of the Cake; the writer unknown.

Meanwhile, Edwin Astwood the leader of the Opposition PDM party and other members of his party have issued strong words of their own.

“…we must address the troubling reality that the Premier and his Ministers have seemingly been allowed to operate without the level of scrutiny and accountability that previous administrations faced,” said Astwood, who added, “Without question, such leniency undermines the integrity of our government and erodes public trust.  It is unacceptable for any government to exploit its position for political gain at the expense of good governance, leading citizens to question the motives and accountability of their elected leaders.”

Elected leaders and the governor were chastised.  The Governor issued her own defence.

“Whilst I appreciate that we are in a heightened political season, casting unfounded aspersions on the integrity of the UK Government, the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General does not serve the public interest. The Hon. Leader of the Opposition is free and indeed has a role to critique and challenge government policies.

However, I urge that this be done with respect for the facts and in a manner that upholds

the dignity of our respective institutions.

I have written to the Hon. Leader of the Opposition to raise my concerns and trust that we will continue to uphold the spirit of cooperation and respect that are essential to our respective roles,” said HE Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI governor.

General Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands are constitutionally due around February 2025, and this fast approaching day has caused political campaigns to sizzle.

Residents have until November 22 to apply for the Cost of Living support and as the government administration made announcements for other economic help, including extending the repayment period for public workers’ Christmastime salary advances and introducing an NIB amnesty as of December 1, the Opposition party has demanded resignations.

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dwayne Taylor (PDM) said, “the people of the TCI deserve a Governor who respects local governance, is transparent, and remains impartial.  We are proud TCI citizens who demand better governance and representation.  It is clear the Governor has lost her way; it is time for her to go.”

The Opposition had more recommendations for the current executive, characterising the PNP Government as the “new pandemic.”

In a statement, the PDM Leader has called for “urgent action to remove Premier Misick.”

Edwin Astwood, in his latest statement explained why the premier is unfit for the office.

“As the leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), I am continually being compelled to speak out against the catastrophic failures of Premier Misick and his Progressive National Party (PNP) government. The time for change is not just upon us—it is urgent.

The dire circumstances facing our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands demand immediate and decisive action. The escalating cost of living has become an unbearable burden for our families. While I wholeheartedly support any and all financial assistance for those struggling to make ends meet, we must confront the critical question: how did we arrive at this point? The answer is clear—this crisis is a direct result of the PNP’s incompetence and neglect. Instead of providing effective solutions, Premier Misick and his ministers have fostered an environment where our people are left to fall behind, lose homes, lose health, lose the feeling of safety, and to suffer. What is particularly alarming is the Premier’s delay in providing much-needed financial assistance to our citizens.

This delay is not just an oversight; it is a calculated move to keep our people dependent on him and his government. By withholding timely support, Premier Misick is playing politics with the lives of our citizens, effectively using their struggles as leverage to maintain power. This is unacceptable and must be stopped. Help delayed is Help denied!!!”