Statement by Robert Been Jr., Deputy Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement

Response to the Governor’s Comments on Hon. Edwin Astwood’s Position on the “Cost of Living Relief” Initiative

Turks and Caicos, November 12th, 2024 – In response to Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam’s recent remarks addressing the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Edwin Astwood, I must clarify, emphatically, that our concerns regarding the timing and nature of the Cost of Living Relief initiative are not only grounded in democratic principles but are supported by the precedent of electoral integrity laws, such as those enshrined in the UK Representation of the People Act of 1983.

We categorically refute the Governor’s implication that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition’s statements lack respect for the facts. Our concerns over the stimulus package are based on clear, relevant concerns for the integrity of our democratic processes. The sudden rollout of the stimulus package by the PNP Administration in close proximity to an impending election is neither coincidental nor neutral. It directly aligns with the offence of “Treating” as defined in the UK’s Representation of the People Act, which is applied when a candidate or party offers food, drink, or other provisions to sway voters. In this case, the stimulus represents a financial handout aimed at manipulating public sentiment and electoral choices under the guise of relief. “Treating” as an offence is also described under Section 71 of our Electoral Laws in the TCI.

For clarity, Treating occurs when an act of giving financial or other incentives is intended to curry favor with the electorate ahead of an election. The timing of this “Cost of Living Relief” distribution is a calculated move by the PNP Administration to influence voters. The proximity to the upcoming election raises legitimate questions about motives and the appearance of electoral manipulation.

The PDM stands firm on the constitutional role of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition to challenge any attempt that undermines the principles of fairness and transparency in our electoral process. The PDM understands the people of this country are hurting financially, this is why we have been calling for comprehensive economic policies to create sustainable jobs, stimulate growth, and create meaningful opportunities for wealth creation and upward social mobility. While this $1,000 USD handout will provide temporary relief, our people of Turks and Caicos Islands deserve leaders who prioritize sustainable solutions over temporary handouts, especially when those handouts are rolled out strategically to impact an election outcome.

While the Governor has stated that she upholds principles of neutrality and integrity, we find it troubling that Her Excellency fails to address the clear ethical concerns and appearance of political bias surrounding this initiative. Good governance demands that we not only follow the letter of the law but also the spirit of impartiality that governs democratic societies. By permitting this initiative to proceed without question, Her Excellency has overlooked the wider implications of political interference, placing the constitutional integrity of her office under scrutiny.

We, the Peoples Democratic Movement, will not be silenced. We will continue to expose the calculated attempts by the PNP Government to leverage state resources for electoral gain. We call upon the Governor to reflect on her responsibility to uphold an impartial democracy and to take a firm stand against any actions that compromise the integrity of our election process.

The peoples of Turks and Caicos are not pawns, and we owe it to them to protect the sanctity of the democratic process. We urge the public to remain vigilant, to recognize these acts for what they are, and to stand with the PDM as we fight for a fair and transparent future for Turks and Caicos.

Your Future, Our Priority.

Mr. Robert Been Jr.

Deputy Leader, Peoples Democratic Movement