New PDM Leader says rebuilding the party begins with hearing its members—and the people.

 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Newly elected People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader Doug Parnell says his first priority is neither launching attacks on the Government nor unveiling sweeping policy proposals.

Instead, he says his first assignment is simple.

Listen.

In his first interview since delegates elected him leader of the opposition party, Parnell told Magnetic Media that rebuilding the PDM begins by rebuilding trust—first within the party itself and then across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“My first step is unity inside the party, then renewed connection with the people outside the party,” Parnell said.

Returning PDM Leader Doug Parnell once again takes the helm of a party seeking to recover from successive general election defeats and reconnect with voters who have repeatedly chosen the governing Progressive National Party.

Parnell says that work begins by listening.

His immediate plans include meetings with former party leaders, elected members, officers, candidates, caretakers, branch representatives, youth, women and supporters across the islands before expanding those conversations to the wider public.

“We must listen internally first, then take that same spirit of listening to the country,” he explained.

While many expected the new opposition leader to use his first interview to sharply criticize the Washington Misick administration, Parnell deliberately shifted the conversation away from partisan politics.

“I do not want to make this only about the PNP,” he said.

“The more important issue is what the people of this country are experiencing.”

Instead, he outlined what he believes are the issues weighing most heavily on the public: rising living costs, housing affordability, crime, pressures facing local businesses and uncertainty among young people about whether they have a meaningful future in their own country.

“The issue is not political quarrelling,” he said. “The issue is that too many people feel the country is moving, but they are being left behind.”

He also argued that a widening wealth gap has emerged and said the government has failed to adequately address it.

Asked why he decided to seek the party’s leadership again after spending years largely outside the political spotlight.

“I disagree with that characterization,” he responded.

He acknowledged that anyone involved in public life experiences moments of disappointment but said those moments should never outweigh one’s responsibility to serve.

“Frustration does not remove responsibility,” he said.

“I am not here for personal glory. I am here to steady the ship and help rebuild trust.”

That theme of stability and unity echoed throughout his responses.

Parnell repeatedly stressed that the leadership contest is now behind the party and that healing divisions must become the immediate focus.

“The contest is over. The work of unity begins now.”

He said delegates placed their confidence in him because they believed he understood the party’s history and was prepared to work with supporters and former rivals alike.

“We cannot afford division. We cannot afford bitterness,” he said, adding that the country deserves a serious and united opposition capable of holding any government accountable.

For Parnell, the task ahead extends beyond rebuilding party structures.

He says the PDM must become more visible, more connected and more responsive to the everyday concerns of Islanders.

“What I bring is steadiness, experience and a willingness to listen,” he said.

“The PDM has a proud history, but the public wants to see us more present, more united and more connected to the issues affecting their daily lives.”

The new leader insists the effort is larger than any individual.

“This is not about one man,” Parnell said. “It is about bringing the PDM together again so we can serve the people better.”

Whether that message resonates with voters will unfold over the months ahead.

For now, Doug Parnell has made one thing unmistakably clear.

His first order of business as leader of the People’s Democratic Movement is to listen.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Six road deaths in two days leave a nation searching for answers

NASSAU, The Bahamas – A nation that only days ago celebrated graduations, scholarships and bright futures is now united in grief as six lives were lost on Bahamian roads in just two days, including four young women whose deaths have shaken the country to its core.

The names Diamond Stubbs, 17; Betrica Brown, 19; and Stania Webb, 19 have become the heartbreaking symbol of one of the country’s deadliest road tragedies in recent memory. A fourth young woman, believed to be 18 years old, had not been publicly identified by authorities up to publication time, as families continued to mourn and await official confirmation.

The four were among eight occupants travelling in a gray Mazda when it crashed into a tree on Shirley Street shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. Police said the 19-year-old driver reportedly struck a pothole, looked back toward his passengers and lost control before the vehicle slammed into the tree. Three young women died at the scene, while a fourth later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Four others, including the driver, remain hospitalized as investigations continue.

The tragedy’s impact reached the House of Assembly on Monday, where Members observed a moment of silence – led by Prime Minister Philip Davis – in honour of the young women whose lives were cut tragically short.

What has resonated most across the country is not simply how they died, but who they were.

Diamond Stubbs had just graduated from Old Bight High School in Cat Island as valedictorian and head girl. She was preparing to attend Langston University in Oklahoma on scholarship and was remembered by her father as an exceptional student who earned virtually every academic award presented at graduation while inspiring other young people to pursue their dreams.

Betrica Brown, who called both Cat Island and Abaco her homes, had recently travelled to Nassau to secure her student visa. Youth and Sports Minister Mario Bowleg said she was preparing to begin college on a volleyball scholarship.

Stania Webb had already distinguished herself at Langston University, where she earned both President’s List and Honour Roll recognition after graduating from Old Bight High School at just 16 years old. Family members remembered her as a quiet, ambitious young woman deeply committed to her Christian faith and education.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Philip Davis described the loss as heartbreaking, extending condolences to the families, classmates and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed. He urged Bahamians to keep those still hospitalized and the grieving families in their prayers. Similar expressions of sympathy came from across the political divide, churches, schools and communities throughout the country.

Some residents were also chided for sharing gruesome and graphic photos and video in the hours following the shocking car crash.  Relatives said it made a difficult, heartbreaking time more unbearable.

Condolences poured in from government and Christian ministers; The Bahamas Union of Teachers; The Bahamas Christian council and other leaders from across the islands.

The national tragedy extended beyond New Providence. Also on Sunday, 26-year-old Nica Julien lost her life in a separate traffic collision in Grand Bahama. Then, on Monday, a road traffic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old man on the highway of Abaco.

Together, the six deaths have transformed what should have been a season of celebration with graduations and independence festivities in play, into one of national mourning, leaving families, communities and an entire country searching for answers—and praying that no more names are added to the list.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 26 June 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) successfully hosted its Hurricane Preparedness Expo this past Friday, 19 June 2026, at the Dillon Hall in Grand Turk. Residents and visitors attending the event, took full advantage of the opportunity to learn more about hurricane preparedness while participating in exciting activities and receiving complimentary tokens.

The expo brought together several key partners and stakeholders, including the TCI Red Cross, Do it Center (Building Materials), Pelican Energy TCI, Interhealth Canada, TCI Regiment, Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Aged Care and Rehabilitation TCI, the Environmental Health Department, Survey and Mapping Department and the Public Works Department.  These stakeholders and vendors contributed to the event’s success by sharing valuable information and products aimed at helping individuals and families prepare for the hurricane season.

Both the Director and Deputy Director for DDME addressed attendees and emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the Atlantic Hurricane Season.  DDME Director, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Jason Hills stated, “Preparedness is not a one-time activity but an ongoing responsibility. We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps by staying informed and ensuring their emergency plans and supplies are up to date,” DDME Deputy Director Ms. Kevaun Lucas added that, “It only takes one storm to change lives and communities forever. That is why preparedness cannot wait until a hurricane is on our doorstep, take the time now so you will not be caught off guard later.”

DDME would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to all vendors and persons from the Grand Turk community that attended this event.  We also express our sincere thanks to The Hon. Otis Morris and Hon. Sharon Simons for their presence and participation.

The Hurricane Preparedness Expo forms part of the DDME’s ongoing public awareness and community outreach initiatives during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. These events aim to strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country.  The public is warmly encouraged to attend DDME initiatives and take an active role in hurricane preparedness.

UPCOMING CHURCH SERVICE

Sunday, 28 June 2026  •  St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Grand Turk  |  9:00 AM (New time)

OTHER UPCOMING EVENT

Saturday, 4 July 2026  •   Community Hurricane Scavenger Hunt, Meeting point: Oseta Jolly Primary School, Providenciales |  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm