News
Taylor, Green, Butterfield & Garland announced as Newest PDM Candidates
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, December 2, 2024 – The four final candidates to complete the full slate for the People’s Democratic Movement were announced just before the National Day of Thanksgiving holiday in a press conference held on November 28, 2024 at the party’s headquarters in Providenciales.
Dwayne Taylor
“The faces you will see today are not just candidates, they represent the hopes, dreams and aspirations of every Turks and Caicos Islanders,” said Ezra Taylor, National Party Chairman.
Taylor explained what went into the selection process of the candidates.
“We took in mind exactly what this country needs now for better leadership. These persons check the boxes for the issues we face in this country. You can be confident that as a people we are about to present to you are competent and ready to lead on day one. They are passionate advocates for change, ready to listen, engage and work collaboratively to address the challenges we encounter daily.”
Those challenges were named as increase in crime and violence, lax border security and high cost of living.
Alvin Garland
“Our candidates are here to not only represent our country, but to unite us as a country,” said the national chairman who introduced the four new candidates” Candidate number one, Mr. Temard Butterfield; Candidate number two, the Hon Alvin Garland; Candidate number three, the Hon Dwayne Taylor and Candidate number four: our Garden girl, Ms Sabrina Elizabeth Green.”
Robert Been, PDM Deputy leader welcomed the four newest At Large seat contenders sharing with members of the press and viewers online, what the PDM is proposing as an elected government.
”We are ready to bring solutions, not just promises. This team embodies the high level of representation that our people desperately deserve. Our vision is clear, a government that listens, a government that cares and a government that puts you first, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The PDM is ready to lead.”
Temard Butterfield, a former appointed member of the House, when he spoke, boldly confirmed that he will offer as an All Island candidate and chastised the lack of responsiveness of the PNP Administration.
Temard Butterfield
“I hear the cries of our people, weary of temporary fixes, deaf ears and blind eyes to the challenges affecting the people here in these beautiful islands. Therefore I am here today to recommit myself to service to you, through integrity, accountability and innovation to our country’s progress and holistic advancement.”
Alvin Garland, who is a sitting member of the House of Assembly appointed to the post by the Opposition PDM, recommended policies to ensure equal access to opportunities. He also condemned what he called, ‘the shut mouth stimulus.’
“Our people are being left behind in this fast moving economy, while foreigners are the real benefactors of the growth of this country. This must be true because the Government of the day has just given out a stimulus to TC Islanders and BOTC citizens to offset the cost of living when the economy is thriving and there are lots of opportunities to earn a good living from this booming economy.
A former speaker of the House of Assembly, Dwayne Taylor promoted a need for change; appealing to voters to use their power to change the status quo.
Sabrina Green
“Families are being crushed under the weight of the soaring cost of living, crime has spiralled out of control, robbing us of our peace and immigration is now a crisis of epic proportions. Our health care system fails to meet even the basic needs of our people, infrastructure crumbles, while local businesses close their doors and our young people, full of potential, are being forced to leave for opportunities elsewhere,” said Taylor.
The lone lady introduced on this day, Sabrina Green, has a background in hospitality and law and has served the Turks and Caicos as director of the Human Rights Association; a constitutional entity.
“I believe you deserve better Turks and Caicos. PDM believes you deserve better. We deserve more than just the token gestures. We deserve a Sovereign Wealth Fund to manage our country’s wealth strategically, sustainably. Where others see $1,000 relief payment, I see 125 homes for lower and middle income home earners. A turn key opportunity the government could have capitalised on if they were serious about empowering our people.”
Over 8,400 people have now watched the press conference which was streamed live on Facebook.
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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