News
Vision for Safety and Hope in our Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM), I must come to you again, compelled by duty and love for our country, to address the continued escalating violence tearing apart the fabric of our communities. The recent murders in Five Cays and The Bight, alongside the tragic loss of a young man in Wheeland, are not just statistics; they are cries for help from families and our communities, shattered by grief and fear.
With the grim tally now at 46 homicides in 2024, we are staring into the abyss of a crisis that we simply cannot ignore. The Premier’s continued silence in the face of this violence is a total betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders. Let us be reminded that he co-chairs the National Security Council, sharing that duty with Her Excellency the Governor, and they convene a meeting at least once a week. How can a government that claims to serve the people remain so disconnected from the harsh realities of their lives?
The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands deserve more than empty rhetoric; they deserve a government that is proactive, engaged, and transparent. The Hon. Premier and PNP administration’s failure to address the surge in crime is not just a failure of policy—it is a failure of leadership. We need a government that stands alongside our citizens, not a premier and a government that hides from the challenges we face.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made it my priority to communicate openly, honestly, and regularly with our people, providing updates and addressing concerns, whether the news was good or bad. I knew that it is the responsibility of our leaders to be transparent and accountable, especially in times of crisis. Yet, the current Premier and PNP government appears to be hiding from the pressing issues that plague our society today, not just crime, but also illegal immigration, cost of living, healthcare, and critical housing shortage.
But let me be clear: amid this darkness, the PDM, offers a vision of hope. We believe in a Turks and Caicos where every individual can live without fear, where our communities can thrive, and where our families can feel safe in their homes. Our vision is rooted in action—investing in community programs, diversion programs, strengthening the family, poverty eradication, fully resourcing Law enforcement, enhancing police visibility, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
We envision a future where open dialogues replace silence, where our leaders engage with the people they represent, and where we come together as a united front to confront crime and social issues. The PDM is committed to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands for all.
Together, we can reclaim our streets, restore peace to our communities, and save our country’s image, and one of the best places to live and visit. I call upon the Premier to step out of the shadows and ring the Bell so that elections can occur, and I call on all of you to join us in this fight for a safer and happier future. It is time to prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens and to restore faith in our government.
Remember- Your future is our Priority…..
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)
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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