News
Over 2000 skipped 2021 Elections; Can new campaigns end Voter Apathy?
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 10, 2025 – There are 772 more people who have the power to help determine the next government of the Turks and Caicos Islands; which means there are 9,353 voters who can participate in the February 7, 2025 General Elections.
A nine percent increase which is commendable, but it still misses that long-standing, elusive target of getting to at least 10,000 registered electors.
There is considered debate around the level of apathy amongst voters in the TCI.
This unenthusiastic posture toward the political landscape of the Turks and Caicos became a significant topic of discussion and ultimately a
deciding factor in the General Elections of 2021 where voter turnout sunk to under 77%.
It meant 2,121 people did not cast a vote or 25% of voters stayed away from the polls.
In the upcoming race, which has not only expanded the list of candidates from 15 to 19, giving each elector the power to decide upon ten members of the House of Assembly, there is a longer term for governance, now extended to five years.
In statistics published by the TCIG Elections Department, the figures from the previous election can be analysed and the Elector’s List for the upcoming poll can be accessed. The information is interesting and exposes that key in the February 7 run off, is voter turnout. The looming question being, can parties get people out to the polls?
We sized up each district for you.
For Electoral District 1 or Grand Turk North, voters dropped by four to 750.
For Electoral District 2 or Grand Turk South, voters dropped by 32, with 956 now on the register.
For Electoral District 3 or South Caicos, there has also been a dip with seven less voters; a total of 359.
For Electoral District 4 or North and Middle Caicos there has been a boost of 11 electors to 609.
For Electoral District 5 or Leeward and Long Bay, there are 50 more voters at 941 registered.
For Electoral District 6 or The Bight, a hefty 122 more voters took the list to 1,043 people.
For Electoral District 7 or Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, voters are up to 1,430 which is a hike of 125.
For Electoral District 8 or Blue Hills, the register has 81 more electors or 1,081 voters to decide the seat.
For Electoral District 9 or Five Cays & Chalk Sound, the boom in voters is biggest at 206 more for 1,345.
For Electoral District 10 or Wheeland, another spike with 142 added; 839 people eligible to cast a ballot.
As notices from the Elections Department, Integrity Commission and political parties begin to populate advertising and social media spaces, it is clear that the country’s main political rivals are in a fierce fight in the countdown to February 7.
Nomination Day is next Tuesday January 14. On that day, candidates will become official, political party endorsements secure and perhaps independents will step forward in an offer to serve in the nation’s parliament.
In February 2021, the Progressive National Party led by Washington Misick decimated the competition, taking all but one electoral district, capturing all five All Island seats.
Four years earlier, the Peoples’ Democratic Movement also enjoyed a landslide victory when voters rejected the team in yellow in order to elect the country’s first woman premier.
Analysts of the statistics and trends of Turks and Caicos general elections through the years can often surmise one thing; there is a high chance for voters to swing, sit out or slay the party of their choosing in the ballot booth.
If the last general election results are any indicator, the turnout exposed an electorate which was unenthusiastic about the vote. In all but two constituencies, the number of electors opting not to vote had the power to shift the popularity and possibly alter the election outcome.
Otis Morris, the winner for the PNP in ED1 had 123 more votes than his PDM contender but 153 people sat out of the vote. Overall voter participation, according to the Elections Department, was 79.71%.
Edwin Astwood, the lone PDM winner in ED2 had 117 more votes than his PNP challenger, but 213 people were a no-show at the polls. Voter participation was 76.95%.
South Caicos gave 81 more votes to John Malcolm of the PNP, one of the only races where even if all of the absent voters were to decide on his competition, the PNP would have still emerged victorious. The official results reflected that fifty-three electors did not vote for a turn out of 84.94%, one of the highest that day.
North and Middle Caicos gave 73 more votes to the incumbent, Arlington Musgrove. Eighty-five voters did not cast any ballot according to the final results. It was the constituency with the highest voter turnout at 85.79%.
Another victory which would have remained unchanged, even if all of the voters went with the PDM was in Leeward and Long Bay where three-time MP, Akierra Missick got 211 more votes and 182 did not show up at the polls in that district. Turn out in ED5 was 79.57%.
Electoral District 6, The Bight chose Matthew Stubbs, who secured 68 more votes than his PDM challenger. But a whopping 255 people did not show up to cast votes. One of the lower voter turnouts for the Turks and Caicos on February 19, 2021 at 72.31%.
ED7 is Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, the largest constituency by voter count. It was also a close race with very low voter turnout. Only 68.81% of voters came out which means 407 voters stayed away from the polls. The PNP’s Samuel Been won the district over the incumbent by 76 votes.
Blue Hills was also a loss for the PDM party, but there were only 15 votes that separated the candidates when Randy Howell was declared the winner. Still, when you consider voter turnout was dismal, 65.1% and the lowest in the islands, you begin to see how 349 voters missing the election could have made a difference in this race.
A big battle was for Five Cays and Chalk Sound. It was also a significant upset with the PNP’s Rachel Taylor securing 151 more votes when 76.29% of the electors turned out. A staggering 270 people decided not to participate in the ED9 run off.
The TCI’s tenth constituency is Wheeland, where counting went into the wee hours of the morning. Three votes separated the winner from the incumbent. The PNP pulled off an upset by getting three more votes than the PDM’s candidate. Voter turnout was at 77.91% and 154 people opted not to cast a ballot.
The General Election of 2021 bears a striking contrast to years previous in the Turks and Caicos, as elections before enjoyed far more robust participation of the Electorate, which is crucial in a nation where the people able to cast a vote make up only 20% of the population. It is true, these 9,353 registered voters make the choice with which some 37,000 others have to live.
When British Direct Rule ended and elections were called in November 2012, voters came out in strong numbers with nearly 88% voter turnout recorded for a Rufus Ewing-led PNP victory by one seat.
In 2016, when the PDM led by Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson celebrated a landslide victory with 10 seats of 15, there was a drop in voters, however the 80% participation remained impressive to many.
It is hoped that political parties can energize their bases or perhaps attract new support as they have already begun political rallies around the islands. While on many fronts it appears voter apathy is higher than ever, there is a possibility for a strong pitch which presents a compelling vision for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Everyone we’ve spoken to, says somebody’s gotta bring it. So we return to the question, with which we started, can either of these parties or an independent candidate, inspire, ignite or rekindle a fire so hot that it gets voters from the sidelines to the poll lines come next month.
September 12, 2025
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a wealth of creativity, from artisans and craft vendors to musicians and performers. Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive family resort, has pledged its continued support for these individuals by providing meaningful platforms for them to share their skills and stories with guests from around the world.
The resort’s commitment is most evident in its weekly Cultural Night showcase, where visitors are immersed in the vibrant traditions of the islands. Guests enjoy live performances which feature local music genres such as ripsaw, while artisans display and sell handmade creations. This event not only enriches the guest experience but also strengthens economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Entertainment Division Manager Garett Bailey emphasized the significance of Cultural Night, “we want to showcase everything the Turks and Caicos Islands culture has to offer. Our goal is for guests to leave with a deeper appreciation of the island’s art, music and traditions, while giving local talent the opportunity to share their creativity with visitors from across the globe.”
Beyond Cultural Night, Beaches Turks and Caicos also welcomes local craft vendors onto the resort every Wednesday and Friday
where they are offered a direct space to market their goods. Guests have easy access to the Turks and Caicos Cultural Marketplace, where they can purchase authentic local arts and crafts.
Managing Director, James McAnally, highlighted how these initiatives reflect the resort’s broader mission, “we are committed to celebrating and sharing the vibrant culture of these islands with our guests. By showcasing local artistry and music, we not only provide entertainment but also help sustain and grow the creative industries of the Turks and Caicos Islands. From our cultural showcases to nightly live music, we are proud to create authentic connections between our guests and the people of these islands.”
Local musician Keon Hall, who frequently performs at the resort, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership, “being able to share my music with Beaches’ guests has created lasting relationships. Some visitors return year after year and request songs from previous performances. This partnership continues to celebrate what we do and strengthens the bond between local artists and the resort.”
The resort’s support of local artisans and entertainers extends beyond business opportunity; it is about preserving heritage and sharing stories. Guests take home more than souvenirs; they leave with experiences that deepen their understanding of Turks and Caicos’ culture and history.
Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan, noted the importance of this commitment, “for many visitors, these interactions represent their first genuine connection to the Turks and Caicos Islands. From artisans and musicians to farmers and transport operators, our local talent helps shape every guest experience. At Beaches, we are proud to give them the stage to share their stories and their heritage.”
Beaches Turks & Caicos remains dedicated to developing cultural connections and supporting the artisans, musicians and entrepreneurs whose creativity makes the Turks and Caicos Islands unique. Each guest experience is an opportunity to celebrate and sustain the spirit of the islands.
Caribbean News
“Barbecue” is Cooked! US Turns Over 11 Million Haitians into Potential Informants with $5 Million Bounty
August 12, 2025
The United States just set fire to the underworld in Haiti — and this time, the smoke might finally flush out the man many call the most feared in the Caribbean.
On Tuesday, the U.S. government slapped a $5 million bounty on the head of Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the ex-police officer
turned gang boss accused of orchestrating massacres, torching neighborhoods, and strangling Haiti’s capital into chaos. This isn’t just a headline — it’s a full-blown game-changer.
That kind of cash — offered under the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program — is enough to turn the country’s entire population, more than 11 million people, into potential informants overnight. Add the millions in the Haitian diaspora, and Chérizier isn’t just wanted. He’s surrounded.
The Number That Changes Everything
Five million U.S. dollars today equals about 655 million Haitian Gourdes. In a country where many scrape by on less than $5 a day, that’s not just life-changing — it’s life-defining. It’s enough to rebuild homes, put generations through school, or buy a one-way ticket far from the gunfire.
In a place where trust is scarce and survival is everything, that figure is more than tempting — it’s irresistible. For Chérizier, it means every friend could be a future informant, and every loyalist might be calculating the cost of staying loyal.
‘We Will Find Them’ — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney
Jeanine “Judge Jeanine” Pirro, the U.S. Attorney, set the tone with fire in her voice. “This indictment is the first of its kind,” she announced. “Jimmy Chérizier, also known as ‘Barbecue,’ is a notorious gang leader from Haiti who has orchestrated and committed various acts of violence against Haitians, including the 2018 La Saline attack in which approximately 71 people were killed. He both planned and participated in that massacre.
“Anyone who is giving money to ‘Barbecue’ cannot say, ‘I didn’t know.’ They will be prosecuted, and we will find them. They are supporting an individual who is committing human rights abuses, and we will not look the other way.”
Pirro wasn’t just going after Chérizier. She was sending a warning to the Haitian diaspora accused of feeding his war chest from abroad: the days of claiming ignorance are over.
‘No Safe Haven’ — Darren Cox, FBI
Then came Darren Cox, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, delivering the muscle of America’s most powerful investigative force. “There is no safe haven for Chérizier and his network,” Cox declared. “We are closing every link, every cell.” Since January, he said, the FBI has arrested three Top Ten fugitives, taken more than 19,000 criminals off the streets, and seized thousands of tons of narcotics — enough to save millions of lives across the U.S.
The FBI’s Miami and Houston offices have already bagged one of Chérizier’s Viv Ansanm associates inside the United States without firing a shot. “These efforts are a deliberate and coordinated plan,” Cox said, “to protect our communities and confront escalating threats from terrorist organizations like Viv Ansanm.”
‘Three-Year Investigation’ — Ivan Arvelo, HSI
Ivan Arvelo, Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations, brought the receipts. “This is the result of a three-year investigation into Chérizier’s procurement networks, cash pipelines, and operational financing that violates sanctions,” he explained. Arvelo described 400 structures destroyed, entire communities erased, and a gang exploiting U.S. dollars, technology, and immigration loopholes to keep its killing machine running. “We tracked how Americans unwittingly bankrolled brutality,” he said — proof that the net is tightening both inside Haiti and abroad.
‘The Worst of the Worst’ — Chris Lambert, State Department
Chris Lambert, representing the State Department’s International Affairs division, gave the political bottom line.
“Mass violence in Haiti must end,” Lambert said. “The instability resulting from Chérizier’s actions fuels illegal migration, regional
instability, and transnational crime. We will continue to apply every tool available — including our rewards programs — to stop the spread of unchecked violence, especially to target the worst of the worst criminal leaders threatening the people of our hemisphere.”
Lambert confirmed what many have long known: Chérizier is not just a gang leader. He commands Viv Ansanm, officially designated in May as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. In the eyes of the U.S., that makes him not just Haiti’s problem — but everyone’s.
Why Haitians May Not Resist
In Haiti, money talks — loudly. And when you put 655 million Gourdes on the table, it shouts.
That’s the kind of figure that turns casual acquaintances into informants and makes even the most hardened loyalist wonder if the payout is worth more than the risk. It’s not a matter of “if” word gets out, it’s a matter of “who will be first to collect.”
For grieving families, it’s a chance at justice. For the desperate, it’s a chance at survival. For Haiti as a whole, it’s hope — wrapped in the most dangerous of temptations.
An Answer to Prayers
For years, Haiti’s headlines have been a scroll of horrors — kidnappings, executions, burned neighborhoods, bodies in the streets. Chérizier’s name has been attached to too many of them.
This move by the U.S. isn’t just strategy. It’s personal. It’s a signal to every Haitian — at home or abroad — that the days of impunity could be ending.
I’ll admit it: when I heard the news, I danced, I sang, and I nearly cried. Not because $5 million is a lot of money, but because of what it means — the possibility, at last, of stopping the man accused of helping turn Haiti into hell on earth.
Four officials, four angles, one mission: Pirro’s fire, Cox’s grit, Arvelo’s precision, Lambert’s conviction. Together, they’ve put the heat on “Barbecue” like never before.
BBQ is cooked. The only question now is: which one of over 11 million potential informants will serve him up?
By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
What would happen if the Caribbean started spending more with Africa?
That question is no longer hypothetical. It’s the vision behind a growing movement that sees the Caribbean not just as a neighbor of the Americas, but as a key partner in the rise of a “Global Africa.” With shared history, deep cultural ties, and emerging trade frameworks, experts say the potential is enormous—if the will to act finally matches the passion of the speeches.
Billions on the Table
Today, trade between Africa and the Caribbean sits at just over US $729 million annually. But the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Afreximbank project that number could balloon to US $1.8 billion per year by 2028—more than doubling in just a few years.
This boost is expected to come not just from commodities, but increasingly from services, particularly in transport, travel, food exports, and creative industries. Two-thirds of that growth, according to analysts, could come from services alone—sectors where the Caribbean is eager to expand. (afreximbank.com).
Meanwhile, Africa’s consumer and business spending is forecasted to skyrocket to US $6.66 trillion by 2030, driven by a population boom and rising middle class.
The Case for a New Trade Axis
The Caribbean imports 80% of its food, but many of those goods can be sourced from African markets. What we offer in return? World-class logistics, tourism know-how, financial services, and proximity to the U.S. market. It’s a natural fit—one that is currently underdeveloped.
The recent call by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell for a “Global Africa Commission” underscores this urgency. He
urged stakeholders at the Afreximbank Trade Expo to stop the cycle of empty talk and get to work: building shipping routes, finalizing trade agreements, and boosting knowledge of what each region actually has to offer.
“We will not leave here with another communiqué,” Mitchell continued. “We will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.” The statement underscored a central theme of the summit — that both Africa and the Caribbean can no longer afford to admire the idea of unity; they must operationalize it.Pilot platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are already simplifying how cross-border payments work between African countries—and could extend to Caribbean partners. The system removes the need for U.S. dollars in trade between African nations, creating space for sovereign empowerment.
What’s the Hold-Up?
Let’s be blunt: political will, slow bureaucracies, and lack of coordination are stalling real action. Despite a decade of “Africa–Caribbean unity” talk, less than 3% of CARICOM trade currently involves the African continent. That fact continues to undermine these brave speeches and ambitious notions.
Where Caribbean Consumers Fit In
Caribbean consumers—especially the younger, tech-savvy generation—are already looking for affordable, ethical, and culturally relevant goods. African markets offer exactly that. Redirecting even a fraction of spending toward African-made clothing, beauty products, tech tools, or agro-processed foods could start a real trade revolution.
Bottom Line
If the political leaders won’t build the bridge fast enough, maybe Caribbean consumers will. The money is there. The interest is rising. Now it’s time to turn the “Global Africa” vision into a real economic shift—one shopping cart at a time.
