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TCI National Debate Series Cancelled; host explains ‘he’s no scapegoat’

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, January 26, 2025 – All three political parties – the PDM, the PNP and the PDA – claim to have been ready for the challenge of a live streamed debate, yet the face off has been cancelled.

Show host and local businessman, Drexwell Seymour informed on Thursday January 23 that the debate would not take place because one of the political parties did not respond favourably to the idea.

The notice said:  National Elections Debate CANCELLED due to no response from one of the political parties.

It was posted two days ago by Seymour.  Since then, there has been an eruption of explanations, accusations and according to the host of the Drexwell Seymour Show, insults.

“I would still love to have the debate, but after my integrity and morals have been attacked, it does not sit well with me.  People need to tell the truth. Don’t use me as a scapegoat.”

According to Seymour, the truth is he sent out invitations to only two political parties initially.  On January 9th the invitations were sent to the national chairmans of each major party, he told the TCI Sun newspaper.  On January 10th, only the PNP had responded in the affirmative, he now only needed the PDM to confirm that it would participate.

“I received a response from the PNP chairperson on January 10 agreeing to the debate provided they meet with the PDM to discuss the format.  After I did not hear from the PDM chairperson, I WhatsApp him on January 10th to tell him to check his email as I sent him an email.  There was no response.  On Saturday January 11, I sent another WhatsApp message to the chairperson showing the contents of the email I sent on January 9.  There was no response.”

This is when Seymour tried another method, he said, before outrightly cancelling the debate.

“I informed the public on January 16th, hoping there will be a response.  Still no response from the PDM.  However, the leader of the PDA reminded me that his party is a registered political party and so I immediately sent an invitation to him, and he responded and agreed to participate in the debate.”

It meant the debate was to now feature all three registered political parties once the PDM confirmed, but according to the host of the Drexwell Seymour Show, that still did not happen.  The PNP cried shame.

“We regret that this is the outcome as we anticipated the opportunity to engage in a robust exchange of ideas and demonstrate to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands our commitment to transparency and accountability.  It is unfortunate that the other major party chose not to participate,” informed a statement from the Progressive National Party (PNP).

The PDM claims otherwise.

“The Hon. Edwin Astwood, Leader of the PDM, personally spoke with the organizer of the event, expressing his enthusiasm to engage in a debate with the Premier and his colleagues. This false claim by the PNP, combined with the organizer’s statements lacking clarity on which political party declined to participate in the debates, leaves us with no option but to question the transparency and integrity of the process through which these debates were Organized,” said a statement from the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

But Seymour, who has been hosting his show for well over two years now said he had nothing to gain by offering an imbalanced platform.    “I will not set up any political party or politician.  It is not my character.  What do I have to gain by setting up any political party?  I am not a member of the PNP party.  I have been apolitical and very objective in my weekly writings.  I am not like some individuals who only see party colours.  My objective is to get the truth out and that is why I write and that is why I wanted to have the debate.”

There are just under two weeks before the national poll.  In Seymour’s mind, a national debate could still happen.

“The thing is, after I made the announcement of the cancellation, it is obvious many people wanted a debate, and this has put a lot of pressure on the political parties and many people wanted to know which party did not respond,” he also said, “If anyone wants to have a debate, they can still have a debate.  It does not have to be a Drexwell Seymour Show.”

Seymour had planned to host the debates on January 23 and 24.  The Turks and Caicos Islands general election is set for Friday February 7.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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