News
Balderdash! CRIME IS POLITICAL, Upend the DIVISION
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – There is this tendency, perhaps even an obsession to declare that “crime is not political” yet everything in the way the Turks and Caicos Islands has unsuccessfully managed the surging crime rate suggests just the opposite.
If crime is not political, then why does the National Security Council (NSC) exclude the Opposition party from having a role on its high level body and within its high stakes meetings?
I mean, to have the Opposition party – whomever they are – sitting on the outside screams that it must be political because only the executive government gets to have multiple representatives, (rightfully so) seated at the table. What is the big secret that both political leaders cannot be present and make representative presentations? We want them to do so much more than just sign the cheques!
The Governor of the territory is the boss of national security, not the elected premier. We are often reminded of this when crime and its
management runs amuck. The Governor works with the government of the day to establish prevention and response strategies to guard the territory, inside and out. The UK dictates what should happen. The local government funds what it costs to make those things happen. And despite the tens of millions of dollars pumped into anti-crime and anti-smuggling tactics, the country is still saddled by a homicide rate that rivals the worst in the world.
There are also far too many illegal migrants; they’re being stopped but they’re also obviously breaching our porous borders more often than not.
With this dynamic relationship clearly and sometimes frustratingly understood, and given the epic failures evident in the inability of leaders to stop the surging homicide numbers year in and year out, it is apparent that it really does not matter how many political representatives there are, so let’s have them both!
From my vantage point, no matter which political party is in office, they are expected to work with, agree with and comply with the crime and border security plan, largely designed by the United Kingdom. Therefore, when the National Security Council was crafted by the UK in an effort to be more inclusive of the TCI’s elected leaders, it should have grafted in, at that top tier table, a seat for the Opposition Leader, who is also an elected member of the whole of government.
Oh, that’s another statement often made as the remedy to the crime crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands; but when there is no Opposition party at the NSC table, it is not the whole of government.
Based on this reasoning, we earnestly expect the governor to announce that the British have seen the disadvantage and disenfranchisement of excluding the opposition and will expand the Council for the whole of government to be rightly represented.
It is a non-conventional approach. But since the murderers do seem to care who they kill, be they PNP or PDM or child or woman or old man or young man, or tourist; we need a non-conventional response.
We need this considered change. In doing this, the UK truly makes crime an issue that is non-political and non-partisan because win or lose, everyone shares the accolades and everyone shares the blame.
More importantly though, when all political parties are represented at the NSC table, there is a subtle but strong message being sent to the Populous. The UK and its Governor are saying, with both respected leaders sitting at the table, we demonstrate a true appreciation of the wider public and their thoughts on what needs to happen in order to curtail crime. It says we want your hurts, pains, expectations and aspirations for a more peaceful society added to the plethora of ways or incentives we have at our disposal in order to combat crime.
Conversations and discussions will be more robust and enriched. We would certainly find that better ideas are fielded, substantial and substantive input would become a valued resource and prayerfully,we hope, a more commonsense approach to crime abatement and prevention is solidified and then executed; no matter who is in the executive office of government.
Why is the Opposition kept away from this body? The people should be told, post haste, forthwith!
In the absence of any explanation as to why in a Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson led administration, Washington Misick as the then Opposition Leader was not invited in and why in a Washington Misick led administration, Edwin Astwood is locked outside, I am moved to conclude that there is no real reason and including all major political ideologies opens the door to agreement and ultimately, continuity of the commitments.
Together, a bulletproof plan is hatched to tackle the challenges of crime. Together we set an important global, regional standard where despite the political divide, everyone is welcomed at the table, everyone has input, everyone (ultimately and eventually) agrees, everyone signs off and then, everyone is more likely to buy in. That is the true “whole of government” approach. Respect each voter. Invite us in through these two individuals. Hear them communicate our concerns. Create a more inclusive, commonsense plan. Then take our money, which we happily and lavishly hand over and action the initiatives.
How many more years are we going to support this orchestrated division by the UK and its Governor? Pitting one party against the other at the most critical time; yet expecting all parties to support the country’s national security strategy.
So do not say to Voters, crime is not political when no side – PNP or PDM – has made sure both sides are at this important convening. It’s Balderdash!
Just imagine, a maturation of the political landscape so that our political leaders know when to stand apart on an issue and when its time to bind together. How invigorating and beautiful it would be to have elected leaders, standing in solidarity and in the boldness sometimes required in order to represent Voters’ interests to the UK, whether at the table or in the public square.
If a 300% increase in murder can’t cause the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the UK to lock hands for the sake of preserving life and tranquility in this fine territory, then what in the hell will?
In the next government, both must be at the head table. Then, and only then are we ALL truly represented.
As a closing thought, I often wonder: ‘How is it a National Security Council when it leaves out the person who democratically represents roughly 50% of the nation?’
Get it together guys; literally!
By Deandrea Hamilton
June 9, 2026 – The world has just four years left to deliver on one of its most ambitious environmental commitments: protecting 30 percent of the planet’s oceans by 2030.
On World Oceans Day 2026, environmental organizations, governments and international leaders are shifting the conversation away from
awareness and toward action, urging countries to turn decades of promises into measurable protection for marine ecosystems.
The theme for this year’s observance — “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet” — is a direct challenge to governments to move beyond declarations and establish meaningful protections for ocean habitats, fisheries and biodiversity.
The urgency is especially relevant in the Caribbean, where economies, jobs and entire communities depend on healthy oceans.
From tourism and fishing to transportation and climate resilience, the sea is the region’s most valuable natural resource.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity can no longer treat the ocean as limitless.
“In these turbulent times, the ocean reminds us that we are bound together,” Guterres said. “But the ocean is in deep trouble.”
The global push follows the recent ratification of the High Seas Treaty, designed to protect marine biodiversity beyond national waters. Together with the international 30×30 target, the agreement represents one of the largest conservation efforts ever attempted.
Closer to home, Caribbean nations are also advancing ocean protection initiatives.
CARICOM says it is developing a regional Ocean Policy aimed at strengthening marine governance and supporting sustainable blue economies.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, World Oceans Day coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Blue Belt Programme, which has focused on
protecting marine resources while supporting sustainable use of the Territory’s waters.
In The Bahamas, conservation advocates are encouraging citizens to reconnect with the ocean and recognize its value not only as a source of recreation, but as the foundation of national prosperity.
Yet conservationists say government action alone will not be enough.
Protecting the ocean begins with everyday decisions: reducing pollution, respecting marine habitats, supporting sustainable fishing practices, participating in clean-up efforts and holding leaders accountable for environmental commitments.
The message of World Oceans Day 2026 is straightforward.
The promises have been made.
The treaties have been signed.
The targets have been announced.
Now comes the hard part: protecting the ocean before time runs out.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
By Deandrea Hamilton
For more than five decades, Peabo Bryson’s unmistakable voice provided the soundtrack to love stories around the world.
The two-time Grammy Award winner, affectionately regarded by many as R&B’s “Duet King,” died on June 2 at the age of 75, days after
suffering a stroke. Family members said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
While younger audiences may remember him as the voice behind Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, Bryson’s legacy was built long before Hollywood came calling.
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, the South Carolina-born singer released 20 solo albums, earned five Gold records and became one of the most sought-after duet partners in contemporary music.
Few artists mastered the art of collaboration as effortlessly as Bryson.
His rich tenor elevated timeless recordings alongside some of music’s most celebrated female vocalists, including Roberta Flack on Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, Regina Belle on A Whole New World, Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beast, Patti Austin on By Heart, By Soul, Natalie Cole on We’re the Best of Friends and countless others.
Yet he was equally successful as a solo performer.
Hits including If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Can You Stop the Rain, Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky and I’m So Into
You established him as one of R&B’s premier balladeers, earning a devoted following throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Bryson’s greatest commercial success came in the 1990s when Disney selected him to perform two animated-film love songs that became global sensations. Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle earned him two Grammy Awards and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
But for many longtime fans, it was the romance, warmth and sincerity of his earlier recordings that defined his greatness.
In an era crowded with powerful voices, Peabo Bryson stood apart by making every duet feel personal and every love song believable.
His voice may be gone, but the music remains — a catalogue filled with timeless ballads, unforgettable partnerships and memories that continue to resonate across generations.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
This angle is stronger than a standard obituary because it focuses on what made Peabo unique. There have been great singers, great balladeers and great hitmakers. There was really only one “Duet King.”
Government Advances Policy Aimed at Consumer Protection and Higher Business Standards
By Deandrea Hamilton
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Efforts to improve product quality, strengthen consumer protections and raise business standards across the Turks and Caicos Islands are moving into a new phase as government advances implementation of its National Quality Policy.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition announced that a team of consultants spent a week in the Turks and Caicos
Islands meeting with key public and private sector stakeholders as part of the policy’s implementation process.
Approved by Cabinet in October 2024, the National Quality Policy is designed to establish a national quality infrastructure that supports trade, protects consumers and improves the competitiveness of local businesses.
For consumers, the long-term goal is straightforward: greater confidence that products and services meet accepted standards for quality, safety and reliability.
For businesses, the initiative aims to encourage stronger quality management systems that can improve efficiency, build customer trust and create opportunities for expansion into regional and international markets.
During the May 25 to 29 mission, consultants met with representatives from the National Quality Council, Pelican Energy TCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, the TCI Government Laboratory, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and Turks Head Brewery.
According to the Department, the consultations were intended to assess existing quality-related systems, identify gaps and gather recommendations that will help shape the Territory’s national quality infrastructure.
“The policy serves as a strategic framework for establishing a national quality infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands, aimed at improving quality standards, supporting trade, protecting consumers, and enhancing economic competitiveness,” the Department said in a
statement.
Officials explained that stakeholder feedback will help determine what systems, standards and programmes are needed to strengthen quality assurance across various sectors of the economy.
The Department said the information gathered will guide the next stage of implementation and help ensure the policy delivers meaningful benefits throughout the Islands.
Among the initiatives expected to emerge from the process are a Quality Certification Programme and a series of educational workshops designed to help businesses understand and adopt quality standards.
A second round of stakeholder consultations is scheduled for June, allowing government and industry representatives to continue discussions and further assess priority areas identified during the initial mission.
Officials say the ultimate objective is to build a culture of quality that benefits consumers, businesses and the wider economy by encouraging higher standards, greater accountability and improved competitiveness.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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