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!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
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