News
Derek Been says he will slay the giant of the two-party system to give ED2 the best Representation
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – The story is well known and at this point in history, undisputed; David slayed Goliath. Derek Been is running independently and without that traditionally beneficial political party endorsement Been’s goal is to emerge the next elected representative of Electoral District two.
It is a grand gesture which boldly stands up to the popular two party system to give the 956 voters of the district a different choice for parliamentary representation. For Been, the focus for Grand Turk South which also includes the island of Salt Cay must be on socio-economic development, providing greater safety and security, regular community engagement, improving healthcare and social welfare, protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable development of the historic islands and repackaging the entire Turks and Caicos.
With a background in news, marketing and as a decades long tenure as a civil servant who served as Director of the Immigration Department, Been is seen as a community supporter and builder. Despite a less than glorious end to his life as a public servant, Been is well known and deeply admired for capturing community moments on film and sharing them with the wider world and for his commitment to Church, historic society and for work he has put in to see through infrastructural projects and policy changes while in government.
“It is a battle that is David-like. I recognise the challenges that an independent candidate would encounter, and I am doing what is necessary to overcome such. I run on my background, competencies and decades of community activism and involvement,” explained Been when Magnetic Media asked him what inspired his bid.
As to his plans, well there is a manifesto for expounding on those. Its a 16-page document you can read online at his Facebook page.
He wants to advocate for an end to talk on finally getting Cooperatives off the ground and bring back in person banking to Grand Turk, but for Been, there is lots more. He thinks Grand Turk is ideal for development in the transhipment industry.
“Grand Turk has the sole deep-water harbour in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Its natural attributes, strategic location, and available infrastructure enable it to be promoted as a viable transshipment point.”
This requires better quality internet speeds and a stronger local business environment.
“The re-establishment of ground-based institutions such as the Turks Islands Chamber of Commerce is necessary to retain and grow the
Turks Islands’ economic landscape. This body will lead the coordination of economic growth, advocate for business and community interests particular to Grand Turk and Salt Cay as a priority, and serve as a catalyst for progress in the Turks Islands.”
He said the Chamber drives business growth and is essential to a revival and expansion of the Grand Turk economy.
Also key, improving connections for Grand Turk.
“Direct airlift from the Turks Islands to the United States is directly linked to the expansion of the tourism offering on Grand Turk and Salt Cay. The commencement of airlift remains a priority for the residents and business. We demand and will advocate that this matter be given priority attention and that the airlift matches the demand levels.”
The Government has revealed a Cabinet note where an airline has been approved for travel to the capital.
A November 26 Cabinet report said this: “Approved the subsidized entry of Western Air into Grand Turk with direct service to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.”
When it comes to security and safety, Derek Been will advocate for streets to be named, for there to be a greater marine presence in the capital and for additional police staff, he says.
He believes the island needs an official social calendar, more effective waste management and improved health care and social services and lists five points of focus for his campaign:
- Protecting elderly and youth & creating dementia-friendly communities.
- A sustainable National Health System.
- Sports programmes through international partnerships.
- Adaptive reuse of infrastructure for sporting activities.
- Improving local college campus experience.
Been is using a national symbol as his election symbol: the Turks Head Cactus will be next to his name on the race for the constituency.
His challengers are Edwin Astwood, PDM Party Leader and three time member of parliament for ED2 and Walter Gardiner of the PNP, who is not new to election races, also a Grand Turk community leader and runs on the ticket of the party which last election secured 14 of 15 seats in the House.
David (of the Bible) believed the God in him was big enough to give him the power to slay the giant which threatened a good life for his people; similarly Derek Rohan Been believes his faith coupled with his commitment to dedication, transparency and strong representation will leave him as the one standing victorious once the votes are counted.
It all remains to be seen.
The General Elections of the TCI are this Friday, February 7. ED 2 voters will gather at HJ Robinson High in Grand Turk and Mary Robinson Primary in Salt Cay to cast their ballots. Election polls will be open for 12 hours, starting at 7a.m.
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.
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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