News
National Debate: Misick vs Astwood is a Good Watch BEFORE you cast that Vote
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – Both Political leaders have claimed victory following a 2-hour National Debate, hosted by Radio Turks and Caicos on Thursday January 30, 2025 and streamed live on Facebook. Supporters of both the incumbent, Washington Misick, the PNP Party Leader and Turks and Caicos Premier and challenger, Edwin Astwood the Opposition leader of the People’s Democratic Movement are declaring that it was their representative who most ably demonstrated he is the best man to lead the country into the next decade.
Published polls are varied too, but they all, up to Friday afternoon had awarded Washington Misick (PNP) the winner of the National debate which was moderated by Almando Rigby, a John Maxwell certified Leader and Damian Wilson, a former deputy Director of the government
owned radio station.
A vote orchestrated on Friday by @IAmLTBourne on X had 40% of his voters siding with the PDM, 60% siding with the PNP. One hundred and fifty people participated in the poll up to the time we looked in. The same poll was made available to Instagram users by iamltbourne. This time, 140 people voted with 59% supporting the PNP leader as the winner; 41% of the vote went to Astwood of the PDM.
Lightbourne has 1,289 and it is unknown how many people would have had access to the link which was shared, inviting people who watched the debate to vote for their winner.
Magnetic Media aimed to get its own feedback. Members of the electorate who tuned into the debate and who returned a comment to us were almost even in their choice of who was the better man of the two candidates.
When Misick was preferred, it was explained to us that he showed himself to be a more seasoned leader with reports on accomplishments. When Astwood was preferred, it was said to be due to his unrelenting reminders of Misick’s shortcomings over the past four years and his apparent ability to get under his challenger’s skin. Yet more were disappointed with the overall outcome of the face off, feeling no more convinced about which side should get the votes and which man would make the better premier.
The range of topics covered seemed to be satisfactory for the viewers. However the promises about each plan fell flat, for too many courted by Magnetic Media.
Even the candidates were not impressed with each other; but then again that was to be expected. Here was a particularly memorable string of swipes as the hopefuls entered a verbal foray on the illegal migration problems.
“There is nothing that he said tonight that should give you any confidence in him, nothing whatsoever,” said Washington Misick, TCI Premier, who added, “He doesn’t have a plan and I am so disappointed because I thought we were coming here to have a real debate based on plans.”
Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood countered over the course of the 2 hours and 20 minutes that his party has plans and repeatedly accused the premier of “lies”.
“I’m not sure who has been in power over the last four years, maybe it is his brother the former premier, the honourable Michael Misick, maybe it is him because surely from what the honourable premier is saying here, he hasn’t been in office and he hasn’t been in power over the last four years,” said Astwood in rebuttal to Premier Washington Misick’s response to the issue of illegal immigration.
“The reality is that our people are waking up in the mornings and seeing droves of people running across, our people are reporting hearing their dogs barking and when they come out they see people in their yards; our people are calling it, they have a name, the ‘back pack people’ now. They’re afraid to go walking in the mornings, not because of dogs, not because of animals but because they don’t know who they are going to buck up,”said Astwood, who had earlier called the PDM the party of Protection, Detention and Management as he chided Misick.
“But yet the premier is saying they have stopped the boats and they have turned them around. That is not so, that is not the reality. I don’t know which Utopia the premier is living in but that is not the reality of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”
Ahead of this scorching observation, there was a report from the premier on his government’s progress when it comes to stemming the flow
of illegal migration. He too had a response laced with biting words, aimed at clipping the wings of the PDM’s high tech plan for curbing illegal migration.
“My acronym on the PDM is not prevention, detection and management, it is Poor Decision Makers because he hasn’t said one thing here tonight that is practical, that is grounded in substance, that is even implementable. He is dealing in generalities and he is expecting the public to buy into that.”
Misick said there are new police stations coming and he named them Blue Hills and Five Cays.
“We have drones in the air and we will be providing additional drones, we already have a Google system that we are working on that you can literally drive through Dock Yard or anywhere and see from the map where cars are, where people are sitting down outside their yard and what is going on there. We are using technology in fighting crime.”
Residents, particularly the 9,353 voters, should make time to watch the debate which is still available on Facebook at RTC Station. The Moderators questioned the leaders on other pressing matters like Education, Immigration, Youth Development, Healthcare, Housing, the Cost of living and an Independent Turks and Caicos Islands.
The National Debate was hosted by government-owned Radio Turks and Caicos and had over 38,000 views and nearly 5,000 comments.
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
-
Caribbean News5 days agoCanadian Woman loses two hands, husband fights off shark
-
Caribbean News6 days ago100k cash grant distribution schedules to be released in a week
-
Bahamas News5 days agoExuma Airport Project On Target for December Completion for First Phase
-
News5 days agoWymara Villas Unveils Azure Villa: A Stunning 6-Bedroom Island Retreat Redefining Luxury in Turks & Caicos
-
News6 days agoPUBLICATION OF THE 2025/2026 ELECTORS LIST
-
Bahamas News5 days agoConcierge Auctions Anticipates Strong Bidding Activity for Unique Short-term Luxury Rental Properties Demand for The Bahamas & Caribbean Soars
-
Health5 days agoMinistry of Health and Human Services Encourages Citizens to Take Precautions to Reduce Cancer Risks
-
News5 days agoGovernor’s Statement Following Results of TCI 2025 General Election