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PDM wins First Round in General Election Petition

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court Justice weighed in and the decision gives a consequential round one victory to the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party which believes corruption and a failure to follow the letter of the law led to a questionable election outcome; their claim has validity now as Hon Chris Selochan, Supreme Court Justice has ruled that the matter must proceed to trial.

The PDM filed the petition through their attorney George Missick of Geordins Law Firm.  The lion’s share of their petition centered around their claim that the Elections Office failed to follow the precise specifications for ballots as described in the Elections Ordinance.   The other outcry accused the Progressive National Party (PNP) of buying votes to win the House.

On the latter point, the PDM found its case was too weak.

His Lordship Selochan determined there was insufficient evidence in the allegation that the PNP bought or bribed voters to return them to office. On their more substantial point, however, the Judge agreed that there was a case to answer by the government following the February 7, 2025 general election.

Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, the PDM’s Leader and Deputy leader, filed the petition which has now gained traction and renewed attention due to this validating supreme court decision to progress to trial.

Now, minds are racing, and tongues are wagging as residents wonder if it could really be proven that the entire electorate voted incorrectly and if so, will his lordship rule that the General Election be carried out again.

What is clearly outlined in the amended ordinance is there should be two ballots.  Each ballot should be of a different colour.  Each ballot should hold distinguishing information – including occupation – about each candidates offering to hold a parliamentary seat and each ballot must be published ahead of the national poll.

In the 2025 General Election, which was the first to be held using electronic tabulating machines, there was one ballot paper.

Eagle Legal News Media, which heavily focuses on court reporting in the Turks and Caicos Islands, provided some insight.

“His Lordship, the Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan refused the Attorney General’s application to strike out the election petition by Hon Edwin Astwood and Mr. Robert Been, the matter will go to trial,” as shared on social media platforms.

Turks and Caicos Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, KC and Akierra Missick, who is the Senior Civil attorney representing the PNP both submitted arguments to strike out certain portions of the PDM election petitions.

“…in the areas where they alleged corruption and bribery against the PNP for failing to meet the procedural requirements of the Elections Ordinance.”

It is understood by Magnetic Media, the PDM was unable to provide material witnesses to corroborate or prove their allegation of individuals being bribed or “treated” for votes.

On Friday, we learned that the Attorney General’s Chambers has withdrawn an application to have the PDM case related to alleged discrepancies in the Blue Hills district vote, dropped.

“This follows the failure of a similar strike out application, CL 15/25, the Election Petition brought by Edwin Astwood and Robert Been, which was dismissed yesterday in relation to issues with the ballots and voting process.”

The Attorney General was ordered to pay two thirds of the PDM’s legal costs attached to her, now withdrawn application.

As for what happens now, a popular social media pundit – Eugene Arthur – reflects much of the public discourse well.

“If the election was conducted in full compliance with the law, why would the government be so eager to avoid judicial review?

The judge’s ruling sends a powerful message: no political party, and certainly no Attorney General is above electoral scrutiny.  The case will now proceed to trial, where the people of the TCI will finally get the transparency, they deserve.”

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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