Government

Failed PNP Leadership Bid; Will Saunders be sidelined, residents want to know

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicoisIslands, February 27, 2024 – It has been days now since an interesting challenge emerged at the Progressive National Party’s National General Congress (NGC), and many in the public continue to wait with bated breath to see what play Washington Misick, the TCI Premier and PNP Party Leader will make after a delegate-led motion revealed that his own deputy leader in the party and in governance was prepared to challenge him for the leader post.

Fifty-one-year-old, E. Jay Saunders chose to take a precarious path.

He did not register his interest in the leadership race ahead of the NGC and it meant that a motion, according to the PNP Constitution, had to be put forth and a vote had to be taken on whether his late bid would progress to the leadership ballot.

“There were delegates who were saying to me that they wanted to put my name up, I knew that. But I told them that the delegates needed to say on the floor what they wanted to do. If they did not want him to run again as leader, they needed to articulate that matter on the floor. I’m an instrument of my party,” said Saunders in the one on one interview this past Sunday.

The result was 58 delegates voting in support of a smaller minority requirement as sufficient to enter E. Jay Saunders into the race; 88 voted that Saunders would need a larger majority in order to have his name advanced.

News of the result spread like wildfire. It was explained that when E. Jay Saunders challenged Washington Misick for party leader and delegates had the chance to cast their votes, Misick came out with 88 for him and Saunders lost the race with 58 supporting his candidacy. But the PNP Deputy Leader and TCI Deputy Premier, E. Jay Saunders said that was not how events played out.

He said there was a misunderstanding of the process in that he was never able to get to the stage to challenge Washington Misick, directly for PNP leadership.

“So there was a debate on whether or not that motion to have me added was going to require two thirds majority or simple majority, like fifty percent plus one; and that motion failed, if that had passed it would have put me on the ballot. That motion failed, so everything stopped at that point,” explained Saunders.

While in-party challenges for the leadership position anywhere are notoriously risky, members of the public in the Turks and Caicos are glued to their seats, waiting for the next act in a production that could end in termination for Saunders, who took a big gamble hinged – in part – on PNP delegates’ prodding from the shadows.

“My concern was always that there was 40 percent of the people voted for an outcome, that means that there is a noise in the market that says we want change and I didn’t know what that number was until it was yesterday. But my view is that we would find out what that was, if that number was more than 50 percent then that means they want the future to start now, and I am ready. If that number was under 50 percent, as it turns out, it means that they don’t want the future to start now, but I am ready,” said Saunders in an interview with Magnetic Media.

Saunders’ campaign was a quiet one; and while it was a surprise for some, there were others who anticipated his aspirations; after all it was not his first time offering for party leader. There was no public mudslinging or disparaging campaigns run in the media by any of the three men who showed interest in taking over as leader of the government PNP. From Saunders, there was also no bold public pronouncement of what he wanted and he hoped to bring to the table if given the chance to lead his party; for some this was disappointing. Though his campaign was soft and legitimate, it is unclear if that lessens the sting or diminishes the fact that E. Jay wanted the job, the Premier currently has and obviously intends to hold onto.

Saunders confirmed that since the vote, things have been cordial and there had up to Sunday night been no talk between the men about what transpired at the NGC.

“We spoke yesterday; we did not speak about that. After it, we shook hands. We had small talk, the party had a social last night and we were in church today.”

The party attended Community Fellowship Centre church, where there was a special Women’s Day service featuring visiting gospel minister, Katherine Hamilton of The Bahamas. Saunders remarked on the video, which had been widely circulated and featured Minister Hamilton, standing before both men, with heartening words for the younger leader.

“I hear the Lord saying, ‘Learn as much as you can learn because your time is coming, it is coming but do not despise your time of preparation’; I hear Him saying: ‘Don’t allow anything to cause you to miss the lessons, many strengths, much wisdom, your time is coming’.”

Saunders, who is also the son of former party leader and former chief minister, Norman Saunders explained that nothing he did was outside of the party’s constitution.

“I believe I can lead the party today and into the future and I believe Washington can lead the party today, because obviously he is the leader. But the decision the delegates would need to make is do they want the future of the party to start in 2025 or do they want it to start in 2030; now, they chose to have the future of the party to start in 02030.”

The facts are now, Washington Misick, who is 73-years-old, will continue to lead the PNP and that includes into the next general election which is constitutionally slated for early 2025. A constitutional amendment now lengthens the term to five years for a ruling party to govern in the Turks and Caicos.

Saunders believes he still has work to do under the PNP Government Administration and hopes he is able to continue that work. Two of three of his public jobs are hinged however on the premier’s prerogative.

While Saunders would only lose his position as a Member of the House of Assembly if unseated by a candidate in a general election, it is a well-documented fact that the Progressive National Party does not vote for its deputy party leader, it is a position appointed by the party leader.

Similarly, E. Jay Saunders was given his Finance, Investment and Trade cabinet portfolio at the pleasure of the Premier.

With one cabinet minister already removed due a disagreement with Misick despite her prowess as a front bencher, the looming question is, will E. Jay Saunders face an identical fate. Washington Misick has made it clear that “I have a deep bench” and he could chose to play one of those members and sideline Saunders.

The Progressive National Party’s NGC was held on Saturday February 24, 2024 at the Shore Club in Providenciales, TCI, mere days after the party – on February 19 – marked three years since its 2021 landslide victory at the polls.

Related Topics:#EJaySaunders #magneticmedianews #tci

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Shanieka

Government

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DELEGATION VISITS WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM, UK

Published

6 days ago

May 3, 2024

Shanieka

Providenciales, Tuesday 30 April, 2024 – A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently undertook a pivotal visit to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The visit, which took place from April 21st to April 23rd, 2024, was held under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of Health of the British Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming.

Led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE, the delegation included Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services. This strategic meeting was an integral part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the visit, representatives from the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided comprehensive insights into their operations, sharing valuable expertise and offering collaborative initiatives for the development of the TCIs emergency services. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including training and mentoring programs tailored to empower emergency personnel within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The visit marked a significant step forward in our strategy for the advancement of emergency services,” stated Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support extended by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we look forward to implementing the insights gained to further enhance emergency care within our country. Permanent Secretary Lewis also expressed the Ministry of Health’s gratitude to Professor Ian Cumming for his assistance by way of arranging the visit.”

Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored the importance of the discussions, emphasizing the poignant exchange of ideas and the potential for meaningful collaborations which signifies a commitment to improving emergency services and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services expresses its sincere appreciation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their warm hospitality and invaluable contributions during the visit.

For additional information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Government

On Monday, PDM to reveal its General Election slate

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

Over a year after opening its doors for candidate applications, the People’s Democratic Movement is ready to reveal the 10 individuals who will contest the electoral districts in the 2025 general elections.

Ezra Taylor communicated with the media on April 30th following reports that several candidates had received confirmation letters in the weeks prior.

“After an extensive exercise conducted by the People’s Democratic Movement, we are pleased to announce to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that an official launch of our ten district candidates will take place on May 6, 2024, at 11:00 am,” Taylor indicated.

The team is being kept under wraps until the reveal date but at least one candidate is certain as the team will be: “Under the strong, caring, and trusted leadership of the Hon. Edwin Astwood assisted by a dynamic group of candidates, who together, will forge a future where Turks and Caicos Islanders will feel safe, prosper and fulfill their potential,” Taylor said, indicating that Astwood would reprise his role as Opposition Leader, and likely as candidate for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay based on his own comments.

Astwood was the only PDM candidate to hold onto a seat in the last election, an overwhelmingly yellow victory for the PNP.

In the selection of their five all island candidates which have already been revealed, the PDM placed trust in quite a few of the candidates from that failed election bid, including Karen Malcolm, Robert Been, Ralph Higgs, and Sean Astwood. It remains to be seen whether voters are ready to embrace again, the PDM as the government of the islands.

Edwin Astwood has however stressed that it was the vote of the people that decided who got a spot in the all-island lineup. The opposition leader indicated that surveys had been carried out with over 1,000 respondents indicating who they wanted to run.

“We don’t know how things happened in the past with other parties but we wanted you the people to make the decision and whatever decision you made we were going to live with it. You made this decision for me and I thank you,” he had said to the public.

The PDM has not confirmed whether that was the deciding factor in the second round of candidates as well.

However National Chairman Taylor is confident in their selections maintaining that:

“During this crucial time in our country, Turks and Caicos Islanders need a people-centered government that will address the needs of our country, and lead our country with a sense of purpose. The People’s Democratic Movement is ready, willing and able.”

Government

TCI Public weighs in on New PC Edvin Martin

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

A warm welcome laced with cautious hope from residents is what greeted Edvin Martin, Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), when he was sworn into office on April 22, 2024.

Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Co-chair of the National Security Council, spoke on behalf of residents during the ceremony, held in Providenciales.

“We have been looking forward to your arrival and for everything that we know about you we are expecting great things,” Misick said, indicating the country was anxious for a return to more peaceful days.

Acknowledging that policing is not the job of a single person, Misick also vowed his support.

The residents who tuned into the live event shared similar sentiments, many welcoming Martin, others, hopeful that his confident words would come to fruition.

Dozens of congratulatory comments were shared by users to Martin, and obviously appraised of his record as former police chief of the Royal Grenada Defense Force commenters expressed satisfaction at his hiring.

“One country’s loss is the next one’s gain….all the best sir,” said one user.

Others were pleased with his introductory remarks.

“He speaks with great confidence, professionalism, and surety, I have faith that he and the entire RTCIPF will do well, God Bless and protect you all,” one resident said.

Another followed it up with “He speaks with great authority! We are looking forward to great work from you and the RTCIPF team at large.”

Others were interested and hopeful, but still cautious, comments included:

“We Shall see what will be what.”

“Hopefully we see more than just ‘Round-about Policing’ and Ticketing. We want guns off the street. Justice and Peace. All the best.”

Also in the comments? Residents seemingly from Martin’s home country of Grenada

“Proud of you Mr. Martin and I am confident that you will do an excellent job. God is with you and we love and respect you,” said one such individual.

Other residents were flat-out angry and called for boycotts of the ceremony.

Rodney Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Police, advised Martin to take stock of and put to use his entire team rather than engaging with a select few.

“I firmly believe that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We, your executive team, are here willing and able to work with you as our team leader to get the job done.”

For his part, Martin made several promises to the people of the TCI, for whom he is now responsible.

“As your Commissioner of Police, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to serve this nation with pride and integrity. I commit to being a Commissioner for the people and doing everything within my power to safeguard our communities.”

Martin began his tenure on April 22.