News
Opposition Leader has warning as he debates Constitutional Changes
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – The Leader of the Opposition is generally in support of the suite of changes to the parts of the TCI Constitution which will impact general elections, constituency boundaries, the parliament, the role of the governor and the size of the cabinet he said, but during debate on the 2024 Draft Constitution Amendment Order, Edwin Astwood shared that he had reservations as well.
“While endorsing the entire package asked of the UK, there are things that I had differed with and during the town hall meetings I had pointed it out,” shared the LOO who stood after Washington Misick, TCI Premier presented the Order for debate on October 17.
There was no objection to the House of Assembly graduating to Parliament status, no issue with the elected government having greater autonomy when it comes to decisions with domestic impact and no objection to the cabinet having up to nine ministers, but on the method of appointing a Cabinet Secretary, which is a new role within the governance structure, Astwood raised his dire concerns.
“Where we differ a lot, not in whether there should be a Cabinet secretary, is the appointment. We see in the Cayman Constitution it says, the Cabinet Secretary shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the premier.
Now my thing is, if one premier appoints a cabinet secretary why is it that the next premier cannot appoint a Cabinet Secretary. So that initial Cabinet Secretary, whoever premier appoints that person, they’re going to be in it for the long haul.”
The Turks and Caicos constitutional changes, which are now passed by the House of Assembly establishes a Cabinet Office to be led by a Cabinet Secretary and in the draft document circulated to the general public during the consultation phase, it is not stated how the role would be filled.
“Mr. Speaker, we know in certain democracies, when the government changes, the attorney general changes…. everybody changes and the work goes on. But they make it that in our context, we can’t change anybody. Whoever was there for one government, is to (be there for)
the next government, every government… ‘y’all little people down there, you gatta work with whoever we give y’all’ and I don’t like that Mr. Speaker.”
“Who is the Cabinet Secretary really answering to? Is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the premier or is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the governor and deputy governor? Think about it Mr. Speaker. While we may not see any pre-perceived conflicts, there can be conflicts.”
Astwood spend considerable time on the point, explaining his view that the role is sensitive and the inability of each premier to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary could present a problem, due to the potential for personal biases.
“Like how it is with Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House is really selected or appointed by the premier and his team. Just like the speaker of the House the cabinet secretary should come and go with an elected government. We do it for Speakers. You are under no false pretenses that if you party lose you go… I believe the Cabinet Secretary should be the same way,” explained Astwood.
Astwood warned that the lack of a provision for a newly elected premier to select his own team could prove problematic.
“This is the person who is following up on your agenda. This is so core to the functions of your cabinet and for instance, Mr. Speaker, imagine if you were the premier and you come into office and you realise the cabinet secretary is your ex-girlfriend, somebody who really hates you and wants to see you fail, even though they have all of the qualifications and should be professional … imagine the issues you will have getting your agenda, your government, what the people had selected you to do, to get your work done. That is why I was hoping the Cabinet Secretary could be an appointed position by the premier.”
There were other misgivings articulated by the Opposition leader as well.
“Who is this Cabinet Secretary answering to? While it may not happen in this current situation, that doesn’t mean that it cannot happen. Mr. Speaker I have lived long enough and I have been in the House long enough and in Cabinet to work with two governors who were night and day. One tried to help and in my opinion, the other tried to hinder you.”
Within the official proposal, the Cabinet Secretary, is expected to play a non-partisan role; specifically, the draft document explained: “The Cabinet Secretary would – (a) provide frank and politically neutral advice to the Governor, the Cabinet and the Premier on matters of policy; (b) monitor and coordinate the implementation of policy between departments and ministerial portfolios and across the wider Government sector to ensure that Government policy is developed coherently; (c) provide for administrative and secretarial support for the Cabinet and the Premier in order to facilitate government; high-quality and effective (d) arrange the business for, and keeping the minutes of, the meetings of the Cabinet or any Cabinet committee and conveying the conclusions reached at the meetings to the appropriate person or authority; and (e) such other functions as the Governor, acting.”
Members of the Turks and Caicos House of Assembly passed the 2024 Draft Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order on Thursday, October 17.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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