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.