News
The question of the week
By: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader/PDM
Leader/ Opposition
“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens., not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results” Anon.
The question of the week, on popular talk shows, was “If elections were to be called today what would be the results? And is the Opposition ready for elections?
This is now the conversation just after One and three-quarter years of a general election. Something must be seriously wrong with the direction this current PNP Government is leading the country. Something must be
extremely wrong with the representation the people are receiving from this current PNP Government. Because the people are asking us to be ready now!
Allow me, as Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement and Opposition Leader to give a clear and precise answer.
The PDM is more than ready to govern the country- In terms of providing leadership and direction to address the current and future problems of our people, strongly addressing the economic and social needs of our people, and aggressively addressing the safety and security of all residents and visitors of our country the Turks & Caicos Islands.
However, in terms of having all 15 candidates chosen by our people, and ratified by the National General Council of the Party, that process is a work in progress. We will work with our people to throughout the Turks and Caicos on every island and constituency, to select the right candidates to help our people to realize their dreams. If this failing government chooses to call an early election, we can very quickly be ready to win the hearts and minds of our people.
The PDM is further ahead in being prepared for a general election than the PNP, unless they are planning to simply “run it back” with the same Leadership, and the same Constituency, and All Island Representatives, and the same failed policies and plans from their manifesto. If that’s their plan then I will concede that they are more prepared than the PDM. But if that is not the plan, and they have to conduct their leadership race, candidate selection, manifesto preparation, and platforms developed, then I would state that we the PDM are more prepared than the PNP.
If one were to refer to the first page of the current PNP Government’s manifesto “A Citizen’s Contract”, it states, in the second paragraph “We have listened to you. The policies we are proposing will stand the test of time and build our party’s legacy of looking out for our people, financial accountability, economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental preservation.” It goes on to say, “together these policies will bring improved quality of life, prosperity, security, and justice for our people.”
Even if you were living outside the TCI or some twilight zone over the past 18 months, you would know that this current administration has failed on every one of their fundamental outlined points. They have not only not delivered, but they have made things worse for the majority of our people, with only the Premier’s inner of the inner circle, and some foreign investors benefiting.
The people of the Turks and Caicos are disappointed by this current PNP Government. The country has changed dramatically for the worse in just under two years, the misery index has increased. Many Turks and Caicos Islanders are now living their worse lives. Many more are now leaving to live in the UK or USA, which could not have happened at a worse time for our nation, when we need all of our people, and want more to return home.
Far too many Turks and Islanders see a visionless government and Premier. One who lacks the energy and vitality
for another election season, and the vigor to govern the country. We have to ask if that is what the voters want> And what version of the Premier and current leadership of the PNP will we get?
I want to make it abundantly clear; I stand with you the people of my beloved country. I will always put the people’s interest first, and will always fight for our people and our country.
I am putting to you the people to help me and my team select the best cadre of representatives that truly care about our people and our country.
I come with a more powerful vision, purpose and a mission to provide stronger hope for a better future. Together, we will build a pathway which enhances our people’s social, economic, and cultural position nationally, regionally, and internationally.
Together, there is so much we can do to provide a better quality of life for our people. We must now more than ever be one people. I need all our people, PDM’s, PNP’s, independents, non-voters, and others to be a part of this great TCI Movement to be launched.
I remain resolute in my commitment and the PDM’s commitment to rededicate to the foundational ideals and principles that started this movement. I ask the church leaders and pray warriors to join with me and the PDM to pray for the lives of our people especially our young men who we are losing far too tragically and rapidly. Their dreams snuffed out and the potential for them to be a part of our catalyst for a better future for our people and country.
Stand with me and the PDM as we demonstrate our readiness to provide better for our people and the ‘Beautiful By Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
Government
Parnell Urges Premier to Step Aside, Proposes Bipartisan Board to Guide Healthcare Transition
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Opposition Leader Douglas Parnell is calling on Premier Charles Washington Misick
to step aside, arguing that the Government has failed to provide the leadership, transparency and public engagement needed as the Turks and Caicos Islands prepares for one of the most significant changes in its healthcare system.
Responding to Government statements following InterHealth Canada’s contract termination notice, Parnell said residents were only now learning officially that negotiations with the hospital operator had been underway for more than a year, despite several previous opportunities for Government to inform the public.
He questioned why no detailed explanation was provided during the State of the State Address, Budget Debate or recent healthcare announcements, including the opening of the new polyclinic.
Parnell argued that while the PDM supports reforming or replacing the existing hospital arrangement, the process must be transparent and centred on the public interest.
The Opposition Leader reminded residents that the PDM had challenged the InterHealth agreement while in government, pursuing arbitration and preparing further legal action over concerns about the contract before leaving office following the General Election.
To guide the next phase, Parnell proposed establishing a bipartisan Health Transition Board comprising Government and Opposition
representatives to oversee the transition, monitor public accountability and manage the procurement process for any future healthcare provider.
He also outlined what the PDM believes should form the foundation of the next healthcare system, including guaranteed continuity of care, automatic employment protection for hospital workers, recruitment incentives for specialist physicians, expanded intensive care services, comprehensive mental health care, enhanced geriatric services and accelerated efforts to attract qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders in the medical profession back home.
Parnell also presented ten questions for Government covering outstanding payments, borrowing plans, legal implications, transition arrangements and the future structure of healthcare delivery.
He said the changes now unfolding require decisive leadership, openness and a carefully managed transition that places patients, healthcare workers and the long-term interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands first.
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