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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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