At a time when our people desperately need leadership and for its elected government to bring a sense of hope. It appears the PNP administration, is providing the most deafening silence; especially the leadership of the Progressive National Party.
It seems as if a conscious decision has been taken by the party now to refrain from commenting on any incident or activity involving crime, particularly ones as sensitive as the recent gun violence which claimed 14 in a six-week timeframe; mostly our young males.
Premier Misick is apparently more concerned about his image than our sons whose blood runs in our streets. It appears that a stern message has gone down the party ranks to not do or say anything that can catch local news or international attention and “embarrass” him or his government.
For example, none of the government’s elected or appointed members of parliament has spoken directly to the nation, the constituencies, or the people who elected them. They shirk their responsibility to be accountable running away from the press on their government’s reaction, response, opinion, or position on the current activities in fighting crime. Additionally, when finally addressing the crime issue last month, the Premier’s response in the press conference was evasive at best.
It seems as if this government doesn’t know how to talk to speak to the people, they found so easily prior to the elections. Even in a nation like ours where there is a strong tradition of accessibility to government officials, this government has chosen to stop talking to our people about the most troubling political issues. At a time when our people need a government that is responsive and stands with them at a time like this.
People feel more powerless and fearful now than at any time in recent history. Recently, I was in a conversation with several people, ages 22 to 55, from 5 different constituencies. I was saddened to hear that all of them shared the same experience – “we do not feel represented by our governments, and we feel powerless to affect immediate change.” They feel that far too many decisions are being made without consultation and accountability to our people. They expressed that they are thankful that the Governor is seeking to do this task, however, His Excellency is accountable to the Foreign Commonwealth Office and Britain’s Parliamentarians, and our elected government to we the people. This elected government lack direction or a path to bring about a positive resolution.
I had no informed answer for them, primarily listening, seeking to provide some hope to them.
As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, and Opposition Leader, I urge the Government to act urgently in updating and responding to, the people of the Turks and Caicos on the recent activities being taken to address the unprecedented surge in gun violence in the country.
The elected government cannot be a passive bystander of such matters, during which the lives of our people, and others, have been taken or put at risk through violent and unlawful repression.
I hope that the Leadership of the country is cognizant of the lessons from this experience of unprecedented violence, and where it exists, taking note of the good practices and effective methods of the imported crime-fighting officers.
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