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PDM Leader on Hurricane Joaquin: Buck Stops With Elected Government (October 2015)

The PDM wishes to publicly express its thanks to God for the safety of our residents as we experienced the effects of Hurricane Joaquin. The damage experienced to property was minimal and we urge the Government to assist where it can in providing relief to those who have experience loss and damage to and of property.

We then wish to thank all of those who played a critical role in what was a sudden storm that shifted suddenly, grew rapidly and left meteorologists mesmerized. We continue to be grateful to essential staff for their work during this time. We also wish to praise the efforts and work of Fortis whose linesmen and call center staff worked around the clock to restore power to areas that lost power connection. We cannot and must not ignore the sacrificial service that takes these men and women away from their families and often times at risk as they serve.

Firstly we wish to use this opportunity to urge our residents to be prepared and remain prepared during this season. Though it is still predicted a slow season, we can recall from our own experiences during the passage of Hurricane Ike that it only takes one storm to create a disaster. It is therefore important that we make preparation for possible storms and seek to secure property and lives.

There were many lessons that we can glean from this recent experience and it is our hope that we will seek to improve where systems may have failed which resulted in unnecessary anxiety among our residents. We have had cause to be concerned but none more than what gave rise following the Premier's Press Release and his subsequent Address to the Nation on Saturday afternoon.

We were disappointed but not surprised about the Premier's usual approach under pressure and that is to cast blame on civil servants. It was only last year after the passage of TS Cristobal, we were forced to ask him to apologize to the EMS staff who were straddling in water away from their families for days. As he did then, he has done it again and that is to pass the buck in what is now characteristic of his leadership. We are sorely disappointed in what we see as acts that continues to demoralize the civil service. We believe that persons who need to be held accountable should and likewise the Government who has admitted that its disaster system is heavily reliant on a single person should also be held accountable.

Nonetheless, by the Premier's own admission, despite the calls from the PDM and DDME to build internal capacity, increase resources and pay attention to critical Departments like DDME, he has failed to and he has now had to see how important it is to do so. We have on a number of occasions over the past two years called for Disaster Management Legislation and now that it is before us, the PDM has already spoken to the need for manpower and additional manpower. We must recruit and build this Department and increase the numbers of technical staff so that the reliance that this Government has placed on one person can be a thing of the past.

Under the reactive leadership of the Hon Dr Rufus Ewing, we were left more confused and if his goal was to pass the buck from him and incite an understandably frustrated public, then he succeeded only partially on the latter. At the end of the day, the buck stops with the Premier and his Minister who remains missing in action. The Government has first failed us and they must be held into account. The people of this country elected them and they must see the folly of their ways and do what we, the PDM have asked for over the years, build internal capacity in critical departments like DDME.

We have also had an opportunity to view and hear official accounts of damage around the Islands. Our immediate concern is the clean - up of Governor's Beach and the rebuilding if possible of its eroded portions of the Beach and the state of Front Street. We therefore wish to call for an immediate undertaking to address Front Street as we did as recent as the Budget Session and then shortly after by bringing awareness again during the Demonstration outside of Parliament a few weeks ago. The erosion happening over time became more and more evident over the more recent years. Our calls to address the road as a matter of urgency were ignored. We believe that the extent of the erosion must be assessed as soon as possible as we believe that the Buildings on Front Street can eventually become compromised if not already should we continue to ignore the extensive work that must be done. This matter will call for a full Study, not a quick fix but it must be commissioned with urgency.

In the remainder of the Islands there is need for a cleanup and we note the Premier's approach for a cleanup of Grand Turk and Providenciales but wish also to draw his attention to Salt Cay that has no real manpower in the civil service and while the community is always ready to assist, it is important that in this time, it receives assistance with the cleanup and also the coastal damage done. In South Caicos as well, there is a need for cleanup and efforts must also be made to address their need as there has been no movement in this regard. In Middle Caicos, the Causeway remains a concern to us and we believe that this is again another opportunity to review our approach to how we should proceed.

I wish to encourage all residents to do what they can to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and hence the spread of chick v and dengue.

Again we are grateful for the safety of all our residents.

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Leader of the Opposition's National Youth Day Message (September 2015)

Having celebrated the first National Youth Day in these Islands in 1995, this 20th year is therefore a commemorative one for the PDM who first introduced it under the Taylor Administration and directly under the leadership of the Hon Clarence Selver. National Youth Day when introduced was held to be a day of celebration – celebration of our youth. We therefore on this 20th year considered this a major milestone worthy of great celebration.

We are grateful to and celebrate the many persons that served in the capacity as Minister with responsibility for youth, Youth Directors and also former members of the National Youth Council then in place. We then pause to celebrate the youth who allowed their lives to be positively impacted through the Department over the years and who we celebrate for their efforts in paying it forward.

This week our Radio Show “Raising TCI” returns and we pause to celebrate our youth. With a youth theme and in honor of our youth worthy of celebration, we will sit and hear from youths who have a vision and who have already begun to impact and change their corner of these Islands. We will hear from them the challenges and what they feel can be done. We will also celebrate with the Miss Teen Organization as it seeks to offer young ladies a platform to show case their inner and outer beauty.

We recognize that it is difficult to be a youth in today’s TCI with the myriad of challenges ranging from lack of activities that reach them where they are at especially our unattached youth; unemployment; under employment; depression; poverty; the growing inability to find their place or worth in their own country and the response to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities; lack of adult guidance; crimes; juvenile delinquency and improper facilities and programs to help; drugs and alcohol; imprisonment and society’s too often approach to allow a successful reentry; teenage sex and pregnancy; prostitution; bullying and gang violence; and being saddled with a future where they cannot seem to be able to find or see their place. It is not easy and I encourage us all from where we are to reach out as individuals and collectively in organized bodies to respond to these real challenges tangible and meaningful ways.

Nonetheless in the midst of it all, many of our youth continue to rise above the challenges and give us reason to celebrate be it in the area of academia, sports, creative arts, business and civic roles and responsibility. We salute you and will continue to support your efforts and celebrate your successes.

We charge you, our our youth to seek out the programs and activities that will support your positive development and to also understand that in every generation there will be calls to make decisions and sacrifices for the good of our country. It is never ever about personal wealth and self -aggrandizement. It is always about leaving this world better than we met it. It is in your power to remove the stigma that too many have of you as youth. I challenge to search within, see if you are living out your fullest potential or existing. You must rise up and make your positive mark. You are required to contribute positively towards nation building. That is your duty and more so as you are the inheritors of what you build or destroy today.

Equally, we renew our pledge to help our troubled and challenged youth. We believe firmly that the raising of a child will always be the responsibility of an entire village. My mind goes back to the act of infant dedication and the practice to invite individuals of the Church to stand if he/she was committed to assisting the parents with the rearing of the child. I am asking us in an act of rededication to the building of our country, to stand in support of our youth and assist parents in raising our future leaders. And also to stand committed to doing what we can to give them the opportunities so that they can realize their fullest potential. Love of God and country must motivate us. We must help even when it is not welcomed. It may sound foolish but this is a must. Many homes need our help not our destructive criticism. The village encompassing the Church, the School, the lawmakers, custodians of the public purse, civic organizations and individuals must come alive as we seek to rear the next generation of leaders and citizens.

We celebrate our youth this week. We believe that our brightest minds are ahead and that our future is bright if we act now.

We say Happy 20th National Youth Day TCI. May God bless guide and protect our youth and our homes.

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Freedom of Information Debate Averted (August 2015)

The Private Member’s Motion submitted about a month ago by PDM Leader and Leader of the Opposition, Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and seconded by Deputy Leader Hon Sean Astwood was not debated during the 2 day sitting of the House of Assembly on August 17th and 18th, 2015.

The Hon Dr Rufus Ewing in his rearrangement of the Agenda reordered the Parliamentary Agenda in such a way that the Private Member’s Motion would have been the final item under Orders of the Day which included 4 Bills and Parliamentary Questions.

Under the Standing Orders (the Rules that govern the House of Assembly) a time of day is fixed for Parliamentary Questions which should commence at 2pm and a period of time for Private Member’s Business which follows question time and should be no longer than 2 hours. Under this Administration, the Speaker has allowed the Premier on most occasions to allow questions to go unasked and unanswered for months though on the Agenda through the Premier’s reordering of the Agenda. This recent sitting saw where the Premier reordered and allowed questions to be taken before the completion of all of Government’s business but for the first time separated the debate of a Private Member’s Motion from following question time.

As the Agenda has not been completed with only 2 of the 4 Bills completing its passage, this has resulted in the Private Member’s Motion being deferred to the next sitting.

The PDM will continue to raise this issue and the importance of the passage of Freedom of Information Laws as an essential part of good governance. But more importantly, we stand firm that the people have a right to know and have access to information on what its government is doing.

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Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning Provides Update (August 2015)

“One of the main goals of my government is to ensure that the populace of each island has access to the basic amenities necessary to promote a safe, healthy standard of living, and that essential Government services are made available to all.”

“I wish to inform the general public and in particular the residents of Grand Turk, that the water department is currently producing 246,240 gallons of water per day and is able to serve water from both issuing points on a daily basis (Mondays thru Saturday), to customers in North Creek, Cork Tree Beach, Upper Overback and as far as the former Coral Reef property on the North Ridge.”

“Whilst the remaining customers on the Ridge are still not able to receive water as planned, the department has begun over the past weekend, as a temporary measure, to divert water to the Ridge, so that all customers will be in a position to receive water. This will be the practice every Saturday and Sunday, until the pressure is fully restored to the network.”

“I would like to encourage residence on the Ridge to try and replenish their reserves on these days, so that the burden is lessen through the week and to continue to practice water conservation methods, as best as possible. Tips can be obtained from the team at Public Works.”

“While this is a temporary measure, I am very happy to report that a permanent fix is on the way, with the installation of the brand new motor, which will increase water production and will allow us to increase water distribution.”

“With the upgrade and running of this 250K plant, in addition to our existing plant, water production capacity will rise to 550,000 gallons per day, with the ability to produce 381.94 gallons per minute, thus allowing all customers to receive water at a very good pressure, while at the same time replenishing all storage facilities.”

There are other major benefits to be derived from this very important and timely upgrade as follows:

1. Upgrading the technology used to produce water - the updated technology will result in reduced maintenance and replacement costs;

2. We will have a backup SWRO plant that can be operational during period of maintenance or repair works to the 300,000gpd SWRO plant;

3. Maintenance activities of either plant can be more thorough as there will be no rush to restart the plant once the other is operational;

4. By upgrading the plant, we will now have plants that are more compatible with each other.

5. There will be a continuous supply of water at a consistent pressure day and night.

6. Increased lifespan of the plants by a further 10 years.

“Some of the other activities under my Ministry include the completed repair works to the Blue Hills Jetty, commencement works to the Kew Town Roads and phase two works to the Causeway between North and Middle Caicos, which will be completed later this year.”

“In addition to this, my team within the Public Works Department is currently performing road repair works to the various sections of Grand Turk. We have completed works in Palm Grove and Breezy Brae thus far, with works now going on in North Back Salina.”

“These works will continue not just in Grand Turk but throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. I can safely say that my team within the Public Works Department is working tirelessly to ensure that all roads throughout these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands are repaired, re-designed, in some cases and black topped, to ensure long term usage.”

“I have no doubt that my Government represents and works for the people of this great Country. My hope and prayer is that we would work together in unity, respecting and accepting each other’s differences and realizing that we are all here for one purpose, that is, ‘To serve the people of this country to the best of our abilities’.

“Thank you and may God continue to bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Hon. Amanda Misick

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Speech Delivered by Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson (August 2015)

Mr Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the Tourist Board on the recent headlines that suggest that TCI is moving towards all year round tourism. This is a positive thing at this time but whilst I am grateful for the much needed revenue in this period, I wish to caution us all to be careful to continue to put so many eggs in one basket. In my Budget Response this year, I raise this matter of such a high dependence on tourism and the fact or reality that this industry is fickle and cannot be relied on so heavily. I again caution us all to move quickly in the right direction to begin to diversify our economy. Another Industry will not be a replacement perhaps but it can add to and this can only spell good economics.

While we focus on external shocks, we must look at internal factors that can also negatively impact this vital Industry. I note three today Mr Speaker:

Crime

Mr Speaker even as we celebrate, we have internal factors that can gnaw away at this vital industry. The increase in crime that is trending up for the year and the increase cases of gun violence, though small in comparison does not spell Beautiful By Nature. (Mr Speaker please allow me to digress for a split second to recognize the success of the Police a few days ago in getting two illegal weapons off the street through police led intelligence – it is a great start). We must work collectively on this issue and take a more aggressive approach.

International Negative Report on Forced Sexual Labour

Then Mr Speaker I note the fact that while we were quick to speak to the report that sought to blacklist us for non - compliance with international regulations, the Government has been silent on multiple reports (3 that I am aware of) that include these Islands among countries where there exists forced sexual labour. Mr Speaker this also has negative implications for our country’s reputation. I wait to hear the Government’s official response on this issue and then to address where these reports are coming from and to deal with the issue.

Interaction with tourists

Then Mr Speaker, equally important is how we interact with tourists. I must state that I was so disappointed when I was informed of a recent incident that involved an individual driving a Government vehicle in Providenciales who frightened a tourist threatening her arrest or rather “detention” for feeding a stray dog. Mr Speaker the tourist who had been coming to this country for several decades each year and who contribute to charities and help while here, was so afraid to leave this country for fear of being arrested for feeding a stray dog. Mr Speaker the context in which this occurred showed the ugliness of this country and the abuse of persons in certain offices. Mr Speaker I raise this because I sit with fingers crossed hoping that this report does not grow legs and move with the speed or mileage that sad stories such as this usually do. Mr Speaker I raise this here on this platform to highlight an obvious threat to this booming industry – that is the way we interact with tourists. I wish to remind us each of the role we all must play and the fact that what we do to tourists can bite us and Mr Speaker also to remind us that we all have a role to play in protecting and preserving this vital Industry. I will follow this report and seek to have this matter raised in another forum because these type incidences Mr Speaker will only hurt us all.

Please note that a shorter adapted version was delivered in the House of Assembly

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