Inaugural speech-Josephine Connolly
The African proverb says, “It takes a village…”For us here in the TCI, it takes a country…a country of united people. Our country needs us…all hands on deck. Ladies and gentlemen, I am here tonight to sign up for duty! A pleasant good evening to all…
I may be relatively new to some of you in the political arena, while others may have assumed that I was a member of the PNP. However, it is imperative that I publicly declare that I was never a member of the PNP or the PDM party in the previous election years. Tonight, I boldly stand here, extremely proud to inform you, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, that I am a member of this great People’s Democratic Movement- the more capable party, which is determined to take this country out of the dilemma in which we have unfortunately found ourselves through no fault of the People’s Democratic Movement. I may be the new lady on the block as far as politics is concerned, but I know the agenda of the PDM Party is the best approach which is needed throughout the islands –from Salt Cay (my place of birth to Pine Cay where our workers all require proper representation). Ultimately, we are here to take our country forward.
I believe we have a unique opportunity to reshape politics in the islands. We have the opportunity for a new start and the PDM leadership team will deliver that new start. My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, this party, the People’s Party, wants the best for you; the party places you and your children’s interest first in all dimensions. Comrades it’s important that you know The PDM has evolved, and the metamorphosis process has taken place since the PDM party is now prepared, and is more than willing to work and move forward to include all Turks and Caicos Islanders! Let me stress, the People’s Democratic Party is inclusive: young and old; women and men. So, here I stand! I pledge to work with the great PDM Party to ensure our children’s future is secure.
I will be focusing on issues and ideas that will help develop the Turks and Caicos Islands and provide realistic and ideal opportunities to the citizens of these islands. I recognize that this is what the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole are interested in. and that is what we …. The People’s Party will deliver.
Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, we are conscious, family oriented, unified, educated people living in a small country. We should be able to vote our representatives into office without bitterness and rancor. It is right that people should support the party of their choice, but we do not need families split or friends in conflict. We are too small to be constantly separating ourselves with false labels: PDM vs. PNP; Caicos vs. Grand Turk; Black vs. White. In the end, we are all part of our beloved beautiful by nature and the success or failure of the Turks and Caicos Islands is in all of our hands. So, let’s work together as one people with a common goal and purpose which is to build and develop our country. I often hear the phrase ‘nation building’. Well, until we see all our citizens as worthy of concern and respect we will not have a nation to build.
Sir Robert Auld accused this country of political immaturity. Well, this political team, the People’s Party will ensure that that charge is never levied at this country ever again under its administration…
My fellow countrymen and women, God bless you, our nation and this PDM party. Goodbye.
