COMMENTARY

Next  Commentary: Dollars and sense Thursday, April 15, 2010 The closing of the TCI Bank marks yet another chapter in the difficulties faced by Turks and Caicos Islanders resulting from the operations of the previous administration. This bank was an independent enterprise and, in my estimation, suspect from the outset. On the surface, it looked like a great idea. read more... Commentary: British government gets more than it bargained for in Turks & Caicos Saturday, April 10, 2010 Methinks the British, and by the British I really mean the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), and to a lesser extent other leading authorities, are quite stunned about the lowly Turks & Caicos and its current trials and tribulations, and how this issue has grabbed their body politic by the throat and not let go. read more... Commentary: The wakeup call Saturday, April 10, 2010 Reading the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) report and its evaluation of the performance of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) over the years is interesting to say the least. The report is a continuation of the charges against the FCO levied in London after both groups visited the TCI in early 2008. read more... Commentary: Happy Easter Saturday, April 3, 2010 May the message of another Easter season provide a beacon of hope for the people of our islands. From the humility of the crucifixion, the rolling away of the stone by an angel of the Lord brought forth the risen Christ, our Saviour. He then appeared to his apostles, who went forth to give his message of hope to the world. read more... Commentary: The answers, my friends... Tuesday, March 30, 2010 There was an American folk tune popular in the 60s that talked about the answers to the strife of life, liberty, the end of wars and the pursuit of peace and happiness. Here in the TCI we are looking for answers. Let us pause for a moment and reflect on some of the questions. How can we afford a health plan that will cover... read more... Commentary: Perceived value Saturday, March 20, 2010 Well over a year ago I presented an article titled “Perceived value.” In politics and government this is an important concept. It is not who or what you are but what you are perceived to be. In my view, our current governor is a good man and wishes the country well. However, someday he will leave the TCI behind. read more... Commentary: Turks & Caicos Attorney General's disappearing act: Not so fast, Mr Watchdog Friday, March 12, 2010 The drama and comedy playing out in Turks & Caicos leading up to, and since the British intervention that removed the previous government makes for some interesting observations on human nature, colonialism, and the lengths to which some will go to sell others just about anything.  Let’s take these in order. read more... Commentary: Hard Talk TCI: One Man Rule! Friday, March 12, 2010 As the world watched the Turks and Caicos Islands and the outcome of the ‘March to reclaim Democracy’ this week, the full impact of being under direct rule by the British is beginning to sink in.  The suspension of ministerial government and the House of Assembly, once poised to create a divide, is now uniting the nation. read more... Commentary: 1960 becomes 2010 Friday, March 12, 2010 Yes, I was there. I was a participant. Sure, there were concerns that the fragility of common ground could be overcome by the extreme political polarisation of the previous years. Despite differences the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands have a common heritage that precedes and overcomes politics. read more... Commentary: Suddenly it's the 1960s again Sunday, March 7, 2010 The march which is due to take place on Monday, March 8, is about the owners of the islands asking for their rights to some level of self determination. There seems to be wide spread acceptance of the fact that the former FCO chiefs and governors and at least one British judge let the country down. read more... Commentary: Human nature Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Human nature is a curious thing. When you try to keep a secret, somehow it always comes out. Actually, the more people you share the secret with, the more likely it will be revealed. The media often relies on human nature to learn in advance just what is going on behind the scenes. Remember the Watergate debacle... read more... Commentary: This Land Is Your Land Monday, February 22, 2010 In recent months, I have been teaching music at our local primary school one day per week. I recently transposed the words from the American folk song, “This Land is Your Land.” “This land is your land … from Providenciales to the Grand Turk Island… from the pristine waters to the rolling hills… this land was made for you and me.” read more... Commentary: Former health minister welcomes new hospitals while residents voice cost concerns Monday, February 8, 2010 Former Minister of Health Lillian Boyce has spoken out using her husband’s newspaper, the TCI Sun, as a sounding board to welcome the new hospitals. “What I see can easily compare with hospitals anywhere in Miami or any part of the developed world,” she said. However, the hospitals here fall far short... read more... Commentary: Is the Salt Cay deal real? Friday, February 5, 2010 The battle for the development of Salt Cay is again in the news and in the online media. One online channel appears to have an agenda to destroy and stop all development in that tiny island outpost, given the development going forward by the interested parties from the Czech Republic -- the firm known as Devco. read more... Commentary: Expectations and answers Saturday, January 30, 2010 Recent political maneuvering has drawn attention to the political soup of the TCI. We the people pay for and control the government so let me ask: What can we expect from government and how do we pay for it? How does each political party either embrace our expectations or ignore them? read more... Commentary: Haiti, past and present, exposes the ugliness of humanity Monday, January 25, 2010 We see the devastation in Haiti. We see the broken and lifeless bodies removed from the rubble. We see the walking dead with their bloody wounds, skin whitened by plaster and falling dust, and their hands caked with blood and abrasions from pulling each other from the crushing skin of the earth. read more... Commentary: Countdown to success Friday, January 8, 2010 Numbers don’t lie, they say, and when you evaluate the numbers or lack thereof relating to the TCI it appears that the interim government ought to pay attention and take action. The correct action will affect the future of our islands and inaction will prolong corrective action until we get back to internal self government. read more... Commentary: My Christmas tribute 2009 Monday, January 4, 2010 Twas da day after Christmas, And despite da downpour; Folks banned together, To celebrate once more. Thanks to Dion Pratt & Skyjuice For such a magnificent display. The beauty & splendor Chased the rain clouds away! Thanks to Addison & Doreen, And Kirk for the spread. The food was sooo wonderful, Everyone was well fed. read more... Commentary: Happy Holidays Monday, December 28, 2009 Once again, we have reached an important time of the year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas comes on the eve of the New Year, providing a season of renewed hope. Seniors find that, as years accumulate, time seems to fly by faster. Starting in late 2007, however, things sure slowed down in the TCI. read more... Commentary: Walk among lions or scurry along with hyenas - a choice for Turks and Caicos citizens Monday, December 28, 2009 As with anywhere in the world, some people walk among lions while others scurry along with the hyenas. People in Turks & Caicos, both the indigenous citizens and those coming to ’solve’ the problems in our country, should make a special effort to know which is which. On my most recent visit home... read more... Commentary: Conservative common sense Saturday, December 19, 2009 Questions circulating in all mature countries are now fielded in the TCI. Will employment return and include the citizens who want to work? In Britain and America, businesses large and small have fled those countries due to over-taxation and over-regulation, accompanied by excessive labour costs. read more... Commentary: Paper tigers Thursday, December 10, 2009 It appears that, for the most part, the members of the Consultative Forum are acting as if they are the loyal opposition to the British Interim government. Thank God for Mrs Cartwright Robinson. They and others who are leftovers from the last six years are nothing but paper tigers. read more... Commentary: Turks & Caicos: Living to sell Thursday, December 10, 2009 How did Turks & Caicos end up in this unpleasant position of a depressed economy, shortage of jobs, lack of funds, and intervention by an overseeing authority? Chalk it up to their penchant for selling just about anything. In various circumstances some of our citizens sold their votes to politicians. read more... Commentary: Business 101 Thursday, December 3, 2009 Let me begin by saying that in this article I speak for myself not as an official of the PDM party of which I am a proud member. Recently, the governor gave us his 90-day progress report. I say the British have been involved much longer than 90 days. They have been with us in a quasi controlling position since... read more... Commentary: Alas, it's full steam ahead on the NHIP Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Two weeks ago I called on all residents in the TCI to withhold NHIP contributions to the NHIB as a means of registering grave concerns not only about the plan’s construction and provisions but also about the qualifications of Interhealth Canada, the company contracted to manage it. read more... Commentary: Why a referendum on health care makes sense Saturday, November 21, 2009 I was going to title this article lawyers, talk shows, sealing wax and other fancy stuff, but my training in business, machine design and what I call logic took over and I will argue from my platform here in the TCI. I actually have a very expensive legal training as I was both victimized and assisted by attorneys in my long career read more... Commentary: In Turk & Caicos, it's time to 'hold your horses' Saturday, November 21, 2009 The popular country and western singer Toby Keith has a song out now called ‘Beer for my Horses.’ Some of the words are ‘Whiskey for my men, and beer for my horses.’ It is about justice, the law, and what is right. Some people in Turks & Caicos might want to consider listening to this song. read more... Commentary: The NHIP: Why pleading for a referendum is pointless Wednesday, November 18, 2009 I understand that Douglas Parnell, the newly elected leader of the PDM, is still pleading for a referendum to resolve the burgeoning crisis over the NHIP. I respect his initiative; but I’m afraid it is hopelessly misguided. First of all, through press releases as well as numerous acts of commission (and omission)... read more... Commentary: A boycott to reform health care in TCI...?! Yes Monday, November 16, 2009 In the spirit of transparency and accountability, I should begin by acknowledging that I was amongst the most plaintive callers for British intervention in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). And, despite some disappointment with the way direct rule is unfolding, I remain convinced that this intervention was necessary. read more... Commentary: NHIP referendum before it's too late Friday, November 13, 2009 The answer to the health care debate is obvious. It cannot go forward because we simply cannot pay for it. We must vote it down. This is the Titanic racing at breakneck speed towards the iceberg. The passengers know it and it is time for them to vote on putting the ship’s controls into reverse… right now! read more... Commentary: Getting the blues in the TCI Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Getting the “blues” can be a bad thing but it can also be a good thing. Those who have read the caption under my photo will have noted that I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Movement, the PDM. I am writing this article after arriving home from the PDM 2009 Convention at the Provo Headquarters. read more... Commentary: National health care - Part two Friday, October 30, 2009 The Turks and Caicos Islands is still waking up to the realisation that the Floyd Hall national health care programme will be the building block that breaks the camel’s back. According to the interim government we are taking in $11 million in monthly revenue and have monthly obligations of $12 million. read more... Commentary: The National Health Insurance Plan... Full steam ahead! Wednesday, October 28, 2009 I beg to differ from the opinions expressed by my learned friend David Tapfer and so it would appear from many of the opinions asserted on the TCI Journal. The NHIP is sequentially timely with a hard line transformational move on the part of the Governor to rectify the abysmal state of this economy. read more... Commentary: 'Insufficient evidence' to charge former TCI Premier Misick of rape Monday, October 26, 2009 On Wednesday, the Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), Hon Kurt DeFreitas, issued a press release in which he announced that: “… there is insufficient evidence to charge [former Premier] Michael Misick with any offense in connection with a complaint of serious sexual assault..." read more... Commentary: Watchdog watching a must in Turks and Caicos Monday, October 26, 2009 Some people engage in bird-watching, some in whale-watching, and others in watching the heavens in star-gazing, to name a few interests. In the Turks and Caicos the citizens need to take up a new interest: that of watching the watchdogs, namely, the British and their interim government’s maneuverings. read more... Commentary: National health care - a national disaster Thursday, October 22, 2009 This commentator is ordinarily not one to say “I told you so” but the issue of what the NHIP plan will cost the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is so large that I must remind the readers that in the past days several articles have been posted on this site and in the TCI Weekly News revealing the plan’s flaws. read more... Commentary: 'What do they call bribes in this country?' Monday, October 19, 2009 This question was asked by Sir Robin Auld, who headed the Commission of Inquiry. During the hearings before the Commission earlier this year, it was revealed that government ministers had received payments for contracts and favours granted to private business and individuals, as well as payoffs made by ministers. read more... Commentary: Policing in the TCI - Part 3: Commitment to a National Policing Plan Monday, October 19, 2009 The ultimate goal of any police force is to promote high standards of performance in reducing all areas of crime whilst reassuring the community. This is a complex and challenging task and requires the full support of law abiding citizens and partnerships within a community on a local, national and international level. read more... Commentary: 'Whitney says Oprah is a liar' Monday, October 12, 2009 After a long sojourn in the United States, some minor surgery and attempting to help out a close relative who is way up in years, I have finally made my way back to Middle Caicos. What I found in the USA was a country reeling from a number of problems not unlike those here in the TCI. read more... Commentary: Celebrating the birth of the 'Women's Movement' in the Turks and Caicos - Part 1 Monday, October 12, 2009 In jolly old England, back in the 70s, we often demonstrated over women’s rights and equal opportunity in the workforce and education. Empowerment of women and women’s issues such as legal abortion, free contraceptives, equal opportunities and one job-one pay created heated discussion groups. read more... Next