Landslide victory for TCI Opposition Party
Residents and citizens of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) gave the main opposition Progressive National Party (PNP) a landslide victory over the incumbent People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) in the recently concluded General Elections.
The PNP won nine of the ten electoral district seats and all five of the at-Large seats, taking a total of 14 out of the 15 seats in the National Assembly.
Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, the territory’s first female Premier, lost her At-Large seat. Businessman Washington Misick will replace Cartwright-Robinson as Premier.
Misick is no newbie in politics for he has previously led the territory from 1991 to 1995. He is the older brother of controversial former Premier Michael Misick.
Despite COVID-19, voter turnout was at a record. TCI Governor Nigel Dakin confirmed that 76 percent of eligible voters participated in the general election
“Given this was a time of great uncertainty, due to the pandemic, the overall turnout at 76 per cent is both encouraging in terms of the process and the confidence the electors had in that COVID generated process and also of course reinforces the next government’s mandate.”
Dakin added that he is looking forward to working with the incoming premier and his ministers.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in a statement said that the electoral process was free and fair, commending the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands for a peaceful, smooth and efficient voting process.
“We congratulate the voters, electoral officials and election day workers for their discipline and commitment to advance the democratic process in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Recommendations for TCI Cabinet Appointments
Premier Charles Washington Misick has formally announced the following recommendations for appointments to form the new Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet.
- Charles Washington Misick – Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade
- Erwin Jay Saunders – Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services
- Akierra Mary Deanne Missick – Leader of Government Business and Minister of Infrastructure, Housing Planning and Development
- Josephine Olivia Connolly – Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management
- Otis Chuck Morris – Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation
- Arlington Alexander Musgrove – Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services
- Rachel Marshall Taylor – Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services
Misick said that he has complete confidence that the Ministers will ensure that the needs of the people of the TCI are met.
“Without delay, my Cabinet colleagues and I, are equipped and prepared to get to work.”