December 20 – January 11, 2013
Governor Ric Todd’s Christmas Message AT Christmas we celebrate a joyful occasion. It is also a time when a year closes. So it is natural to look back over 2012 and to look forward to what 2013 might bring. We can all agree that 2012 was an historic year for the Turks and Caicos Islands. That elections could take place on 9 November, and that so many voters went to the polls to choose TCI’s new government should be a source of pleasure and pride for us all. We should give thanks to all those on the Turks and Caicos Islands, and their peers and colleagues from the UK and elsewhere, whose hard work and commitment enabled our return to local democracy. And we must say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the elections. TCI can look forward to 2013 with optimism. TCI has a growing economy and there is significant inward investment planned. This country now has modernised laws, a reformed public service and independent institutions for good governance. The focus is now rightly on a new government which will take forward policies and deliver services in the best interests of the islands and its people in accordance with the framework of the constitution and the law. I would also like to thank all of the public servants of the Turks and Caicos for what they do each and every day to serve these Islands. Over the past year I have had
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Governor Ric Todd
the honour and pleasure to meet many of them. We should all be proud of our teachers, health workers, our uniformed services, officials in Ministries and our tax collectors. They are committed to delivering the best services they can, and do so for all of us. At this holy time we also pay tribute to church and community leaders; those who work tirelessly in the voluntary sector, often in difficult circumstances. In a very practical way they sustain the values which nourish our communities while we take time to celebrate the birth of Christ. I have also had the honour and pleasure to meet many people from across the Turks and Caicos private sector this past year. The businesses, both large and small, that deliver the prosperity which we all enjoy and benefit from here on TCI deserve special appreciation. Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you, your friends and family, a Holy and Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Premier Ewing's Christmas Message My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I am very happy to express my warmest greetings and best wishes to all who are celebrating Christmas. This year, Christmas is unique and dear to my heart because it marks my first Christmas as Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands and our first Christmas since the restoration of our new Constitution and Ministerial Government. I therefore join with you in celebrating this momentous occasion, recognizing the sense of renewed hope and comfort it brings to us as a people and a community. I again reiterate our commitment and pledge to you that my government and I will do our utmost in ensuring that we will hold fast to all of our promises to you. Christmas season is a time when our thoughts turn to the real source of joy, love and hope who was born in a humble manger more than 2,000 years ago; and as we join others worldwide in celebrating this single life that changed the world, may we also strive to be a positive influence to those around us for the betterment of our Turks and Caicos Islands. Customarily, we celebrate the birth of Christmas with Church Services, family gatherings, feasting and great merriment; but this year I would encourage us to be filled with
Premier Rufus Ewing
thanksgiving to God for how He has protected us from storms, pestilences, wars, riots and other evils that could have befallen us. Additionally, as we celebrate remember those who are not as fortunate as we are, it could be our neighbor, family, friend, visitor or even a stranger and let us do our best in sharing our Christmas cheer with them. Right on the heels of Christmas celebrations comes the New Year and I believe that as we look forward to 2013 there are genuine reasons for hope, joy, love, faith and optimism. Some of these reasons include increasing government revenue, reprioritizing
spending towards schools and primary health care, economic growth, new investment, increasing tourism, good governance and many others. Remember that faith overcomes doubt; hope conquers despair; and love triumphs over hate. Remember that faith is present when men and women of sound leadership bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. Therefore, let us as a people resolve to honor the Spirit of Christmas; strive to keep it throughout the year 2013 and give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy. Also remember our responsibility and calling to freely and reverently serve our fellow men. This is our charge and this is our purpose and may the joy of the holidays renew our commitment to working together for a future of peace, opportunity, and hope. On behalf of my family, my Government and myself, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Good Health and a Prosperous New Year. May God bless you and may God bless these beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. Rufus Ewing Premier Turks and Caicos Islands
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Open letter to the Governor
Dear Governor, I write you again concerning matters of impartial justice and judgment within your realm the TCI. As I look back over the years the British Crown who you represent has been brought to task twice over this matter by those who have been the greatest benefactors’ of the land of England. The first time the Nobles and Barons of England revolted against the abuses of King John and at Runny Meade compelled the king to execute the Magna Carta which established the recognition of rights for both nobles and English men and it clearly established the principle that no one including the king or a lawmaker is above the law. In point 20 and 21, the basic right to trial by jury was enshrined and in point 40 the Crown confirms to the freemen of England that to this day: “to no one will we sell, to no one will we delay or deny justice or right”. Sir when Kate Sullivan was sent down here to draw up the new constitution I went to the public meetings and remained her of these unalienable rights, that the Barons of England and the men of America had fought for and demanded of the Crown. I explained to her that I did this because I had suffered at the hands of judges who did not follow the rule of law and I provided documents to prove what I had said was true. At that time there was big riot and the people who attended the meeting
burned the draft constitution that was being drawn up by Ms. Sullivan. I have never heard back from Ms. Sullivan. At this point in time the drafted constitution has been implemented and the people of this nation have been as the Declaration of Independence states, “’deprived of,’ in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury”. To add to this your government has brought the very judge that first presided over my most political case that went all the way to the British Privy Council, to preside over some very political non-jury trials in this nation. Now it is not like I have been silent about this matter. I have written and provided a book about the matter to yourself, our past Governor, the SIPT investigators, to the police, and others. I have yet to get one written response to these documents, which show that I was condemned as fraudster in the very case I paid in part to bring and to this day no one can tell me who the defrauded party is and how much I defrauded them off so I can work it out and clear my excellent name. In the light of these facts my conscience demands that I openly write you asking that you reconsider the appointment of Judge Paul Harrison, to this position. Yours truly, John Wildish
Some of the children who performed at the tree lighting service
Middle Caicos’ Christmas tree lighting a success BY DAVID TAPFAR THIS year’s Middle Caicos Christmas tree lighting service was conducted by the Mount Moriah Baptist Church on Saturday, December 8, and was a huge success drawing a large crowd from Middle and North Caicos including high ranking government officials from Provo. Using all the chairs from the local school and church there was standing room only. Present was Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson her husband and two children who were front row participants in the outdoor service which had approximately 100 attendees. Also present was Honorable Donahue Gardiner the currently elected representative for North and Middle Caicos as was his
competition in the election, attorney Ashwood Forbes. The affair was hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Julia Harvey. Speeches by Mrs. Robinson, , Pastor Shirley Smith of the local Church of Gods Prophesy, Christmas Hymns and a short presentation by music students from local Doris Robinson Primary School were features. While giving his Christmas greeting Donahue Gardiner admitted the Middle Caicos affair out drew the one in North Caicos. Baptist Deacons Garnet Outen, Carlyn Forbes and retired Deacon Elton Higgs also gave Christmas greetings. Pastor Williams spoke last with a message about yearlong Christmas giving. Rev Williams got the crowd’s attention when he insisted that Donahue sit next to Ashwood
Forbes. “This is how I picture you in my mind’s eye” he said. The actual lighting of the tree was performed by Mount Moriah long term member Mrs. Emerald Johnson of Conch Bar who signaled the lighting from her wheelchair. Three days later Doris Robinson School conducted their Christmas service on the school grounds. Present were parents, grandparents and residents. The children provided recitations and music. Principal Kiesha Mills and teacher Brenda Lee Harvey sang two selections and gave Christmas messages. The proceedings were conducted by Mary Forbes, Mistress of Ceremonies. The students donned aprons and delivered meals to the audience cooked in the schools kitchen.