Tag: PNP

STATEMENT OF DR CEM KINAY WITH RESPECT TO THE JOE GRANT SALE.THE TRUTH.

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 19 December 2013

Statement of Dr Cem Kinay with respect to the Joe Grant Cay’s Sale

Istanbul, Turkey 18 December 2013

I understand from Turks and Caicos Islands media sources that a 200 acre parcel of Joe Grant Cay has been sold for $4.04m in October 2013 in a transaction that was never made public.

I was sure that one day, the truth about Joe Grant Cay’s true value will come to the light, Today, is my day. For the past 6 years, I have been living stripped of my basic human rights and assets just because the TCI Courts have concluded in connection with a political donation made to Michael Misick on 9 January 2007 “there to be a very strong probability that the money was paid as a bribe in order to ensure that the Defendant companies obtained the benefit of the proposed (Joe Grant Cay) development” disregarding the fact that there was in reality no benefit at all, as we have paid the true and accurate value of this land which was USD 3.2 million for the same 200 acres parcel back in 2008.

More specifically, on the matter of Joe Grant Cay’s valuation, His Hon Justice completely ignored the Government’s valuation report obtained from BCQS, an independent commercial appraiser who valued 200 acres parcel of Joe Grant Cay, at USD 3.2 million for commercial use, exactly the amount of money asked by the Government in June 2008, which my development companies have paid in full.

What is more astonishing was the fact that His Hon Judge ruled (Para 36, The Judgement) ‘When instructing BCQS to give an alternative valuation, McAllister Hanchell did not tell them of the proposed development, so that their valuation made no allowance for the intended use of the land.’. The Learned Chief Justice has failed to recognize that BCQS valuation report specifically stated on Page 7 Item 3.5 ‘It is assumed that planning permission is available for the subdivision of the land for residential plots or for a commercial use.’ By omitting BCQS’s clear statement specifying “commercial use” in its report, The Hon. Chief Justice violated our right to a fair trial, and unfairly favored the Turks and Caicos Islands Government by omitting what the true valuation report states. Instead, the Hon. Chief Justice relied on a series of valuation reports prepared by the Turks and Caicos Island’s own employee Mr. Hoza, which are at best confused. Mr. Hoza’s valuation reports valued the 200 acre parcel at a whopping 45 million for commercial use!

For those who doubt that the Development of Joe Grant Cay is not innocent, I have only one question: We have paid 3.2 million in 2008 for this 200 acre land, and today, 6 years later, the same land has been sold for 4.04 million in an open market transaction ! I ask you what happened to the alleged tens of millions of dollars that the Government and some of our opponents claimed that this land was supposed to be worth?

I have the answer: The alleged valuation of this island was a big lie ! Joe Grant Cay’s 200 acre was never valued more than what we paid for. That was the exact reason why many internationally repute valuation companies as well as all the local valuation companies have valued it at the exact value that we paid for it. That is why both Hon. Governor Tauwhare, and later on Hon. Governor Whetherell have approved and executed the sale of this 200 Acre land to us for USD 3.2 million, and that was why the sale was approved by the Attorney General, TCI Invest, Ministers, and the Premier.

In fact, there was no “favor” from anyone for Joe Grant Cay. In fact, we have paid the true value of this land, and the shameless dark forces took away from us alleging the “undervalue” sale. The evidence is before you, the same land is now sold for USD 4.04 million after 6 years.

In the past five years, I have been victimized by politics. My assets were frozen and hundreds of people lost their jobs. I could have developed Joe Grant Cay and create much needed jobs, and further tourism income for Turks and Caicos Islands. I was denied my fundamental right to a fair trial in TCI, a red notice application has been filed with the Interpol for my arrest. I am calling upon the TCI Government and the Attorney General to end these groundless accusations against me, return my assets, and clear my name as I have done nothing wrong.

God Bless

News

British Developer Pleads Guilty in Turks and Caicos Islands Corruption Case

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 3 June 2013

British developer pleads guilty in Turks and Caicos corruption case
Published on June 3, 2013

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — British developer Richard Padgett pleaded guilty in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on Friday to charges of bribery and conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice by agreeing to present false or forged documents to a Commission of Inquiry.

At a plea and directions hearing on April 15, Mr Justice Harrison agreed that Padgett should be allowed to enter his pleas at the first reasonable opportunity. His case was adjourned to May 31, this being the next most convenient date for the judge to return to the TCI.

Padgett is currently suffering from ill health and in the opinion of his doctor is not fit to travel to the TCI, it was therefore agreed by the court that his pleas be entered from England, by a video link to the Supreme Court.

Padgett and the Crown were represented in both jurisdictions by counsel.

After his pleas of guilty were entered, the case was adjourned to September16 for mention as to the appropriate date of sentence.

Padgett, who has been on bail throughout the proceedings, remains on bail.

The TCI government also announced on Friday that it has settled all civil claims and proceedings against Padgett and his companies. That includes civil claims arising from the Third Turtle Development referred to in the report of the Commission of Inquiry, and a separate civil claim arising in relation to Crown land on East Caicos acquired by a company controlled by Padgett.

Under the settlement, Padgett has transferred to the government land valued at approximately US$7 million, and has made a cash contribution of $75,000 to the costs of investigating the claims.

Situs Judi Slot Gacor Online Gampang Menang 2023

Judi Slot gacor menjadi salah satu jenis judi online yang makin lama digandrungi oleh Beberapa orang sebab jenis judi ini menawari kemudahan di dalam main-main disertai bersama dengan hadiah Jackpot besar. Tidak heran membuat banyak orang melacak jelas tentang website slot online paling baik dan terpercaya ringan menang 2023 di Indonesia. Sebenarnya sangat ringan utk menemukan website slot luar negara yang terdapat di Internet. Seluruhnya website berikut menawari website slot ringan menang meski keaslinya website slot hoki berikut diragukan. Tidak sedikit orang hasilnya tertipu oleh oknum-oknum yang membuat website slot terkini 2023.

Website slot gacor ringan menang Slot Gacor yakni salah satu website slot online terpercaya di Indonesia yang menghadirkan jajaran game slot yang gacor hari ini berasal dari para provider slot yang kembali gacor terkenal dan berstandar Internasional. Seluruh slot yang kembali gacor berikut berasal segera berasal dari provider sebab telah punya lisensi formal maka mutu slot yang gacor hari ini yang ada terjamin keadilan dan konten positifnya. Anda dapat menerima info slot gacor hari ini atau bocoran slot gacor hari ini yang diberikan membuat para membernya. Disediakan banyak cara utk Unggul Up terasa berasal dari Transfer Bank hingga slot gacor maxwin. Pada website slot gacor ringan menang ini juga, ada banyak kategori judi online yang lain yang bisa anda mainkan maka cuma bersama dengan akun slot gacor sedang malam ini anda telah bisa memainkan sepenuhnya kategori game judi online yang Terkenal. Agen gacor Slot Gacor mempunyai system keamanan terenkripsi maka data membernya dapat safe tanpa butuh cemas bocor pada pihak Ke3. Jika ada ganjalan kala main-main slot gacor 2023 atau game judi online Yang lain, anda bisa menghubungi Live Chat 24 jam/7 hari nonstop yang diberikan oleh BO slot gacor teranyar ini.

This takes total land recoveries made by the civil recovery team to 3,058 acres, in addition to $19.6 million in cash paid or to be paid to the government.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard commented: “We are pleased that these disputes have now been settled with the transfer to TCIG of a substantial amount of further land of significant value. This settlement brings to a successful conclusion the civil claims brought in relation to the major developments referred to in the report of the Commission of Inquiry. As reported, other claims and investigations continue to be progressed by the Edwards Wildman civil recovery team.”

Tags Attorney general turks and caicos, Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, governor todd, Governor Whetherell, Grand Turk, Helen Garlick, Joe Grant, Lord ascroft, PNP, PNP leader, politics in turks and caicos islands, prosecution team, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, SIPT, SIPT in turks and Caicos Islands, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands, TURKSJOURNAL

News

New Governor for Turks and Caicos Islands:Peter Beckingham

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 30 May 2013

He will succeed Mr Ric Todd, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Beckingham will take up his appointment during October 2013.

Mr Beckingham is currently Deputy High Commissioner in India, heading the Mumbai –Western Indian offices. His previous appointments overseas include Ambassador to the Philippines (and non-resident Ambassador to Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands), Consul-General and Director-General of Trade and Investment Sydney, and Director British Information Services New York. He was a Director of the Joint FCO/DTI Export Promotion Directorate in London, ran the commercial section of the Embassy in Stockholm, and had a short-term secondment to Cadbury-Schweppes.

On his appointment as Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Beckingham has said:

I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I look forward to working with the elected government there to strengthen the Islands’ prosperity, and helping to support, with my wife, their rich culture, world-class environment and important relationship with the UK.

Curriculum vitae
Personal details
Full name: Peter Beckingham
Married to: Jill Mary Beckingham
Children: Two daughters

2010 – present Mumbai, Deputy High Commissioner
2005 – 2009 Manila, Ambassador
1999 – 2004 Sydney, Director-General of Trade & Investment, and Consul-General
1996 – 1999 FCO/DTI, Director, Joint Export Promotion Directorate
1992 – 1996 Canberra, Head of Political Section
1988 – 1992 Stockholm, Head of Commercial Section
1986 – 1988 FCO, Head, Horn of Africa Section, East African Department
1984 – 1986 FCO, Energy, Science and Space Department
1984 FCO, News Department (G7 Summit)
1979 – 1983 New York, Director, British Information Services
1974 – 1979 DTI, British Overseas Trade Board
1970 – 1974 Decca Record Company, Argo Division

Tags Cem Kinay, Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, Democracy for turks and Caicos islands, Dr.Rufus Ewing, governor todd, Grand Turk, Peter Beckingham, PNP, politics in turks and caicos islands, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands, TURKSJOURNAL, UK, UK Foreign Office, UK Overseas territories

News

TREAT TOURISTS LIKE GOLD,SAYS OPPOSITION LEADER IN TURKS AND CAICOS

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 10 May 2013

Treat tourists like gold, says opposition leader
Published on May 10, 2013

“We need to realize what we are doing and look at our visitors as very important, they need to be welcomed and when they encounter a problem we need to treat them like gold,” said opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, when she was asked at a recent Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) press conference on how she felt about the treatment of two departing American tourists, who just one day apart were each found with a single unfired bullet in their luggage.

One, an 80-year-old retired neurosurgeon from Florida, was held in jail with a man accused of murder, where he was fed spicy grits and hot dogs.

“I will never look at a hot dog the same,” Horace Norrell told an American reporter interviewing him.

After spending the weekend in jail, because no judge would stay late on a Friday to hear his bail application, the senior citizen was reunited with his wife, who waited on him in the TCI. He was released on $4,000 bail and returned to the US.

Just one day earlier, a 60-year-old Texas woman, accompanied by her husband, was also found to have a single bullet in her luggage. In the woman’s case, the court remained open and granted her $4,000 dollars.

Meanwhile, neither the premier nor the minister for border control has addressed the issue, which is threatening the territory’s tourism industry. Americans are up in arms and are contacting their government about the incident. Many are reportedly cancelling planned visits to the TCI, some through fear that a similar fate could befall them and others in protest over the treatment of the two US visitors.

TCI Governor Ric Todd has said only that the law must be followed.

It is widely accepted locally that the bullets were planted in the visitors’ bags, but the identity of the perpetrators and their motive remains a mystery. There is, however, some speculation that this is yet another attempt to hold the TCI’s fragile tourism industry hostage to promote a political agenda.

The local tourism industry was directly attacked on two previous occasions by members of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) when they shut down the Providenciales international airport, once by a public demonstration that closed down access to the airport and the second by a strike of airport firefighters orchestrated by current Premier Rufus Ewing.

Meanwhile, the fragility of the territory’s principal source of revenue is illustrated by continuing media reports and commentary in the US – especially in the Herald Tribune in Sarasota, Horace Norrell’s home town in Florida.

On Wednesday, columnist Tom Lyons warned potential Turks and Caicos visitors to beware: “Your stay could be much longer than planned, with accommodations well below par.”

“Who knows what police were thinking as they hauled a 60-year-old Texas woman to jail for alleged possession of a bullet that she said she knew nothing about, but even the dimmest police administrator surely could have smelled a rat the next day when a second tourist was found to have exactly one bullet in his luggage, too. Sherlock Holmes has not even a distant relative in the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police, it seems,” he continued.

“It is hard to imagine the degree of incompetence required when a police administrator or prosecutor is unable to deduce these must be false charges based on planted items designed to appear like evidence of what would be an absurd crime,” he said.

In accurately describing Governor Todd as an appointed career British diplomat, Lyons wrote, “There is no mention of him being a total twit, so it seemed reasonable at first to expect him to be as outraged as the average reader who encounters this story. After all, publicity over this visitor-targeted scam could seriously harm tourism, which is the Turks and Caicos only major industry if you don’t count the enabling of drug smuggling and money laundering.”

Lyons said that Todd has responded to an onslaught of public questions mainly by expressing his determination not to get involved.

“I don’t normally do travel advisories, but in my places-to-go ranking, Turks and Caicos just took a spot not far above North Korea,” Lyons concluded.

Tags Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, Dellis Cay, Democracy for turks and Caicos islands, Dr.Rufus Ewing, governor todd, Grand Turk, PDM, PNP, politics in turks and caicos islands, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, Sharlene Cartwright, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands

News

TURKS AND CAICOS STILL LOOKING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE, SAYS PREMIER RUFUS EWING

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 18 April 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS STILL LOOKING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE, SAYS PREMIER RUFUS EWING
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Turks and Caicos Islands is still considering political independence from Britain, Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing has said.

Ewing told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that “independence remains a major issue” three years after Britain suspended the island’s constitution and set up a one-man commission to probe the government of then premier Michael Misick.

“I think any right thinking country should have independence as its destination. The time period however is the question. The need for independence must be the goal and so everything you do should be to prepare your people and country for that giant step. There will be a number of factors that will come into play as to whether or not that time should be fast tracked or continue along the pace that you would desire to have or would like to have and that would depend on the ongoing relationship with the United Kingdom government and the people in the territory,” he said.

Ewing said that the government “of the day” would also have a role to play and “allowed to do what is right by the people, for the people to improve their standard of living and to prepare us for our plans for moving towards that step of independence.

“If it doesn’t happen, all it does is to make the people even more convinced that independence is our only way out,” said Ewing, who is here attending the 14th annual Caribbean Tourism Organisation organised Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-14).

He told CMC that over the past three years, more citizens have become convinced “that independence is the way to go, more than ever before in the past because of the relationship we have had (with Britain) over the past three years.

Ewing, who studied in Barbados and Jamaica and is well known throughout the Eastern Caribbean, said while he would not commit personally to a timeframe” for independence, “what I know we will do is to appoint an independence commission from the House of Assembly to look at timeframes to look at milestones that need to be achieved and to look at referendum settings…”.

Ewing, whose government holds a slender one seat majority in Parliament, said there is stability in the country.

“The stability is just about there. We have elected a government that we have confidence in from a stand point of investors,” he said, aware that with a one seat majority in the House “if anything happens then we can keep on going back to by elections and by elections and so it may not give the people the level of security they would want”.

While he would not comment on the re-arrest of former premier Misick in Brazil and the extradition proceedings that had been started against him by Britain, Ewing told CMC he was still “awaiting” a response to suggestions that Britain was trying to re-colonise its territories in the Caribbean including the Cayman Islands.

“Well, I am sure everybody has a reason for doing things and I still awaiting the answer to the question,” he said, adding “I were a conspiracy theorist that would be my theory” as to whether London was using finances to the territories to “keep them in check

BREAKING NEWS

Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick Rearrested Again In Brazil

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 16 April 2013

MICHAEL MISICK REARRESTED IN BRAZIL
Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick was re-arrested by Brazilian Federal Police late in the evening of Saturday 13th April 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the authority Slot Gacor of a Brazilian Supreme Court judgement, according to Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith.

Smith said that on Monday 15th April 2013, the Brazilian Justice Minister issued his decision to refuse Michael Misick’s appeal against a decision not to grant him political https://www.nailsalonhilliard.com/ asylum. The decision was published on Tuesday 16 April in the Brazilian Official Gazette.

Misick was first arrested on 7th https://www.herbalpremium.net/ December 2012 by Brazilian Federal Police acting on a provisional arrest warrant. Arrest was sought by the TCI Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (set up to investigate issues arising from Sir Robin Auld’s 2008-09 Commission of Inquiry).

TCI prosecutors submitted formal extradition papers on Monday 28 January 2013 within the required 60 day time limit from the time of Michael Misick’s arrest. It is hoped that the extradition process can now proceed unhindered.

Smith said in the press release that https://drakortv.org/ Misick faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration in TCI during his time in office.

“ It is in the best interests of the TCI that allegations of wrong doing are thoroughly investigated and that Michael Misick returns there as soon as possible to answer these charges. As Michael Misick was born in a British Overseas https://www.tipsgameandroid.com/ Territory, he is, therefore, receiving British Consular Assistance; he was last visited by British consular officials on Monday 15 April in Sao Paulo,” Smith added.

Tags alleged corruption, Attorney general turks and caicos, Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor Whetherell, Grand Turk, Michael Misick, PNP, politics in turks and caicos islands, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, SIPT, SIPT in turks and Caicos Islands, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands

News

Settlement with Former Minister and Pleading Guilty in Turks and Caicos Corruption Case

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 16 April 2013

“UPDATE ON SIPT CASES
Published Sun TCI on 15th April 2013

The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) on Monday April 15th dropped all criminal charges against Samuel “Sammy” Been after he reached an agreement with them and the Attorney General’s Chambers to give up a portion of his commercial building, the Sammy Been Plaza, on Airport Road, Providenciales. The value of the settlement is approximately $850,000.
Developer Richard Padgett has agreed to plead guilty to various charges including bribery on May 31st, 2013. Because he is medically unfit to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Padgett will make his plea by way of video link from the Central London Court at 10 a.m. on that date.

SIPT Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, said if Padgett is sentenced to jail, provision will be made the have him serve his prison term in England and Wales.

The SIPT cases which were heard before Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, have been adjourned until September 16th, 2013.”

News

Attorney General in Turks and Caicos settles with Former Minister in Corruption Case

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 16 April 2013

Attorney general settles with Samuel Been, prosecution discontinued
Published on April 16, 2013

Attorney General Huw Shepheard said on Monday that he has agreed to settle civil recovery proceedings brought against Samuel Been, one of the defendants facing criminal charges as part of the inquiries pursued by the special investigation and prosecution team (SIPT).

Samuel Been
“At the same time criminal proceedings against him for an offence of conspiracy to defraud and acquiring the proceeds of criminal conduct, contrary to s29 Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 1998 will be discontinued,” Shepheard said in a statement.

The settlement will result in the transfer to the TCI government of property owned by Been at Sammy Been Plaza, Providenciales, valued at $825,000, he added.

Been is the former husband of Lillian Boyce, a former minister in the previous Progressive National Party (PNP) government, who has also been charged with criminal offences in relation to government corruption.

It had recently been rumoured locally that Been would escape prosecution by agreeing to give evidence against his co-defendants.

Tags alleged corruption, Attorney general turks and caicos, Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, Dellis Cay, Democracy for turks and Caicos islands, Dr.Rufus Ewing, governor todd, Grand Turk, Helen Garlick, Huw Sheapheard, Michael Misick, PNP, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, Samuel Been, SIPT, SIPT in turks and Caicos Islands, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands

News

Press Statement from Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Dr.Rufus Ewing

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 31 March 2013

Press Statement from Premier Ewing Re By-Election

On behalf of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I would like to thank the Almighty God for a peaceful day of proceedings on March 22nd. I would also like to extend to the voters of the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Constituency, our gratitude for their continuing support and their vote for Ms. Amanda Missick. Her resounding victory at the polls this past Friday is seen as a clear mandate by the people of the Turks and Caicos for the Progressive National Party Government to continue its work in the best interest of our country.
We the Government would like to reassure the Turks and Caicos Islands, that we will continue to uphold the honour and dignity of the office to which we have been elected and will continue to strive towards a brighter future for our nation, in accordance with our manifesto and in consultation with the people of these islands Indeed many more challenges lie ahead but with the help of the Almighty God none are insurmountable.
During the By-election season, strong sentiments and opinions by supporters of both of our political parties have unfortunately resulted in defamatory remarks being made against the character of those holding political office. I condem this behaviour as these practices damage the image of all Turks and Caicos Islanders. I am making a request to all persons, to desist from engaging in such behavior on the social or other media and to give all whom we have elected to lead us, the respect that they deserve as they represent the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos. I call on supporters on both sides of the aisle to rest partisan politics aside and to rally together to provide support to the Government and to continue to forge stronger links that will make us a force against which no enemies can move.
Now is the time for us to work together in unity, as we stay the course and move full speed ahead in the right direction to fulfill our destiny which awaits us on the new horizon. May God continue to bless our Turks and Caicos Islands.
Premier

Tags alleged corruption, By Election in Turks and Caicos, Cem Kinay, Change for Turks and Caicos Islands, defamatory remarks, Democracy for turks and Caicos islands, Dr.Rufus Ewing, Elections 2012, governor todd, Grand Turk, PNP, politics in turks and caicos islands, Providenciales, providenciales turks and caicos islands, turks and caicos, Turks and Caicos islands

News

PNP UNITED ON FORMER PREMIER’S MICHAEL MISICK TALKING POINTS

Post author By Cem Kınay
Post date 28 March 2013

PNP united on former premier’s talking points
Published on March 28, 2013 ,TCI News Now.

The Progressive National Party (PNP) is apparently now unified behind specific “talking points” that are being spoken to by the party and its supporters and are seemingly being orchestrated by its former leader Michael Misick.

The principal point being made was the primary platform of the PNP during their 2012 general election campaign and that is the issue of independence and preparing the TCI to separate itself from Britain.

This was addressed in each and every letter received from Misick and was spoken to by Premier Rufus Ewing on his return from last month’s Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government meeting in Haiti. In Ewing’s view, all the Caribbean nations, including those who are currently one of the 14 British overseas territories, must not only achieve independence but must also form republics and not be associated with the Commonwealth of Nations.

The second talking point spoken to by Misick and Ewing is the forthcoming prosecutions of former PNP cabinet ministers and others. Both Misick and Ewing have said that the prosecutions are a farce. Misick said this is because he claims that laws were changed and he personally cannot receive a fair trial and will fight returning home until that is resolved, while at the same time proclaiming his willingness to return to the TCI by private plane instead of waiting for his extradition from Brazil to be completed.

Ewing has not explained why he feels the imminent trials are a “farce”, as he called them in a recent letter to Britain’s Overseas Territories Minister Mark Simmonds.

The third talking point that is being spoken to widely by PNP members and supporters is their view of the overstepping of authority by Britain. This is being described by Ewing as an abuse of power and corruption on the part of William Hague, Britain’s Foreign Secretary. The tone of this talking point echoes similar comments made by Misick in each and every letter he has written.

One of the principal points aired by Ewing was the looming imposition of value added tax (VAT). On this issue, both political parties and the business community were united in asking for VAT to be abandoned.

Both Hague and Simmonds responded to Ewing’s speech to CARICOM heads by accusing him of failing to address the reasons why VAT and other measures were necessary.

In particular, Ewing failed to explain that the TCI is bankrupt and became bankrupt due to the actions of the PNP administration from late 2003 through August 2009, when Britain imposed direct rule.

Further, Hague said that Ewing not only failed to speak to this problem that brought British direct rule but also ignored the consolidated loan of $260 million guaranteed by Britain and the support of numerous British advisers who, in three years of direct rule, have been able to raise government revenue and cut expenses to a break-even position.

Britain imposed certain milestones that had to be achieved before direct rule could be withdrawn and an elected government returned. However, the final milestone yet to be reached was the pay down of the loan, which must be refinanced by 2016 when the British guarantee is lifted. Britain requires the TCI government to submit an acceptable financial plan, which has not yet been achieved by the PNP government in its almost five months in power.

Hague pointed out in a letter to Ewing that there needs to be not only additional taxes but further cuts in spending. Ewing and finance minister Washington Misick and several other PNP ministers have seemingly turned their backs on this requirement and are promising the territory new infrastructure, more government jobs and a growing public sector.