fp Turks and Caicos

“The work begins anew!” The catchy phrase used by Mr. Clayton Greene, the new leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP) during his successful bid to become the leader of this power political machine. Our congratulations to him on his win but more importantly, our commitment is to him and the new Party Executive as they begin the work of placing democracy and the Constitution in the hands of the people. Undoubtedly, another awesome task of theirs will be the reshaping of the image of the PNP. While these might seem enormous, time consuming and challenging, the work begins anew because this arm of the PNP is fully committed to standing with them and all they aspire, to return government by the people, for the people to our island chain.

Gone are the days when our politics were just for the select few to dabble into or a certain educated elite set. Our party has the prime opportunity to transform the trajectory of our country in many different areas. The pressure must now be applied more like never before to the members of the British Oz that are presently occupying the reigns of government. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, our people want to return to some form of normalcy: representation, jobs, proper healthcare, scholarships, national security and immigration reform.

It is our hope that under your leadership, Mr. Greene that the youth will be a focus on your agenda and your platform in the months and years ahead. The youth of the Turks and Caicos are just one demographic that are eager for policies and plans that will empower and uplift them. The PNP track record has been stellar with regard to scholarships but now with over 500 students studying and returning to theses islands, opportunities should be afforded to them to gain the first hand experience they will need to build their careers.

Our people must begin to speak about independence with more confidence and not from behind a veil of fear. We have seen over the past year of direct colonial rule, a system of fear and victimization. Only one select group of persons have been profiting from this British Government and our people are being neglected. Today, like in no other country the Minister of Immigration is The Governor, The Minister of Education is the Governor, The Minister of Finance is the Governor and in every other Ministry, one single individual, the Governor, is the Minister. But time is not forever and we must all rally around our new leader to put our country on the right track again to self-determination.

Abraham Lincoln once said that “everyone is born an original but sadly, most die copies.” The mantle of leadership is now yours Mr. Greene and we are fully dedicated to seeing you and Progressive National Party move forward in newness and with strength. Remain resolute in your principles and your originality, leadership is not easy but it could be a rewarding and beautiful experience.