TURKS & CAICOS – Former Turks and Caicos Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson has extended congratulations to Premier-elect Charles Washington Misick and his Progressive National Party (PNP) for their victory at the polls following the general elections held on Friday, February 19.
Misick, a 70-year-old businessman and brother of former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick, led PNP to a landslide 14-to-1 victory over the incumbent People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).
Supervisor of Elections Dudley Lewis confirmed on Saturday, January 20. that the PNP won 9 of the 10 electoral district seats and all 5 of the At Large seats.
PDM leader Cartwright-Robinson, who was elected the country’s first female premier in 2016, lost her seat. Former health minister Edwin Astwood, who won the Grand Turk South seat, was the only successful PDM candidate.
According to the Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper, during a pre-Election Day virtual rally on the night of Thursday, February 18, Misick said “every survey in the last two weeks points to a PNP victory.”
“He told viewers he will be sworn in as the next premier on Monday, then on Tuesday he will submit the names of Cabinet ministers to Governor Nigel Dakin and have a fully-functioning PNP government by Wednesday.” The SUN reported.
“I can feel victory in my bones! I can appreciate, and I am thankful, for the confidence that I see that you the people of TCI are willing to place in my leadership and the PNP,” The SUN quoted Misick as saying.
The PNP leader continued: “We are about to witness the end of an ineffective government whose meandering has left you demoralized, but take courage because you have a reason now to hope and that hope is because of the vote that you will mark for the Progressive National Party (PNP),” he said, adding that Monday, February 22nd, 2021 will be a “red letter day” for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It will be the day in the life of a new government, a new PNP and this new PNP government will bring new hope to our people.”
“You’ve heard us for the last couple of months. We’ve invested a lot of time in putting together a winning team, a performing team. The PDM has out maneuvered themselves, they’ve overstayed their welcome and betrayed your trust and now it is time for them to be paid back. I want you to go to the polls and with coldness and boldness, vote the PDM into oblivion. We come for this work. We know the work is difficult, but I promise you we are prepared. We come for this work to ensure that none of you are left behind…..We plan to turbo-charge this economy to ensure that jobs are created.”
FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT FROM FORMER PREMIER SHARLENE CARTWRIGHT-ROBINSON
I have spoken to Hon C. Washington Misick this morning and wished him well.
I extended congratulations to him as Premier-Elect and his Progressive National Party for their victory at the Polls following the general elections of Friday February 19th.
The people have spoken loudly with their votes. We fully respect their decision and we wish the new Government the very best as they work for and on behalf of the people of these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
I will address the country further on Monday, February 22nd, 2021 following a Meeting with Party Executives over the weekend.
SHARLENE CARTWRIGHT ROBINSON
Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement
Former PREMIER of the Turks & Caicos
