Serve with Integrity and Focused on the People and the Constituencies.
Introduction
On February 7th, 2024, almost 60% of voters wanted a return of the PNP Party as the Governing Party for the next five years. Of course, the government represents all of us, regardless of who we voted for. Therefore, do not show any favouritism towards only the people that you think voted for you. In fact, do not show any favouritism at all. Work and engage with all the people.
You have been given a second term to complete what you started and to start some new initiatives. I know this is early in the term, but I want to remind you that you are a servant for the people. Each day as you get up and during the day while you work, always remind yourself that you are working for the people and any legislation passed should be in the best interest of the people. On second thoughts, before you pass any legislation, please meet with the people for their input and feedback.
Serve with Integrity
As you start with this second term, please serve with integrity. Do the right thing by following the rules and procedures. Even if no one is watching you, do your work thinking someone is watching you.
The PNP Party was given a second term in 1984 and a second term in 2007 but the Government at each time did not complete the second term. In 2025, you have now been given another second term. Break that spirit of greed and non-completion. It can be broken. All you must do is serve with integrity. Do not put yourself in any compromising position.
Put God first
Serving with integrity requires honoring God. Unity can take place if we put God first. Crime can be resolved if we put God first and truly abide by his word. Pray constantly. Every time you go to the cabinet, make sure you pray. Every time you get up, pray. Throughout the day, pray. Throughout the night, pay.
I was very pleased to see for the first time that the swearing of the cabinet involved the start of church service. That was an excellent start, and the Rev Johnson of St. Monica’s Church gave a great word. Remember what she said. Go back often and listen to what she said.
Communicate with the people
One of the faults I found with many successive Governments led by the PNP Party is the lack of communication. People often receive information only after events have occurred, and there are instances when no information is received at all. This lack of communication can lead individuals to form their own conclusions, which can result in the spread of rumors and fabricated stories.
Communicate with people as often as possible. It is best to overcommunicate. Let us get tired of hearing from you. The Premier should do weekly update with the people. The entire Government should meet with the people at least on a quarterly basis. Do not just use social media, go in communities like what you did during the election campaign. Speaking about communication, make sure that Radio Turks and Caicos is indeed the national Radio Station and is capturing local music and local news.
Remember the people
Do not forget the people. Make sure you are accessible to the people. Have an office set up in each constituency and have dedicated time each week so the people can come and see you. In addition to your office time, reach out to the people by phone calls and house visits. It makes a difference.
Do something in each constituency
Each constituency needs a facelift. Invest in the constituency. Build parks, plant trees, have clinics in each constituency, build community centers in each constituency, pave all roads and deal with some of the depilated housing in the communities. Honestly successive Governments have failed the constituencies.
Do things early in your first year
You have been in power now for four years and most Government appears to get a lot of things done in the last year before election. We are tired of that. Make as many decisions as possible, even controversial ones, in the first year.
Some of the things we must deal with are illegal immigration, the illegal sloops, the procurement process, the housing crisis and the cost of living. We cannot be too soft on these issues.
Remember the promises you made in your manifesto
There are three major projects I am looking forward to coming to fruition, the Credit Union, the Mortgage Fund and Housing Project. Personally I think these projects are taking too long. I know that the Government should not be involved in the formation of the Credit Union, but they decided to start it. If you do not have the right people, then change them so that the Credit Union and Mortgage Corporation can commence this year. We need to have the housing projects to start this year. The former minister of PPID said they were getting applications from November 2024, but I have yet to hear of them.
Lead by example
Finally, lead by example. One way to lead by example is to serve with integrity. Get along with everyone no matter what their political affiliation. Be fair to people. Act decent in private and in public. Do not be seen in inappropriate places. Let us see more of you in Church.
Conclusion
Following this advice can secure you a third term in government. I know people will be calling you and you will not be able to answer everybody’s call, but make sure you put a mechanism in place to communicate with the people.
Do you remember when covid was around? We used to get weekly updates from the Minister of Health under both PDM and PNP Administration. I want you to act like COVID is prevalent, so you update us as often as possible.
Finally, let me end by congratulating the Government on their victory on February 7th, 2025. Please do not take us for granted. Do not focus on Prestige, Power, Perks and Pension. Focused on the People.