| The People Speak |
 “A promise made is still a comfort to a fool.” This message echoed the sentiment of a group of residents in North Caicos who took time Monday morning to rally in opposition of the current PNP government. The demonstration took place in front of the Premier’s office in Bottle Creek, North Caicos - the election district of former premier Michael Misick.
According to one of the organizers, Mr. Clarence Selver, the reason for the demonstration was to stand up and let their voices be heard. “The people of this country were getting to a point where they are tired of this limbo,” Selver explained, “We cannot decide if we are going or coming, there is simply too much uncertainty.” The group of individuals held signs proclaiming their disdain for the current economic situation of the country and asking for the process to be along so the country can move forward. “We need to object to the former members of government and inspire them to withdraw their actions, so things can go on,” Selver said. Paramount to their argument is the legal process being staged by former Premier Michael Misick, whose appeal in the UK court is holding up the UK’s intention to suspend parts of the TCI Constitution. While Mr. Selver says they are not for the suspension, he says the actions by Mr. Misick and members of his party and government are at the center of attention of the Commission of Inquiry, and “for the sake of the country and our people moving forward, creating a sense of certainty and giving people a sense of stability,” he calls on the Former Premier to call off his legal opposition to what the British are recommending. However, they did not leave the argument solely at the feet of the former Premier, but also on the door step of the current government and the current Premier Hon. Galmo Williams. Selver says that while the Premier and members of his current cabinet were not necessarily directly associated with misdoings, they also did not stand up against them, “they are not totally innocent.” The demonstration seems to have been fueled by the remarks of Mr. Colin Roberts, Director of the Overseas Territories – FCO - upon his visit last week to the islands. “Right now, the government is saying is that they are impotent to do anything to assist,” Mr. Selvers explained, “In the meantime the UK is saying they are not going to pump money into an economy or a government that has been responsible for this dilemma, being that we are destitute. They have wasted the resources and the UK cannot put any justification to the UK taxpayers to help a country that has wasted the resources.” According to the group of demonstrators, the local people are suffering. So, they see it fit and fair that if the UK is determined to take over, as they see is the case, the current government should step aside and let the UK move the country forward. ”It is imminent that the UK will take over, although that is never something that I wanted,” Selver said, “I cannot see how anything short of the actions the UK are proposing are going to change the situation.” The situation being, from the perspective of the demonstrators, as basic needs of the local people are being neglected and resources are becoming scare. Selver describes welfare recipients not receiving their checks from the government and local health clinics lacking the resources to provide appropriate care. The demonstrators decided to take to the streets, “To be counted” as Selver says, “more persons in this country need to speak up and take a stand. Without us doing that, no one can determine what their concerns or aspirations are. “ While the leaders and participants appeared to be mostly members of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), such as Selver himself, he argues that this was not politically motivated. “What is about to happen cannot be looked at along partisan lines, these things are going to affect everyone in the country. It is high time people analyze what is national and what is partisan. For what is national, we have to take a stand and let our voices be heard. Not be silent because of party affiliation,” Selver proclaimed.
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