Premier Ewing administration accused by Jamaican newspaper of “dishing dirt” to Caribbean investors
From Turks & Caicos Sun
A leading Jamaican newspaper has accused the administration of Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing of “dishing dirt” to Caribbean investors while he “cozies up” with American and European investors.
The criticism came from the Jamaica Observer, which is owned by hotelier Gordon “Butch” Stewart, in a Friday, June 21st editorial under the heading “CARICOM Crabs In A Barrel”.
The editorial stated: “We have very little regard for each other as Caribbean people. We know this by experience with the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) which, though not a member of CARICOM, seeks its support conveniently in the current Administration’s fight with Britain over Independence. We can’t help noticing how the Rufus Ewing Administration cozies up to American and European investors while dishing dirt to Caribbean investors who set the island on the road to development, long before others knew it existed.”
The leading article continued: “We can cite other examples, but so as not to embarrass anyone, let us use Beaches TCI which is owned by the chairman of this newspaper. The power of the Beaches/Sandals brand has taken the TCI from a little known archipelago, known for salt mining, to a thriving entity now able to attract top-of-the-line airlines, hotel chains, financial houses and build modern infrastructure.
Beaches TCI is now the largest private sector employer, the largest earner of foreign exchange, is responsible for nearly half of the flights into the island and is the biggest promoter, by far, of the island’s tourism. But despite all this massive investment, its presence is merely tolerated and every imaginable obstacle placed in its path to growth.”
The editorial added: “Jamaicans there (in Turks and Caicos Islands) are generally not embraced as brothers and sisters, despite the fact that we represent the most sophisticated example of multiculturalism as a country. The TCI would choose Asians and Europeans over us any day. Frankly, freedom of movement is still the biggest regional joke. But our leaders will meet every year at their well-fed Caricom Heads of Government summit to sign the usual communiqué in which the only differences are a minor change of issues or freshly elected actors. We must ask ourselves, urgently, is this all we are worth?”
The TCI Government is currently in re-negotiations with Beaches over a controversial 2006 Development Agreement which granted the hotel generous immigration and customs concessions. A beach access between Beaches Resort and the former Veranda Hotel, which was bought by Stewart for close to US$100million, is also another contentious issue between the two sides.
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Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Rufus Ewing Heads to Toronto
From Caribbean Journal
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Dr Rufus Ewing is heading to Canada Tuesday to participate in Caribbean Week in Toronto.
Ewing, who is also the territory’s Tourism Minister, will address travel industry officials on June 26 and speak with agents on June 27.
Later this week, he will meet with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa.
“Caribbean Week in Toronto is another important avenue through which we continue to remind potential travelers and industry practitioners of the quality and unforgettable experience that awaits them in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” Ewing said. “I thank the CTO for continuing to provide these opportunities to tell our story to the world.”
Ewing is leading a delegation including Tourist Board Chairman Kingsley Been, marketing officer Candesha Swann and Ronlee James, Head of Secretariat in the Office of the Premier.
Education Minister Akierra Missick is serving as Premier during Ewing’s absence.
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