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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The New Parliment Building Is Open

At approximately 9:13 a.m. on Friday April 15th under cloudy skies, extremely humid conditions and the gaze of many patient onlookers, the official plane of Bahamian Prime Minister Rt. Hon Perry Christie touched down at the Jags McCartney Airport in Grand Turk. The Bahamian leader had arrived to share in the opening festivities of the new parliament building in the nation’s capital.

It would be a day of many firsts. The Rt. Hon Christie was on his first official visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands since taking office as Bahamas Prime Minister in May 2002; it would be the first time the Legislative Council would be addressed by a visiting Head of State and the first time many would see the new name of the building. It had been kept from view for months during the construction. Officially called the NJS Francis Building, the Parliament Building is named after Progressive National Party (PNP) co-founder and former Chief Minister, Nathaniel J. Francis.

Jags McCartney Airport
Arriving with an entourage that included Bahamas Tourism Minister Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, PM Christie was greeted warmly at the steps of his jet by

Chief Minister Hon. Dr. Michael Misick and Deputy Commissioner of Police Edward Hall. Commissioner Paul Harvey was off island.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Christie was formally introduced to Chief Secretary Mahala Wynns, Deputy Chief Minister Floyd Hall and Ministers Hon. McAllister Hanchell, Dr. Hon. Lillian Robinson-Been, Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Jeffrey Hall. Their spouses and other prominent members of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) were also introduced.

A relaxed looking Christie then chatted briefly with school children selected from private and primary schools in Grand Turk. One presented him with a beautiful conch shell as a gift and symbol of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Departing Jags McCartney after 10 a.m., Christie next paid a courtesy call to HE James Poston at his official residence at Waterloo.

Courtyard Ceremony
With the some of the clouds now parted to show the sun, a growing number of spectators braved intense heat under the gazebos of the Salinas, trees of the old parliament building next door and brightly coloured umbrellas, to glimpse Prime Minister Christie. Those with programmes fanned themselves for relief. “This is history today and sun or no sun I ain’t moving from this spot,” said one observer to nods of approval and laughter from others gathered.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Christie arrived at the NJS Francis building for the courtyard ceremony. Met again by Chief Minister Misick, he was introduced to Members of the Legislative Council including Leader of the Opposition Hon. Derek Taylor, Speaker of the House, Glen Clarke, former Minister Hon. Karen Delancy and former Chief Secretary Hon. Cynthia Astwood. Noticeable absent were Opposition Members of the Legislative Council, including Opposition Deputy Leader, Sean Astwood. (Full story on page 2 Inside Politics.)

Following the singing of the National Anthem by Denika Been, Prime Minister Christie was welcomed to the Turks and Caicos Islands in short addresses by Governor Poston and Chief Minister Misick. Brief remarks were also shared by a representative of the Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands Association.

Next was the unveiling of the name of the building by granddaughter of NJS Francis, Mrs. Elizabeth Francis-Been and a photo op for the media of Christie and Misick beside the official plaque. Following a 21 gun salute by the RTCIPF, the ceremony moved inside.

11TH Sitting of the Second Session of the 7th Legislative Council
On the second floor of the striking building inside the new Legislative Council Chamber, it was standing room only, as all gallery seats were taken by specially invited guests and well wishers. Ladies were dressed in their finest wearing some of the most ornate hats while men were dressed in business suits. The clear exception was former Speaker of the House, Rudy Outten, who came attired in top hat and tails. “To me, the occasion required the outfit,” he told the Free Press.

With the blowing of a single trumpet heralding the arrival of the Members of Parliament and Overseas Guests, Speaker of the House, PM Christie, CM Misick and Opposition Leader Derek Taylor arrived for the final stage for the ceremony; the 11th Sitting of the Second Session of the 7th Legislative Council.

After the singing of the Turks and Caicos National Song and prayers, the Oath of Allegiance was read by Chief Secretary Hon. Wynns and Acting Attorney General Eugene Otuonye.

Speaker of the House Clarke
In an eloquent address to the packed Chamber, Speaker Glen Clarke described the occasion as ‘august.’ He welcomed and introduced dignitaries and parliamentary members of staff from the different islands represented. These included the Deputy Premier of Bermuda, Ewart Brown and Speakers of the House and Permanent Secretaries from Bermuda, the Bahamas, Nevis, Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands. He then invited Prime Minister Christie to address the audience.

Prime Minister Christie
In his address to the Legislative Council, Prime Minister Christie said he was “honoured and privileged to be a part of the ceremony.” Citing the similarities of the two countries and their shared history, the PM said his administration would be looking to strengthen those ties and the deep level of co-operation that already exists. “In the months ahead, we will seek to concretize our pledge to strengthen relations by launching a number of initiatives such the reactivation of the annual consultations between our two governments on matters of mutual interest,” he said. He told the attentive audience that those ‘mutual interests’ included matters of national security, education, health, illegal migration and tourism.

Prime Minister Christie also took the time to thank the TCI government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands for “the magnificent way in wish they responded to the plight of the Bahamian people last September, following the passing of Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne.” To thunderous applause, Christie said that Chief Minister Misick and his delegation were the first foreign delegation to visit and tour the hardest hit areas, adding they were also the first to contribute to the relief efforts with a cash donation of $200,000.

Standing for the final words of his address he said, ‘May the spirit of the Almighty God continue to bless you and to guide you in the important work that lies ahead.”

Chief Minister Misick
In his response to PM Christie’s address, Hon Misick, called the Bahamas Head of Government “our brother, our neighbour, our friend,” thanking him for his attendance.

Reaching past partisan politics, he continued, “I would like to pay tribute to all my predecessors for the contribution they have made to our democracy and to this legislature, beginning with the late Hon J.A.G.S. McCartney our fist national hero and first Chief Minister.” Hon Misick went on to mention all the Chief Ministers who stood to applause. They were Hon Oswald Skippings, Hon Norman Saunders, Hon Washington Misick and Hon Derek Taylor. Hon NJS Francis, who died last year, was also remembered.

Opposition Leader Taylor
In his turn to address the sitting, Opposition Leader Derek Taylor additional sent warm salutations to Prime Minister Christie. He said, “I am honoured to welcome to you to the Chamber on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the PDM.” He too spoke of the many similarities of both territories giving highlights of shared history. In a humorous speech, he drew on his strong knowledge of both societies to stress on their commonalities from the church to politics.

Portraits
After the speeches was the unveiling of portraits of former Chief Ministers of the Turks and Caicos Islands painted by artist Neville Bolton. This task was undertaken by Chief Minister Misick and the subject of the portrait or a representative.

Unveiling the portrait of late Hon J.A.G.S McCartney was his son Amin McCartney. Hon Saunders unveiled his portrait as did Hon Skippings and Hon Washington Misick. The portrait of the late Hon NJS Francis was uncovered by his bother and sister while Hon Dwayne Taylor unveiled the portrait of his brother, Hon Derek Taylor. The Chief Minister unveiled his portrait with the help of his mother.

The final event in the proceedings was the unveiling of the portraits of former Speakers of the Legislative Council, Hon. Larry Coalbrooke, Hon. Rosita Butterfield, Hon. Rudith Outtten, Hon. Austin Robinson and Hon Felix O. Delancy.

It was after 2 p.m. when the 11th sitting was adjourned. Those in the packed Chamber waited patiently to exit with many stating the length of the proceedings was in keeping with its importance. Said one lady, “I was getting tired but if they hold it again tomorrow I coming back. Don’t tell me TCI people don’t know how to do things now.”