Ousted Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon. Akierra Misick is advising her constituents and members of the public against speculating as to why she was shuffled out of the Washington Misick cabinet.
In a statement laced with patriotism and diplomacy, Misick was assertive that her political twilight years was is far from away, but for now she would contend with bank-bencher status.
The following is the former minister’s statement:
The Premier has advised Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, in accordance with Section 31(1)(c) and Section 36(1) of the Constitution, respectively, of the following ministerial
appointments with effect from Tuesday November 8th, 2022:
• Honourable Jamell Ryan Robinson, Minister with responsibility for Physical Planning and Infrastructural Development
• Honourable Shaun David Malcolm, Minister with responsibility for Health and Human Services
The Honourable Akierra M. D. Missick will continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Electoral District 5 Leeward and Long Bay.
In announcing these ministerial changes, the Premier stated “When the co…
Earlier today, November 7th, 2022, I bid farewell to my staff in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure, following the decision by Premier Hon. Washington Misick to make certain adjustments and relieve me of my Cabinet portfolio.
Since the announcement on Sunday night, the outpouring of support and well-wishes from my dear and loyal constituents of Leeward and Long Bay and also from the wider Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond, was truly humbling and indeed strengthened my resolve and commitment to be of continued service to the great people of this country.
At the outset, I wish to thank Premier Hon. Washington Misick for reposing the confidence in me to serve as Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure, following the decisive election victory of the party I love, the Progressive National Party (PNP), in February 2021.
To have served in those capacities over the past 20 months was a distinct honour and an absolute privilege beyond measure.
Let me also now take this opportunity to wish my successor Hon. Jamell R. Robinson every success in this new role and to assure him of my full support.
My friends, one of the hallmarks of a democratic society is that ALL Cabinet ministers serve at the pleasure of the country's leader, which in the case of Turks and Caicos Islands is the Premier.
The Premier can appoint and revoke any Cabinet minister's appointment whenever he sees fit, and he is not obligated to offer any reasons for that decision. As politicians we must be mature enough to appreciate and understand that.
It is frankly not right for me, or you, to speculate on these matters and I therefore urge you to refrain from so doing. In the final analysis, Cabinet positions are not life-time appointments.
This coming Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, will mark 10 unbroken years since I was elected to the House of Assembly by the wonderful people of Leeward and Long Bay.
With their support and on their shoulders, I have worked tirelessly for my constituency and my beloved country and by the grace of God I was fortunate and blessed to have reached the high office of Deputy Premier. I have also served in the Opposition for four years.
My point is that after a decade, I am acquainted with the highs and lows and the lived experience of a millennial, female politician. It has not been an easy road, my friends, but I can give you, the people of Turks and Caicos Islands, the assurance that I leave this portfolio of Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure with my integrity intact.
Quality of service and unquestionable integrity are among the hallmarks of great politicians and servants of the people, and I can humbly state that I, Akierra Mary Deanne Missick, will forever place a high premium on, and remain committed to, those core values.
My political career is not over. Far from it! As long as I am blessed with the support of my Leeward and Long Bay constituents and the residents of Turks and Caicos Islands, I will continue to champion your causes inside and outside the House of Assembly.
I will continue to be a loyal and faithful member of the Progressive National Party, this great institution that I joined 20 years ago. We were elected on a huge, record-breaking mandate and we must remain strong, steadfast and unified as we execute our mandate on behalf of our supporters and residents of Turks and Caicos Islands.
In the meantime, I will return to my law practice and continue to utilise my God-given talents for the common good.
We are currently facing some formidable challenges as a country and the last thing we need right now is division. As a party and as a country, now more than ever, we must unite against those negative forces that seek to threaten our livelihoods, our safety, our stability and our future.
As Shakespeare said in Julius Caesar, "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."
Regardless of the tide, we as a people must join forces and skillfully navigate the currents and pilot this ship of state to a destiny of prosperity.
May God continue to bless and protect us all.