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PDM Contemplates Appeal After Unfavorable Ruling on Tourist Board Dissolution

Writer's picture: Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI EditorVivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor

Left - Leader of the Opposition Hon. Edwin Astwood and at right Hon. Alvin Garland, the Opposition's Appointed Member.

In response to its failed attempts to have the courts scrap the newly implemented Destination Management Organization in place of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, and its application to seek judicial review, the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) is considering an appeal.


The case revolves around the dissolution of the Tourist Board by the Washington Misick government in favor of the DMO.


PDM leader Hon. Edwin Astwood and Appointment Member Hon. Alvin Garland announced their commitment to exploring all legal options after the court's decision. The party said it awaits the written judgment from presiding judge Chris Selochan, which should provide insights into the rationale behind the denial of leave.


While acknowledging the judge's decision, PDM said it firmly believes there are grounds for appeal, asserting that the judge may have erred in the exercise of discretion. The party contests the judge's findings related to lacking jurisdiction, undue delay, and the availability of alternative remedies, emphasizing the judge's purported failure to adequately address the central issue of a lack of consultation—a fundamental aspect in the judge's exercise of discretion.


Crucially, the PDM highlights that the judge rejected the government's argument challenging the legal standing of Hon. Astwood and Hon. Garland to bring the claim against the government. Despite costs being awarded to the government, the judge ruled that they were only entitled to two-thirds of their costs given the circumstances.


The Opposition says it underscores its commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues to rectify what they perceive as shortcomings in the judgment. They maintain that the lack of consultation, a core element of their application, deserves further consideration, and the judge's decision allegedly failed to adequately address this crucial point.


They said the PDM remains steadfast in its role as a voice for each Turks and Caicos Islander who was excluded from the consultation process, contravening their fundamental rights, or who faced job termination after years of dedicated service to the Tourist Board.


The party vows to collaborate closely with its legal team to scrutinize the forthcoming written decision and assess the feasibility of an appeal, expressing confidence in the strength of its case. PDM reiterates its commitment to upholding principles crucial to the rule of law and fairness.






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Acting on the advice of the Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick OBE JP, pursuant to section 31(1)(C) of the Turks and Caicos Islands...

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