Skippings livid over sheer arrogance in bitter citizenship row

– as expats sue TCI Status Commission

BY DELANA ISLES

Turks and Caicos Islands

Citizenship – a prized possession for many – is once again at the centre of controversy in the Islands.

This week, Former Chief Minister Hon Oswald Skippingsa current member of the TCI Status Commission – responded to court filings by attorney Tim Prudhoe on behalf of several expatriates whose applications for TC Islander status were denied by the commission.

Records show that the applicants – who have resided in the Islands for a number of years –had initially applied for TCI status some six years ago; applications that were denied last year.

In court documents – which the Sun Newspaper reported on earlier this week – Prudhoe asked the court to “quash the decision of the commission as it relates to each of them and as contained the rejection letters. They are also seeking an order quashing the appointments of the commission members and an order mandating that a reconstituted commission reconsiders their application for TC Islander Status; or in the alternative, an order quashing the Turks and Caicos Islanders Status

Ordinance as being inconsistent with the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution.”

The members of the Status Commission are Herbert Been, Algernon Dean, Dozzlie Delancy, Benson Harvey and Oswald Skippings.

That news report also cited court documents that allegedly accused Skippings of perceived bias against non-natives, while also accusing Benson Harvey of ‘distasteful comments’ regarding the grant of

TCHTA’s Stacy Cox recognised as Caribbean ...

Tourism Association (CHTA) and the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE), where she served as president for three years.

The award-winning industry professional launched a social media page “Women in Tourism – Caribbean”, which has more than 13,000 followers on Facebook.

Stacy’s life motto comes from the scriptures: “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable

– think on these things (Philippians 4:8).” islander status.

“One of her association’s priorities for 2023 is to promote wellness in Turks and Caicos and remove the stigma associated with mental illness, especially given the widespread impact and after-effects of the COVID pandemic.

“Stacy Cox’s work in the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past 25 years has been nothing short of honourable and commendable,” the article concluded.

Skippings Replies To Court Filing

In a strongly-worded, and combative statement this week, Skippings accused the litigants and their lawyer – Tim Prudhoe in particular – of exploiting and abusing the court process for their own greed.

He stated: “The lack of appreciation by some expatriates for the cordial welcome extended to them, the subsequent granting of work permits, PRC’S and naturalisations, including Turks and Caicos passports, which have enabled them to live, work and establish massive businesses here, get rich and otherwise empowered, in some cases at the expense of disempowering indigenous Turks and Caicos people, is telling of who some people really are and what are their true intentions and ulterior motives.”

He continued: “Imagine the temerity and the effrontery to attack governments and citizens responsible for the issuance of Islander Status that would empower them not only to further erode our franchise, but to take it totally out of our hands so that we would not only be disempowered economically, socially and industrially, but we will no longer have the voting power to determine who our government is.

“In other words, not being able to determine who would represent our best interest in the House of Assembly and secure our destiny in our native land.”

The former Chief Minister staunchly asserted that he is not afraid to represent his position and the people of the TCI.

“I would like to inform the Prudhoes and all the other exploiters who clearly demonstrate that they don’t give a hoot about TCI governments nor its people, that you are now barking up the wrong dang (expletive) tree.

“Be it known that at the tender age of 20, I was fully engaged in the revolutionary struggle to protect, represent and empower Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“As my friend would say, ‘I ain’t never scared’. So as long as I have breath in my body, elected or not, I will fight for my people and country, stand up for my people and country and represent my people unto death.”

Skippings further emphasised that the granting of TCI status is not an automatic right, as there are conditions enshrined in the Constitution that need to be fulfilled.

“Your law degrees and your invasive, aggressive, greedy, and hateful attitude can never intimidate nor deter me. Yes, you are the attorney and I’m the layman, but not because I’m a layman means that I’m lying down in a comatose state, with no common sense, no national consciousness or no vision.”

He quoted: “Section 132 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Constitution clearly states an Ordinance shall prescribe the conditions under which a person may be granted the status of Turks and Caicos Islander, and (except in the case of a person who has a family connection with a Turks and Caicos Islander) those conditions shall include, but need not be limited to, the conditions set out in subsection (3)”.

An incensed Skippings also called out the defence attorney directly, stating: “So Mr arrogant attorney, did you notice the word “May and not Shall” when it refers to the granting of Islander Status? So be aware that you may qualify for consideration only, and not for any legal entitlement.

“So all you Prudhoes, when you have exhausted your futile exploitation of the courts here, you may go to the privy Council if you like.”

So let me inform you that you cannot intimidate me. I fear no man, only Jehovah God in whom I live, move and have my being. So you can huff and you can puff, but you can’t blow this house down.”

Meanwhile, the judicial review of the Commission’s decision –leave for which was granted late last year by Judge Tony Gruchothas not yet been listed for hearing.

Attorney General, Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles is also named in the judicial review as a respondent.