Former Premier Galmo “Gilley” Williams has launched a scathing attack on Governor Gordon Wetherell and the British Government.
In a press release, Williams, who was Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands from March to August 2009, called on the Governor to “come clean to the people of this country and explain the influx of his fellow Brits, all bearing the title of Advisers as he was most critical of our elected government for appointing Advisers”. 

Williams said: “Almost three months after suspending our constitution and setting our country and its people back by some fifty years the Governor has yet to inform the public of his plans for moving this country forward or how he intends to empower Turks & Caicos Islanders. I always believed and still do today, that the British Government does not have a plan for this country.  It appears that their main aim is to cripple this country’s economy by stifling development and marginalizing Turks & Caicos Islanders.”

Williams said the British have accused the PNP Government of creating a climate of fear but that is exactly what they have created here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially in the last three months.  

“Persons are afraid to speak out against the actions of Wetherell supported by his Advisory Council and Consultative Forum; for fear that they might be victimized under the disguise of a “restructuring exercise,” he said.

Williams stated that during the seven years as the Government of this country, the PNP implemented many programmes and introduced legislation such as the PACE Programme, New Beginnings School, the Builders Build and a new Crown Land Policy, all in an effort to make sure that Turks & Caicos Islanders were empowered.

“Today I am disheartened at the fact that so many of our Turks & Caicos Islanders are being marginalized and being replaced by persons from the UK whose qualifications and experience still remains a mystery,” he added.

“In 2006, our PNP Government introduced a modern constitution which for the first time in our History saw a local taking up office as Deputy Governor.  Just a few weeks ago Mrs. Mahala Wynns announced her resignation as Deputy Governor and shortly thereafter H.E the Governor Gordon Wetherell announced that he will not be appointing anyone to that post. My fellow Turks & Caicos Islanders, this is a slap in the face to all of us as it shows blatant disregard for the people of this country and shows exactly what the British Government thinks of us.  They are clearly of the opinion that there is not one Turks & Caicos Islander trustworthy and qualify enough to become Deputy Governor. The governor has appointed Mark Capes to act in his absence and shows that this was their clear intention,” Williams added.

The PNP leader said it is his strong belief that Governor Wetherell and his British advisers are trying their best to frustrate Turks & Caicos Islanders so they can quit their jobs and make space for his fellow countrymen.

“A prime example of this is the situation involving former Registrar of Lands Kendle Williams. Mr. Williams, an intelligent and talented Turks & Caicos Islander resigned from his post after receiving a letter from HE Wetherell which slammed him for taking three days off work for medical treatment. I must remind you that Mr. Williams has made a valuable contribution to the Civil Service. A short while later Mr. Lindsey Musgrove resigned from his post as Director of Tourism after learning that due to an organizational restructure he would have to apply for his current post.  This so called restructuring of the Tourist Board will leave many Turks & Caicos Islanders out of work as the new organizational structure will see fewer positions available,” he stated.

Williams commended the staff of the Tourist Board, who over the years, have played a vital role in making the TCI one of the most sought after destinations in the world.

“As with the Tourist Board I have been informed that a restructuring exercise is underway at the Port Security Department.  Director of Port Security Clinton Wilson risk being replaced after making such an invaluable contribution to that vital department since its inception. Our own people are being shoved to the side and I am wondering if the Belongers who head up Departments such as that of the Police, Immigration, Medical and Customs, will they be next,” he said.

“Our PNP Government did not spend $18 million dollars annually educating Turks & Caicos Islanders to be placed on the back burners making meager salaries, whilst persons coming from the UK are in the frontline making huge salaries along with many benefits.
Turks & Caicos Islanders, those of you who say you love this country, you must speak out.  You must let your voices be heard.”