| Ewing to run for PNP leader | | Print | |
| Written by Richard Green/richard@fptci.com | |||
| Thursday, 12 April 2012 14:04 | |||
 Dr. Rufus Ewing has announced that he will seek leadership of the Progressive National Party at its convention in May, which could make him a candidate for premier when and if elections are held. Ewing will go up against Carlos Simons, who announced his candidacy in March. Ewing said he resigned in March as director of Medical Services for the Ministry of Health and Human Services in March so that he could speak more freely on important issues. During a press conference April 11, Ewing said independence would be part of his platform if he is chosen leader, but he doesn’t know if most Turks and Caicos Islanders want independence because a referendum hasn’t been held. “I think over the last few years, more and more Turks and Caicos Islanders are convinced that independence is the best way to go,” Ewing said. “However, it is not my view to force independence on anyone, but through the process of doing what is right, in empowering people, making them mentally prepared for it, it will make them make the decision as to when they’re ready for independence.” Elections haven’t been set for this year, but interim administration officials say it’s possible if things go as planned. Ewing said he doesn’t really believe elections will be held, but he’s ready if they are. If no one else seeks leadership, Ewing and Simons will be vying to replace current Leader Clayton Greene, who was charged Feb. 7 with three counts of laundering money by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team. Greene says he’s innocent and will fight the charges, but he will not seek re-election as party leader and potential candidate for premier. Simons is a Queen’s Counsel attorney who served on the governor’s Advisory Council from August 2009 when the U.K. suspended elected government. He resigned in March 2010 when he announced his candidacy for leader of the PNP. He has publicly renounced former Premier Michael Misick’s government but pledged loyalty to the PNP. In August 2010, Greene — an attorney and former House Speaker in the Misick government — was chosen leader over Simons, Misick and Digicel CEO E. Jay Saunders. Ewing, son of former Deputy Chief Minister Hilly Ewing, is a doctor who worked in government from 2001 until he resigned in March. He helped revive and lead the Civil Service Association of government employees which has been involved in several strikes in protest of interim government policies. Click here to read Ewing’s announcement speech Photo: Rufus Ewing (Richard Green/Staff)
|
Related Articles
Entertainment: Your Island Guide
|
Top things to do in April Top things to do in April 1. From Golfing to More... |
|
Valentine’s Day Cup 2013 model sailboat races The Middle Caicos Sailboat Association will once again present the annual model sailboat races at More... |
|
Lime and Tourist Board announce weekly Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & LIME partner with Cultural Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist More... |
|
Turks & Caicos Reef Fun to host dazzling evening The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund will host its 2nd Annual Cocktail Party Reception on Jan. 26 at the More... |
|
Fashion Glam at Regent Palms The Regent Palms is inviting everyone to an evening of fashion and glamour at their event being More... |
Latest Community News
|
Cholera Clinical Management Training Held in the TCI Healthcare professionals from the TCI Health Services were trained in the Clinical Management of More... |
|
Illegal Haitian immigrants Intercepted Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted, to the Repatriated According to the Ministry of Border More... |
|
Ministry of Health Reminding public about sanitation Health surveillance teams attached to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) have More... |
|
Scholarship applications now being accepted The Ministry of Education has announced that they are now accepting applications for scholarships More... |
|
History and traditions stay alive at the 13th annual boat races in Middle Caicos The 2013 Valentines Day Cup welcomed many fun loving residents and tourists to Middle Caicos’ More... |