By: Piper Hanchell

This week has not been a good week for me having to mourn the loss of my Father “Ed Hanchell”. While I mourn his death, I am reminded of the strong Man he was and this compels me to respond to an article in the Turks & Caicos Weekly News Volume 24, No 14, and April 10-16, 2010 Secret land deal exposed.

In this article I shall point out the hypocrisy of Ms. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams, the Director of the National Trust and Mr. Blythe Duncanson of the Turks and Caicos Weekly News whom both have had a cordial relationship in the public media regarding myself and the PNP Government in the past and the facts surrounding what headlined as a Secret land deal exposed on the Island of Middle Caicos.

Our entire Country has fallen as a result of numerous rumors and unfounded allegations of the PNP Government by some Turks and Caicos Islanders and Foreigners alike. I have therefore decided to expose those who have decided to tarnish me by exposing them for who they are and publish facts regarding their own dealings with the PNP Government, the PDM Government and presently dictator Gordon Wetherell Administration so that the Public could Judge for themselves. Helen Garlick the special prosecutor may find this interesting as well.

There was no secret the PNP Administration vision for Tourism related Development and Inward Investment in the lesser developed chain of Islands including Grand Turk and Salt Cay premise on anchor Developments that would jump start those economies. Indeed the PNP Government sought Cabinet approval to enter into Development Agreements that included the sale of Crown Land. Separately, Commercial and Residential sub-divisions were also created in every island to support the eventual Developments as well as ensuring the birth right of every Belonger to own Crown Land.

Middle Caicos was no exception and neither was there a secret that the PNP Government had negotiated a major resort Development for the Island of Middle Caicos and created sub- divisions for its people. During our many press conferences and House of Assembly meetings this was revealed to the Turks and Caicos Public and was welcomed by Turks and Caicos Islanders and especially the People of Middle Caicos.

For centuries and decades the Turk and Caicos Islands granting of Crown Land included foreigners only and a few fortunate Turks and Caicos Islanders. As soon as the PNP Government changed the land policy whereby making it mandatory for Belongers to participate in all facets of Crown land allocations it was thought by many persons in our society to be too much for the Black Turks and Caicos Islanders. For the record, I make no apologies for the thousands of Belongers that I have assisted in obtaining their first parcel of Land and to the many that got another opportunity.This now brings me to the hypocrisy of Mr. Blythe Duncanson of the Turks and Caicos Weekly News who can be regarded as the Pioneer of fronting for Foreigners as far back as the early-mid 1980’s when he applied for Crown Land in Palm Grove, Grand Turk resulting to prominent Attorney-at-Law Mr. Ian Miller of Miller & Simons being the beneficial owner. Than recently he was granted 11.5 acres of Beachfront property on parcel 60000/75, Northwest Pont, Providenciales by the PNP Government in November 2005 and obtained a “CPL” Conditional Purchase Lease Agreement in September 2006 under the registered entity TCI HYDRA DEVELOPMENTS.

Mr. Blythe Duncanson approached the Government to resolve a dispute of ownership between himself and his son Mr. Beryn Duncanson over 60000/75, HYDRA DEVELOPMENTS stating that at the time his son had not registered him as a shareholder in the company and if the Government change entity to reflect him. Unfortunately, this was not a matter that Government could have resolved as requested and it was suggested to try and resolve the issue as a family or seek legal action.

On March 3rd, 2009 twenty (20) days after the conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry both Beryn and Blythe Duncanson jointly wrote to the Government asking for an extension of the same terms of the “CPL” Conditional Purchase Lease Agreement for a further 3 years by oral mention for the next sitting on the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands on March 4th, 2009. This written request for oral mention was denied the agenda of March 4th, 2009 and subsequently made the agenda as a written paper no. 09/47 which was withdrawn because the lease would have only expired on September 19th, 2009 making it ineligible for consideration.

I believe that Mr. Duncanson eventually succeed with his renewal request after constantly harassing the Governor although the lease had not yet expired making it eligible for renewal.

The hypocrisy of Mr. Blythe Duncanson is evident; in the midst of the Turks and Caicos Weekly News slanderous articles, he himself is guilty of the accusations cast on others regarding secret Land deals. “The old saying goes do not throw stones when you have glass windows.”

These secret Land deals are now exposed, perhaps special prosecutor Helen Garlick wants to look into this and all of your other Crown Land dealings during the PDM and PNP Administrations or perhaps should I tell her publicly? Now go to your usual anonymous rebuttal in the talk back section of your newspaper.

1. Who are TCI HYDRA DEVELOPMENTS?

2. Who are the beneficial owners and when were the shares issued?

3. Are there non-belongers involved?

4. Who are the Majority Belonger Shareholders?

5. Where the source of funding originated?

6. What is the current status of the Land?

7. What procedure and policy was 60000/75 granted under initially and renewed?

8. Was the original offer expired or valid at the time of taking up the lease in September 2006?

9. What was the original value of the Land?

10. Was it re-valued after the expiration of September 19th, 2009?

11. What discount was received and when?

12. What is the relationship with the Governor and Mr. Blythe Duncanson?

Encl – a copy of the map of 60000/75 adjacent to the former Crystal Bay Resort.

The Turks and Caicos National Trust was established in1992 by the PNP Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to be an independent body from Government, with complete autonomy, that could hold Land and areas of Cultural, Historical and Natural significance for the People of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regrettably, since 2000, the Turks and Caicos National Trust has operated as another Government “DECR” Department Environmental Costal Resources, acquiring more than 75% of its recurrent budget from the Government. In addition, more than 60% of project funding from the Conservation Fund goes to the National Trust to defray the costs of projects and programmes. During my tenure in office within the last years alone, the Government has financially supported the National Trust to the tune of almost three quarter million dollars ($750,000.00+/- for recurrent cost and special projects).

Rather than opossing the PNP Government we should have had the acknowledgment of thank you by the Director of the National Trust for seeking cabinet approval to transfer hundreds of acres of Land for preservation that the PDM Administration failed to perform over their many years as Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The facts are in November 2006 the PNP Cabinet did approve the following parcels of Land comprising approximately 600 acres for outright transfer and management to the National Trust subject to final survey.

Pre-dating this however, in July 2006 the Cabinet approved a major anchor Tourism Resort & Residential Development for Middle Caicos called Juniper Hold Development Ltd consisting of three (3) Five Star Hotels, Luxury Villas, Golf Courses, Marina and Casino and a further combination and mutation was approved by cabinet in September 2006 over block 40102 creating 12 parcels of land for Tourism and related Development which was awarded to Middle Caicos residents.

Subsequently a Development Agreement was executed by H.E. Governor Richard Tauwhare on September 20th, 2007 between the Crown and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Juniper Hole Development Ltd. Freehold Title transfer was approved by Cabinet in January 2008 on block/parcel’s 40101/ & 40102 in respect of the Development that comprised approximately 1,200 acres of Land for 15$M with the normal charge registered in favor of the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for 7.5M$.
(All Crown Land Transfers are subject to the signature of the Governor only).

The Development agreement executed by H.E. Governor Tauwhare consist not less than US$500,000,000.00 in phase one, annual scholarship contribution of $500,000.00, a maximum of 4.75 percent of the further sale of the properties to be placed in an escrow account in the joint names of the developer and government for the maintenance of the eco-systems and to encourage the establishment of small business in the area, revenue from sales of the villa Land comprised 10% of the market at the closing of each initial sale to a third party goes to government and a museum consisting of 5,000 square feet to be built by the Developer on five (5) acres of Land depicting the trail to be transferred to the National Trust.

Prior to any decisions by my Government a company called Strategic Information Studies Limited held a “CPL” Conditional Purchase Lease over parcel 40102 which commenced on March 3rd 1999 under the PDM Government of Derek Taylor and would not have expired until March 3rd 2098. The annual rent payable by the lessee under the terms condition of the lease was (US$73,500.00) per annum. This lease was cancel on the grounds of non-payment to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islandsprior to any of the above decisions.

LIST OF LAND APPROVE FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST IN NOVEMBER 2006
(Please note that the land description below describes the Island, registration section, acreage and block and parcel number. Wherever “PT” appears after the numerical number this indicates that block/parcel is to some extent not wholly and is subject to a final survey for a portion of the Land).
North Caicos – Transfer of Land to the National Trust
Wades Green Plantation – 26 acres (Parcels 50301/11pt, 50304/5pt & 50305/2pt
Middle Caicos – Transfer of Land to the National Trust
Vera Hamilton Primary School Building – 2 acres (Parcel 40204/42)
Conch Bar Caves – 193 acres (Parcel 40105/5pt)
Village Pond – 7 acres (40104/62)

Middle Caicos – National Trust to manage the following
Garden Pond Field Road – 185 acres (40301/3pt, 40301/24pt
Haulover Plantation Field Road – 34 acres (40301/17, 18, 20,21pt)
Crossing Place Trail West from Conch Bar – 138 acres (40101/0pt, 40102/0pt)
Indian Cave – 2 acres

These lands are in addition to Little Water Cay, Cheshire Hall, and Bird Rock already awarded to the National Trust.

The hypocrisy of the Director of the National Trust, MS Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams and Mr. Blythe Duncnason of the Turks and Caicos Weekly is evident due to their lack of publishing the facts of the leaked documents in their possession. (a court may soon obtain these documents during discovery)

The National Trust has long echoed the concept that their role is to hold land in perpetuity for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and purport that they oppose any sort of development within these protected areas. In fact, in 1999 the National Trust was awarded 99.26 acres of Land in Providenciales to hold in trust for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands Block/Parcel 61113/4( map attached).

A proposal dated October 7th, 2007 from the Director of the National Trust Ms Ethlyn Gibbs was submitted to Government for an elaborate plan to commercially develop Bird Rock Point 61113/4 consisting of 99.26 acres. A Marina, shops, dock-landing facilities and other facilities, (the whole nine yards), to capitalize on existing business ventures from Leeward Development was to be included. The final request of the proposal asked Cabinet to transfer all of the 99.26 acres to the National Trust for the purpose described above. Instead, in the wisdom of the PNP Government the Cabinet granted them only 10 acres of Land, which seem sufficient to carry out the Development as proposed leaving the remainder of 89.26 acres for future Generations.
My Government could easily engage the media and show up the hypocrisy of the Director of the National Trust, we choose not to.

The PNP believe and made it public as part of our Development strategy that limited Developments can be permissible within Parks, consistent with balancing the Development with the Environment unlike the Director of the National Trust, Ms Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams when it was convenient to her.

It is also allege that Ms. Ethlyn-Williams has beneficial ownership in this proposal. This secret Land deal is now exposed, perhaps special prosecutor Helen Garlick wants to look into this.

Proposal of the Director of the National Trust Ms Ethlyn Gibbs- Williams

October 3rd, 2007

Hon. McAllister Hanchell
Minister of Natural Resources
Ministry of Natural Resources
Pond Street
Grand Turk
Dear Hon. Hanchell

Re: Turks & Caicos National Trust Development Bird Rock Point

I write on behalf of the Turks & Caicos National Trust to formally register the undertaking of a joint venture between the Turks & Caicos National Trust and Mr. Albert Musgrove.

Firstly, the proposed development could be the solution to the issues that have arisen from the new development at the Leeward Marina that negatively affect the local boating population.

Secondly, the proposed development addresses the needs of the Trust in many sectors and could propel the Trust forward towards self sustainability.

Out puts of the development further underpins sectors within the 10-year Development Plan, namely creating initiatives for free movement of people within the country. It also will contribute immensely to the developing tourism product and supports sustainable development.

Although the Trust has had a conceptual plan for the development of Bird Rock Point for quite some time, it was not until about two months ago as faith would have it, were we able to entertain a visual plan of the potentials.

Phase I of the proposed development basically calls for a marina, a ferry terminal and commercial rental spaces. Other future initiatives include eco-lodges, restaurant and recreational activities.

The National Trust at this juncture is seeking the endorsement of the government for the project and any financial contribution it deems fit to inject into the project for the benefit of the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Yours respectfully

Ethlyn Gibbs

Executive Director

cc. Hon. Premier
Hon. Galmo Williams
Hon. Floyd Hall
Hon. Jeffery Hall
Mr. Albert Musgrove

Reply to the Director of the National Trust Ms Ethlyn Gibbs- Williams

October 6 2007

Mrs. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams
Executive Director
Turks and Caicos National Trust
Providenciales
Dear Ethlyn,

Thank you for your letter of October 3rd 2007, which seeks the endorsement of the Ministry for the proposed development of Bird Rock.

Firstly it is difficult for the Ministry to endorse a project without knowing the details. It seems only proper for you to provide us with the master plan for Bird Rock as well as the details of the Joint Venture between the National Trust and Albert Musgrove. Better yet, as partners in the industry we should have been invited to the presentation for the proposed project. It is this sort of collaboration that promotes partnerships..

While I applaud the National Trust for its innovation in seeking alternative ways to become self-financing, I am disappointed that the National Trust could enter into an agreement with a private investor for a high impact development such as a marina, yet only a few months ago when the Government tried to discuss an arrangement with the National Trust for a low impact residential subdivision for Belongers, we were reported to the Governor! The 10 Year Development Plan also speaks to finding land for Belongers.

I was also informed that during the recent National Parks Environment Advisory Committee when a similar proposal was presented, the Chairman of the National Trust was adamant that this land is for conservation purposes only and will not be developed.

I am concerned that the National Trust has become a myopic, insular and non-productive organization, calling on the Government only for financial contributions, land or matters such as the above. Despite numerous attempts by the Ministry to support a membership drive for the National Trust we have been ignored. Good leadership principles involve working with people to accomplish tasks, not using the high hand every time.

My Ministry would like to work with the National Trust in protecting the historical and cultural resources of the TCI. This is demonstrated by my support to transfer over 500 acres of land to the National Trust – the only Minister to date that have taken such a bold step! Further the National Trust is included in every programme and project of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, including the National Parks Environment Advisory Committee. I will also in short order nominate the members from the Government to the National Trust Council. It is time that we work together for the common good of TCI, I hope you and your Council share the same goal.

Sincerely,

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Hon. McAllister Eugene Hanchell

MINISTER

Correspondence from the Director of the National Trust Ms Ethlyn Gibbs- Williams

February 13th, 2008

Hon. McAllister Hanchell
Minister of Natural Resources
Ministry of Natural Resources Fisheries and the Environment
Dear Hon. Hanchell,

Re: Turks & Caicos National Trust Bird Rock Point Development

Further to correspondence forwarded to you in 2007 regarding the above captioned subject, the National Trust wishes to reinstate its intent following substantive undertakings by the European Commission and sound discussions with Mr. Albert Musgrove, a Turks and Caicos national.

The Turks & Caicos National Trust has been informed that the European Commission has consented to fund a tri-part project proposal submitted by three UK Overseas Territories, namely BVI, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos. The implementing agencies are the BVI Parks Trust, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos National Trust.

One of the sites in Turks & Caicos earmarked to be developed through the EU funded project, Management of Protected Areas to Support Sustainable Economics is Bird Rock Point.

Activities to be undertaken through the project at Bird Rock Point include the construction of education facilities, establishment of a botanic garden, a reserve for endemic culturally harvested palms and other low impact recreational initiatives.

These activities will be located towards the southeasterly side of the parcel.

The Turks & Caicos National Trust Management Council has also agreed to enter into a joint partnership with Mr. Albert Musgrove in a business venture that would provide alternative means of transport for people between North and Middle Caicos and Providenciales. The development will also provide the so needed commercial space in the Leeward area for the National Trust, which would facilitate the management of Bird Rock Point, Little Water Cay, Wades Green Plantation, Conch Bar Caves and other sites on Middle Caicos managed by the Trust.

This proposed development has the potential of propelling the National Trust forward towards self sustainability.

In order to move forward expeditiously with the two aforementioned concepts, the National Trust would like the Turks & Caicos Government to issue a transfer of title to the Trust for Block and Parcel 61113/4 Providenciales.

The transfer of this parcel to the National Trust incidentally was one of the recommendations put forward by consultant Dr. Lynne Barratt in a report submitted to the European Commission November 2007.

The Executive Committee of the Trust would be willing to meet to discuss this request further, should you so desire, at a time that is convenient to you.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams
Executive Director
cc. Members Executive Committee

I now turn my attention in particular to the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, and call on them to exercise and implement the first principle of journalism; which is an obligation to the truth. Democracy depends on citizens having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. This is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Journalists should be as transparent as possible about sources and methods so audiences can make their own assessment of the information. Over the past months and years, we have seen many articles in the media and in particular the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, which do not seek to convey the truth to the public, as they are faulted with one-side information, and there is evidently a lack of investigation and integrity to verify that what is being released to the public is an actual account.

May God Bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For related news: http://www.allvoices.com/users/TCIwatch

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/5610165-since-when-is-promoting-tourism-corruption-international-incident-unnoticed-by-the-world