fp Turks and Caicos

The message Saunders delivered was that he felt compelled to run for the post, recognizing the country’s need for someone with a successful business record to move the country forward. “The next election is going to be an economic election, and it would be wrong to categorize it any other way,” said Saunders, CEO of Digicel TCI.

“From day one, the most important thing will be the ability of our next leader to get the economy moving again,” he said. Saunders believes his business experience is what is required to hit the ground running from day one. “We don’t have time to learn on the job. We need a leader who can land on his feet and immediately set the country in the right direction.”

Critics of Saunders say he lacks the political experience to take on the job. Saunders rebuts this argument with his ability to transcend his business experience to the political arena.

“I only lack political experience in relation to protocol, and that is irrelevant to move the country forward,” he said. He says his proven record in negotiating well and making tough decisions, among other business skills, is what one will need to be successful as the next leader of the country. Saunders believes the country needs a leader who is a CEO, someone with the skill set to tackle the enormous problems facing the country right now. He says priority number one is the economy, including getting stalled projects off the ground, bringing back investment to the country and restoring confidence.

Businesses don’t want political rhetoric, but someone who can set and achieve targets, someone with a reputation for being successful, he says.

“The election is going to be about who you can trust. Your personal reputation is your currency. People need to trust you to deliver on your promises,” he said.

Saunders says his reputation stands for itself. As the CEO of Digicel he was able to capture 50 percent of the telecommunications market in just three years, taking the business monopoly away from Cable and Wireless, which has been doing business in the country for 111 years. He was recently recognized by the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce as a finalist for the Business Person of the Year award.

The PNP as a party has its challenges to overcome negative associations, but Saunders says he expects a 180-degree change in the party and will prepare it to be ready for the future.

“The new PNP will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with any party in the world,” Saunders vowed. Focusing on building confidence in the PNP, growing its supporter base and revamping its policies to ensure its political transparency will be his first areas of business as party leader.

Saunders also committed to resigning his position as CEO of Digicel when he is elected leader so that 100 percent of his energy can be focused on the country.

The first person to lend his support to Saunders was retired hotelier and political expert Butch Clare, calling him the ideal candidate to run the country at this defining moment.

“I believe E. Jay Saunders has the vision, ability and commitment to put a choke hold on the hemorrhaging process we are currently experiencing in this country,” Clare said. “He is the person I believe can put up the sign for the investment community that we are open for business again.” Clare said although he respects and believes the other candidates are capable of leading the party, he was so moved that Saunders is the right person for the job, Clare has come out of his retirement to act as his campaign manager.

“I believe E. Jay’s level of success speaks to his vision, his business acumen and his ability not to accept failure as an option. That is not my opinion. His record is proof of this,” Clare said. Saunders plans to run for the seat which was previously held by his father since 1995, South Caicos South. For the first time in decades, Norman Saunders Sr. announced he will not be seeking re-election.

Saunders will be coming up against competition from at least two others in his party who have already thrown their hats into the ring. Carlos Simons and Clayton Greene, both lawyers by trade, have already made public their intentions for seeking the leadership position.

The election for party leader will be held at the PNP’s national convention, which has been scheduled for Aug. 7-8, unless the National General Council — which is made up of about 90 of the party officers and stalwarts — agrees to change the date.