Chief Minister Michael Misick

Misick went on to say, “I would like to categorically say it’s my party’s position not to seek independence at this time.  It is also my party’s position that independence will not be a part of our platform in the upcoming general elections”.

“We came to office on a platform of change, on a platform to modernize our constitution and the relationship between the United Kingdom Government and the Turks & Caicos people,” stated Misick.

He stressed his strong belief that the outcome of the constitution that has been negotiated between HMG and TCIG represents the modern relationship. He said his government and party are both very pleased with the constitution they have negotiated.

Misick delivered his remarks at a reception held on Monday for Lord Triesman of Tottenham, the UK Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories, who had said in an earlier address, "Seven years on from the White Paper, this is a good moment to take stock of the relationship between the UK and the Overseas Territories”. 

Lord Triesman of Tottenham

During what has been described as a landmark speech, Lord Triesman highlighted the fact that unlike many independent countries in the region, the territories are not suffering from crippling levels of debt. 

“Although there has been an increase in serious crime in a number of territories - and no one can afford to be complacent - they are relatively peaceful havens, where there is respect for the law, and low levels of criminality,” Triesman said.

He noted that sustainable development is the key to ensuring that this prosperity and stability continues. This, he said, is especially significant in the territories, where natural resources are limited and the potential revenue-earning sectors have been traditionally limited to tourism and finance.  

“In an uncertain world, which is increasingly interconnected and subject to globalisation, economic sectors are more than ever susceptible to a wide variety of external factors, including changes in people’s pattern of behaviour and taste, and international market and regulatory trends,” stated Lord Triesman.  

He continued “to ensure development is sustainable, we need to make sure that the basic pillars are in place.  These pillars were identified in the White Paper.  They are: good governance, including the rule of law; protection of the natural environment; and human rights. Without this firm underpinning, sustainable development will not be achieved”.

Touching on the issue of constitutional advancement for the Turks & Caicos Islands Lord Triesman stated that he was very pleased to be involved in the negotiations on the Constitution in October, when agreement was reached on all the major outstanding issues of principle.  

He added that since then, they have been working on a draft text of the Constitution, which they have now sent to the Government and Opposition, so that it can be put out for public consultation.  

“A new constitution is a very serious matter.  It needs to enjoy broad support in the territory.  I hope that the public consultation process on the draft Constitution will prove that this is the case in TCI, so that the new constitution can be brought into force soon.”