Monday, August 7, 2006

by Oliver Mills

The Turks and Caicos Islands have experienced tremendous growth and development in the political, economic and cultural sectors under the competent leadership of Premier Michael Missick.

This growth and development was accomplished in a very short period of time, and is a reflection of a clear vision, mission and well thought out objectives by the PNP Government, and every citizen of the TCI has benefited immensely from it, and continues to benefit.

We therefore owe Premier Misick a big Thank You.

In the political sphere, Premier Misick's Government has transformed politics, and the political institutions of the TCI. It has negotiated a highly advanced constitution as a result of which the Office of Chief Minister has been replaced by that of Premier.

This is a higher and more prestigious designation, just short of being Prime Minister, which is the next step.

Being Premier brings greater local, regional, and international prestige, as well as more power and authority for our Head of Government to undertake even more extensive developmental programmes and policies for the benefit of the TCI. For this we say thanks to our Premier.

Also in politics, we see where our Premier practices a philosophy of fairness towards everyone, and towards the development of each island.

Even where the Opposition for now has its power base, in terms of the number of seats, one of the biggest and most rewarding economic projects The Carnival Cruise Line Project, is now effectively on stream in Grand Turk. The whole island is benefitting, because it is the type of development that involves everyone, and where everyone is a participant.

Even top Opposition politicians and supporters are having the time of their lives, and Grand Turk is buzzing with positive activity. Our Premier has therefore shown that he is a statesman by bringing development to an Opposition stronghold. Would the PDM have done the same? Our Premier has also shown that an elected Government serves the interests of the country as a whole, and not just that of those parts of the country that have voted for it.

He has therefore broadened our minds, and educated us to the fact that politics is about fair and positive Government for all.

In the economic sphere in particular, development projects have begun or will begin in each of our islands, contributing greatly to the economic where-with-all of their population. No island is left out, and therefore no island will feel that it is better than another, because of its progress.

All of our islands are benefitting equally. This goes a long way to creating economic and social equality among our citizens, since everyone will have what each has, based on their own preferences. Our Premier has therefore brought economic justice to the TCI, and for this we again say Thank You.

We have further seen many social programmes being introduced where our youth are concerned. The Cadet Core has taken off, and is being exposed to the values of citizenship, what it is to be patriotic, and the importance of good discipline, as well as being helpful, and ready to serve in any social area that requires their assistance. This is needed at a time when our youth need guidance and direction, as well as a sense of purpose, and also to feel a sense of belonging and being connected to something bigger than themselves, and to which they could refer and defer. This body is no other than the TCI itself, with its institutions that operate for the good of all.

Even senior citizens have been taken care of with increased monthly National Insurance payments, and this gives them a feeling of being cared for, looked after, and not being forgotten. Provisions are also made for the competent professional medical care of all our citizens, locally when required, and internationally when cases cannot be deal with here.

This is done without discrimination with respect to social and economic status and is an example of a caring and compassionate Government, where its citizens come first.

In the social area, we also have many of our students on scholarship at the local Community College, and at universities and colleges abroad. Many have completed their course of study and have returned to take up important positions in our country. More students are on scholarships than at any other period of our history.

When they return, they bring back fresh, positive ideas, which their places of work benefit from. After all, this is what real development is about, preparing people with the knowledge and skills to transform our society in a positive way.

Again, thank you Premier Mike.

We have therefore seen that the PNP Government under Premier Michael Misick, has made significant achievements in the political, economic and social spheres of our country's life. This has happened quickly and with great efficiency. When our Leader attended the swearing in of the new Prime Minister of Jamaica, at the ceremony where he stood among other Caribbean Heads of Government, his presence and stature made him look like the Prime Minister of the Caribbean.

He was confident, professional, and highly cultured and intelligent in his interactions with these Caribbean leaders, and provided a lasting positive image of the TCI and what it is about. Our island is therefore more widely known, and highly respected throughout the region.

Most importantly, because of our Premier's leadership, he has received two Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his efficient service in the governance of our country and its people.

One of the universities awarding him the Doctorate is his own, that he attended, and where he performed exceptionally well and was a credit to the TCI where excellence and professional conduct are concerned.

Our Premier has also shown us the value of education and achievement and has demonstrated how these should be given proper respect, which was not the case generally in the past. For all of this, and more to come, we all say with a loud voice, THANK YOU PREMIER MIKE.

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