Turks & Caicos Premier, Dr Michael Misick

In his most recent weekly address to the country, Misick said that with the winter tourist season just a few weeks away, the new measure, which will be introduced by the United States Government next year, has the potential to affect the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas and the rest of the Caribbean.
 
Under the WHTI, with effect from January 8, 2007, all travelers will be required to have a passport or other appropriate secure document when traveling to the Caribbean or re-entering the United States by air or sea.

Noting that the Turks and Caicos Islands relies heavily on American tourists, Misick, who is also Minister of Tourism, said he is lobbying with colleagues in the Caribbean region to ensure that the US deals with this issue with sensitivity and compassion.

“Tourism is the main engine of our economy and I wish to assure all workers and stakeholders in the industry, and indeed the country at large, that I will spare no effort in ensuring that this vital sector is not affected by this initiative,” the Premier said.

He added: “We in the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to work with the US when it comes to preventing illegal drugs and illegal immigrants from entering their country. It is therefore only fair and reasonable that the US should refrain from implementing policies that can hurt the same small countries and economies like ours who they are depending on for help in areas that are important to them.”

The Premier said that the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard the economy, and the investment climate, in addition to ensuring that the livelihoods of its people are not affected.

He also noted that although the Turks and Caicos Islands is a small country, he will continue to let the country’s voice be heard loudly, firmly and clearly at the regional and international level, especially as it relates to matters that can affect the country either directly or indirectly.