Turks & Caicos Premier, Dr Michael Misick

Reflecting on the past year, the Premier said, “As a country we have just experienced the most successful year in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2006, and all signs, indications and projections point to 2007 being a bigger and better year than what we managed to achieve together last year”.

The Premier, conscious of elements that seek to threaten the stability of the country’s economy, addressed the pressing issue of crime, which he says will not be tolerated.

He said, “As Premier and leader of this country, I wish to make it abundantly clear that crime and anti-social behavior will not be allowed to overwhelm or takeover the Turks and Caicos Islands.” He continued, “Residents, citizens and visitors to these islands must always be allowed to go about their daily lives safely.”

It is to this end the Premier went on to announce, “I will be seeking to engage the services of Giuliani Partners, which is owned and operated by former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani and which has advised several businesses and governments around the world on matters relating to national security and crime”.

In addition, according to Misick, he has secured the commitment of the US Ambassador to the Bahamas, John Darrell Rood to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands in the fight against crime and illegal migration. Rood has pledged the support of the United States and its resources including the US Coast Guard to assist these islands in the interdiction of Haitian sloops coming to these shores.

The Premier also pointed out that his government will continue to give the Police Force the resources it needs in order to perform while at the same time consider the possibility of establishing a full Defence Force to protect the country’s borders from illegal immigrants and its banks and shores from other illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of the country.

Turning to the topic of election the Premier noted, “the only person who knows when elections will be called in the Turks and Caicos Islands is me and as Premier, I will let the country know in due course”.

Misick went on to address some of what he calls “wild and wicked rumours” which he says are being circulated by members of the Opposition party, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). In particular he stressed, “to say that the country is broke is a dangerous and unbelievable lie”.

Premier Misick further disclosed that his government has recorded a surplus of $21 million with another $30 million in the bank. This, according to the Premier, shows that the economy is growing at record-breaking levels.

He further stated that, contrary to what his opponents might have to say, the construction of the two new hospitals will continue at full speed and the long anticipated CARIFTA Games will be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands over the Easter Weekend, on what he called a “world class track that will be the newest and the best in the entire Caribbean”.

Recapping on the passage of the Electoral District Boundaries 2006 Bill that makes provision for two new constituencies to be created on the island of Providenciales, Misick outlined the six seats that will now exist on that island. They are namely: Five Cays, The Bight, Chesire Hall, Blue Hills, Long Bay and Richmond Hill.

He also took the opportunity to announce the names of the two new candidates selected to join the governing party, the Progressive National Party (PNP), in the upcoming General Elections, those two individuals being Wayne Garland and Amanda Gardiner.

As it now stands, the persons standing for election in Providenciales for the governing party are as follows: Lillian Boyce for Five Cays, Galmo Williams for Long Bay, Karen Delancy for the Bight, Greg Lightbourne for Blue Hills, Wayne Garland for Richmond Hill and Amanda Gardiner for Cheshire Hall.

In closing his address, the Premier pledged to continue to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands on a path to sensible development that caters to, and empowers all of the people. He also urged citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.

He noted, “We intend to run on our record and stick to the issues. We will not malign the characters of any of our opponents or their families.” With that said, the Premier called on the Opposition to do likewise.

On his final note, he said, “I sincerely ask you to let us continue praying and working together as a proud, humble, peace-loving, God-fearing people for a brighter and better future for our beloved Beautiful by Nature country.”