PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands: The people of North and Middle Caicos no longer have to dream of a link between those two islands. That dream is now a reality.
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| (L-R) Jeffery Hall, Minister of Communications, Works and Utilities, Dale PierGiovanni of North Caicos Construction, Premier Michael Misick, Galmo Williams, Minister of Home Affairs, Delton Jones, Chief Economist and Alfred Smith, Chief Engineer, EMS |
Premier Michael Misick along with the Minister of Communications, Works and Utilities, Jeffery Hall and Minister of Home Affairs, Galmo Williams took the inaugural drive along the causeway which is still under construction from North Caicos to Middle Caicos on Thursday.
"It is a proud day and an emotional day for me",said Misick as he stood midway between North Caicos and Middle Caicos, taking in what many thought was not possible.
The talk about linking North and Middle Caicos has been going almost since the inception of the PNP Party noted the Premier. He went on to say, "I am happy that my PNP government was able to able to make the vision a reality".
Misick who hails from the island of North Caicos recounted the difficulties persons faced in getting between the two islands and also tragedies that occurred at sea that claimed the lives of individuals, most recently Marco Williams and Javon Missick, both of whom perished in January of this year when their boat overturned between Middle Caicos and North Caicos. "As I promised during the campaign, we intend to dedicate this causeway to the memories of Marco and Javon" said the Premier.
Jeffrey Hall, who is a son of the Middle Caicos soil, exclaimed during his remarks, "this is the most exciting time in my life and I am so happy to be a part of this historical moment". He pointed out that the causeway has already made a tremendous change in the lives of his constituents on Middle Caicos.
Hall explained, "This is actually the first phase of the project in a few months the bridge will be put in which will be 130 ft long. Boats will be able to go under and free water flow."
The construction of the causeway according to Hall is anticipated to be completed by October 1, 2007.
Apart from the causeway, a number of projects are currently ongoing on the island of North Caicos including tremendous road works, an airport terminal building and a first class port. All of these projects are expected to be completed within the next 18-24 months.
Chief Economist Delton Jones said that these projects add up to approximately $65 million worth of investment geared towards promoting economic growth in North and Middle Caicos. The government according to Jones is funding a fair bit, assisted by the European Union.
Misick says he anticipates that within three to four years the islands of North and Middle Caicos will see $300 - $400 million worth of investment coming in as a direct result of the investment projects his government has undertaken.
He went on to stress his government's policy when it comes to investment, saying, "Good solid modern infrastructure attracts good solid private investment. This has been our policy over the past four years and it has paid off in Providenciales and is paying off in the rest of the islands".
The Premier also mentioned that it is his government's intention to master plan the area surrounding the causeway to ensure that it is developed in an orderly manner.
North Caicos Construction is responsible for building the causeway and presently they are ahead of schedule. |
