fp Turks and Caicos

Government is reminding the public that the deadline for commenting on how to better provide services on North, Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay is Feb. 29.

After visiting the family islands during the summer of 2011, His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd heard residents explain that those islands have different needs than Providenciales and Grand Turk, and that they are to some extent neglected by government. They also said that government staff on those islands are organised in an inflexible way and are not provided with adequate supplies and equipment.

“There were particular concerns that some isolated members of the communities on these islands were suffering unduly because of reduced family and other support as a result of the current economic situation,” Chief Executive Martin Stanley when he announced the consultation Dec. 30.

One suggestion was for a bus service on North and Middle Caicos to make it easier and more affordable for the elderly to get to needed services, as well as to encourage tourist visits.

Government would like to know whether there is support for several proposals:

• Do you agree that government services in the family islands should in future be delivered through “one-stop shops” under district commissioners?
• Do you agree that government should encourage the development of groups of concerned citizens on the islands to give advice to the district commissioner and his/her team, to facilitate communication between that team and the community, and to encourage a degree of community spirit and self-help? (Such a group already exists on South Caicos.) If so, how should the members of such groups be chosen and appointed?
• Do you have any other thoughts, comments or advice on these proposals? For instance, should North and Middle Caicos have separate “one stop shops” and advisory groups, or would it be better if there were a stronger team providing services to the residents of both islands?

If there is a positive response to these questions by Feb. 29, a further more detailed consultation document will then be issued in April with a view to implementing the proposals in July 2012.

Send your comments on improving services to the family islands to Tito Lightbourne in the Chief Executive’s Office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Feb. 29.