fp Turks and Caicos

Editor’s note: Ten teenagers were awarded a 10-day trip to London for their essays on the topic “A 21st Century relationship between the U.K. and the TCI.” We will be publishing the winners’ essays in this and upcoming issues.

A constitution was implemented in 1976 of a Legislative Council, consisting of a Speaker drawn from inside or outside the Council, but elected by the Council members; 13 members democratically elected from 13 districts; plus three members appointed by the Governor, the Government and the Opposition, the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney-General. In 2006 a change was made to the constitution where Honorable Michael Misick the Chief Minister, sought the permission to change from being named Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos to Premier and Floyd Hall Deputy Chief Minister to Deputy Premier. During the Premier’s time in Office he and his ministers worked hard to develop our islands making the way for foreign investors to invest in our country by building new resorts and condominiums on Providenciales; the opening of a cruise port on Grand Turk; The Ritz Carlton resort on West Caicos; The Dellis Cay project on Dellis Cay and Turks and Caicos Sporting Club on Big Ambergris Cay which had the largest private airstrip in the Caribbean. These investments were to provide jobs for our local people and attracted many tourists increasing our tourist arrivals tremendously and adding money to our country’s revenue.

Education was a major concern and many students received scholarships to further their studies abroad. New health care plan was put in place to facilitate the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands with state of the art equipment so that they can be treated on Grand Turk or Providenciales, reducing the need to receive medical attention abroad. Land was given to those who needed to build homes or commercial buildings. Everything seemed to be right and the country’s development and growth was in progress. Our government along with the Governor seemed to have the interest of the people at heart but not everything that glitters is gold not every book can be judged by its cover.

In July 2008, former Governor Richard Tauwhare acted on receiving speculations that there was possible corruption taking place among members of parliament and government officials and he called for a Commission of Inquiry to carry out an investigation. Commissioner Sir Robin Auld, a former Lord Justice of the court of appeal in England and Wales carried out the investigation and discovered that there was a high level of corruption among the Premier and members of his party, along with other government officials and civil servants. The country’s money was being squandered and was in debt with other countries for money that had been borrowed by Premier Misick. Reports were taken back to the UK where decisions were made based on the evidence collected to determine whether the UK should take full control of the country’s finance and suspend the government. It was now clear to everyone that our country was about to go through a period of change where our mother country the UK would have to step in and make adjustments to the constitution as well as laws by which our country is governed.

The Governor is appointed by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to be her representative and to carry out the key duties to support the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and some of the decisions that are being made are having a huge impact on the people of our country. Due to the economic status at present, unemployment is a major issue at hand. Civil servants received a ten percent cut in their salary. There are approximately 2,500 civil servants in the country who were all affected by this act. They don’t receive a ‘holiday payment’ neither an ‘overtime payment’ so how are these people going to provide for their families? A pay cut is often better than getting laid off but it is still a drawback because your work load does not change.

Unemployment is also one of our major concerns; many people are being laid off, especially the elderly people who have been dedicated to their jobs for decades. Young High School graduates who were unfortunate to not pursue higher education are struggling to find a job, even those who have furthered their studies and have come back to the Turks and Caicos Islands hoping to get hired immediately, are having a hard time finding one. This causes the citizens to become frustrated and depressed leading the youths and even adults to turn to the wrong avenue to gain income.
Our youths are being neglected and this shouldn’t be. There is need for a proper youth recreation centre where young people can be counselled and receive proper advice how to cope with the economic situation. The country is going through a time of hardship and it would have a negative impact on our future if we start having high school drop outs. Not everyone is educated where they can be hired and maintain their jobs so it would be great if we can have a trade school where a second chance can be given.

Our little ones are now hearing that they would not have kindergarten in public schools. How is it that we want to see the Turks and Caicos grow? A positive future for my generation is now in doubt. We need to question ourselves and our mother country why is there an increase in crime. It starts from some of the decisions that are being made. A mother would want the best for her child and the UK should feel the same way towards the Turks and Caicos. We need a relationship where it is ok for UK to intervene but the people of this country are free to give their input in making some of the decisions to better our country. Our mother country should not feel the need to destroy over forty years of political progress. The country’s entire constitution should not be suspended but corrected by withdrawing the unjust and putting honest persons who are loyal to this land in leadership positions.

We are a British territory and it is unfair that we are being treated as strangers. Our people should be able to live freely without the need to have to worry about the thought of taxation on our homes or any of our personal assets. The takeover was not intended for the people of this country to suffer but to better the economic situation. I agree that we should be scolded for the mistakes that our previous government has made in the past, but our future should not be jeopardized by decisions that would result in the people of the Turks and Caicos rebelling against the United Kingdom just to be heard. It should be resolved in a way that both sides can voice their opinions and work together in restoring our country to an acceptable standard. Our hope is not entirely lost but a change can make difference.