Turks and Caicos Premier speaks of extensive progress
|
| Published on Saturday, August 30, 2008 |
Email To Friend Print Version |
By Oscar Ramjeet
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: oscar@caribbeannetnews.com
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands: Turks and Caicos Premier, Michael Misick, said that despite the downturn in the US economy, which brought massive job losses in the US, an anemic stock market, rising worldwide food and oil prices, and other setbacks, the TCI continues to increase its tourism figures and the growth of its economy.
 |
| Turks and Caicos Premier, Michael Misick |
This, the Premier said, was due to the foresight and effort of his government in searching out new markets in Europe, Russia, the Arabian Gulf States and new niche markets among the more affluent in the United States.
In an address to the nation, he pointed out that that the TCI has sought to enhance and diversify its tourism product, which has caused the territory not to fare as badly as many of its Caribbean neighbours. He stressed that, while most of other territories are cutting back in building infrastructure, the TCI has been able to push full speed ahead with its infrastructural projects.
He took pains to point out 23 projects that the TCI has completed and boasted that the TCI has in excess of 700 students on scholarships at universities and colleges abroad.
In addition, Misick said that these achievements do not include the number of private sector projects, which his government has been able to bring to the TCI in "these hard economic times worldwide.”
He pledged to continue to work accomplish even more of his manifesto promises, and stressed that before the end of his current term in office, "We remain committed to building a new campus for our Community College as well as a new Junior High School at Providenciales, among a number of other major public sector infrastructure works throughout the Islands.”
He disclosed that his government is bringing into force a number of anti-corruption laws, which will go a long way to ensuring integrity in public office, and said that three pieces of legislation have already been passed, which include: the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance, The Integrity Commission Bill, and a Ministerial Code of Conduct.
He also mentioned that his government will, between now and the end of the year, seek to pass several more Bills, including the National Health Insurance Bill; Real Estate (Brokers and Salesman) Licensing Bill; Electricity Amendment Bill; Builders Licensing Bill; Universities, Colleges and Training Institutions Bill; Private Investigators and Security Bill; Immigration (Amendment Bill); and others.
The Premier said that the ongoing Commission of Inquiry is not at all interfering with the work of the Government, and that his Ministers and himself will co-operate with the Commission.
He refered himself as the Chief Servant and pledged to remain committed to “Service beyond Self.”
He also referred to his personal life and said, "I do accept that, as Premier, there have been issues in my private life that at times may have caused distractions, and so for these unnecessary distractions, I sincerely apologize."
He added, however, that he will continue to maintain that personal life is and should remain personal and private and therefore he will not venture to address those issues in his broadcast.
He said that the nation is in need of prayer and healing and has declared Sunday, September 7, to be a National Day of Prayer and Fasting and he asked all clergymen and women and all persons to participate. | | | | Reads : 79 |
|
