British Overseas Territories Director visits Turks and Caicos
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands: Mr. Leigh Turner, the Director for the Overseas Territories with the British Foreign Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom, was in the Turks and Caicos earlier this week, 5th to 9th January 2008. While there, Turner had the opportunity to engage with a broad selection of people, both public and private sector; with differing points of view in TCI, and was grateful to them talking to him so openly.
Seated L to R, Premier, Michael Misick, Leigh Turner and Floyd Hall, Minister of Finance. Standing, L to R: Jeffrey Hall, Dr Lillian Been, McAllister Hanchell and Galmo Williams
On Wednesday, the Director paid a courtesy call on the Premier, Dr Michael Mesick and his Ministerial colleagues, during their weekly pre-Cabinet meetings at the Premier's Office in Providenciales. One of the topics of discussion was matters arising from the meeting that took place with the Foreign Affairs Committee in London in December 2007, when Heads of Government from each Overseas Territory (OT) were invited to give oral evidence with regards matters of security and good governance, pertaining to an inquiry into the OTs, prior to the OTs convening to their annual Consultative Council meetings. Turner, acting on behalf of the FAC, said that a number of controversial issues were raised with regard to the governing of the TCI; however, when a comprehensive report is due at the end of February 2008, he foresees that these matters to be resolved. Moreover, the House of Commons will visit TCI in February, thereby ensuring that this country is taking the necessary actions to prove that it is a serious contender and can be taken very seriously as a player in the Caribbean. TCI stands at a crossroads stated Turner. As it develops, it will become "more wealthy and more successful, even then it is now". However, he expressed "cautious optimism" about TCI's future, as it is vital that this success is consolidated with the right legislative foundations to be put in place. The OTC Director had he advised Cabinet of the importance of putting into place the legislative framework to demonstrate that: "TCI is the kind of place where people can come and do business on the best possible set of legislative arrangements which the world will respect". Areas deemed important included: Crown Lands Ordinance, The Integrity Bill, Human Rights Bill and Financial Services Bill. During the meeting, the Premier informed Turner of his vision for the future of the TCI. He also made mention of the Ministerial Retreat, where he and his Cabinet will meet with senior member of the Turks and Caicos Government, whereby they will make plans for a way forward for 2008 and beyond. Turner says that at the rate at which the Turks and Caicos is developing, he expects only good thing in this country's future.