GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Wednesday, November 5, 2008 – Premier and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Michael E. Misick, in making his Ministerial Address to the gallery at the Second Sitting of the Second Session of the First House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands Islands in Grand Turk, paid tribute and offered congratulations to Sen. Barack Obama, President-Elect of the United States of America, who yesterday, Tuesday, November 4th, won the general election in that country.
"Around the world people will see this new era of change. It is unprecedented that a person of African decent to achieve the highest office in the world," said Premier Misick, saying that this tremendous moment in history brought tears to his eyes, as "it shows us that hope, faith, is still alive."
In respect of thereof, he has two life wishes, one being able to see a black president for the United States, the other, the Turks and Caicos Islands becoming an independent country, shedding its colonial past.
Premier Misick then spoke of the hurricanes that recently ravaged our country, and of the resilience of Belongers as a people, declaring that: "we can be our brothers and sisters keeper."
He went on to make mention that Government would be extending the period of duty free for persons on the affected Islands, thus assisting them with their rebuilding efforts. Government will do its part, said the Honourable Leader, but citizens need to be proactive and do theirs.
With regard to the economy, Premier Misick stated that contrary to the official opposition suggestion, the Turks and Caicos Islands is not in a recession. "Over the last six years the TCI has grown an average of 16%; though we have not seen that level of growth this year, the country is not technically in a recession."
However, "We are affected by a global recession, one particularly with our major trading partner: America." The Premier said that Government will take protective measures with regard to education, road works, health care, and sports - the complete modernisation of our country and the investment in our people.
Government cannot do it alone said the Premier, citizenry must make personal sacrifices, cut-backs where necessary, thus minimising risks, as "we don't know how long these tough economic times will last".
In respect thereof, there is to be a freeze on hiring for the remainder of the financial year. Government will not issue any new scholarships, however, Government will honour all those whom are on scholarships. Other areas need tightening too said the Premier, particularly the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP), which so far has cost the TCIG close to US$30 million.
Hon. Dr. Misick's speech was one of precaution, not doom and gloom, where he urged citizenry be understanding in these tough economic times, as it was "time to prepare our people for the slow down of the economy."
Premier Misick said that there is a widely held belief that Government Ministers are responsible for everything. This is wrong-headed assumption, as there are managers within government that have the responsibility for various departments' day-to-day operations. The work of Government Ministers is that of a policy maker, he said, not a micro-manager of departments that fall within their portfolio.
He said that persons not performing at optimal levels needed to be named and shamed; where upon he theorised whether their lack of commitment was due to their political affiliation or being just lazy.
"We cannot have a situation where companies are laying off Turks and Caicos Islands first, and hiring others at the expense of Turks Islanders. These are the bread and butter issues that affect the lives of our people," said Hon. Dr. Misick, "We are calling on persons in key positions to do their jobs. As long as you're a civil servant do your job to the best ability for the TCI people."
In referring to the recent Chinese labour situation, Hon. Dr. Misick found this situation an unfortunate incident. However, he wanted persons hiring to adhere to the rules, regulations and policies of the Turks and Caicos. Furthermore, he would like to see Government departments be more vigilant in ensuing that Belongers are hired, hiring practises met and rules adhered to.
"This is the greatest country on the earth, it has one of the greatest promise. Our best days are still ahead of us," said Premier Misick, "but we have to work together. We can disagree, but not be disagreeable."
"We will always take the high road, as it is the high road that will lead us home. May God continue to bless us, and God continue to bless these Turks and Caicos Islands."
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