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GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, November 7th, 2008 - The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands are this week carrying out a series of Town Hall meetings, which commenced, yesterday, Thursday, 6th of November in Salt Cay and Grand Turk. At said meetings, the Government addressed matters of concern, most particularly, the economy, the hurricane relief effort, and the commission of inquiry.
With regard to the economy, Premier Hon. Dr. Michael E 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, Premier Misick also stated that due to the financial meltdown in America, our country has felt an impact because we are financially tied to the United States, but we are not in a recession because we have sustained our positive growth.
Moreover, due to these financial factors, 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.
The Government has also extended the duty-free exemption on imports for Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay until the end of this year. Additionally, the Government intend on sending cascading letters to the merchants to insist that they pass on these benefits to the consumers and, if they do not comply - proper measures will be taken.
With regards to the hurricane relief expenditures, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Floyd Hall stated that moneys budgeted toward said relief have been spent adequately. To which, he noted, that the funds were used on the acquisition of temporary shelters, food, and the large feeding tents.
Furthermore, the Government has spent US$1.3 million on materials to help rebuild houses that were damaged due to the storm. Mr Elery James, the Rebuilding Coordinator, is responsible for the distribution of these materials.
Mention was made that the United Kingdom will provide grants to help with hurricane relief, along with providing the Turks and Caicos with two administrators to monitor the usage of these funds
On the issue of the commission if inquiry, the Hon. Premier informed all present that the Government is cooperating fully to help with this procedure. Premier Misick said: "I don't believe there was a need for an Inquiry and believes that the Inquiry is a fishing expedition."
Overall the government commends the community for their own individual efforts in getting back on there own two feet.
The remainder of the Town Hall Meeting are as follows:
FRIDAY, November 7th 2008:
MIDDLE CAICOS- 2PM AT THE CONCH BAR COMMUNITY CENTER
NORTH CAICOS AT 6PM AT HORSE STABLE BEACH
SATURDAY, November 8th, 2008:
SOUTH CAICOS AT 12NOON AT THE REGATTA VILLAGE
MONDAY, November 10th, 2008:
PROVIDENCIALES AT 6PM AT THE DOWNTOWN BALL PARK
ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THESE GOVERNMENT TOWN HALL MEETINGS.
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