PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Monday, May 18, 2009 - Premier, The Honorable Galmo W Williams MP and his Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, the Honorable Royal S Robinson, MP, MBE left for London, England yesterday, Sunday, May 17th, 2009. Premier Williams and Deputy Premier Robinson will be in London from May 18 – 20 May, to hold meetings with high-level officials from the House of Lords, the House of Parliament, Government Cabinet Members, and Opposition Shadow Cabinet members.
The objective of the meetings are to change the tone of the discussion surrounding the proposed suspension of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2006 Constitution. Premier Williams said: “The Deputy Premier and I want to demonstrate to Her Majesty’s Government that our administration has made remarkable strides in moving the country forward along the path of good governance and transparency.”
Also, in the line-up of sought audiences with High Level British Officials to meet with Premier and the Deputy Premier are Great Britain Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown and Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Leader the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP.
In respect to the sought audience with the British Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, MP and the Leader of the Opposition the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP – Premier Williams said: “This year marks a decade since the 1999 White Paper: 'Partnership for Progress and Prosperity' which sets out the policy of Her Majesty’s Government for strengthening and modernizing its relationship with the Overseas Territories. I believe it is time for the Leader of the UK to meet with the Leader of the TCI.”
AGENDA FOR MEETING WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT
- The TCI Government’s ‘The Way Forward’ 19 point agenda Booklet .
- The Government’s response to a formal letter from the Rt Hon. Gordon Brown,MP, Prime Minister of Great Britain to negotiate twelve tax information exchange agreements.
- A new crown land manual to streamline the use and granting of the only natural resource in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- The Illegal Immigration Issue, for which Her Majesty’s Government is responsible.
- The Police and Crime Issue for which Her Majesty’s Government is also responsible.
While the Williams Administration has taken responsibility for the reform initiatives discussed above, the issues of illegal immigration and crime if not addressed immediately will undermine the Turks and Caicos Islands' brand, thereby worsening our economic prospects and creating contingent liability issues for Her Majesty’s Government.
END
