GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, May 15th, 2009 – “Mr. Speaker, members of my government, leader of the opposition, members of this Honourable house, my people of the Turks and Caicos a pleasant good morning.
Mr. Speaker, as the leader of this beautiful country, I am happy to give a statement of the progress that my government has made in the last 45 days. Mr. speaker, we both know that as a people we have the opportunity to do anything, we can. Mr. speaker, I would like to thank all of the people of the TCI for their kind words, their prayers and their support, it is only because of the prayers that we have made it and will make it. I would also like to thank all of the leaders and regional statesmen for their support to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and encouraged by the work that my government has accomplished to date. Mr. Speaker, my government believes in good governance and not only do we believe in it but we have put in place the legislation that will demand accountability and transparency for not only elected officials but also those at senior levels in the civil service. Mr. Speaker, we must be accountable to our people, ourselves and to the positions that we hold in office. The people we were sent here to represent demands this of us and as their government we honor their interest first.
Mr. Speaker, I know the TCI is showing promise and potential in these uncertain times particularly economically; but, Mr. Speaker, history has taught us that our ancestors met greater challenges and they faced it with vigor and strength and yet they overcame barriers to their freedom and self determination. Mr. Speaker, we must unite if only for our country, for our children and their future.
Mr. Speaker let us look at the development that has occurred in the TCI over the years, we need to ask ourselves: would this development have happen with HMG at the helm or with an HMG spokesperson in the Islands? I say no. It’s time to get real, face reality and move together in progress and unity. Mr. Speaker, I am one who is concerned about how we could improve people’s lives, building our country up and creating a bridge to the future.
Mr. Speaker, we are the ones in the TCI who knows our history. We have dreams and aspirations for our children and our children’s children. Mr. Speaker I know that it is us, who can bring the development, advancement and change needed in our country. Mr. Speaker, we should determine our own destiny not anyone else from the outside looking in.
Mr. Speaker, let me take this time to congratulate the hundreds of students who will graduate from both primary and secondary schools this year as well as those students graduating from colleges and universities; your hard work is admired and it will be needed in all your future studies. Your country needs you and your government is proud of you all.
I have said it before and I stand here today saying it again, Mr. Speaker: it is my sincere hope that we can all work together for the benefit of all Turks and Caicos Islanders. The biased, partisan politics time has expired and our people are calling on us to act in their best interest and the interest of building a united Turks and Caicos. My colleagues and I on this side of the house are committed to achieving that goal and encourage all others to do so.
Mr. Speaker, working towards a united Turks and Caicos some may say is easier said than done. But I am a firm believer that we are our brothers’ keeper in this small land of ours. My government and I have reached out with an olive branch towards anyone that wishes to work with us to build this country. Now is the time that we foster a new working relationship as our people demands that we do. The Turks and Caicos need strong leadership and I am honored to have this opportunity to provide it. But I am only one man and I encourage every citizen and resident alike who truly has the best interest of these beautiful islands at heart to join with us in unity to develop our islands.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for allowing me to make this statement. May god bless you and I pray gods continued blessings on our beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Hon. Galmo Williams, MP
Premier and Minister of Development and District Administration
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