fp Turks and Caicos

The National Conversation last week ended its second and final Phase with the conclusion of its Town Hall Meeting on all the inhabited Islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Turn outs, while not always favorable, yielded heated and beneficial dialogue. The issues raised were consistent throughout and the message was clear. The following issues continue to be of national concern and again the views were for the most part all consistent:

1. Economy – Introduction of new taxes, as it relates to crime and unemployment
2. Immigration and Labour – Need for policing and for a review of work permit holders versus unemployment of Belongers.
3. Civil Service – Right sizing and attitudes of CEO and Advisors.
4. Crime – More as it relates to unemployment and the inability for former inmates to find employment.
5. Electoral Reform – More as it relates to campaign finance regulations and Political Parties reform.
6. Transparency and Accountability in the Interim Government – The lack thereof and the attitudes of the Advisors.
7. Island Issues relevant to the particular Island

One single issue requiring immediate attention was identified in North and Middle Caicos. The General Public in these Islands has serious concerns about the proposed sand mining and the fact that neither the DECR nor the Consultant has spoken to the public about proposed sites. Persons with specialist and local knowledge identify the problems that will likely flow from dredging the proposed sites and warned against the approved activity. Both Islands have identified other sites where dredging will be more environmentally friendly and referenced the Docking area where boats carrying supplies are experiencing difficulties in getting in. This matter is flagged for urgent attention.

The Causeway at Middle Caicos is also flagged for urgent attention as in the absence of direct flights and boats, this Island is being sustained by the causeway which is in a serious state of disrepair and in serious jeopardy of being lost. Mention must be made of the residents who carried out minor works under the supervision of Cardinal Arthur.

Of major and immediate concern for the Island of South Caicos is the fact that the Clinic sorely lacks basic clinical supplies and medication. The people of this Island have (in an attempt to help themselves) embarked on fundraising initiatives.

The Report will include discussions of all participants and will catalogue all recommendations made. It is scheduled to be released February 16, 2011.