Jobs are here for you says Minister; Some are already on the job

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, February 23, 2022 – The vow came from Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Akeirra Missick, in response to ex-convicts in the Turks and Caicos, saying they have no job opportunities in the islands.

A viral voice note circulated in the Turks and Caicos Islands recently, is yet another in a series of the messages meant to shed light on the vexing predicament of persons with previous convictions trying to reintegrate themselves into regular society and the TCI job market.

In it, a man identifying himself as a person with a criminal record says, “I want you to share this so people understand how things are for people with a criminal record trying to do good. I’ve been out for months now, I’ve sent out like 20 resumes, people don’t want to give us a chance. The opportunity to prove ourselves… is precious to us. How do you want us to be law abiding citizens when you’re not affording us the opportunities? I don’t want to go back to that situation.”

The message of frustration is one that has been heard repeatedly by persons with criminal records.

Minister Missick was swift to point to employment opportunities now made available for Turks and Caicos islanders with a criminal past through the Temporary Employment Program.

She said, “those that have previous convictions, this is not a hindrance to you joining the program, what we will do is register you in the ‘Chance for Change Program in the Ministry of Home Affairs so that we can also work to securing full time employment for you in an industry.”

The Temporary Employment Program will last for six weeks, ending in March.