News
Akierra Missick Prepping For The Future
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 25, 2022 – One of the biggest challenges the TCIG needs to tackle to better Islander’s lives is housing according to Akierra Missick, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development in a recent interview with Magnetic Media
“It is difficult to limit the matter to one important change because the TCI is still developing.” Missick explained. “What I will identify is the access to housing challenge we’re experiencing as Islanders is a reality. We are priced out of the market.”
Missick identified the area as one she had a particular interest in fixing, and as for other large plans, she says party leadership is not out of the cards.
As the youngest Cabinet Minister in TCI history, Missick has made her mark on the Turks and Caicos already and says as she eyes party leadership in the far future, two of her biggest inspirations are current party leader Washington Missick and her constituents.
Since entering politics in 2012, the PNP loyalist has worked closely with the elder Misick and describes him as a
“Over the last 10 years, he and I have walked hand in hand into the Cabinet and we then walked through the valley of Opposition in 2016 and back into Cabinet 2021. My admiration for Hon. Misick was solidified when I watched his “fire in the belly for the development of our People, our Islands and our History” speech in the Cheshire Hall constituency in 2012.”
She tipped her hat to other mentors including Norman Saunders Sr, R. D. Gardiner, Lillian Boyce, Ruth Blackman, Amanda Missick, and Royal Robinson.
Party leadership is no small feat, but Missick says life so far has prepared her well.
“The experience gained over the course of the last 10 years as the MP of Leeward and Long Bay, Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, and presently Leader of Government Business in the HOA, and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructural Development lends well to being prepared to lead a political party and the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet and Government. Working as a Minister, as well as MP in Opposition has provided me a clear understanding of how Government works, why decisions are made, and how to keep the system under review and improve on the areas that need improving,” she said.
Missick noted that her relationship with her constituents was also an important component, stressing that her political career is “based on the will of the people.”
“My goal is to serve at the best of my ability to enhance their lives, whether it is working through the Govt red tape, explaining processes, developing better infrastructure, bringing their concerns to Cabinet, reviewing, and implementing policy development, and supporting legislation that would enhance their lives.” She ended.