Premier Misick Lays down the Law to UK in meetings

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 10, 2023 – The TCI delegation in the UK seems to be making headway on issues that matter to residents at home including illegal migration and the constitution as Premier Washington Misick described meetings with representatives as ‘productive’ following his ‘frank’ updates to them.

Misick has been busy, having already spoken with a range of senior UK Ministers including the Foreign Secretary, Home Office Ministers, and a range of other UK departments. Agreements from those meetings centred on the border security issue with the Premier securing promises from the UK that they will step up support to counter irregular migration to the TCI.

Also promised to the country is an ’imminent’ UK Government tender for a maritime surveillance aircraft as well as support to tackle crime associated with border security, and improve asylum processes.

Misick and Anya Williams, Acting Governor also met with Zac Goldsmith, Minister for the Overseas Territories in a bilateral meeting on Monday May 9th to discuss the partnership between the two countries.  As for the long awaited issue of constitutional reform which the PNP government has begun to advance.

“The Premier raised the need to reform the TCI’s constitution and Lord Goldsmith agreed to advance discussions on the cross-party proposals for reform,” the Premier’s Office said

Goldsmith said: “We recognise that the Turks and Caicos Islands have continued to strengthen their institutions and good governance, and it is right that we recognise this in our approach to the constitution.”

Misick, who had demanded as much from the British in his State of The State Address in early 2023, said: “My government is pleased with the United Kingdom’s commitment to advance discussions on the constitutional reform proposals set forth by myself and the Leader of the Opposition.  I am also pleased with the Minister’s commitment to assist with the ongoing threat of illegal migration and border security of our islands as this is vital to the future and success of our islands. In my bilateral with Lord Goldsmith, a frank update was provided, and, with the Minister’s commitment, my government will do everything in its power to ensure action is taken; the United Kingdom’s promise is delivered, and our border remains protected.”

The Joint Ministerial Council begins in earnest on May 11th.