Issued on Friday March 1 at 5:38pm, The Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister with the responsibility of the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority (TCIAA), Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Tourism Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Hon. Jamell Robinson and Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor today met with the Chairman and members of the TCI Air Traffic Controllers Association on the matter of their sick out and its potential to upend traffic at the Howard Hamilton International Airport (HHIA) on the island of Providenciales.

The Air Traffic Controllers today reiterated their request to the TCIAA for additional increases in pay, having presented a proposal to the TCIAA for increases in pay that range from 50-70%, as well as increases in allowances, Christmas bonuses and other remuneration requests. This follows on from the 31% increase in pay that was previously awarded to Air Traffic Controllers in 2022.

The ATC Association was advised of governments intention to undertake a comprehensive review of the salaries of all statutory bodies across government. This initiative led by Ernst and Young (Jamaica) is scheduled to commence in March 2024; however, efforts were being made to expedite this work; the recommendations of which would be back paid to April 1, 2024.

There was agreement from 2 of the 6 officers present at the meeting to return to work, while others advised that they were not in agreement to do so.  Recognizing the importance of airport operations from both a national security and an economic perspective, the Government working with the TCIAA has put in place arrangements to ensure the continued operation of the international airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick stated: “The HHIA is the gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands. On a weekend when international arrivals are expected to be in the thousands, we cannot allow the behaviour of a select few to disrupt the livelihoods, health, and safety of the people who make this country great.

Our government has been working with TCIAA and all other stakeholders to ensure the Howard Hamilton International Airport operates smoothly, and we intend to continue doing so. It is unacceptable to hold the economy and national security of our country hostage. Our top priority is the safety of all domestic and international travellers, and we will work to prevent any disruptions to travel plans.”

Her Excellency Anya Williams, the Acting Governor stated: “We remain committed to resolving the concerns of the nation’s essential personnel, but we must always place the health, safety, and economic stability of our citizens as our top priority.

My team has fully re-engaged Ernst & Young (Jamaica) to progress the review of statutory body compensation packages and will prioritize the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority. We are committed to have the concerns independently represented to the consultants and we look forward to an amicable end of all concerns.”

Hon Arlington Musgrove stated: “The I condemn the actions of those who have sought to disrupt the Turks and Caicos Islands’s economy via the nation’s gateway. It is unacceptable, and I assure the travelling public that operations will resume fully tomorrow.

The actions taken by a small group of persons had impacted national security and a threat to life. Medical evacuations and flights were delayed, causing a triple effect on the travelling public and the country.

I want to thank those who have demonstrated their commitment to our country by realizing that we are better together than divided as a nation. Under the leadership of Hon. C. Washington Misick, my government has dialogued with stakeholders throughout the day, ensuring that they are kept abreast of the negotiations and, ultimately, the stern decisions made to protect livelihoods.