Government
In 16 Years, the TCI will be a “Developed Country” reveals Vision 2040 plan
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos will be recognized as a developed country in the next 16 years with a high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens. That’s the mandate of the Vision2040 document, to be achieved by aligning government spending, projects, laws and development strategies with five key pillars;
- A High National Income;
- A Socially Cohesive Society;
- A Healthy National Environment
- Citizen Security and Justice; and
- Good Governance.
According to Athenee Harvey-Basden, Permanent Secretary of Finance, the government is already putting the pedal to the metal.
“Every time a new proposal for spending comes into the Ministry of Finance Investment and Trade, it is assessed based on the goals of the Vision 2040 plan. A new program must fit one of the five pillars and the necessary condition must be identified. Existing programs have also been mapped to the vision,” she said.
The plan was devised in 2016 by Washington Misick, TCI Premier, when he was Minister of Finance. It was carried on by Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Former Premier; however the official public launch of the project only came on
February 23, 2024 in a Bi-Partisan show of support.
“I believe this mission is achievable. I believe the goals are measured and supported by strategies set out in the documents,” Misick told the gathered attendees when he was invited to speak.
The Premier maintained that sustainability was a key part of TCI growth, as was collective deference to the vision plan.
“We must now share the vision widely and it starts today, going forward all ministries, departments, statutory bodies and private sector partners should ensure that decisions are centered around the collective vision, our vision.”
Misick promised that the plan would rebalance the scale locally, allowing just distribution of the country’s resources.
Drexwell Seymour spoke on behalf of the private sector which was consulted along with the civil service, public sector and civilians. He maintained that business efficiency should be increased in the Turks and Caicos for ease of access for consumers.
For his part, Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, encouraged all stakeholders to think outside the box and find ways for the TCI to become even more successful. Anticipating changes in the social and natural environment like the shifting popularity of the country’s islands, Astwood urged stakeholders to prepare.
“When I think of 2040 I want us to think outside the box, don’t think on the obvious, the easy, the low-hanging fruit. How is the Turks and Caicos going to look in 2040?” He continued “If you have little kids they’re going to be big men and women. What kind of environment are we leaving them?”
He maintained that Vision 2040 was ‘everyone’s baby’ and maintained all parties should be committed to it.
Cartwright-Robinson commented on the move in a piece published online maintaining that she was proud to see the vision move forward.
In commenting on the national development plan, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands said, “Vision 2040 aims to be a constant in an ever evolving environment to ensure we leave assets to sustain our future prosperity. The book itself is beautifully presented, symbolic of the scope and scale of your commitment and ambition of these islands. I am heartened to see the bi-partisan effort involved in the delivery of Vision 2040.”
Government
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DELEGATION VISITS WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM, UK
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
A warm welcome laced with cautious hope from residents is what greeted Edvin Martin, Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), when he was sworn into office on April 22, 2024.
Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Co-chair of the National Security Council, spoke on behalf of residents during the ceremony, held in Providenciales.
“We have been looking forward to your arrival and for everything that we know about you we are expecting great things,” Misick said, indicating the country was anxious for a return to more peaceful days.
Acknowledging that policing is not the job of a single person, Misick also vowed his support.
The residents who tuned into the live event shared similar sentiments, many welcoming Martin, others, hopeful that his confident words would come to fruition.
Dozens of congratulatory comments were shared by users to Martin, and obviously appraised of his record as former police chief of the Royal Grenada Defense Force commenters expressed satisfaction at his hiring.
“One country’s loss is the next one’s gain….all the best sir,” said one user.
Others were pleased with his introductory remarks.
“He speaks with great confidence, professionalism, and surety, I have faith that he and the entire RTCIPF will do well, God Bless and protect you all,” one resident said.
Another followed it up with “He speaks with great authority! We are looking forward to great work from you and the RTCIPF team at large.”
Others were interested and hopeful, but still cautious, comments included:
“We Shall see what will be what.”
“Hopefully we see more than just ‘Round-about Policing’ and Ticketing. We want guns off the street. Justice and Peace. All the best.”
Also in the comments? Residents seemingly from Martin’s home country of Grenada
“Proud of you Mr. Martin and I am confident that you will do an excellent job. God is with you and we love and respect you,” said one such individual.
Other residents were flat-out angry and called for boycotts of the ceremony.
Rodney Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Police, advised Martin to take stock of and put to use his entire team rather than engaging with a select few.
“I firmly believe that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We, your executive team, are here willing and able to work with you as our team leader to get the job done.”
For his part, Martin made several promises to the people of the TCI, for whom he is now responsible.
“As your Commissioner of Police, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to serve this nation with pride and integrity. I commit to being a Commissioner for the people and doing everything within my power to safeguard our communities.”
Martin began his tenure on April 22.
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