Progress, Praise, Proving – Premier says there is more to come

#TurksandCaicos, December 29, 2023 – He set a tone for a message of Progress, Praise and Proving; C. Washington Misick, the Turks and Caicos Islands Premier in his New Year’s Day address distinctively itemised his highs, his lows and his wish list in a reflective goodbye to the year 2023 and an optimistic salute to 2024.

“It is a time to retrospect – to measure performance, course correct, to adjust plans in light of emerging circumstances, to make fresh plans, and to set new targets. In so doing, I dedicate anew my efforts through God’s help, to the collective dreams and aspirations of us all,” said the seasoned politician who is approaching the close of two years in office as Premier.

For his PNP Administration, the year ended in dramatic fashion.  A string of headlining and status quo shattering moves included an $18 Million dollar pay raise for the public sector; everyone employed by the government learned that with immediate effect their take home pay would be 10 percent more and public school educators getting as high as a 57 percent boost in salaries.  Add to this was the increases to pensions and a solemn promise to support senior citizens with living expenses; a promise which in his NYD Address now comes with an implementation date.

“My government has uplifted the pension of public servants employed by TCIG before 1992, recognising that value was eroded by inflation.

My government has also announced the launch of a financial assistance program for needy seniors over seventy (70) years old. This is expected to take effect in April 2024.”

Early in his New Year’s Day message, the premier tackled the issue of what he said he hopes will be meaningful engagement with the private sector on also improving wages, acknowledging the fervent cries of residents who say even the trickle down seems to be plugged up.

“My government will use moral suasion to encourage the private sector to move towards a better and more equitable pay system for certain categories of workers.

Bearing in mind our achievements, I am humbled by the patience and forbearance of those who have not yet fully felt the benefits of this buoyant economy. I want to assure you that this government has your best interests at heart and is working assiduously to ensure that your needs are met and that opportunities are in place for you to survive and thrive, right here in the TCI.”

And for Washington Misick, the economy is healthy.  So is investor interest.  His prognosis is that there is more to come for the islands which have rebounded exceptionally after a dismal collapse of its leading industry amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“I am especially grateful because: Our economy is strong.  Our critical tourist industry continues to grow and outperform many of our competitors. Investor interest has never been better, and the pipeline of new development projects has never been deeper, better resourced, or of a higher quality. Although not enough, more and more Turks and Caicos Islanders are entering the Tourism Industry, aided by targeted concessions including stamp duty rebates, duty exemptions, and MSME grants.  Critically, the category of businesses qualifying for grant funding has expanded; and assistance has been rolling out at an increased pace by Invest TCI. You would be pleased to know that additional funding is being made available. Agricultural grants and relief have been made available to qualified farmers; and The fishing industry is targeted for special funding assistance.”

Identifying shortcomings seemed important to the premier in this message; there were new promises on old issues, he and his team had vowed to remedy through their PNP Citizens’ Contract.

“…my government will work to accelerate the delivery of yet unrealised promises in the Citizen’s Contract; many of which are at various stages in the pipeline. Additionally, in light of changing circumstances, there will be a reprioritising of government’s objectives which may result in swapping some projects for others that may be more critical.

My government will focus particularly on housing, the environment, community renewal, operationalising the credit union, agriculture, and fisheries, MSME with linkages to tourism, road and infrastructure improvements, and government office accommodations etc.

Step by step and block by block we are committed to building a stronger safer country.”

Frustrations and hurts about crime were once again laid bare.

“…we are deeply concerned and feel the pulse of the nation when it comes to the recent uptick in violent crimes and gun-related incidences. The communities of the Turks and Caicos can remember a time when petty crimes such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, vandalism, and theft made up the bulk of the matters to be policed and handled by the court. As a former police officer, I have genuine empathy towards the Police, and officers working in areas such as Border Services. The varied issues and challenges that they are confronted with daily are cause for alarm.

Many factors make a country a good place to live. Safety, law, and order rank high on any quality-of-life index.

My government will continue to resource the Police Force and other complementary agencies and will encourage partnerships with public safety personnel. We call on residents to be vigilant, prepared, and organised as we tackle crime together. We strive for a country that is safe and affords a high-quality of life and prosperity for all.”

There was optimism and a pep talk for citizens who may be tempted to give in to apathy; the Premier having already cited that inward investments were near $800 million.

“There is so much to do! be and become in the TCI for those who would seize the opportunities that my government is creating. Your role is to position yourself for the ongoing shift in economic opportunities.

I implore us in 2024 to think big, even if we have to start small. This is the best time to awaken our entrepreneurial spirit – to be ambitious and to take risks.

This is as good a time as ever to strive for excellence and if excellence is further away from our reach, it is enough to strive for continuous improvement. This is as good a time as ever to upskill, to take on a new hobby and to monetise it. This is as good a time as ever to find a niche and to consistently work it into a successful venture.”

Having already touted the opportunities established by his government since February 2021, Misick reiterated his method of management, as outlined when elected in an historic landslide victory 34 months ago.

“I did not promise you a smooth ride or harmony all the time, but I promised you an environment where creative friction will be stimulated, and where there will be progress.

Today, I reiterate the promises to listen, to be empathetic, to be supportive, transparent, and accountable.

I promise that every decision made in Cabinet and every decision made in the House of Assembly that affects every one of us will be for the greater good of the TCI. To all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I say thank you, for your commitment to the growth and development of this country and encourage you to become a part of the change you want to see.”

The Premier thanked the team, he said helped him to check his important boxes and called on his now, better paid Public Sector to deliver higher standards of customer service.

“My government promised to put the “service” back into “public service;” and on this, we have not made the strides that we had hoped, but the commitment remains, and significant progress is now being made to deliver.

More investment has and will continue to be made in reorganising public service management, providing the strategic tools and manpower to measure performance and speed up service delivery. Critical to demanding more from public servants was the need to improve their working conditions and remuneration.

My government has now put in place a compensation package for public servants that recognises the skills required and the weight of responsibilities of the differing roles and is moving rapidly to improve the working environment of staff.”

The Premier, who also delivered his thoughts and hopes in a video format which is posted at his Facebook Page, explained that he, his Ministers and Members are focused on creating not only a better life, but better living for Turks and Caicos residents and visitors.

“My government is committed to three principles of justice – equity, equality, and need; and is walking the talk and delivering for its people’s social development. You can see all the intervention made, whether it be in education, healthcare, social assistance, housing, childcare, or assistance for the elderly and the infirmed,” adding in his conclusion that, “I promise that every decision made in Cabinet and every decision made in the House of Assembly that affects every one of us will be for the greater good of the TCI. To all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I say thank you, for your commitment to the growth and development of this country and encourage you to become a part of the change you want to see.”