RTC News received the following statement from H.E Governors office today that treads:
The Interim Government was notified on Friday 4 March by a group called Turks and Caicos United for Justice and Equality, that unless an announcement was made by 4pm on Monday 7 March setting a date for general elections to be held in the TCI, a ‘sustained campaign’ would
begin.
They will have known that this request was unrealistic.
UK Government Ministers published a statement on 9 December 2010 specifying the milestones that have to be met before elections can take place. Broadly, these address the TCI’s deep crisis in public finance and need to achieve a fiscal surplus, and the need to significantly strengthen the
governance of the Territory to prevent a repeat of the widespread mismanagement seen under previous administrations. Ministers were clear that they hoped elections could take place in 2012.
The UK Government has been consistent in its support for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands during this difficult time. The Interim Government continues to work hard towards the fulfilment of these milestones and is grateful for the contribution made by the Advisory Council,
the Consultative Forum, and members of the public who have taken part in the consultations we have held so far. Like the governments of many countries, we have had to take difficult decisions made against the backdrop of the continuing world economic downturn that has further damaged
the local economy. Nevertheless, the Interim Government appreciates the general support it receives from the wider TCI population.
We have been informed by the police that today’s demonstration in Providenciales attracted approximately 30 protestors who deliberately blocked the airport road. In doing so, the protestors frustrated access to and from the airport by tourists, Turks and Caicos Islanders and others going
about their work. The demonstrators present a distorted and negative impression of an otherwise friendly and hospitable people. Their actions show no respect for the right of law-abiding people to go about their legitimate business.
Although protestors have a right to peaceful demonstration, ultimately, targeting the tourist industry is self-destructive. It risks damaging the TCI’s reputation as a top destination and represents a serious threat to the jobs of many hard working Turks and Caicos Islanders employed
in the tourism sector.
