Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing yesterday met with Baroness Anelay, FCO Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories and had the opportunity to discuss a number of issues of importance to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Premier Ewing impressed upon Minister Anelay, the urgency of the state of affairs as it relates to illegal migration and the threat that it poses to the national security of the Turks and Caicos Islands for which the U.K. holds responsibility.
Premier Ewing advised the Minister that The Turks and Caicos is insisting upon greater support from the U.K. Government in the area of border security, defense and internal security. On the heels of the Premier’s meeting with Minister Anelay the Premier requested of the Governor, Commissioner of Police, and Immigration Minister to execute a joint approach with regional assistance to combat illegal immigration and crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Minister invited the Premier to apply to the newly created U.K. OTs Complex Stability and Security Fund to address the need presented for greater border security.
Premier Ewing also discussed the issue of the status of the Chief Financial Officer in the TCI for which the Minister responded that it was unfortunate that they were unable to execute the request of the Premier as discussed with her predecessor but that she has already committed to the process of the position of the CFO being removed from the TCI constitution by Order in Council and also stated that that process should be completed by the end of March 2017. And is quoted as saying, “a promise made and that promise would be kept as I am a woman to my word”.
Premier Ewing further requested of the Minister, an indication of the progress being made with the amendments to the Crown Land Ordinance previously submitted by TCIG to the FCO. The Minister reassured the Premier that the review is progressing well and positively save for responses that were requested from the TCI AG Chambers that were yet to be submitted. It is anticipated that this bill would be one of the first bills that Premier will bring to the House of Assembly after the upcomming General Election.
Premier Ewing described the meeting as being productive and very encouraging.
