Significant steps towards the Interim Administration’s milestones were taken at the Advisory Council (AC) meeting in Grand Turk yesterday Thursday, 3 November 2011.
Speaking at a news conference in Providenciales TCI Governor Ric Rodd outlined how several key motions agreed by the AC will contribute to making the TCI a better governed, more accountable and financially stable territory.
The two most significant decisions reached were (more detailed single topic releases are included):
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A wide ranging set of cost reductions and increased charges in order to close the current funding gap in the islands TCI health care system, as well as looking at new innovative ways of delivery services to Islanders.
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The launch of a voluntary severance scheme which will contribute to making the TCI Civil Service sustainable, efficient and the right size for its population. It will also contribute to the 25% reduction in the cost of the public service.
In addition Governor Todd outlined other papers that were discussed and which will be subject to later announcements:
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Responding to public feedback Governor Todd has agreed that only Turks and Caicos Islanders can initially apply for the 5 new Permanent Secretaries’ posts. Advertisements for these vital posts are due to appear shortly.
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Further work to prepare for a full public consultation on making the pathway to achieving Islander status more transparent is currently under way.
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Increases in work permit charges will soon be announced.
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A significant inward investment deal is soon to be signed.
“The work of the Interim Administration, the institutions and the people of the Turks and Caicos is doing to achieve milestone is accelerating. Everyone has the same end in sight – achieving the milestones allows free and fair elections to take place, but more secure in the knowledge that the Islands are better managed, more efficient and sustainable as a result of all of our efforts,” said Governor Ric Todd.
“There was a number of items at this Advisory Council that are of tremendous interest to everyone who lives here and I believe that we have struck a responsible balance between making the necessary difficult decisions and understanding the needs of the Islands as it works to emerge from difficult times.”
