This document seeks views on possible changes in the way in which TCI Government (TCIG) services are delivered in the ‘Family Islands’: North, Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay. In particular it seeks views and comments on the suggestions that:
1) all TCIG services in these islands should be delivered by a single team of public servants led by the District Commissioner (‘one-stop shops’), and
2) TCIG should encourage the creation of informal and unremunerated groups of concerned citizens
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to give advice to the District Commissioner and his/her team,
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to facilitate communication between that team and the community, and
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to encourage a degree of community spirit and self-help.
Background
The above suggestions were made in meetings and conversations during visits to the Family Islands in the summer of 2011 by the current Governor, the previous Acting Governor and others. There were frequent suggestions that:
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the needs of those living in these islands are different to those of Providenciales and Grand Turk,
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these islands are to some extent neglected by TCIG,
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TCIG staff serving in these islands are organised in an inflexible way,
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TCIG staff serving in these islands are not provided with adequate supplies and equipment.
There were particular concerns that some isolated members of the communities on these islands were suffering unduly because of reduced family and other support as a result of the current economic situation.
The above suggestions were subsequently discussed by TCIG Permanent Secretaries who gave them a warm welcome, noting that similar arrangement had existed some years ago and had appeared successful at that time.
An example of a community service which might be encouraged by local initiatives would be a bus service – maybe running twice a day – from the North Caicos ferry terminal through to the Eastern end of Middle Caicos and then back to the ferry terminal, and serving all the key North/Middle Caicos communities on the way. This would help the elderly in particular access shops and other services that are at present an expensive taxi ride away from their homes. It would also provide an inexpensive transport link for tourists and others wishing to visit the two islands. At present there is no organisation that appears ready and willing to investigate the economics of, nor then promote the supply of, such a service.
Questions
TCIG would like to know whether there is general support for the proposals summarised in this document. In particular:
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Do you agree that TCIG services in the Family Islands should in future be delivered through ‘one-stop shops’.
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Do you agree that TCIG should encourage the development of groups of concerned citizens on the islands, with aims broadly as described at ‘2’ above. (Such a group already exists on South Caicos.) If so, how should the members of such groups be chosen and appointed?
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Do you have any other thoughts, comments or advice on these proposals? For instance, should North and Middle Caicos have separate ‘one stop shops’ and advisory groups, or would it be better if there were a stronger team providing services to the residents of both islands?
Responses
Responses to this document should be sent to Tito Lightbourne in the Chief Executive’s Office ( trlightbourne@gov.tc ) by Wednesday 29 February 2012.
Assuming that there is a generally positive reaction to these proposals, a further more detailed consultation document will then be issued in April with a view to implementing the proposals in July 2012.
