Your Excellency on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands it is my distinct privilege to welcome you and your family to this Honourable house and to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These islands of ours were once home to the original inhabitants, the Taino Indians who considered the islands sacred. The Taino lived in tranquility and survived on the available natural resources. Then came the discovery and the exchange of ownership of these islands, between the Spanish, French and the British during the last 600 years. The colonial settlers came, enjoyed what these islands had to offer and left after resources were depleted and after survival and everyday life became too arduous. The slaves who were left to fend for themselves made this land their home. These slaves were our forefathers who toiled and labored, and did so to ensure that the people of these islands and their future generations would not have to make the sacrifices that they endured and would not have to suffer the indignity of bondage and servitude as they did, as it was their hope that their children would reap the fruits of their labour. It was indeed their dream that their offspring would be granted their birthright as these islands developed into a free, proud and prosperous nation where its people would have the right to self-governance and self-determination. Our history will show that although our forefathers may have differed in political ideology or may come from different islands across our archipelago, they were given this same vision for our people.
Today as we progress towards the realization of this vision, those who have given themselves charge over us as colonial overseers, have the responsibility and duty to ensure that each and every decision; from those made in White Hall, to those made in UK parliament! to those made in 10 Downing Street, to those made at FCO, to those made in Waterloo, to those made in the Cabinet and in this very House of Assembly; is always made in the best interest of the people of these islands. Lack of oversight, intentional hindrance from achieving our vision and or regression under colonial rule is not what we the people expect and is not what we the people will tolerate in a 21st century democracy.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has under gone significant transformation over centuries, with the development of both physical infrastructure and human capital. These achievements include the modernization and advancement of our education, healthcare and social protection systems, roadway and communication infrastructure and the development of a first class tourism industry, the mainstay of our economy. The attainment of political governance through locally elected officials and the progress towards economic independence while coming off the UK Grant and Aid were significant achievements in our history, so too was the advancement of our constitution to that which was crafted in 2006. These achievements were the result of hard work and dedication of a people determined to control their own destiny and I say to you today, that the spirit and passions that spurred our forefathers onward then are still burning brightly in each and every proud Turks and Caicos Islander today.
The vision of this Government and that of the Progressive National Party is that of a prosperous God fearing independent nation, where there is sustainable economic growth and development of an empowered people who enjoy prosperity throughout their life cycle being able to retire in the comfort of their wealth in good health. The many goals that must be accomplished in order for us to achieve this vision have been laid out in our manifesto and this Government has begun incorporating them within the various planning and budgeting frameworks in each Ministry.
As Government of the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands, our role is to ensure the preservation of the unique culture, heritage and ideals of our beautiful by nature islands. While we warmly welcome those who come to live amongst us and we graciously accept the contributions they make, we remain committed to the provision of jobs for our working class and the provision of opportunities for our people to allow for the expansion and empowerment of our middle class. The guarantee must be given that our people must not be left behind as we grow this economy and this nation. As a Government we acknowledge and accept our responsibilities and our role to make this vision for our people reality. To those who have authority over us, the expectations will continue to be that the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people should be second to no other.
Our Government is committed to the practice and furtherance of good governance in the spirit of fairness and equality, ensuring that the will of God and the will of the people are our guiding principles in each and every instance. Your Excellency we know that these guiding principles fall within your remit under the Constitution and we do look forward to your support in these areas particularly that of constitutional advancement in the interest of the people of these islands.
Your Excellency, as I once again extend to you a warm welcome to the Turks and Caicos islands as Governor, I hasten to say that there is much work to do in serving the needs of the people of our country, but together we will endeavor to address the many challenges that are currently being experienced and those that lie in the way of progress. We look forward to a mutually respectful, collaborative and cooperative working relationship as we strive together towards the attainment of our vision in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Related Posts
Nothing found.