A strong positive outlook was identified for the TCI in 2012 when the Advisory Council held its first meeting for the year today Wednesday, 11th January 2012 at the department of Disaster Management and Emergencies in Providenciales.
A release from the governments press office noted that the Council, in discussing the year ahead, felt the economic situation was showing positive signs, led by a robust tourism sector. This sector continues to build on last years record breaking performance, which saw the TCI reaching the one million visitor mark for the first time. The sector is also expected to benefit from the Tourist Boards recent marketing efforts in Europe, which promoted the TCIs capacity to accommodate long haul jets
on the recently extended Provo international airport.
TCI will this year also be at the heart of NASAs celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the historic first orbit of the earth by an American John Glenn, and his landing off the island of Grand Turk.
The Advisory Council welcomed the appointment of the five new Permanent Secretaries and looks forward to working with them. It also welcomed the new Chief Executive of the TCIG Patrick Boyle, who took up office on January 3rd. The new PSs will work with Mr. Boyle at the helm of a restructured and fit-for- purpose public service, which will be tasked with providing efficient public services to the wider TCI community.
His Excellency the Governor Ric Todd explained the plans to wind up TCInvest and improve the delivery of the services for which it is responsible. A recent in-depth study concluded that the essential functions of TCInvest; inward investment, business licensing, small enterprise support and loans, can be delivered more effectively through other TCIG or external means.
This year will also see the holding of elections, once the ministerial milestones are met. A key part of meeting the milestones and improving the situation for the people of the TCI, is a programme of legislative change. The Council today looked at a programme of draft laws, which will soon be published.
Also in prospect for 2012 is the White Paper on the Overseas Territories, which will set the stage for a re-defined relationship between the UK and the OTs.
The Council reviewed the progress made in engaging the public on the pathway to citizenship in the TCI. It also discussed the recent interception of the two sloops and expressed appreciation of the excellent work done as well as lessons learned in the handling and repatriation of the passengers.
