The Minister responsible for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Akierra M. D. Missick, recently travelled to the Island of South Caicos affectionally known as ‘The Big South’. She was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ian Astwood, Director of Public Works, Mr. Garvin Thomas, Principal Architect, March Macaulay and Executive Administrator, Ms. Bernadya Smith.
On arrival the Minister and PPID team were met by the District Commissioner, Mrs. Yvette Cox, and Public Works Team Member Maxwell Thomas, who escorted them as they visited various sites on South Caicos.
This initiative provided an opportunity to become cognizant of the needs, as they pertain to repairs and maintenance of the buildings visited as well as to conduct an assessment of other areas on the Island, that may also warrant preservation.
The Minister’s objective was to review ongoing government projects and to assess any additional required maintenance works on South Caicos.
The team first toured and assessed the Turks & Caicos Government Complex. They next viewed upgrades to the Conch Ground Port, where Hon. Missick met with some of the local fisherman and was able to get their views on improvements that would increase the efficiency of the seafood industry in South Caicos.
The Minister and the PPID Team then visited the Marjorie Basden High School, where the Principal Mr. Rodney Cox, afforded them a tour of the facilities, pointing out the works that were done and highlighting other maintenance needs.
Hon. Missick reminisced; “It is always a heartwarming experience returning to South Caicos, an Island that I formed many of my favorite childhood memories on. The task of revitalizing the Island of South Caicos will not be an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination; but with the guidance of key stakeholders, and the Community in South Caicos, we look forward to enhancing and developing sustainable and resilient communities together.”
The Minister expressed her commitment to offer any required assistance through the Department of Public Works and by extension, the Ministry and assured the community of South Caicos that she and the Team at PPID will maintain an open-door policy and is readily available to hear any concerns and rectify any issues that may arise.
