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TCI 
ISLANDERS can look forward to an extra day’s vacation next year if Doug Parnell gets his way.
The PDM leader is calling for a public holiday to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The royal couple, both 28, got engaged while on holiday in Kenya in October and will tie the knot on Friday April 29.
Parnell said: “Firstly I would like to send congratulations to the Royal couple from both the PDM Party and everybody here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Royal weddings don’t come along very often and this is sure to be a very special occasion and one that will be enjoyed by millions around the world.
“In the UK, a public holiday has been announced and I would urge the TCI interim government to do the same here. I think, as a British Overseas Territory, islanders should be given the opportunity to celebrate the occasion if they wish.
“The British Royal Family is much loved and respected here in the TCI and it’s nice to have something like this to look forward to. Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana, has a special place in the hearts of so many and therefore so does has her son.”
With the last Royal visit having taken place in 1966 when the Queen and Prince Phillip toured Grand Turk and South Caicos aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Parnell wants an official invitation to be extended to Prince William and his bride.
“We have waited a long time for a Royal visit”, added Parnell, “and maybe this is the perfect opportunity. What better way for any newlyweds to spend their time than relaxing in the beautiful TCI.
“I’m sure their honeymoon arrangements are already taken care of but I would like to see us extend an official invitation to the couple to visit in the near future.
“Certainly I will be extending that invitation on behalf of the PDM Party and hopefully it’s something that can be done at government level, and with a degree of real conviction.
“Not only would we be proud to host such a visit, it would also act as a perfect opportunity to show off our wonderful islands, which would be a massive boost for tourism and our economy in general.”
The Royal Family and the Middletons will pay for the wedding itself, but the British taxpayer will meet the cost of extra security and transport.
It will take place at Westminster Abbey, a venue that has hosted the weddings of the Queen and Queen Mother and was the venue for Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.
It’s expected the ceremony will be beamed live around the world, including here in the TCI, which are five hours behind London.
