PREAMBLE
The People’s Democratic Movement values our GOD given unalienable right to chart our own destiny as a people and determine for ourselves the form of Government that we should be governed by. Our founders have enshrined in our party’s constitution THE MANDATE to protect this right as is stated in two main objectives of our party, “ b)to maintain the political freedom of the Turks and Caicos Islands and strive for the economic independence of her people: and k) to promote, nationally and internationally, the concept of human rights, self determination and majority rule for all the peoples of the world”.
To this end we submit to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands the position of the People’s Democratic Movement on Independence.
BACKGROUND and HISTORY
The PDM has always had self-determination as an objective in our Party’s constitution. In our first term in office 1976-1980 the Party agitated for and promoted a larger degree of self-determination for the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a democratic society we are committed to the promotion of this ideal through education and having an engaged and informed population that would make the decision on self-determination through a country wide referendum.
Regrettably, part of our history includes constitutional regression brought about principally by our political opponents’ actions while in office. The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands have paid dearly for their actions in every instance. First, in 1986 through the loss of our right to determine and direct the advancement of the financial services industry and secondly through the imposition of direct rule and the loss of our very advanced constitution instituted by our party in 2002 through the Constitutional Commission.
OUR POSITION
1. Decision by every voter
The right to determine what form of self determination our country takes in the future is a right that must be made by every voter. The heavy importance that this decision will mean for the country and by extension the day to day life of every man, woman and child and the institutions they make up cannot be over emphasised. It is fundamental that any decision involving a move to Independence, Integration or Free Association, as outlined by the UN as acceptable means of self determination, be taken with clarity after a period of political calm and while an elected Government can craft the terms of reference for a process that would not violate the individual rights of every person who will be affected by the outcome of such a question being put. In any case we support the Bermuda model to conduct such a process.
2. Education about self determination
People must be aware of their responsibilities and the benefits of independence, and the financial and opportunity costs of taking that informed and un-emotive step towards self-determination. People need to be aware of the threats and opportunities that go hand in hand with the status.
In light of the serious but important nature of this issue, we would seek to Commission a study on self-determination during our first term and engage the population on the issue.
3. Democratically elected Government must spearhead the process.
4. Appoint a Commission once elected
In preparing the people to consider self-determination/ independence there is a need to commission a study to identify the prerequisites for self-determination and keeping the public engaged every step of the way.
5. PDM”s list of prerequisites(what we need to be prepared or National Achievements)
We would seek to identify those important markers that must be achieved with regards to the level of awareness by the population even before there is a call for a referendum. These prerequisites to the referendum are listed so that they can be check marked as they are achieved.
- External Affairs – The handling of Government relationships internationally, negotiation of trade agreements, security, memberships to international organizations i.e. United Nations, E.U., OCT’s
- Internal Affairs – internal security is currently handled by the RTCIP, the need for a Defence Force or some other military agency must be reviewed?
- Citizenship and Visa Matters – Critical questions must be answered like, who would automatically become citizens of an independent TCI. Will we allow dual citizenships etc.. An independent TCI would have to negotiate with other countries individually and as a group in some cases to relax and/or maintain current visa requirements.
- Defence – Currently the TCI as a British Overseas Territory is protected through the UK’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). On becoming independent the TCI would be responsible for its own defence.
- The Economy and Commerce – Decisions about the economy cannot be based on emotions; this requires a total exploration of our current economic situation along with future plans. The TCI has previously enjoyed a high standard of living; a decision for independence must ensure that this standard is maintained and/or improved.
- Tourism – When exploring the concept of independence, other countries have found that most tourists are unaware of, nor interested in their current constitutional position. However, a country’s stability and security is known to out-weight the amount of sand and sea it has to offer.
- International Business – Currently this is the most likely means of diversifying our economy, as the second pillar after tourism.
- The role of TCI’s Monetary Authority (would this be the FSC or a new body would need to be created?) – The US dollar etc…
- Aviation – Currently the TCI is governed by the U.K.’s treaties with other sovereign states, an independent TCI will have to become a contracting party to the Chicago and Montreal Conventions, that regulates international aviation and that deals with the liability of air carriers to passengers and shippers respectively.
- Treaties – An independent TCI would have to form treaties, bilateral and multilateral with organizations such as:
- International Monetary Fund – IMF,
- The World Bank Group
- The Caribbean Community – CARICOM,
- Caribbean Development Bank – CDB,
- Inter-American Development Bank – IDB
- World Trade Organization – WTO,
- Free Trade Area of the Americas – FTAA,
- Association of Caribbean States – ACS,
- Organization of American States – OAS,
- European Union-African Caribbean Pacific Group of States – EU-ACP
- The Judiciary – Court of Appeal, a decision to continue with the Privy Council, or become a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the CCJ.
6. The need for Political and Social stability
Presently, the need to have a restoration of confidence and stability in government cannot be over emphasized. It has been cited as one of the most important areas that international businesses look at when making a decision to do business in a country.
7. Independence tied to a General Election is not acceptable; a Referendum is necessary
As important as determining what is the settled will of an informed and engaged population on the matter of independence, we lack the mechanism to call for a referendum. It is imperative for us to therefore push for constitutional advancement with that provision enshrined to enable to call for a referendum. We feel that only a democratically elected government has the moral right to call for a referendum by the population.
We hold the view that political parties ought NOT to run an election on the issue of independence because it does not leave the voter with a choice. A voter may wish to support their party but hold a different view with regards to independence. General elections ought to be about choosing a government, not deciding on independence. This issue must be treated as a separate matter.
9. Constitutional Advancement
To this end, we re- confirm our view that constitutional advancement immediately after general elections to set the stage for the pre-requisites for a move to self determination is still our best hope in the short term. In simply terms we must move to get back a return to internal self government before we embark upon a program of independence.
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