The PDM has issued a release to RTC News, when they first learned of the UK’s intention to issue passports for the Turks and Caicos Islands sometime last year during a Meeting of the Appropriations Committee, when the Permanent Secretary for Border Control, Mrs Clara Gardiner mentioned it in passing as she sought an increase in expenditure for the purchase of passports.
On that occasion the Leader of the Opposition as Chair of the Appropriations Committee inquired into the policy as it relates to the treatment of emergency situations and the proposed process. It appeared to be in its infancy stage but we found that Bermuda Government in a Statement issued last year said that it would lead the way in challenging this issue as an Overseas Territory.
We wish to remind the people of this country that these talks or dialogue will be with the PNP Government as it is the Government and not with the Opposition PDM Party. The Government has only within the last few days spoken for the first time to this issue. There were no updates provided and we now see the dialogue emerging again with the Minister confirming the UK’s decision. What the Minister of Border Control did not say is what his Government did do to engage the UK or the sister Overseas Territories on this matter. The PNP Government must tell the people of this country what representations were made on the people’s behalf.
We believe this intention to print passports in the UK is regressive and believe that the full process should remain in these Islands even if UK personnel were attached.
In light of the difficulties that we are aware that persons are encountering now with the lengthy process for British passports, we are convinced that this system may not be any better. We have real concerns about efficiency and we are also curious as to what will constitute an emergency. Persons can not find themselves in this country as some did this year without any Travel Documents especially since we do no longer issued other Travel Documents. We also believe that this may negatively affect revenues for these Islands as well. There are many more unanswered questions and the people need to hear from the Government on this issue.
The PDM believes that if this Government has not yet engaged the sister Overseas Territories or the UK, then it must do so as we believe that this step to be regressive and not in the best interest of our people.
Minister of Border Control, Hon. Donhue Gardiner made an appearance on RTC’s Expressions on Monday August 11th, 2014 where he discussed the passport issue among other topics with Rev. Conrad Howell.
