PREMIER AND DEPUTY PREMIER TO ATTEND JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021 IN LONDON
The Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders will be joining other Overseas Territory (OT) leaders to meet with Her Majesty’s Government in London, United Kingdom for the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) 15 -18 November 2021.
The Premier and Deputy Premier at the three-day series of meetings will have the opportunity to the meet with the new Minister for OTs the Rt Hon Amanda Milling, within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), other UK Government Ministers and MPs, senior UK Government officials and OT colleagues.
The Premier will also have the opportunity to highlight in-country challenges, successes and concerns during a special meeting with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Meetings will be focused on a number a pertinent issues and concerns prevalent throughout OTs including:
- Environmental Protection and Ocean Preservation
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Border Protection, National Security and Law Enforcement
- Economic Diversification and Resilience
- Strengthening UK-OT Relationships
The Turks and Caicos Islands will also have the opportunity to highlight domestic issues and challenges during a bi-lateral meeting. On the agenda for this meeting is the possibility of introducing a biennial budget as opposed to an annual budget to allow for more timely delivery on critical Government projects.
Important dialogue is also planned to discuss disputes regarding the Turks and Caicos Islands exclusive economic zone (EEZ) – the resolution and settlement of which, will aid in the diversification of the TCI economy through the expansion of TCI’s fishing industry.
Discussions at this bilateral meeting will also focus on the de-risking by financial institutions, of critical sectors of the TCI economy. As the UK holds responsibility for the regulation of the financial services sector in the Turks and Caicos, discussions will be centered on sector performance and compliance to meet UK mandated requirements and global standards; and exploring avenues to satisfy Banks risk and concerns for onboarding various economic sectors.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a significant diaspora currently living and/or studying in the UK. Premier Misick and Deputy Premier Saunders has extended an invitation to meet with TCI residents and students living in the UK during this trip, to hear their concerns and to provide updates on TCI Government initiatives and performance for financial year 2021-22 and beyond.
Joining the Premier and Deputy Premier at this year’s JMC are Deputy Secretary and Head of Secretariat for the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, Mr Miquel Swann and Ms Denika Been, TCI London Office Representatives, Mrs Tracy Knight (Head of Office) and Mr Kimo Tynes, Executive Administrator for Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment Ms Lareesa Robinson and Mr Aaron Garland, Office Administrator for the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.