An OpEd by former Tourism Minister Ralph Higgs
My Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Our Beloved Country. I have worked diligently in the private sector, as a businessman, and in the Public Service, always with the best interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands as my guiding principle. This commitment will continue until my last breath; so help me God.
I have served as the Director of Tourism for many years, as a Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos, and as the Minister of Tourism for four years.
As Director of Tourism, working with a professional and capable team alongside private sector stakeholders, we positioned the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premium boutique destination, the benefits of which we still enjoy today. I led the Tourist Board with vision, discipline, and purpose, fully aware and respectful that tourism is the bedrock of our country’s economy. I believe in our people and in the natural beauty of Our Islands.
In 2016, I was honored to be elected to the House of Assembly, with the PDM government, as the representative for North and Middle Caicos. During my tenure as Minister of Tourism, my colleagues and I faced many challenges, but we achieved much for our people and country.
A mere nine months into office, by September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit us devastatingly hard. Together with my capable cabinet colleagues, we rebuilt and emerged stronger. Following the reopening of our country, the Turks and Caicos continued to experience positive growth in tourism and development. In fact, our country ended 2019 in good fiscal health with record visitor arrivals.
As if Irma and Maria were not enough, in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the world, and our government was tested like no TCI government had been tested before. With no precedent to follow, we successfully guided our country through that very dark period. The TCIG was commended regionally for its management of the pandemic, and as a result, we were among the first to reopen our borders.
I have been tried and tested and I have never wavered nor reneged on my pledge to serve our country professionally and honestly at home and abroad.
In the upcoming general elections, I am offering myself as an all-islands candidate with the People’s Democratic Movement. With this dynamic PDM team, I will champion real prosperity for all Turks and Caicos Islanders. Upon taking office, I will ensure that each island receives the attention and resources it needs, not only to survive but to excel.
In Grand Turk, we will:
· Develop it to a stature befitting our nation’s capital.
· Review and where possible negotiate, the contract with Carnival to ensure its more beneficial to Turks and Caicos Islanders.
· Advocate for international airlift to connect our nation’s capital to mainland USA.
· Encourage private investment or if necessary spend public funds to develop at least one appropriately sized hotel to help sustain the airlift.
· Build a modern stadium that represents the nation’s capital.
In South Caicos, we will:
· Vigorously pursue private sector-driven inward investments and allocate government resources to develop and expand infrastructure.
· Invest in the fishing sector to support local trade and ownership.
· Transform the South Caicos economy into a more service-based economy.
· Convert the Conch Ground facility into a modern multi-purpose center to foster entrepreneurship.
· Clean up old wrecks and boats in and around the islands.
For North and Middle Caicos, which hold a special place in my heart, we
commit to:
· Work diligently to attract inward investments and develop infrastructure for
· private sector growth.
· Rebuild and reopen the North Caicos airport in partnership with the private sector.
· Advocate for greater and smarter policing and provide adequate police
· stations in the communities.
· Encourage more coop farming to grow what we eat.
· In Providenciales, my government will:
· Invest heavily in infrastructure to ease traffic congestion and create new
· roadways linking communities.
· Build a modern government complex to house all government offices in one location.
· Review reserve business sectors of our economy to ensure Turks and Caicos
· Islanders can lead in areas where we have proven competence.
· Open a trade school to encourage skill development.
· Establish clear ownership of our beach accesses and develop them for public use.
· Build a modern venue for our popular fish fry.
· Promote more small business development.
· Strive for a government that prioritizes Turks and Caicos Islanders, ensuring our country serves us first.
In the coming weeks and months, my party and I will share more detailed plans on how we will build a country we can continue to be proud of. Today, I ask you to make the decision to vote for me, Ralph Higgs, and the PDM all the way in the next general elections. I am ready to work for you and champion real prosperity for all Turks and Caicos Islanders.
The initiatives listed above, which I will push for in my next term in office, are by no means exhaustive. I will enthusiastically embrace, and support programs and projects advanced by my party, colleagues, and our people.
Thank you, may God continue to bless you and our beautiful country.
Comments