Country Report Turks and Caicos Islands July 2009

Review

The potential imposition of direct rule by the UK, which was announced in March, continues to dominate the political scene in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Full executive and ministerial power would pass to the governor, Gordon Wetherell, with the suspension to last for two years until scheduled fresh elections are held in 2011. The new premier, Galmore Williams, has welcomed technical assistance from the UK to help with needed reforms, but continues to ask to remain in power to see through the changes. Despite international criticism, the UK government will press ahead with direct rule, once legal challenges by the former premier, Michael Misick, have been resolved. Criminal investigations into the activities of Mr Misick and his collaborators will be carried out by the law enforcement authorities of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recovering the health of the public finances will be another priority. Strong levels of economic growth and investment in recent years have not been reflected in an improvement in fiscal balances or reserves levels.

This report covers the following industry codes:
SIC Code: 37;49;60;53;59;48
NAICS Code: 336;22;52;44;517