OT 353: Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to the Chairman of the Committee: Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Thank you for your letter of 2 April to the Foreign Secretary about the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). I am replying as Minister responsible for our relations with TCI.

 

I am sorry that the FAC is concerned about how its impact has been represented. As I expressed in the debate on 23 April and am glad to reiterate: '...without any doubt the Committee itself played a key role in uncovering and bringing to the Government's further attention deeply worrying information relating to TCI. I commend the Committee's energy, dedication and commitment in that regard. I pay particular tribute to the Right Honourable and Honourable Members who visited the TCI in pursuit of that matter. I continue to be grateful for the efforts, insights and attention given by the FAC to what is undoubtedly a difficult problem.'

We await the final report of the Commission of Inquiry, which is expected by the end of May. As you are aware, Sir Robin Auld has asked for the extension because of the work generated by what is called a Salmon letter exercise. The purpose of such letters is to give recipients an opportunity to make representations to the Commission before it makes it final findings and recommendations. Some recipients have failed to meet the extended deadlines set by the Commission.

Unless the Commission's final report significantly changes our current assessment of the situation in the TCI, we will act to deal with the problems and restore the principles of good governance to the islands.

In the current climate of financial uncertainty and vulnerability, it is vital that the Turks and Caicos Islands establish, adhere to and promote principles of good governance to restore their international reputation.

As you know, I appreciated meeting the FAC to discuss the situation in TCI and our proposed handling earlier in the year. I will keep the FAC up to date with developments.

I hope this is helpful.

 

11 May 2009