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TCI and Miami-Dade for Deeper Ties

The Turks and Caicos Government has entered into a partnership with the Miami-Dade County, aimed at developing stronger economic, social, cultural and educational ties, while fostering fiscal opportunities for local and Miami based businesses. The initiative, called the Sister Cities Program, is governed by the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium, (ITC) formerly known as The Trade Mission Centre of the Americas.

The partnership, initiated by Dr Barbara Carey-Shuler, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 3, culminated in a Trade Mission to TCI from June 8th to June 12th. According to Senior Trade Development Manager and Mission Coordinator, Cornelius Herelle, the Miami group, with 27 delegates, was the biggest they have had so far traveling to any country. “We have had missions to Tapei, Taiwan, Stockholm, Sweden and other places, but never anything like this. There was exceptional, keen interest by all, regarding the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he said.

The four day expedition started with a welcome reception hosted by the Chief Minister, Hon Dr. Michael Misick, at his official residence. Attended by leading business persons in the country, the CM, in brief remarks, welcomed the delegates while encouraging local business persons to take advantage of the opportunities with which they may be presented.

The Chief Minister reiterated his welcome the next morning, at a press conference held at his office in Providenciales. It was followed by the official handing over of four buses to the TCI government by Dr Schuler on behalf of the Miami-Dade County. Completely refurbished, the buses will be used within the Education Ministry. On hand to accept the keys was Minister of Education, Hon Lillian Robinson-Been.

Dr Schuler said the gift of the buses was an indication of how the Consortium viewed TCI; not just an investment prospect, but as a valuable partner in the initiative. “We are here to look at all aspects of improving the quality of life, for people just like us, who are from the African Diaspora,” she said. Ms Schuler was the first African-American elected as Commissioner of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commission.

The delegates, owners or leaders of services and companies ranging from entertainment and Import/Export services to construction and legal ventures, included multi-millionaire investors Carlos and Elisa Gassalin, Jeanette Varela and Paul Gioia.

“We have people on this mission who are interested in setting up a health clinic here in the Turks and Caicos; someone involved in the arts who wants to get cultural exchanges going between your artists and ours; and another individual whose background is in education, whose connections could be instrumental in realizing the Chief Minister’s goal of having an extension from one of Miami’s leading universities right here in the country,” she noted.

Speaking with the Free Press shortly before leaving the country on June 12, Commissioner Shuler emphasized that the opportunities would be balanced, as Belongers would be central to the ventures. The Commissioner said the foundation of the ITC was grounded in the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) which establishes trade partnerships and alliances that enhance two-way trade and investment between Miami-Dade and the Caribbean.

According to Ms Schuler, a group from TCI would be traveling to Miami in a few weeks, to observe the affordable housing units, built for those on limited budgets. She said “We were out in Provo this morning looking at areas that could be allocated for houses for the working class; affordable, well-made, two, three, four bedroom houses that will be built jointly.” 350 units have been discussed as an initial project.

While on the island, the group also met with officials from TCInvest, the Chamber of Commerce, the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association, the Financial Services Commission and the Tourist Board. Most of the Trade Mission returned to Miami on June 12.