If only we can come together

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Introduction

Sometimes we act as if the issues that are taking place in Turks and Caicos only happens here. The truth is what happens here, happens everywhere. It is just that the Turks and Caicos is smaller, and most people know one other and so our issues are more pronounced. However, not because the issues are happening everywhere means it is right. I believe we can set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

One of the main issues that is happening everywhere in the world is the fighting that takes place among the residents. We must recognize that each of us has a role to play and quite frankly we need each other either as employees, customers or even community workers.

We need each other

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a blessed place. We are growing and there are not enough Turks and Caicos Islanders to occupy the positions that are available here and so we must recruit others.  Those who have come to this shore have been blessed. Quite frankly, some of the blessings they are receiving they would not have received in their birthplace because there is so much competition from where they came. Despite their blessings, some still do not appreciate the Turks and Caicos and they resort to their own nationality. Some refuse to assimilate with the people of the Turks and Caicos. Mind you, there are some that want to and have tried to assimilate, but they have been rejected as they are not considered “indigenous” even though some of them have Turks and Caicos Islander Status.

On the other we as Turks and Caicos Islanders need to also improve. I know we will continue to fight as that is part of human nature, but we can do better. We must also recognize that our country is growing, and people will continue to come here. Let us be kind to one another as used to be in the past. Even if others treat us mean, kill them with kindness.

The truth is we need each other. For example, we do not have one local nurse that works in the dialysis unit and so we need to recruit nurses from abroad. Yes, they are getting paid to do their jobs, but they don’t have to be here.

Our main industry is tourism. Who are our customers? The same people we call “foreigners” are our guests. Our country is thriving because of external individuals. In addition, more than 98% of condos are owned by external individuals.

Many of us have businesses. For our businesses to prosper, we need customers. Most of the people in the country are not from Turks and Caicos and so these non-Turks and Caicos Islanders are also helping our businesses

We have several people, locals and non-locals who are volunteering their time to help our young men and women in sports. Even in our schools, there are hardly any locals, so we must recruit outsiders to teach our children.

Conclusion

Let us be more emphatic towards one another. I am quite aware there are some people in this country that do not care for the locals. In fact, some of them that smile in our faces are telling the newcomers to be aware of the locals. I know there are some locals who do not care for the outsiders as well.

If only we can put aside any myths and differences about others and realize that we need each other, the Turks and Caicos can be in a better position.