STATEMENT BY
RT. HON. HUBERT A. INGRAHAM
PRIME MINISTER

My colleagues and I have taken note of the comments reportedly made by former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick in an interview with The Tribune suggesting that the time has come to explore the possibility of creating a federation between The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos.

We are fully conscious of the fact that The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos share the same archipelago and, indeed, at one time together constituted a colony of Great Britain administered from Nassau.

We are also keenly aware of, and treasure, the close familial ties between the people of The Bahamas and the people of Turks and Caicos that has existed for many generations despite the accidents of history that separated us constitutionally.

Like the rest of the Caribbean Community we have been dismayed at the recent turn of events in the Turks and Caicos Islands that resulted in the suspension of their Constitution and the imposition of direct rule by Great Britain.

The people of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will be aware that we have been in consultation with Caricom and have been a party to certain diplomatic initiatives designed to help bring about a resolution of the current crisis. We consider that the priority of all concerned at this time must be a resolution of the crisis that will restore normality and constitutional order to Turks and Caicos.

When that is achieved, my colleagues and I would be happy to discuss the further strengthening of our historic relationship in accordance with the will of the people of The Bahamas and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

FREEPORT, Bahamas ? In appreciation of their dedicated service given to the Salvation Army and to the people of Grand Bahama Island, Executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited along with local government officials, presented a token of appreciation to Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow and Lt. Colonel Esther Morrow for their time served here at the Grand Bahama Island branch of the Salvation Army.

Chairman of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, Mr. Hannes Babak was on hand to bid farewell and best wishes to the devoted Salvation Army officers. While presenting an engraved personalized plaque to the Morrow?s, Mr. Babak had these words to share, ?Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow and Lt. Colonel Esther Morrow, thank you so much for coming out of retirement and assisting the Salvation Army here on Grand Bahama Island . There was a vacancy that needed to be filled and you did it. For this we are most grateful.?

The Salvation Army?s new Disaster Relief Mobile aka Meals On Wheels was also parked in front of the GBPA building, affording the GBPA Execs and local government officials an opportunity to examine the new vehicle. Lt. Colonel Danny Morrow informed that, ?This Disaster Relief Mobile is available to the entire community of Grand Bahama Island . We?d like you to know, that not only is this the first vehicle of its kind on Grand Bahama Island and The Bahamas but also the first of its kind within the Caribbean .?

With their service time now complete, the Morrows turn the mantle over to the directorship of Lt. Colonel Leon Turner and Lt. Colonel Gladys Turner.



Photo 1: FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES: (From left to right) Mrs. Geneva Rutherford - Director of Community Relations, GBPA Group; Mr. Samuel Gardiner - Administrator in The Office of The Prime Minister; Mr. Ian Rolle - President, GBPA Group; Lt. Colonel Esther Marrow of The Salvation Army; Mr. Hannes Babak - Chairman, GBPA Group; Lt. Colonel Danny Marrow of The Salvation Army; Mrs. Ginger Moxey - Vice President, GBPA Group; Mr. Hannes Babak - Chairman of GBPA Group; Mr. Alexander Williams - Island Administrator for Local Government and Lt. Colonel Leon Turner.

Photo 2: Meals on Wheels: (From left to right) Mrs. Ginger Moxey - Vice President, GBPA Group; Mrs. Geneva Rutherford - Director of Community Relations, GBPA Group; Mr. Ian Rolle ? President, GBPA Group; Mr. Samuel Gardiner - Administrator in The Office of The Prime Minister; Mr. Hannes Babak ? Chairman, GBPA Group and Mr. Alexander Williams - Island Administrator for Local Government.

Submitted by Kimberley Miller