-- A Question for Canadians --

When was the last time, our Government gave us a gift?
I'm not talking about a gift that would win them political
votes. I'm talking about a gift that would be for the people.
Something that we could use year after year. It would give us
a feeling of unity and being appreciated.

Has our government ever done that?
Good question, but I don't think they have.
What would you think, if one day our government
made the following announcement?

It is with great pleasure, that we the government
of Canada can make the following announcement.
Today, after months of negotiation, we have
successfully given Canada a new province.

Please join me in welcoming the people of the Turks &
Caicos Islands, located in the beautiful sunny Caribbean.
This group of forty islands is now Canada's eleventh province.

Woh, that would be a gift. We would have our very own
island in the sun, excuse me, 40 islands in the sun!

Let's cut to the chase, this isn't a fairy tale story. The people who live on these islands want to join Canada. They have been eyeing us for almost a century. Every time they contact us, to see if we would like to discuss this union, our government gives them the cold shoulder. You would think after all these years they would get discouraged. But, they don't. They admire our country and they want to share their island paradise with us.

Their population is about 30,000. These people are friendly, educated, and they speak English. Even though they have a small land area, their little nation is one of the classiest in the West Indies. They pride themselves in having achieved one of the leading economies in the Caribbean. For the most part, they are self sufficient. Their beaches are some of the finest on the planet, and they have the world's third largest corral reefs. They offer tourists five star hotels or simple cabin accommodations. Different cruise ships visit their paradise every year and the passengers indulge themselves in fine cuisine and shopping.

Why do they want to join Canada? They love our country and they want to better themselves, by sharing in our higher standard of living. This union would be a win-win situation.

As Canadians, we are always complaining about the cold weather. With a Canadian province in the Caribbean, we could jump on a plane and fly direct to their main airport. There would be no need for a passport, and we would not have to declare goods on our return home. We would have our own paradise in the sun and could stay as long as we want.

The Caribbean Sun-Gods are offering us a deal, which only happens once in a life time. This opportunity is here now, and if we blow it, we will never get another chance. At this very moment, we can add a valuable asset to our country.

However, our government does have its priorities. We are currently embroiled in a 40 year, bitter dispute with Denmark. This conflict is over the ownership of a half square mile island. This island is a piece of barren rock (covered in snow most of the year) located next to Greenland in the high Arctic. The dispute is so intense that we have made a trip up there to plant the Canadian flag. One of Canada's ice breakers makes regular trips to ensure, the enemy does not build an outpost on the island. Our government is watching the situation closely. If they see any sign of the enemy, you can be sure they will deploy upward of 1000 service men to hold this asset.  Our government is on the job, and you can sleep comfortably at night, knowing our interests are protected.

The Canadian government has no time to look at something as foolish as adding an eleventh province to Canada. If we want this to happen, ordinary Canadians must rise to the challenge. We need to organize ourselves, much in the same way the people of British Columbia did to fight the HST. As Canadians, we need to send a strong clear signal to our government that we want talks to begin, and we want a positive outcome in a reasonable amount of time.

Adding a new province to Canada, especially in the Caribbean is going to require special status. The people of this island group are self sufficient and proud of what they have accomplished. Our government needs to be careful they don't destroy this. We must try to enhance what is already there and bring new ideas to the table.

Our government must be careful about what they suggest in any negotiations. Because of that, I feel it would be beneficial to have ordinary Canadians represented on a negotiating team.

Apparently, there was a random survey done in Canada a few years ago. The outcome showed about 85 percent of Canadians polled, liked the idea of having a Canadian province in the Caribbean. A survey was also conducted, asking the residents of this island group, if they wanted to join Canada. The results showed that about 90 per cent of the people liked the idea. This would indicate the will power is there.

Video Tour of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Second video of the islands

Watch the Caribbean live on the Grace Bay Terrace View Webcam on Caicos Island.

  Free Survey

In the meantime, let's look at some facts and figures about this island group.
The following information Is courtesy of the Turks & Caicos Island's tourism website.

The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The islands are located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, just below the Bahamas chain and to the east of Cuba and the island of Hispaniola. (Dominican Republic and Haiti.) Technically, the Turks and Caicos are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea.

The islands are home to roughly 30,000 full time residents, and welcome more than 200,000 tourist annually.

Language - English

Currency - The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Most hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept traveller's cheques, which can be cashed at local banks. Most credit cards are accepted, and banks offer ATM's as well as cash advances on credit cards.

Tipping is normally paid to waiters, taxi drivers, maids and porters at 15%.

Time Zone - Eastern Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time is observed from April to October.

Electricity - 110 volt/60 cycle, suitable for U.S. Appliances.

Climate - The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees Celsius) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90's (35 degrees Celsius), especially in the late summer months. From November to May the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees Celsius). Water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees Celsius) and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees Celsius). A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level.

There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk and South Caicos, but as you go further west the average rainfall could increase to 40 inches. In an average year the Turks and Caicos has 350 days of sunshine. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30th.

People - Turks & Caicos Islanders are mostly descendants of Africans, who were brought in to work the salt pans or the cotton plantations. The expatriate population consists of British, Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians, people from Hispaniola and virtually everywhere in the world.

Economy - The economy of the TCI relies on the tourism industry, real estate development and the exportation of seafood. A wide variety of financial services are available, including company formation, offshore insurance, banking, trusts, limited partnerships and limited life companies. The Financial Services Commission regulates, develops and promotes the industry in major world markets.

Government - The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Crown Colony. A Governor is appointed by the Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by an elected local self-government. Government offices are located in Grand Turk, with branches on other Islands as needed. The legal system is based on English Common Law.

Courier Service - Daily delivery service is provided by FedEx, with offices on Provo and Grand Turk. Service is also provided by DHL and UPS.

Cable Television - Satellite television service is provided throughout the islands, with most major American networks available.

Water - As on many Islands, our fresh water is precious, we depend upon rainfall or desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis for the supply. Please be conservative in using water.

Telephone Service - Local and international service is provided by Cable & Wireless and Digicel (wireless only). Telex, facsimile, the internet and cellular phone services are provided. You may use your credit card or a debit Phone Card at public phone booths.

Country code is 649. Network is through Cable and Wireless. Pay phones, calling cards, facsimile, the Internet, cell phones for rent at various locations.

If you have cell service in the USA, please bring your phone with you because if you have International Roaming service with a cellular carrier that has a roaming agreement in the Caribbean then your phone will be able to make and receive calls whilst in the Turks and Caicos. If you do not have roaming then you will be able to make calls using the credit card platform.

Postal Service - Post Offices are located on all inhabited islands. All mail is transported by air. There are many different issues and denominations of stamps for enthusiasts to collect. Philatelic Bureaus are located on both Provo and Grand Turk.

Driving License Requirements - Visitors from the British Commonwealth Countries, The United States of America, Canada and holders of International drivers license are permitted to drive for 30 days on their respective license.

 Visitors from all other countries are required to posses a Visitors Permit, which can be obtained at the Road Safety Department, located on Good Street, Grand Turk and at the office on the Old Airport Road, Providenciales.

Crime - These Islands boast one of the lowest crime rates and highest crime-solved rates in the Caribbean. We cannot, however, let down the guard against opportunist-type theft. Do not leave valuables unattended. Lock doors and windows. Use the hotel safe for storage of valuables. These simple precautions should prevent the loss of cash, jewelry and identification. Confrontation and violent crimes are extremely rare. Any problems should be reported immediately to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police.

Clothing - Shorts are worn in town as well as the beach during the day. It is advisable to also wear sunhats and sunscreen. In the evenings, light sweaters and jackets may be occasionally needed in the winter. Dinner is usually not formal, most restaurants accept dress shorts while others require pants with a collared shirt for gentlemen and dress slacks or dresses for the ladies.

Public Nudity is illegal throughout the islands.


Customs and Immigration - Duty free goods that may be brought in to the Islands include: 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 1.136 litres of spirits or wine and perfume for personal use.

There are no restrictions for travellers on the import of cameras, film or sports equipment, except spear guns and Hawaiian slings.

To bring in firearms of any type (including spear guns and Hawaiian slings), you must have written approval from the Commissioner of Police. Controlled drugs and pornography are illegal.

Effective January 8, 2007 all US Citizens travelling by air to the Turks & Caicos Islands will be required by the US Government to have a valid US passport. Cruise ship passengers have until June 1, 2009 to meet the requirement. Visitors from other countries do require passports, but no visas are necessary except  countries of the former Eastern Bloc. They are advised to contact the nearest British Consulate Office.

·         All visitors must hold a round trip ticket.

·         Visitors are allowed to stay for 30 days; this is renewable one time only.

·         For luggage restriction, individual airlines should be consulted.

Pets - There are some restrictions on bringing domestic pets into the Turks and Caicos Islands. All pets should be up-to-date with vaccinations and pet owners should ensure that they have completed the standard documents required for their pet's international travel.

For more information please visit the Wikipedia Website

To see more picture of these islands   Click here

More Stats:

Motto: Beautiful By Nature, Clean By Choice
Anthem: “God Save the Queen”
National Song: “We Salute This Land of Ours”

Capital: Cockburn Town
Largest City: Providenciales

Pros and cons of making this UK Territory a part of Canada
 

Pros

Swimming, fishing, kayaking, sailing, spas, etc.

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer a wide variety of accommodations for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for an award winning luxury hotel / resort, all-inclusive family action or a very private vacation villa rental — you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.Pros:

Agreeable weather: 350 days per year of sunshine, average temperature
June-October 29-32 C. November-May 27-29 C.

Same time zone as many Canadians. (Eastern Standard)

Air Canada offers direct flights.

English is the official language.

At this point in time, the benefits are seemingly outweighing the drawbacks. Assuming Turks and Caicos will join Canada, we would have an advantageous location for vacationers. Keeping Canadians in search of sun inside of Canada would benefit the economy by keeping spending inside of Canada instead of diverting it to Cuba, Mexico or other Caribbean islands. Another attracting feature would be a place for international vacationers. By joining Canada, the country would obviously enjoy an increase in the standard of living. Becoming a part of the Canadian economy would be a boost in their ability to participate in the world's competitive industry of tourism.

The Canadian military would have a base in the Caribbean on home turf. Canada would grow increasingly healthier in international military stature if Turks and Caicos joined us. As Guantanamo Bay is important in American operations, Canada would also have an important base in the region, which probably wouldn't interfere with residents of the islands seeing as Canada is largely a peacekeeping force.

The Canadian dollar would also have a home in the south. Broadening Canada's "sphere of influence" and international relations.

Turks and Caicos could be an alternate destination for retirees in search of a warmer habitat. Making it even more irresistible is the fact that American immigration is becoming ever so difficult making a longer-than 6 month stay in Florida pretty difficult. This would be an advantage for Canada, Turks and Caicos and citizens of both nations. Keeping tax dollars inside of Canada, bringing in a boost to the local economy for Turks and Caicos and becoming less expensive for Canadians to migrate to and visit a warmer location.

This new Canadian province would immediately benefit from an increase in tourism, which would help employ more local residents.

The Canadian government giving Canada a treasured gift of a new province located in the Caribbean would ultimately raise the spirit of Canadians. This new found love affair could bring unseen corporation between the provinces and the Federal Government.

A lot of people who visit the Turks and Caicos Islands never want to leave and who can blame them? Or at least, they want to make it their second or vacation home. There are numerous real estate investment opportunities, real estate agents / agencies, real estate developments and also a full range of financial services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The sugar-white beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands may, perhaps, be the main attraction, but there’s a large selection of excursions, tours, popular sports and activities — golf, windsurfing, tennis, scuba diving, para-sailing, semi-submarine, snorkeling, jogging, shopping, kite boarding, water-skiing,

 

Cons:

Hurricane-prone during hurricane season.

Currency is the U.S. Dollar. (although that would probably change)

Would make plum hideout for wayward senators.

In the event of total annexation, Canadian taxpayers would see their dollars going towards transfer payments. Payments of which are bound to be misused in some form along the way. These payments would go towards making the standard of living in Turks and Caicos equal to those around current-day Canada. They would go into infrastructure improvement, education reforms, government operations and social programs. We must look at the fact, that Turks and Caicos is a self-efficient society in which little or none of the population relies heavily on the government for support.

More Information:

Bringing a new province into Canada would require updating the Constitution. It has been suggested that this would be the spoiler. The reason being, with the constitution being updated other Canadian provinces would now want changes made in other areas.

The Federal Government would have to make it clean to the provinces that the only change to our Constitution at this time is to let a new province into Canada.

 For Canada to make these islands a separate province of our country would open up a can of worms. However, if Ontario was to invite these islands to become of the province that would be a different story, and it would eliminate a lot of red tape. As for Ontario, this opportunity is here and available now. When its gone, Canada will never get another opportunity to have a province in the Caribbean Sea.

If Ontario makes this opportunity happen, Canadians from all over our great country would be able to fly down there for a holiday, with no passport hassle and Canadian money would be the currency of the day.

Cockburn Town is currently the capital city and the largest town is Providenciales. The official language is English, and their currency is presently the U.S. Dollar. The country is currently a British overseas Territory. The land area of the country is 250 square mile. In comparison Manitoulin Island in Ontario is 1068 square miles.

The Turks & Caicos is a very modern country and leading the other islands of the West Indies as far as economic development is concerned. Tourism is their leading industry.

This country has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures are relatively consistent. The summertime temperature rarely exceeds 92 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter months, the temperatures are between 68 and 80 degrees F.

In the 1990s, support for integration into Canada as an eleven province was a 90 percent. If this country became a part of Canada it would boost our security efforts as well as give much needed influence in that area of the world.

Apparently, the Canadian Government did show some interest in building a deep-water port. A port like that would open a whole new market for Canadian goods in the Caribbean and nearby Central and South America. A port like that would double as a Canadian military operations base. Other countries in the area would probably want our military help to patrol their waters for the robust trade in smuggled arms, drug, and people.

Currently, Turks and Caicos has a large Canadian investment in the country. The people of this country talk our language, are friendly and most of all welcome Canadians with open arms. They could benefit greatly by being a part of Ontario and Canada. In return the people of Canada would have their own little island in the sun. It would be a win win situation for both countries. Word of mouth has it that the Queen would like to see Canada take in this jewel in the Caribbean as part of Canada.

 In 2006, the GDP contributions were as follows: hotels & restaurants 23.7 %, financial services 29.64%, construction 48.71%, wholesale and retail trade 20.89% and health and social work 10.83%. The labour force in 2006 was 12,000 workers.

The unemployment rate in 2007 was 5.4%. In 2006-2007 the country took in revenues of 2003 million against expenditures of 200 million. The primary agricultural products include maize, beans, cassava and citrus fruits. The country imports food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufacture and constructions materials. These primarily come from the United States and the UK.

Tourists visits in 2007 were 264,887, with more than half of that coming from the U.S. Canada is a major source of tourists for the country also.

Several well known Hollywood movie stars have built homes in the country. To boast tourism during the off season, the country has organized a number of concerts.

There are many activities for tourists during the year. The islands were a popular hangout for pirates back in the old days. There are many tales of buried treasure on the islands. Off shore one can find many sunken ships.

 Proposed union with Canada

See also: Proposals for new Canadian provinces and territories.

 In 1917, Canadian Prime Minister, Robert Borden suggested Canada annex the Turks and Caicos.

A great number of tourists who visit the Turks and Caicos Islands are Canadian. Owing to this, the islands' status as a British colony, and historic trade links, some politicians in Canada and the Turks and Caicos have suggested some form of union between Canada and the British territory.

In 1917, the Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden first suggested that Canada annex the Turks and Caicos Islands. In 1974, Canadian New Democratic Party Member of Parliament, Max Saltsman introduced a failed attempt at consolidating the islands.

The idea was brought up again in 1986 byProgressive Conservative MP Dan Mc McKenzie, but it was rejected by his party's caucus committee on external affairs in 1987. The committee, chaired by MP David Daubney, looked at immigration, banking, health care and tourism issues in making its decision.

For the islands to join Canada as a full province would require an amendment to the Canadian constitution ratified by seven provincial legislatures representing at least half of the national population. Because such a step could entice provinces to demand other changes to the constitution in exchange for such support, this is seen to be a politically unfeasible option. Note that less sweeping changes to the Constitution do not require unanimous consent. The last new province, Newfoundland, was brought into the country in 1949 by an act of the British Parliament. Joining as a territory would be easier, as territories can be created by an act of Parliament. In addition, a population of about 30,000 people is considered insufficient for provincial status - the smallest province, Prince Edward Island, has about 130,000 people. However, this attitude might change should the territories of Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavuk, with about 30,000 people each, ever become provinces.

In 2004, Conservative MP Perter Goldring visited Turks and Caicos to explore the possibility once more. He drafted a motion asking the Canadian Government to look into the issue, but his party declined, citing immigration, tourism, and economic issues. However, the Canadian government does not dismiss the possibility of a future union.

The province of Nova Scotia voted to invite Turks and Caicos to join the province in 2004, should the islands ever become part of Canada. This would bypass the problems with admitting Turks and Caicos as a separate province.

On March 2, 2009, the Ottawa Citizen ran an article on its online site reporting the interest of the Canadian government to open a deep-water port in the Caribbean that would open up "a new market for Canadian goods ... in the Caribbean and nearby Central and South America". "Suppose the port, unaffordable for Caribbean countries, boosted their standard of living and bolstered hemispheric security. Suppose the port doubled as a Canadian military operations base for countries wanting help to patrol their waters and to interdict the Caribbean's robust trade in smuggled arms, drugs and people.

In the 1990s support for integration into Canada as an "11th province" was at 90%, while in 2003 support for integration stood at around 60% in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Goldring, a Conservative MP from Edmonton, has championed the cause of integrating the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Canadian territory for security benefits as well as increasing Canada's influence in Central and Southern America in regards to anti-terrorism, trade and combating encroaching Chinese influence in several small Caribbean islands.