[canadian1971]

A PLACE IN THE SUN?

$1:

a survey revealed that more than 90% of Islanders favoured an association with Canada

$1:

response across Canada runs in "the high 95%,"

I'm all for this......they make some good points on how it would benifit both of us.....besides being a winter getaway. 20,556 people is not that many.



More info on T & C

[GhostDog3]

I think the idea is pretty good.

[camerontech]

sure, why not

[Tman1]

I'm confused, I believe it is a 'British' island is it not? So why the talk of it being the 11th province or territory? Are the Brits giving it up or something?

[canadian1971]

Tman1 Tman1:

I'm confused, I believe it is a 'British' island is it not? So why the talk of it being the 11th province or territory? Are the Brits giving it up or something?

$1:

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory.

link

$1:

For a union to take place, Britain would have to allow the Turks & Caicos Islands to enter into formal discussions with Canada.

link
Considering the fact that they were once granted independence...I don't think the Brits would mind if the joined Canada......But if they said no I'm sure Canada would respect that.

[Timetrvlr]

Great idea! All us old farts can spend a few months every winter down there collecting vitamin D through our old wrinkled hides. Canada needs a warm haven full of old folks homes in the hills. You young people can have the beaches and clubs when you come down for a holiday. We'll stay in the hills and raise bananna trees and chickens.

[Arctic_Menace]

Last I checked, both Canada and the Turks and Caicos Islands had pretty much given up on the idea. But there is still some mild interest from both countries.....

[Yank-in-NY]

Arctic Menace appears to be correct



Turks and Caicos islanders cool to Canada
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
HALIFAX, Canada: According to the Halifax Daily News, Canadians can probably kiss their dream of an island paradise in the sun goodbye.

Turks and Caicos residents contacted by the Daily News don't want anything to do with joining the Canadian federation.

The Nova Scotia legislature recently passed a unanimous resolution urging talks with the Caribbean islands about becoming part of the province.

"I don't think it would be the best thing for the Turks and Caicos," said James Pollon, who works at a marina on the island of Providenciales.

"We're already overflowing with tourism. It is the base on which our economy largely runs, but I just don't think it would be best for the local community."

At the nearby Banana Boat Restaurant, waitress Michelle Anderson said many of her customers discuss the possibility of a union with Canada.

"Nobody likes the idea," said Anderson, including even Canadian expats who live there.

"Everybody is saying that your currency is just too low."

The Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of 30 islands east of Cuba, is a British colony with 250 miles of white beaches.

Union with Canada was first floated in 1917 by Prime Minister Robert Borden. In the 1970s, New Democratic MP Max Saltzman, prompted by islanders themselves, introduced a private member's bill proposing such a link.

But an External Affairs study in 1987 warned that annexation of the islands - population 25,000 - could fuel racial tension and would be too costly while providing little or no benefit to Canada.

Island residents use U.S. greenbacks. And they don't pay any income or sales tax. Unlike 20 years ago, the economy is booming.

Anderson fears her paycheque would shrink if Canada took over: "If Canada comes, we're going to have to pay all this tax."

At the Turks and Caicos Free Press, assistant editor Hayden Boyce also frowns on the idea.

"The people ... are not keen on it at all," he said. "It doesn't fit their agenda. They are moving toward self-determination and independence. I don't think they want to trade one colonial master for another."

David Bowen, director of culture for the islands, said Canada has probably missed the boat.

"They should have gone when we asked a number of years ago," he said.

Turks and Caicos islanders cool to Canada

If Canada comes, we're going to have to pay all this tax.

That is just too funny

[Tman1]

Last time I checked, the U.S dollar isn't doing so well.

Would not a special tax deal or incentive be assured or something?

[Yank-in-NY]

I don't see how your federal government would make an exception on taxes, the other provinces would be against it and rightfully so. I think the other issue is their economy is booming, and they now seek independence.

I just found it hilarious they are afraid of taxes.

[Arctic_Menace]

Well, the Canadian dollar is doing pretty good right now. But that still won't make the T and C Islands join us.


I guess we'd better start looking somewhere else.......

[GhostDog3]

Yank-in-NY Yank-in-NY:

Arctic Menace appears to be correct



Turks and Caicos islanders cool to Canada
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
HALIFAX, Canada: According to the Halifax Daily News, Canadians can probably kiss their dream of an island paradise in the sun goodbye.

Turks and Caicos residents contacted by the Daily News don't want anything to do with joining the Canadian federation.

The Nova Scotia legislature recently passed a unanimous resolution urging talks with the Caribbean islands about becoming part of the province.

"I don't think it would be the best thing for the Turks and Caicos," said James Pollon, who works at a marina on the island of Providenciales.

"We're already overflowing with tourism. It is the base on which our economy largely runs, but I just don't think it would be best for the local community."

At the nearby Banana Boat Restaurant, waitress Michelle Anderson said many of her customers discuss the possibility of a union with Canada.

"Nobody likes the idea," said Anderson, including even Canadian expats who live there.

"Everybody is saying that your currency is just too low."

The Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of 30 islands east of Cuba, is a British colony with 250 miles of white beaches.

Union with Canada was first floated in 1917 by Prime Minister Robert Borden. In the 1970s, New Democratic MP Max Saltzman, prompted by islanders themselves, introduced a private member's bill proposing such a link.

But an External Affairs study in 1987 warned that annexation of the islands - population 25,000 - could fuel racial tension and would be too costly while providing little or no benefit to Canada.

Island residents use U.S. greenbacks. And they don't pay any income or sales tax. Unlike 20 years ago, the economy is booming.

Anderson fears her paycheque would shrink if Canada took over: "If Canada comes, we're going to have to pay all this tax."

At the Turks and Caicos Free Press, assistant editor Hayden Boyce also frowns on the idea.

"The people ... are not keen on it at all," he said. "It doesn't fit their agenda. They are moving toward self-determination and independence. I don't think they want to trade one colonial master for another."

David Bowen, director of culture for the islands, said Canada has probably missed the boat.

"They should have gone when we asked a number of years ago," he said.

Turks and Caicos islanders cool to Canada

If Canada comes, we're going to have to pay all this tax.

That is just too funny

Its what I heard last year about it.They wanted to join years ago now its not really a concern to them.Its a pretty cool idea but i dont see it happening so soon.
lol being afraid of paying taxes lol

[Poisson]

20,000? We might as well make the territories provinces before letting these islands join.

Plus, it could cause some problems considering it's in the Carribean. Refugees could try to get on the island and claim asylum.

[GhostDog3]

I dont mind refugees asking for help.It will help populate the island

[kerfuffled]

Make it cheaper to fly and holiday there than BC from Ontario and I am in.
Plus I will help populate the island for free.