PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, May 29th, 2009 - On Wednesday May 13th, the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with Revenue Control and National Insurance Board inaugurated the Multi-Agency Task Force on the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay.

The Task Force, consisting of Immigration, Revenue Control, National Insurance and Labour, began work in March 2009 on the island of Providenciales, where members of the Task Force based there will serve the islands of Middle and North Caicos.

Hon. Karen Delancy, Minister of Home Affairs and Human Services, attended the launch ceremony at Department of Economics Planning and Statistics (DEPS) conference room. In her address to the officers gathered, Hon. Delancy encouraged officers to "learn the government's ordinances, know and own the policies and to always be courteous." She promised officers her own support and the support of her Ministry, telling them to "take and exercise their authority."

Minister Delancy placed the importance of workforce issues on par with our political issues and the economy. "You are your departments' and the government's arm," she told the Task Force, "We may make policies in the office but that means absolutely nothing unless you carry them out in the field. And we encourage feedback from you on how we might improve our strategy."

As of late, the Multi-Agency Task Force operating on Providenciales has reported many successes. Business operators, management and workers continue to thank the Task Force for educating them concerning their responsibilities under the law. Multi-Agency Task Force officers are excited about their work and are looking forward to providing stellar service to our Islands.