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Articles and/or Speeches

Plight of the Trouble TCI Youth
Graduation Address
The Impact of Crime in the TCI
Budget Presentation
Children's Care & Adoption Bill 2010
The Effects of Crime in the TCI
Summary of Offences Amendment Bill 2010
A Family Court
Introduction of Ms Delancy
Mother's Day Speech
The Role Of NGOs
Seventh Day Church
Turks and Caicos Employment Bill
Woman's Day

The Turks and Caicos Islands Employment Bill
Debated in the Legislative Council Chambers
August 11th, 2004
Speech by: Hon. Karen L. Delancy

Mr. Speaker, I support this Bill since this Bill regularizes employment practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, we all know that the employees were always at the mercies of the employers, especially when the employee is a female and a single parent.

It is finally recognized that females has a right to maternity leave apart from the annual vacation leave. Mr. Speaker I also support paternity leave for fathers who so desire it. As Minister responsible for Gender Affairs, I see this as a positive step in the right direction in establishing gender equality in our society.

Mr. Speaker, I support any Bill that protects against exploitation of children and minors. As Minister of Social Services I support the Bill because it makes provision for the gainful employment for the physically challenged in our society, Mr. Speaker every citizen counts.

30 years ago Mr. Speaker, development in the Turks and Caicos Islands took the females in our society of the fields and placed them in the position of Domestic Workers with no job protection or security. This Bill Mr. Speaker seeks to eliminate that problem. This Bill seeks to establish job security and job protection for our people while on the jobs whatever the job maybe. Mr. Speaker my grand Parents would have appreciated this Bill. Mr. Speaker, this Bill is long over due.