Mr. Speaker I’ll like to begin my speech by reciting a quote by the great Maya Angelou “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”
Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honour and a privilege to be here today and to be given the opportunity to address this honourable house, and the general public, on the good work that the Ministry of Home Affairs has done, and the work that they will continue to do after the passage of this budget.
Mr. Speaker, let me take this time to bring greetings to the great people of ED1, Grand Turk North who elected me to represent them just over a year ago. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this time to single out my Management Team which is led by Permanent Secretary Mr. James Astwood, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Fredrico Johnson, and acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Cynara John. Mr. Speaker this team just took over less than 6 months ago and I must say that they have carried the mantle well and have hit the ground running. Mr. Speaker, this Ministry cannot be taken lightly and we strive to give the public the level of service it deserves daily.
Mr. Speaker, for those listening via radio I would like to make mention of the breakdown of my Ministry which has grown from nine (9) departments and one (1) statutory body, to one that now carries nineteen (19) cost centers, comprising of eighteen (18) departments, totaling some two hundred and seventy (270) positions and one (1) statutory body, with nine (9) positions. This Ministry includes:
Policy Planning and Administrative Support (the Ministry)
Water Undertaking Department
Customer and Government Information Services
Postal Services
Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Registrar General’s Office
Fire & Rescue
Energy & Utilities Department
Social Development & Welfare
Radio Turks & Caicos
Gender Affairs
District Administration – North Caicos
District Administration – Middle Caicos
District Administration – South Caicos
District Administration – Salt Cay
Citizenship & Naturalization
Energy and Utilities Department; and
One (1) Statutory Body
Telecommunications Commission
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pause and give my sincerest thanks to all the HODs and staff within the Ministry for their continuous hard work and dedication. They are the engine that continues to ensure that these departments operate effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, I am very happy today because we are debating the 2022/23 budget. My team and I are elated with this budget because it supports our program objectives and critical initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and efficiency.
Mr. Speaker, during the financial year 2021/22, we have seen the Turks and Caicos Islands rebound from the Coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Speaker, my Ministry has seen services pick up and there has been a dramatic increase in revenue.
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry achieved an approximately 11.9% increase in its revenue targets based on the revised budget, with unaudited actuals of $11.07 million versus a target of $9.8 million. Mr. Speaker, this shows that the Country and Government are progressing.
Mr. Speaker, on the operational side of the budget, the Ministry was successful in completing the majority of its programme strategies and operational mandates. Mr. Speaker, the operational performance for the financial year 2021/22, saw the achievement of approximately 95% of its revised estimates being spent. Mr. Speaker, this year we will work on improving on this, and try to achieve as close to 100% of its target for FY 2022/23.
Mr. Speaker in the budget estimates before this honourable House today, we are being considered for the following:
Operating Expenditure $22.5 million (up by $3.29 million over FY 2021/22)
Revenue Estimates $11.8 million (up by $1.93 million over FY 2021/2022)
Capital Expenditure $6.4 million (up by 2.71 million over FY 2021/22
MR. SPEAKER, LET ME NOW BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS & THE YEAR AHEAD
In the Policy Planning and Administrative Support, Mr. Speaker this budget is being used to provide quality services that are accessible, properly managed and delivered at a very high standard to ensure the connectivity, wellbeing, and safety of the Turks and Caicos Islands society readily accessible.
Mr. Speaker, this budget contains allocations of 45,000.00 and $60,000.00 for the development and advancement of local government and community enhancement projects respectively. This, Mr. Speaker, will be beneficial to improving the overall quality of life, and the aesthetics of our communities in the family islands and will contribute to their economic development, through the creation of jobs and small works projects.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the review and development of local government have begun and my team has already made initial contact with our counterparts within the Caribbean to study their make-ups and adopt the best practices. Mr. Speaker this will bring a higher level of autonomy and will afford the residents a greater role in determining the destiny and development of their communities.
Mr. Speaker, we also have a budgeted amount of $200,000 per year, for the next three years, towards the implementation of recommendations from the consultancy on the establishment of a Multi-Sectoral Public Utilities Regulatory Agency. Mr. Speaker, this consultancy was conducted by Kairi Consultants out of Trinidad and Tobago and looked at the development of a framework and the best approach for the establishment of a single body, that would regulate the activities of the electricity, water, petroleum, and telecommunications sectors. This work will include the development of the policy and legal frameworks for the drafting of the Public Utilities Regulatory Agency Bill, as well as the recruitment of core management staff to advance the initial actions by way of a phased approach.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Water Undertaking Department, with its mandate to provide consistent and high-quality water services with reduced periods of downtime to the Islands of South Caicos, Salt Cay, and Grand Turk, now forms a part of our National Security Plan. This plan calls for contingencies and risk assessments amidst factors such as pandemics, natural disasters, and increased customer demands, that come with tourism and residential developments on the islands of South Caicos, Salt Cay, and Grand Turk.
Mr. Speaker, safe, affordable, and readily available water, is an important factor in public health and we have identified the need for the enhanced management of water resources, as the key to reducing the inherent risks we face with water security.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard the cries from the public regarding the water issue, as I too had to endure this as a resident here in Grand Turk. But make no mistake Mr. Speaker, we are doing everything to address this issue. Mr. Speaker, with that being said, I am pleased to announce the commencement of the capital project to increase water storage capacity on the island of Grand Turk with the construction of a 1million gallon Glass-Fused storage tank that will directly address some of our concerns and risks is near the completion stage. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that captured in this year’s capital projects are the purchase and installation of a new 1-million-gallon saltwater reverse osmosis (SWRO) unit, as well as the installation of an additional 1-million-gallon storage tank for Grand Turk.
Mr. Speaker, if this is not progress, then I do not know what is!!
Mr. Speaker, the Customer, and Government Information Services, formerly the Publishing Department, has undergone a review of all its current services and Gazette publication rates, and a publishing policy which is now in the draft state, will go to cabinet for approval by at least the second quarter of this budget year. Mr. Speaker, this policy aims to highlight the gaps and missed opportunities, as it relates to the utilization of modern equipment, marketing & promotion plans, for the current, and hopefully the extended client base. Mr. Speaker, currently the department is looking into opening a second location in the Providenciales market which will give it a better opportunity to increase profits while servicing those clients that may not have direct access to its services currently.
Mr. Speaker despite this unit being small in size, I am pleased to say that they have continued to defy the odds and exceeded their revenue by over $14,000 in the last financial year. Mr. Speaker, we believe that over the next year this unit will be a force to reckon with and I continue to place my support behind them and would like to say thank you, thank you, and thank you for all the work that they continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, let me now turn your attention to the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services which will seek to increase its client base through the offering of its new line of products and services, such as the Express Mail Services. Mr. Speaker, the department will also dedicate its efforts to focusing on the marketing and promotion of these services via social media and other platforms. Mr. Speaker this service will provide lower, and more competitive, prices and the end-to-end tracking of packages. We anticipate attracting more subscribers and thereby increasing its total revenue.
Mr. Speaker, the Post Office, as a regulator of all courier services, will establish effective internal control procedures to ensure applicable government fees are collected. Mr. Speaker, my Ministry has always harnessed synergies with internal and external partners, and the Post Office continues to be a conduit for such relations. With sub-branches in Grand Turk, South Caicos (which is currently being re-established and recruitment is currently being held to fill the post), and in North Caicos, we continue to explore essential services which can be channeled through these branches to enhance service offerings in the family Islands. Mr. Speaker already, we have engaged with Scotiabank for the provision of some services to clients on the Island of Grand Turk, by way of distribution of bank cards. Mr. Speaker, we are making good use of the resources we have available to us, for the betterment of the lives of the people of this country.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), we have secured $103,000 for the purchase of software to allow the full digitization of DMV which is nearing completion. This, Mr. Speaker, will allow customers to apply for new and renewed licenses from the comfort of their homes and offices, and further facilitate collaboration and integration with critical agencies like the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force and the Ministry of Border Control.
Mr. Speaker, we will be addressing the challenges of the DMV, and most of the concerns of the general public this financial year. In addition to the E-Governance and Customer Interface System, improved service delivery and an enhanced customer experience in the capital, Grand Turk, and the family islands remains a strategic initiative of the department, and work in progress, as we have already begun the extension of services in these islands. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that we have already begun to receive some positive feedback, from our clients in Grand Turk, on the tremendously reduced wait times.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the DMV will soon commence work with the AG’s Chambers towards a revision of the Road Traffic and Motor Vehicles Ordinances and a modernization of the transportation sector that will complement the 5-star destination that we are. Mr. Speaker, lookout for great things from DMV this year!
Mr. Speaker, before I go into my overview of the Department Fire & Rescue, let me say Happy International Firefighters Day to my staff at the department and all firefighters around the world. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we paid tribute to the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of firefighters everywhere, and remember those who have been injured or died whilst serving their communities.
Mr. Speaker the Department of Fire & Rescue continue to risk their lives to ensure the safety of life and property in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and for this I say, thank you. Mr. Speaker, I pause to support the efforts of this department by encouraging and promoting its volunteer fire service programme on the island of Grand Turk. Mr. Speaker, we must join in the effort of caring for, and looking out for, each other. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that we have some 18 persons that have already shown interest and are prepared to serve at a moment’s notice.
Mr. Speaker, coupled with this, we are in the process of adding additional staff on Providenciales and Grand Turk to strengthen the Units. Also, Mr. Speaking, let me announce now that we will be adding a Fire Truck on the island of Providenciales, an additional Fire Truck, and a Pumper Tanker Fire Truck on Grand Turk. So, Mr. Speaker, this alone shows that we are working on advancing the Domestic Fire Services on the Islands.
Mr. Speaker, the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD), continues to engage our local utility stakeholders, as well as work with our international partners on potential donor-funded projects related to energy production, energy harnessing, and distribution. Mr. Speaker, my Ministry is fast advancing amendments to the Electrical Ordinance to include provisions for renewable energy, and additionally, the Department will implement the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (RNETS) to optimize energy costs, reliability, and resiliency and environmental sustainability of the TCI Energy Sector.
Mr. Speaker, the EUD has received international funds through the EDF 11th Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity, for a project entitled “Transitioning towards Green Energy in the Turks and Caicos”. Mr. Speaker, the budget for this project is approximately 1.4 million pounds, which will see the installation of solar street lights and solar panels on various Government buildings.
Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure to highlight to this honourable house and the listening public, that my team and I continue to be, and will always be, the voice for the ‘invisible minority’ – our elders, our disabled, & our special needs citizens. Mr. Speaker, this is evidenced by an increase of over 1.9 million in funding for various programmes within the Social Development & Welfare Department. Mr. Speaker, the current weekly/monthly allotments for the programmes has been revised by Cabinet and will now be implemented. Mr. Speaker this will provide much-needed relief and enhancement to the lives of low-income families, Home Help care, Foster care, and special needs.
Mr. Speaker, the Corrections & Rehabilitation Department (DCR) has grown significantly to become a Department that has undergone significant cultural and organizational changes. The prison 2022 project draws to completion, having developed significantly its four areas of change; Our People, Our infrastructure, Our Stakeholders, and our Customers.
Mr. Speaker, the DCR has also made great strides in its capital works over the past year. Projects such as the construction of the yellow wing, and the blue/green wing refurbishment and nearly completed. Mr. Speaker, the DCR also benefitted from other upgrades such as the refurbishment of the white wing rehabilitation workshop, the staff supervision area, and the kitchen completed during the year. Mr. Speaker, you will also see additional projects such as security enhancement at the Prison, and renovations to the Green Door, which was unfortunately damaged by arson.
Mr. Speaker, rehabilitation plays a major part of the DCR, that is why we have the unit within the DCR that focuses heavily on delivering rehabilitation initiatives and intervention both in the Prison and through probation. Mr. Speaker, the new rehabilitation department was formed earlier this year and led by a senior officer. This department ensures that every prison has a personal officer. The officer navigates the individual through the pathways inside prison, to link with our community probation officers. Mr. Speaker, In addition, we have an education department that will soon be fitted with IT equipment to enable formal education. We have just completed work on three workshop pods, for small rehabilitation projects that are instructor-led.
Mr. Speaker, we are also doing the following as it relates to rehabilitation:
Implemented rehabilitation programs such as anger management, substance abuse, think for Change, domestic violence, victim empathy, and restorative justice.
Revised the Chance for Change Programme to make it more robust and evidence-based, as well as work with governmental and private organizations to give offenders a second chance through employment. Mr. Speaker, this initiative will see us reaching out to the Government in the first instance for vocational job opportunities for inmates who have gone through the rehabilitation programme and are now out on Parole, so that they are given the opportunity re-integrate back into society.
Through the FCDO, conducted extensive training for staff on offender management
Soon to introduce electronic monitoring devices in the TCI.
Supporting the “Halfway House” initiative, which will be used as a place to rehabilitate offenders who suffered from drug abuse.
Mr. Speaker, great things are happening within the DCR, and I must applaud the Management Team at the DCR. Hats off to them and continue the great work.
Mr. Speaker, the Registrar General’s Office has begun to improve the delivery of service and formalization processes through the development of a Business continuity plan. Mr. Speaker this plan will build on the foundation that has already been laid. Mr. Speaker, we realized that there have been some gaps that have occurred with the recent bedside registration policy and have decided to go back to the drawing board to fix these issues which have caused a delay in issuing Birth Certificates.
Mr. Speaker, the unit has also begun to plan a country-wide tour to reach those persons that may not have easy access to register their children and will forge a relationship with the District Commissioners to make the process much smoother. Mr. Speaker the overall Goal for this year is to lessen the wait time it takes to get persons their documents in a more efficient time and I pause to thank the team for the work that they continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, Radio Turks & Caicos, continue to explore effective ways to keep the public informed and entertained. Mr. Speaker the Station is streaming more local content in the mornings and the afternoon, fulfilling its mandate of educating and informing the country with a review of the station’s programs.
Mr. Speaker, there’s also a lot to celebrate in 2022, the station turns 45 this year. Mr. Speaker, while we are still working on how we will celebrate their 45 years in broadcasting, the station is getting ready to re-launch its app which has a lot more features, more than the previous app! Mr. Speaker, this one is coming out with a bang, where you will be able to download it any of the App Store and not just listen to RTC 1 but choose between RTC 2,3,4 and Mr. Speaker maybe RTC 5 so everyone can enjoy a wide catalog of audio on their favorite station.
Mr. Speaker, these and other initiatives, will boost marketing through a suite of diverse platforms that will expand their reach and increase their revenue.
Mr. Speaker, our Gender Affairs Department, Mr. Speaker I bring your attention to the Department of Gender Affairs, Mr. Speaker this department continues to work to ensure that the mandate of the department is visible an in alignment with the Government and that of the international convention to which TCIG is a signatory, namely, Convention of the Elimination forms all form of Discrimination against women, (CEDAW, The Beijing Platform for Action (BOS and the sustainable development goals.
With that being said, Mr. Speaker the department of Gender Affairs though small has continued to propel its department mandate despite the challenges, we have been successful in several areas in achieving our social and economic objectives.
The Department also developed a Safe School Violence Prevention Programme which recognizes that creating a safe and inclusive environment is critical to tackling bullying, Sexual harassment peer pressure, etc. Mr. Speaker, there is Ongoing dialogue with ECLAC and UNWOMEN to support the development/implementation of the Gender Equality Policy, the team was scheduled to arrive in the Turks and Caicos in January, but due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, the program was delayed, Mr. Speaker the team of three is expected to arrive in the Turks and Caicos island from the Period May 23, to June 10 to lend support to the Department of Gender Affairs.
Mr. Speaker on December 3, the Department of Gender Affairs, witnessed the activation of a landmark piece of legislation that saw passage in the House of Assembly in 2015. Mr. Speaker, this ordinance makes provision for persons who are cohabiting or in common-law relationships to obtain protection orders and hold perpetrators of domestic and intimate partner violence account for this crime. Mr. Speaker, I paused to salute the Department of Gender Affairs and the various key stakeholders for their contribution and commitment to achieving the core objectives of the department and by extension the Ministry.
As you can see Mr. Speaker, I believe in the GENDER IN ALL initiative, and we will continue to advance this.
Mr. Speaker, the Citizenship & Naturalization Department’s performance strategies concentrate on e-governance and addressing process flows intending to reduce the turnaround time for Status Cards, Passports, Permanent Residence Certificates, Naturalization, and Registration, and Turks and Caicos Islander Status. The department, in addressing the current inefficiencies, will also develop Public Awareness materials on the various products offered. Mr. Speaker, this will capture the steps, and requirements needed to advance the requested products within a reasonable timeframe.
Mr. Speaker, I will now go through District Administration, which captures Middle Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos, and Salt Cay.
Mr. Speaker, in South Caicos, and through a partnership of PWD in some instances, the following were achieved:
15 maintenance concerns were addressed at the Iris Stubbs Primary School, Marjorie Basden High School, Old Customs and Treasury building, clinic, Wellness Centre, and the Community Centre.
Over 50 cleaning contracts were awarded, including drain, cemetery, and street cleaning.
·Two (2) major drains repaired – Off Airport Road in Sarah Hill and at the Regatta Village.
Also, Mr. Speaker, several community enhancement projects were completed including:
Installation of solar lights, construction of a garbage bin, and painting of the benches at the Christmas tree lighting area.
Painting of the Turtle Crawl wall.
Repair and painting of the boundary wall at the old customs/treasury building.
Partial restoration of the Basden Well (cleaning, re-roofing, and painting).
Mr, Speaker, the works will continue on the island this year with projects such as:
Full restoration of Basden’s Well to include additional cleaning, fencing and signage, and information boards.
Signage and information boards for the Boiling Hole and other locations in the community.
Signage for District Administration/Community Centre.
Mr. Speaker much has taken place in Salt Cay to enhance the Island and empowered the people. During the last Financial Year, the following took place:
District Commissioner’s Office was fully furnished with chairs in the waiting area, chairs in the District Commissioner’s Office, filing cabinets, a small refrigerator, microwave, just to name a few.
The South Shelter east door has been repaired and three locks replace on three of the doors.
The toilet on the north side in the South Shelter has been removed and replace
The wall at Middle Beach where the Flag is flown has been repaired.
The west wall in the Schoolyard near the Clinic has been repaired.
The four drainages on the Folly, the two on the north road, one on the south road, and the drainage near Oceanire Restaurant have all been clean and restored.
The Thomas Smith Cedar Park Sign has been made and erected.
Mr. Speaker, in Middle Caicos, was surely moving as well, the accomplishments for the last year include:
Cleaning and removal of debris along the causeway, which is the entrance to the island, was conducted while establishing a program to keep it looking presentable for the hundreds of travelers using it every day.
Welcome signs are constructed to show appreciation to visitors coming to our island every day.
Various road cleaning initiatives were conducted between Conch Bar, Bambarra, and Lorimors. And also, partnering along with Public Works Department and their Covid works program, we were able to conduct island-wide cleaning and clearing of roads.
Cleaning and clearing of the Cave Historical Sites on Middle Caicos.
Securing and clearing of Government water tanks around the Island.
Trimming of overgrown trees on The Doris Robinson Primary School grounds, repairing and replacing the guttering system around their buildings, and replacing school signage.
Roofing repairs on the Bambarra Beach Community Huts and installation of a temporary bathroom system until a permanent one is constructed.
Repairs the boat jetty in the community of Lorimers.
Hosted our First Annual Easter Fun Day Event for the kids and community of Middle Caicos.
Initiatives for the upcoming Fiscal Year (22/23) include:
To establish a program that works along with the fiscal budget to maintain the roads and Historical sites.
Construction of proper bathroom facilities at the Bambarra Beach.
Repair of the partially damaged government tanks. This will minimize the areas for mosquitoes breeding on the island.
Restoration of historical wells on the island.
Implementation of a Vendors/Farmers Market on Bambarra Beach where merchants can promote, display and sell their products.
Repairs to access routes to historic sites.
Placement of Proper Hazardous signage on beach access locations as they are frequently visited by tourists.
Repair of huts on Bambarra Beach that were recently destroyed by fire.
Working along with MC Expo Committee members in re-establishing the festival on the Island.
Mr. Speaker, on the island of North Caicos, on following was accomplished:
Street cleaning:- despite the landmass, critical areas were cleaned to keep the island looking green and inviting to visitors.
Various government properties were maintained regularly but capital projects such as Horse Stable Beach/wharf were carried over to the next financial year.
Minor repairs but main upkeep of grounds at the Schools.
Upkeep cemetery:- three cemeteries in Sandy Point, Whitby, and Kew have been transformed into green graceful final resting places.
Mr. Speaker, some of the major projects for this year will include:
· Renovation on Horse Stable Beach/wharf.
· Renovation of Major Hill wharf.
· Renovate government tanks/wells.
· Repair street signs and street lights.
Mr. Speaker, you can see that we are working for the people in our Family Islands, and much more to come from the various District Commissioners.
Speaker, connectivity throughout the Islands is still an issue, but through the Telecommunications Commission, we will continue efforts to enhance sector performance, to build a vibrant telecommunication industry. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to advance the implementation of the National Fiber Optic Ring. Mr. Speaker, the Commission will continue its effects to enhance sector performance, and build a vibrant telecommunication industry, by ensuring performance in the following key areas:
To ensure licensees of frequencies confirms technical standards to reduce interference;
To monitor and ensure proper use and registration of frequencies;
To monitor the collection of fees as prescribed in the Fee Structure Regulations 2020;
To respond to and investigate all consumer complaints and inquiries;
To ensure compliance with laws and regulations and the various terms and conditions set in-licenses;
Mr. Speaker, as I end, let me make mention of the book of Proverbs, chapter 16:10 which says that “a good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit” and in so doing, Mr. Speaker, I must give credit to my team at the Ministry of Home Affairs. They have risen to the challenge and remain dedicated to the work that we face as a Ministry, and further, they are genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. So to my team, I say, thank you and continue the great work!
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank you for allowing me to address you and the honourable members of the house today. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, let me finally say thanks to my Hon. Colleagues and our leader, the Hon. Premier for his continued dedication to advancing the Government and the Country.
To God be the glory, great things he hath done, and continue to do for this beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.
IN ALL THINGS WE MUST GIVE THANKS!
