Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Mr. Speaker, indeed I stand here with confidence in saying that I have been on my knees many nights, presenting my Ministry’s request to our Heavenly Father, and today I am grateful for his many blessings through the provisions made in this budget. Thank you God through our Premier and the Minister of Finance for hearing our Ministry’s prayer!
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and a pleasure for me to present the annual Budget to this Honourable House and this year is no different. Of course, I must first thank God and then the good people of ED9 for their continued support and guidance. I am also grateful for the encouragement I receive almost daily from the entire Turks and Caicos Islands of all walks of life. You are the reason why I pour out every ounce of strength into all that I do – A Labour of LOVE. To my family especially my daughter Arnelle Alexis Taylor, my greatest source of encouragement and strength.
Mr. Speaker, to my team at the Ministry, my PS Mr. Wesley Clerveaux , Deputy PS Amin McCartney and Keisha Taylor, I express my profound gratitude for your support. To my Personal Assistant, Ali Williams and my Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Wendy Saunders, thanks very much for the moral support and care.
From a personal perspective, the process of preparing the Budget affords me the opportunity as Minister for Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services, with added responsibilities for Library, Sports, Youth and National Insurance Board, to bring an acute focus to bear on where we are as a country. From the Government’s perspective it allows us, the Executive, to measure our accomplishments against the policies and programmes espoused in our ‘Contract Document’ and to see where we need to re-double our efforts.
Mr. Speaker, it is no exaggeration to say, that we live in one of the most challenging economic eras in modern times. Delivering on even a modest agenda would be considered difficult, but the agenda set by our Government is not modest; it cannot be, because these extraordinary times demand that we take strides that may not match conventional wisdom and may defy the understanding of those who do not share our vision or indeed, even our common purpose.
Mr. Speaker, the theme of this fiscal year’s budget is “An Economy that works for All: People-Opportunity-Prosperity”. A fitting theme for this era. Mr. Speaker, individuals and businesses in a country can only thrive if the economy works for them. Mr. Speaker, we are a Government for the people! Building an economy that works for everyone! Mr. Speaker our People’s Contract speaks to developing a lifelong learning environment so Turks and Caicos Islanders can improve their knowledge and skills at all stages of their life. Promise kept Mr. Speaker, we are giving our people the opportunity to educate themselves by making debt-free Tertiary Education available to all citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. To the people of this great country, a window of opportunity appears, please don’t pull down the shade!
We have enacted policies that meet the challenges families face in the 21st-century economy. Mr. Speaker, my Government is focused on building a more equitable, empathetic economy – increasing minimum wage and driving down costs associated with education – thereby reducing the enormous strain on working families. This again Mr. Speaker is addressed in our People’s Contract!
Mr. Speaker led by my Ministry, a committee has been formed to undertake the commitment of a study to begin working on increasing the minimum wage. These committee members include government officials from the relevant departments and members from the public. Mr. Speaker, my Government collectively share a vision for a sustainable country where all people can thrive. We are committed to making a meaningful and measurable difference.
Education
Mr. Speaker, you would, no doubt agree with me, that the role of education is undeniably critical to our success, as we continue our march towards nation building and eventual self-determination. Nation building, Mr. Speaker, begins with ensuring that there is a capable, competent workforce to steer the country’s economic development.
Mr. Speaker, it is said that Budgets are not merely affairs of arithmetic, but in a thousand ways go to the root of prosperity of individuals.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Education remains committed to providing Education to all, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, our Government is preparing the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the leadership roles they must fill, so that they are positioned to take this country from glory to glory.
I pause, Mr. Speaker, to acknowledge and express my heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, school administrators and the staff of the Department of Education. Thank you for the hard work carried out during the 2021-2022 financial year.
Mr. Speaker, it is said that the success of our students reflects the success of our teachers. Without their hard work and accountability for the various teaching and learning initiatives introduced by my Ministry, students could not have achieved significant improvements.
My government will pay special attention to the implementation of the right policies and programmes and we are committed to providing the appropriate infrastructure, to ensure that our Education System becomes more responsive to the changing economic and social environment.
Mr. Speaker, permit me to boast Key elements in this year’s budgetary allocations, to aid in accomplishing these targets that are in alignment with our People’s Contract.
Capital Projects
Mr. Speaker, ensuring that our students are provided with adequate access to Secondary Education, we will be constructing a New six (6) Classroom Block for Louise Garland Thomas High School and Refurbishment of a three (3) Classroom Block at Clement Howell High School, with an estimated whopping total cost of $3million – these two (2) projects will convert both secondary schools into full high schools. Promise made and promise kept!
Mr. Speaker, we have identified the challenges many students have encountered with Mathematics and Reading; this must be addressed at the grass roots stage. A project is geared towards procuring a diagnostic assessment tool that will aid in identifying learning gaps amongst our students and developing individualized learning plans to improve their competency, particularly in numeracy and literacy. Mr. Speaker, this is a whopping $200,000 initiative that has been budgeted in-line with our People’s Plan. Mr. Speaker we are reminded that a budget does not restrict you, it empowers you!
Mr. Speaker, our People’s Contract speaks to the Upgrading of Schools Phase 3 – The improvement of our physical infrastructure is an ongoing exercise. While there are continuing capital works from the previous fiscal year, additional sums of $1million have been budgeted in this financial year to further upgrade existing infrastructure, thus improving the learning environment for our students. The Ministry has also invested much funding in enhancing the ICT capabilities at all schools. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the leader of the Opposition to FOCUS ON SIGNALS in the BUDGET and STOP the NOISE! Mr. Speaker, isn’t the purpose of the Appropriation Exercise to question our Accounting Officers when in doubt and don’t know what they are talking about? Mr. Speaker Line Item 036 highlights $110,000.00 under other supplies, materials and equipment, software and computers; Line item 079 other supplies totaling $13,627.00 which again includes electronics and Mr. Speaker, an additional $15,000.00 is allocated for software. A whopping $135,000.00! Cash Money Mr. Speaker! Cash Money! Doesn’t this address ICT in schools Mr. Speaker?
Mr. Speaker, the People’s Plan speaks to continuous upgrading of schools’ infrastructure. $800k has been allocated to upgrade equipment and furniture at various schools. Schools included in this project are Marjorie Basden High in South Caicos, Raymond Gardiner High in North Caicos, the Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos and the Enid Capron Primary in Five Cays.
Mr. Speaker, HJ Robinson High School compound has been plagued with excessive flooding during the rainy season due to landscape issues, which negatively impacts the movement of students and conduct of classes. My Government has provided $1.5 million in funding to alleviate this problem and improve the aesthetics of the compound. Mr. Speaker, this government did not turn a blind eye to this problem.
Mr. Speaker, it is noteworthy that a total of $6.4 million is captured under the Ministry for new capital projects as we continue to honour our contractual agreement between the people.
Recurrent Expenditure
Mr. Speaker, as the procurement of textbooks has been addressed on numerous occasions in this Honourable House, my Ministry has a total of $133k allocated across the various schools to procure the necessary texts for our students. Mr. Speaker, this budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went!
Mr. Speaker, we maintain that we must provide safe environments for our staff, students and visitors to our schools. As we have secured security contracts for the LGTH and CHHS, funding is also provided to secure contracts for our public primary schools. Collectively, in excess of $600k is allocated for security contracts. Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Opposition say WE CAN DO MORE and more is what we are doing!
Mr. Speaker, we have increased our budget for Curriculum Development by 31% to $89,976, which is mainly to advance the “Let’s Reap” Initiative. The Let’s Reap initiative was conceived to remedy the adverse impact students encountered in their learning as a result of the COVID pandemic. This programme focuses on diagnostic assessments and providing intervention for students to address specific deficiencies in numeracy and literacy through their schools. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the leader of the Opposition to FOCUS on the signals in the budget and stop the noise!
Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that the leader of Opposition needs to remain in the room when his good friend is delivering her Ministerial Speeches. Mr. Speaker, on February 22nd to May 5th 2022 the Department of Education hosted an ICT Training Workshop entitle: Equipping the 21st Century Teacher, providing teachers with the essential tools/applications to create engaging, effective learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of every learner. These tools and applications included ePortfolios, GeoGebra, Math is Fun and Excel, Kahoot and the list goes on. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I am being heard or is there a blind eye to contents of my presentations by the leader of the Opposition. Mindcraft Training for our teachers is schedule for next term Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are in the process of developing a course for our teachers in English as a Second Language, for this we are proud.
Mr. Speaker, we have also increased the Academic Training account to $60,000. This will allow for training in assessment strategies and developing Test items to assist in the validation of assessments. Through donor agencies such as UNICEF, we also envision to provide new training on Positive Behaviour Management Strategies for teachers and parents. Mr. Speaker, we have also reinforced our support directly for students through the training of Guidance Counsellors and for the establishment of Student Support Services throughout our school system. These services will provide holistic support to our students, including encouraging positive behaviours and quelling the incidents of violence in our schools.
Mr. Speaker, the Education Policy is amongst the consultancies currently being conducted by the Ministry. The Education Policy will inform the strategic direction for the sector in a dynamic way that builds on the accomplishments thus far attained by the Ministry. The Situational Analysis for this consultancy is currently being revised. The Ministry is also progressing its Education Digests Consultancy for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 periods. The first draft of the Digest is anticipated in early May 2022. $132,000 has been budgeted for these and other consultancies and services that support the continuous work of improving the Sector, including the Provision of Psychological Support for Special Needs students and parents (in collaboration with the Ministry of Health) and Technical Support to the Higher Education Advisory Board.
Mr. Speaker, we are steadfast in developing programmes to provide the necessary support to all citizens in our institutions of learning, especially our most vulnerable, including those with special needs. It is our mission to ensure the mantra “No Child Left Behind” is a reality as our children grow to assume their rightful place industrially and economically in society. In delivering on this objective, my Government has increased the funding for our Special Needs Assistance programmes by 3 times the previous estimate for the 2021-22 financial year, which is now in excess of $200 thousand dollars. Mr. Speaker, call the Fire Engine, I am burning up in here!
Mr. Speaker, we also continue to ensure that our children have access to primary and secondary education with the voucher and subsidy programmes that provide financial assistance for students to attend private schools – $1.07million has been budgeted for these programmes.
Mr. Speaker, we continue to advance our early childhood initiatives with the roll out of the new policy.
Mr. Speaker, collectively, my Government has an astounding $37.5 million invested directly into the Education Sector. This is an investment, in not just the youth of our country, but in our adults also, to ensure they partake in the opportunities for life-long learning that will ultimately enhance the skills of our people and create the new managers and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.
Scholarship Policy
Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Education, it is my responsibility to empower our students through educational opportunities and experiences. It is imperative for me, to ensure that the pathway to receiving a scholarship is fair, transparent and in the best interest of our country.
The reason for periodic reviews of the Scholarship Policy is to provide capable Turks and Caicos Islanders with the opportunity to receive a scholarship from the Government of this country, in line with the Skill Gaps of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
My Ministry has expanded the areas and level of financial assistance to give more Turks and Caicos Islanders the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming all that they can be, while pursuing areas of study which are relevant to the national Human Resource Development Plan of this country. This revision included additions for special needs students, mature students, cadets and students from all socio-economic backgrounds. It is the Government’s intent to make scholarships accessible to all eligible scholars, thus improving the lives of every Turks and Caicos Islander.
Mr. Speaker, this year, the Ministry of Education has extended the list of accredited Universities, offering candidates the opportunity to study at world-class educational institutions. Financial assistance is now being offered in wider areas of our society, which is also integral to the development of talents and skills in the areas of Arts and Culture.
The Ministry of Education values education and is making a substantial investment in it. It is also investing in equity and distribution. My Government is delivering on our pledge, to provide greater opportunities for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, to help meet their individual education and training needs, but also those of our community and economy. An additional $500,000 has been budgeted in this fiscal year to complement the additional scholarship offerings which will ultimately provide greater access to scholarship opportunities to our citizens and an additional $500,000 for Civil Servants upgrade under the Deputy Governor’s Budget. This Mr. Speaker is the Development of our country’s Human Capital.
Mr. Speaker, our government is determined to carefully prioritize education with our main focus on lifting Educational Standards to empower our young people and strengthen our economy.
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) continues its mission: “To provide post-secondary and continuing education for school leavers and adults, in order to promote their personal and professional development, and the social and economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands”.
Mr. Speaker, Tertiary Education is a passport to success in our society. It provides Turks and Caicos Islanders and other residents alike with the skills and knowledge they need to live sustainable and rewarding lives and, in turn drive stronger economic growth and prosperity. Mr. Speaker, it is with this premise in mind, and data indicating that the majority of our youth are not exposed to tertiary level education, due to various social-economic reasons, my Goernment decided to make access to the TCICC free to all TC Islanders and BOTCs. This decision, coupled with a massive public relations campaign and registration drive by the TCICC, will allow many of our youth and mature students to benefit from life-long learning either through the traditional academic programmes or our TVET programmes that hones the skill of our citizens to make them more employable.
Mr. Speaker, with the need to improve institutional governance and rethink the business model at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, (TCICC), The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the TCICC, has embarked on an organizational review exercise that commenced during the month of December 2021 and is expected to be completed during early May 2022.
The objectives of the consultancy are to review and evaluate the following areas and recommended changes where appropriate:
The TCICC Organizational Structure to determine whether the design is appropriate/efficient to achieve the medium and long-term objectives of the Government.
The roles, responsibilities, qualifications and performance of managers/teaching staff, to ensure efficiency.
The manager to employee ration to determine if it is appropriate.
The operational policies, protocols, procedures of the College and determine if they are effective and make recommendation of gaps which need to be addressed to strengthen the governance and Management System at TCICC.
We look forward to receiving the final draft of the review, as we work together to strengthen the Governance System in an effort to improve the management efficiency and productively of the institution.
Mr. Speaker, I recently lead a delegation for a meeting with Executives from the HEART Trust and tour of their facilities. As we seek to properly develop our TVET programme, this tour afforded me the opportunity to garner insight into the governance, administration and general operations of such an organization. As we chart the course of establishing our very own hospitality institute, having already secured the land for this significant development, the opportunity to tour their hospitality centre provided much insight for establishing our own centre of excellence for the industry.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to report our Government is finalizing the acquisition of a building to alleviate the accommodation woes that have plagued the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College over the years in Providenciales. Mr. Speaker, I will no doubt report on this more comprehensively; I would therefore only add that we look forward to the commencement and culmination of this project into a centre of educational excellence.
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry has sourced an additional $568,700 for the TCICC for the following areas:
$70,000 for repartitioning of rooms to provide office space for additional staff members
$70,000 in furniture for new staff members on Providenciales
$50,000 for the procurement of Computers and office equipment
$100,000 to provide additional support to the Nursing Programme. This will support two (2) nursing lectures, clinical rotations overseas for 10 students, including provision of airfare, accommodations, and meals; and quality assurance and accreditation reviews
$100,000 consultancy for the development of a strategic plan and staff manual. This is much needed as the strategic plan expired in 2020 and the staff manual has not been updated in nearly 2 decades.
$24,000 – Temp staff for data entry of human resource and student registration data
$54,700 – TCIG Pension and Gratuity Scheme Service Credit and 1-year contribution.
$100,000 – Reserve Fund – Unlike most statutory bodies, the TCICC has not experienced savings at the end of a financial year. In this regard, it does not have the ability to withstand any unforeseen circumstances, nor remain operational without TCIG support. It is prudent to have a minimum of 3-month reserve for operational expenses. For the TCICC, that would be $415,000 per month or $1.25 million. $150,000 has already been approved for this purpose. The additional $100,000 would increase that amount to $250,000.
TCICC Nursing Program
Mr. Speaker, I again turn my attention to our objective of quality education and as a response to the Nursing needs of the Ministry of Health and the ongoing need by the Inter-health Canada Hospital, conceptualizing the program to meet the need of the country was appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, The Ministry of Health has reached out to PAHO and is working with North Carolina University. Plans are afoot for experts from the University to visit and conduct a quality assurance review of the program as well as the practicum with a view to advise on immediate steps to be taken to strengthen the program. Mr. Speaker, that visit commenced March 2022.
Mr. Speaker, TCICC has updated and revamped the curriculum and program schedule, and has developed a Practicum Manual which outlines the learning objectives and targets in anticipation of the proposed visit by the representative from North Carolina University.
Mr. Speaker, TCICC’s revised Nursing programme content and duration is akin to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and will be three years from entry to completion, inclusive of a one-year Practicum. It was noted that while Associates in Nursing exist in the region, there are but a few of them, given that the regional standard is now a four-year B.Sc. programme. Mr. Speaker, to satisfy this criteria, the approach adopted by many institutions is to have extended the matriculation/enrollment of their Associates Nursing students into the four year B.Sc. programme. Given the importance of portability and comparable standards, Mr. Speaker, this option will also be a matter of discussion with technical experts from the TCICC. Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we broaden our affiliations with highly accredited universities and in so doing the Ministry has reached out to the UWI Faculty of Medicine to provide technical support with the expectation that this collaboration will lead towards having the nursing program accredited.
In light of this Mr. Speaker, Cabinet at its meeting on March 2nd approved for the Ministry of Education to transfer savings in the sum of $108,000 to TCICC. Mr. Speaker, Cabinet also gave approval for TCICC to use identified savings in the sum of $108,000 as match funding and together with the allocation provided by the Ministry to be paid to the ten (10) nursing students as stipend, as they undergo their practical studies at InterHealth Canada. Mr. Speaker, this practicum commenced on April 1st 2022.
National Insurance Board
Mr. Speaker, The National Insurance Board continues to deliver on its mission, providing social protection for the people of these beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands.
The institution remains committed to working towards strengthening the reserves to extend the longevity of the Fund. While the recent decision to proceed with the contribution rate increase was a challenging one, it was necessary and therefore, it was the responsible thing to do to protect the Fund.
Mr. Speaker, this is National Insurance Board’s first contribution rate increase in 30 years, and we are confident that the rate increases over these next three years will be adequate for the foreseeable future.
Mr. Speaker, plans are well advanced to award the contract for the National Insurance Board’s new ICT system over the next two years. We envision that this system will revolutionize the way the institution does business. The budgetary provision of $3M makes the replacement of the Board’s computer system its largest capital project for the year. This new, more robust and integrated solution will provide improved efficiencies, better workflows and greater accessibility to customers by 2023/24. In keeping with the Government’s vision and customer expectation, the new system will allow customers to make payments, submit and track benefit and registration applications online.
Mr. Speaker, our Government, my Government has concluded the Unemployment Assistance Benefit Program. The initiative lasted for a year. Mr. Speaker, we have processed over 3,400 applications, and over 2,600 persons were assisted financially amounting to a value of $3.9M.
Mr. Speaker, The National Insurance Board implemented its Permanent Unemployment Benefit this April. This benefit will pay 50% of the qualifying insured person’s average weekly insurable earnings for up to thirteen (13) weeks, in a 52-week period. Further information may be sourced from the NIB.
Mr. Speaker, the 10th actuarial review of the National Insurance fund will be due this fiscal year. This report will assess the current financial status of the fund and provide information vital to the decision-makers on any remedial actions needed. Given the recent increases on the cost of living, an important aspect of the review will be assessing the adequacy of current benefits structure.
Mr. Speaker, the total contribution income for the year end March 31, 2022, is estimated at $42.9M. The National Insurance Board budgeted a total of $28.2M this fiscal year for the payment of Benefits and forecasts an income of $51.7M.
Mr. Speaker, plans are afoot to advance towards the merger of the contribution and compliance functions of the National Insurance and National Health Insurance Boards. A target merger date of April 2023 has been set. Both institutions will be working together towards that goal.
The National Insurance Board recognizes that its employees are the key to achieving the institution’s service delivery goals. We have always invested in our staff and will continue to provide training for all staff in 2022/23.
Sports Commission
Mr. Speaker, the late great Nelson Mandela said that:
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”
Mr. Speaker, we at the Ministry with responsibility for Sports agree with Nelson Mandela and we will utilize the powers of sports to unit our people, to inspire our youth, to strengthen our communities and to create safe spaces for our children.
The 2021-22 financial year was a dynamic year for TCI Sports, as we were able to resume and expand our programmes in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic.
The county has witnessed the transformation of sports and recreational facilities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, the Grand Turk Parade Grounds; Community Parks across the islands and yes, our newly refurbished National Stadium! Mr. Speaker, in this budget, there is an additional $300k secured for facilities management. This specifically will fund the upkeep of our community parks and the National Stadium.
We would like to congratulate our athletes who continued to prepare with uncertainty and who competed with resilience this past year. We say to you that we see you, we hear you and we will support you. To our National Sport Organizations, your commitment and sacrifices has not gone unnoticed. Many international games and events were canceled over the last two years but 2022-23 will be an exciting time in sports and we will be there to support you. Be it the CARIFTA Games, the Commonwealth Games or any sporting event that encourages our athletes and strengthens TCI’s position in the region.
Mr. Speaker, Sports is a priority for My Government; we will be strengthening our investment in sports to allow our children to develop their individual abilities from an early age.
Mr. Speaker, the contribution of sports and recreation to our overall programme of engagement and empowerment cannot be over emphasized. We have for a long time been negligent in measuring and assessing its impact on our youths, our society and our economy.
Our government wants to say to all of our athletes, we love you, we appreciate you for raising the banner of The Turks and Caicos Islands around the world.
Mr. Speaker, “Hope” is the operative word. This 2022-23 budget is a budget that inspires hope! Through the Sports Commission the Ministry will:
increase sporting opportunities for our youth through sport development camps, youth leagues and school sports competitions. Last fiscal year the Sports Commission fully funded national inter-school competitions throughout the TCI and will continue to do so in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
improve TCI athletes’ podium placement by implementing a Long-term Athlete Development and High-Performance strategy
strengthen sports governance to ensure transparency, equity, organizational structure, and child safe guarding. Believe you me when I say this Mr. Speaker, believe you me!
provide support be it financial and other wise to national athletes and sport federations
provide quality facility access to athletes for training and competitions and to other residents for recreation and active living
continue to promote the improved overall health of our residents through the Let’s Move TCI campaign
Mr. Speaker, we at the Ministry will utilize sports as an avenue to create opportunities for individual growth, to improve physical, mental and emotional health, as well as to develop confidence and a sense of empowerment for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Customer Service Department
Mr. Speaker, the Customer Service Department embarked on four ambitious initiatives during the past financial year. The family island initiative, the High School Education Initiative, a Department Branding Campaign, and a Customer Service Survey.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the initiatives, in which the wider public was engaged, is to establish a clear definition of service excellence and identify the underlying principles, values and standards that should drive the framework underpinning this across Government.
These workshops, surveys and campaigns are part of the wider transformation and modernisation agenda, aimed at establishing a culture of service excellence across the public sector, especially in the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services, which have a duty to provide services of the highest standard to internal and external clients.
Mr. speaker, an official logo for the Department was created to aid the general public in easily identifying our Department and its members. In this fiscal year, this logo will be used on; official correspondence, signage, Name Tags, Uniforms, paraphernalia, and marketing material the Department creates.
Mr. Speaker, two stakeholder engagement meetings were held with agencies to discuss various topics such as scheduling an agency’s visits to the Department, getting feedback on applications, improvements to the efficiency of the Agency’s applications tendered, agency policy, and various other matters. Feedback was received, and as a result of this feedback, provisions were made in this fiscal year’s budget for training to be offered to agencies and a change in how Customer Services Department offers service to agencies. The Ministry is ensuring that all agents are duly licensed to conduct business and are seeking to finalize and adopt a revised agency policy.
Labour Tribunal
Mr. Speaker, the Labour Tribunal is a statutory board established for the purpose of hearing complaints from employees, including unfair dismissal claims. Similar to a court, it is charged with collecting statements, hearing evidence and making findings of fact in relation to employment disputes.
Mr. Speaker, the Labour Tribunal held 107 sittings in Providenciales and 31 sittings in Grand Turk, despite covid-19 restrictions. The Department implemented a Virtual Court/Hybrid System in June 2021 and so far held nine (9) sittings using this system. A meeting was held with the District Commissioner of North Caicos for her guidance on identifying a site in regards to holding court hearings to include the islands of Middle Caicos and the Cays which we hope to conduct in the near future.
Permit me then, Mr. Speaker, to express our appreciation to the entire Tribunal for their continued dedication and commitment and as always, for maintaining high standards of professionalism and excellence, all of which inevitably foster public confidence in our justice system.
Achievements Budgeted for Financial Year 2022/2023
To continue with the training of staff and exposure to different jurisdictions in the region.
To continue with the Virtual Court/Hybrid System.
Creation of an Employment Manual to be Utilized by Labour Inspectors in collaboration with the Tribunal Staff by June 2022.
Develop before the end of the third quarter, legislation to support the work of the Department. This may advance where necessary and appropriate amendments to existing legislation (The Employment Ordinance), in conjunction with the Employment Services.
Library Services
Mr. Speaker, the Department’s core role is to provide strategic directions to the development of libraries in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, the Library Services is adamant that it will provide a platform for their users to browse the world at their fingertips with all their online resources encouraging Library users to get connected to knowledge. The Library’s office supplies budget has increased by a whopping 500% to $50,000. This will enable the Library Service to procure much needed computer equipment and supplies for members to effectively utilize EBSCO and other online resources.
Mr. Speaker, we are indeed making significant strides in the sector but there are still much more goals to be accomplished. Our Government is committed to ensuring the ambitious imperatives of the Education Sector Plan are executed for the benefit of our youth and all Turks and Caicos Islanders. It is our aim to complement this by offering activities to engage our youth and support services through our Library system to ensure that they are well rounded citizens.
Employment Services
Mr. Speaker, during the financial year 2021/22 the department had key objectives such as review of the Employment ordinance, Department Restructure, Draft of Apprenticeship/Internship program. Key targets such as building stronger relationship with NIB/NHIB for better compliance and working closely with the statistics unit are factored into this financial year.
The Department was able to secure funding for a Labour Market Information System that should be fully implemented by 4th quarter 2022/23. $300,000 has been secured for this system. In the interim, the Department is seeking to roll out a revamped database system that will improve the processing and tracking of applications which will positively impact efficiency Mr. Speaker.
The Department along with the ministry received approval for a National Internship and Apprenticeship Program that is schedule to start summer 2022/23. To aid with the implementation, inclusive of providing appropriate compensation for the interns and apprentices, $500,000 has been budgeted for this Pilot Project. The project will ensure that students and prospective employees are placed in a field of work experience that matches academic field and career path. Mr. Speaker, the People’s Plan is our guide!
The Department plans to launch the program at a scheduled 5th form symposium in collaboration with the Hartling Group before the end of this school year. The symposium plans to introduce the students to the world of work, career management and work life balance.
The Employment Services Department is also rolling out more effective internal processes that will lead to better management of the migrant work program system. These changes will allow for better monitoring of the product at every stage of the process and assist with compliance for Immigration, National Insurance Board, National Health Insurance Board and the Department of Road Safety. The changes will lead to better reporting of all classes of work permit to allow us to continuously up our scholarship offering to meet the skills needs of the country. You will see increased activity from the department in terms of research as we work to install our Labour Market Information System by the end of financial year 2022/23.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry was able to secure funding for a Human Capital Development and Employment Policy strategy that will seek to inform and assist the TCI in structuring its education offering and hence our migrant worker program. The consultancy that was secured has also been tasked to develop a five (5) year implementation strategy to assist the Ministry, to effectively implement the recommendations of the project. We are now awaiting the submission of the Situational Analysis and the consultancy is expected to be completed in July 2022.
Mr. Speaker, as the capture, processing and analysis of timely data is key to this sector, we have recently recruited a Research and Planning Officer and we are in the process of transitioning the role of Financial Manger to an additional Research and Planning Officer to assist with the LMIS system and other data analysis functions. Through training initiatives and secondment opportunities, we will further build capacity within the Department to keep abreast of the dynamic labour market.
Mr. Speaker, we have almost doubled the Office Supply account with an amount of $24, 200 to ensure there is sufficient funding for the procurement of work permit cards, due to inflationary and other factors.
Employment Service will also usher in an Employment Health and Safety Policy for the TCI. The Policy will seek to ensure that employees provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees that is conducive for their well-being and complies with the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. This exercise is anticipated to commence in August of 2022 and conclude December 2022.
Youth Department
Mr. Speaker, the Youth Department’s role and function is to facilitate, create, implement and enhance youth programmes, services and projects throughout The Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, in keeping with our government’s initiatives listed in the Contract document, The Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services in partnership with local youth serving institutions, clubs and churches and schools hosted virtual youth forums throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands during the course of last fiscal year and is hoping to increase these forums during this fiscal year in person since some of the restrictions of COVID-19 protocols have been lifted.
This document gives us the impetus to do deliver programmes geared towards the development of the youth and will make a difference to the individual and collective lives of our younger residents. Mr. Speaker, the Youth Budget Program speaks to $125,000.00 which is recurring, and we have replaced the money to the Cadets initiatives in the amount of $217,577.25. Mr. Speaker, in an effort to deliver the Policy it will be collaboration of the Ministries. The $250,000 to religion for social programmes that will foster community uplift and crime reduction focuses too on Youth. The Hon. Min. of Home Affairs allocation in the budget addresses the youth – a holistic development of our people.
Mr. Speaker, as we continue to develop the Cadet Core, we have commenced the process to formally implement the Cadet’s Advisory Committee which will strengthen the presence of the Core on the family islands. We are also on the verge of electing a new commandant. At this time, we bid farewell to our former Commandant Ennis Grant and thank him for his dedicated service. I encourage our youth to join the Cadet Core which provides local and regional training opportunities and now opportunity for scholarship through the newly revised policy.
Mr. Speaker, programmes will soon be launched to encourage the growth of a strong, viable and responsible youth leadership and serve as a forum for dialogue between the government and the nation’s youth.
Today, I stand here, reaffirming our Government’s commitment to ensure meaningful and direct participation of the youth in shaping and giving effect to our development agenda. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday of this week a working group of youth inclusive of members from the various Ministries and the Church will meet in Providenciales to aid in an implementation plan for the delivery of the Policy in a phase approach over the next few years.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I draw you attention to the projects in relation to the Constituency of Electoral District 9, Five Cays, South Dock and Chalk Sound:
The introduction of the new Airport Tower and Fire House. Ground breaking took place on Tuesday, April 26th 2022 off South Dock Road.
The allocation of funding to purchase land in Five Cays for the construction of A Marine Branch Base, A Detention Center and a State of the Art Radar Office. This will indeed provide added security to the residents of ED 9 and providing greater police presence consistently in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker $2.2million dollars is allocated to address illegal Housing which includes ED9.
The purchase of a new Mobile Police Station will add much needed police presence to our communities.
The Technical Block at the Enid Capron Primary School will be completed in June 2022. A project that commenced in 2020, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the Community Center will be managed by the Sports Commission commencing this year, providing opportunities for our youth and residents where they can be meaningfully engaged in organized extra-curricular activities.
Mr. Speaker, the Road Works will continue as we seek to continue the cleaning of our streets and the beautification of our communities. Mr. Speaker imbedded in the works program, ED9 will receive the construction of garbage receptacles to address the challenges with garbage in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, the construction of a Vendor’s Market at Sapodilla Bay Beach will provide opportunities for our vendors to engage in organized entrepreneurship opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, this budget will also provide the opportunity to develop a parking area to address the crowded sidewalks of Chalk Sound during peak hours when our people and guests are utilizing the Beach.
Mr. Speaker, this Budget reflects the values and priorities of our nation and its people which is summed up in our theme: People, Opportunity and Prosperity.
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry will continue to strive for the betterment of our people through our Human Capital Development focus and pray for God’s blessings on this resilient nation.
