Good evening Mr. Speaker, Hon Premier, Hon Leader of the Opposition, Honourable members of this most prestigious House, those of you in the gallery and to all of you listening in this evening. Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish my good people of the great constituency of Five Cays, South Dock, and Chalk Sound a pleasant good evening. Mr. Speaker, it is said that the greatest mistake a politician can make is to forget the people that put them in office. And Mr. Speaker, that is so true therefore, before I go any further let me proclaim to the people of my constituency that I have not and will never forget or neglect you. In fact, by the end of this presentation everyone should be convinced of one fact and that is that from the day my people put me into this office and our Premier entrusted me with one of the most important ministries in our governing system, I have been working hard and fearlessly on behalf of this country and have never once taken my eyes off of Five Cays.
Five Cays
I will begin my budget address focusing on my constituency of Five Cays. Mr. Speaker, the voters of Five Cays are the reason that I am here serving in this honourable house.
Mr. Speaker, I remember sitting in this Honourable House during the years 2012-2016, as a member of the opposition during budget sessions, and noting that Year after Year after Year after Year, that Five Cays was neglected by the former PNP Government. That’s four years I mentioned Mr. Speaker. You see Mr. Speaker, every Government, if they are fortunate enough to serve their full term, has 4 budgets to bring to the HOA. Records will show that my constituency of Five Cays was never deemed important enough by the than PNP administration to be included in any of their 4 budget they passed. Mr. Speaker, when the wonderful and hard-working voters of Five Cays demonstrated their confidence in me and the PDM party on December 15, 2016, on a mandate of change. Mr. Speaker, I can truly say things are changing, and changing for the better!
Mr. Speaker, I want to publicly congratulate the Principal, Staff, and successful students of Enid Capron Primary school for capturing three of the top ten positions in the 2018 Grade Six Achievement Test. You have made our constituency and community of Five Cays very proud. Mr. Speaker, they deserve to be acknowledge.
Mr. Speaker, for years, many might have said I sounded like a scratched record pleading for roads in my constituency to be paved and/or repaired. I am happy to say Mr. Speaker with the full support of My Government; Five Cays roads will be paved. Last year we were able to resurface Sandbar road. This year’s budget Mr. Speaker, the residents of Five Cays will see three roads being fully paved with sidewalks. Mr. Speaker, these roads are:
- The road to the radar station, where we have a lot of foot and vehicle traffic, will be getting paved. Mr. Speaker, this is long overdue. In fact, it was my family that pushed that road when we were the first and sole residents in that area. Since that time Mr. Speaker, that area has become home to many families. And this will be the first inch of tar this road has ever seen. Mr. Speaker, things are changing! And changing for the better, in Five Cays.
- Speaker, Granny Hill will be paved with sidewalks in this financial year, things are changing!
- Speaker, Matilda Way will be paved with sidewalks in this financial year. And for those that might not know that road by name; that is the road that circles Pumpy’s place going straight around the back pass Rousseau’s house and back to the Five Cays main road. Mr. Speaker, neglect? No, no, no, Mr. Speaker, things are changing in Five Cays and changing for the better!
Also Mr. Speaker, I will be continuing works on the upgrading of the Felix Morley Community Center in Five Cays.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Chalk Sound and Silly Creek will be happy to hear that I have also been working on a Green Park for them. I have already identified various suitable sites for this park. It is my intention this year to have the site designated for this purpose and design and works beginning as soon as possible. The works will begin initially from residents and private sector support with major assistance coming from the government later.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a big shout out to the Chalk Sound community for their diligence, their community spirit, their modes of communicating with each other and the watchful eye they keep on their community. They are an example for other communities.
Mr. Speaker, the Five Cays Beautification project started with the Welcome to Five Cays and Welcome to Chalk Sound Signs during my years as a member of the opposition. However, the signs were only phase one of my Beautification project. Residents and Visitors alike must prepare themselves for the beauty that is about to unfold. Mr. Speaker, anyone familiar with my campaign has heard me consistently mention Operation Facelift. The roads, the community center, the primary health care offering, and Five Cays Beautification are just some of the components of operation facelift. I made promises to my constituents and I will continue to work tirelessly until all promises are delivered. Which includes major cleanup campaigns like I have done before. Mr. Speaker, I must say that I am blessed to be able to bring about the changes that I wanted to see as a child, teenager, and eventually a young adult growing up in Five Cays and during my years in opposition. Mr. Speaker, for the record I have no intentions of going back on that side of the room. It’s something about those seats on that side that just don’t feel right. Therefore, under my watch “Five Cays, South Dock Road and Chalk Sound will never be neglected”
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give a shout out to the Five Cays Cultural Committee for their projects and other works they have been doing in Five Cays. Mr. Speaker, the public would recall that this committee hosted the First Annual, “Five Cays Lobsterfest” last year September, where it was estimated that over a thousand persons descended into Five Cays. It was a successful event by all measures. Mr. Speaker, I want to invite you, every member of this House, and the entire public to join us once again in Five Cays this September for a fun filled event.
Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services
Mr. Speaker, now that I have given my bosses, the people of my constituency a report on what is in store for our great constituency, I would now like to turn my attention to my ministry; The Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services. Mr. Speaker, I will outline for the people of these beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands, my ministry’s program for the fiscal year 2018/2019. This will clearly show how things are changing in the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services and as a result, how things are changing in our country.
Mr. Speaker, in looking at the year ahead, one cannot help but to take stock of where we came from and acknowledge that the past year was undeniably an extraordinary one. One that presented us with untold challenges. For how I can say to you are things are changing without telling you where things were, where they are now, and then and only then, can I say where we are going.
Mr. Speaker, the battles we faced as a ministry, as a government and as a country, in my mind, were unprecedented. As a people, we endured the wrath of two major hurricanes and untold damages and displacements, and it appeared that our borders came under relentless attacks from the start of 2017. A total of 22 sloops and 1,335 persons were repatriated throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, this represents a 160% increase in sloops arrivals and a 270% increase in repatriations over the same period for 2016. Mr. Speaker, this was truly unprecedented.
Mr. Speaker, the year also brought with it profound opportunities, even in the midst of the storms, opportunities to prove to ourselves, and to the world, that we are a resilient people, that we are a resilient government, and that we are a resilient team in the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services.
Mr. Speaker, I stand proudly before you this morning and this honourable House, representing a ministry of hardworking, dedicated, and committed civil servants, who despite their own personal challenges and afflictions, pressed on through every battle that we encountered and ensured that they performed for the people of this country.
If I can be completely honest Mr. Speaker, I would say that there were many days and nights when it appeared that we had nothing left to give, when resources were stretched beyond reason, and when officers were exhausted, frustrated, and driven beyond human limits. But, Mr. Speaker, it was in those moments that they truly showed up, going beyond the call of duty, to deliver on the tasks that you the people had given us to do. Mr. Speaker, we have officers that were physically harmed, my PS’s car was vandalized and Mr. Speaker, my home broken into, but not once did we give up or did we let this country down. Mr. Speaker, some of those persons are here with us this morning and I will ask those from my Ministry in the gallery to stand and be recognized. Please allow me Mr. Speaker, to use this platform to publicly say thank you all, for believing in my vision and leadership and for the hard work you have put in, day and night. I say Thank You!
A Look Back
Mr. Speaker, in looking back I would like to share some statistics with everyone that will highlight my team’s performance during the year 2017 and put some things into perspective for a lot of people. They are as follows: Mr. Speaker, the Task Force Unit in the Immigration Department responded to 22 illegal migrant sloops and speed vessels. They along with the staff at the Detention Center processed over 2,000 persons, 34 of whom were deported and 1,335 repatriated.
Mr. Speaker, the immigration officers at the Providenciales International Airport processed into our country almost a half a million passengers.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Employment Services, they processed 6,850 labour clearances, 3,310 work permits, 1,740 temporary work permits and facilitated 579 conciliation hearings over labour disputes.
The Registration and Citizenship Unit, Mr. Speaker, together processed 3,254 applications for passports, birth certificates, PRCs, registration and other citizenship related products.
Mr. Speaker, just from hearing these numbers one should immediately realize that this was no easy feat, as often time it was without the necessary tools, equipment or heads needed, but they found a way, and continue to find ways that we can consistently deliver on our program’s mandate.
Mr. Speaker, in April 2017, I told this Honourable House and the people of this country that we would have improved compliance and prosecution. Mr. Speaker, the Immigration Department along with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and other enforcement agencies conducted numerous joint operations which accounted for some 253 apprehensions. Mr. Speaker, the department also partnered with the Inspectorate of Employment Services for weekly visits to establishments, to curb illegal employment, and in the short months of their exercises, together they have had 32 inspections and site visits, in their efforts to improve compliance. Mr. Speaker, let me dispel this age old rumor or belief that Grace Bay or some other areas are somehow out of reach of enforcement exercises. Mr. Speaker, under my leadership our enforcement and inspections activities have touched from the tip of Heaving Down Rock, through roads of Long Bay, along the streets of Grace Bay, down on Lower Bight Road, continuing down Leeward Highway, Down Town, Kew Town, Blue Hills, Five Cays, South Dock and into the other islands. Mr. Speaker, no island is beyond the laws of the TCI and no business or individual is beyond my will to enforce these laws.
Mr. Speaker, I told you that we would have strengthened our data intelligence, manpower resources, and improve the efficiency in the processing of our products. Mr. Speaker, during the year, my ministry brought on a total of 15 new staff and filled 4 positions that were critical to our strategic operations and development, that being the Commissioner of Labour, the Director of Immigration, the Compliance and Enforcement Manager and the Director of Registration and Citizenship. It’s important to note that these are all key high-level positions which all part of my vision to restructure the Ministry of Border Control & Employment Services. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Premier and the Deputy Governor for their support in this endeavor.
Mr. Speaker, already we have begun to see marked changes in these departments, we will continue our on-going review to ensure that we streamline processes and reduce waiting times for the delivery of products and services.
A key component to this work, Mr. Speaker, is the long-awaited Border Management Control System which is currently at 80% completion, (and no, it was not cancelled as the LOO claimed) with another phase currently underway, and the introduction of the Advance Passenger Information System, which will be implemented upon the completion of the Border Control Management project.
Mr. Speaker, I told you that we would have made improvements to the Coastal Radar Station, in our ongoing efforts to improve the monitoring of our borders.
Our team secured, through a bid, some $500,000 from the UK Government, for a complete replacement of the computer radar tracking software and equipment complete with a high-resolution camera, thereby bringing the standard of operational equipment in line with industry standards and improving the monitoring aspect of border protection in these islands. This year, investment in the ongoing upgrade to the Coastal Radar will continue. Mr. Speaker, things are changing in border protection and changing for the better.
Mr. Speaker, I must pause here to remind the public that the radar is merely a monitoring tool. It can neither intercept, nor stop, illegal migrant vessels, or any other kind of vessel, from attempting to breach our borders. Mr. Speaker, at the point I delivered my 2017 Budget address, the detection rate for the radar was 90% and I can assure you and the people of these islands that, despite our challenges during the latter part of 2017, since the installation of this world class equipment, our detection rate thus far has been and remains 95%, to date. Our efforts now, Mr. Speaker, in conjunction with the UK, the Police and other response agencies, are to continue to fill the gaps in the battle of border protection to ensure that there are fewer landings on our shores. Mr. Speaker, the public can be assured that their government is fully engaged with the UK in a cooperative manner to meet the national security needs of our country.
On the note of migration Mr. Speaker, during the 2017 budget presentations, I promised this Honourable House and the people of these islands, the development of a Population Policy and the completion of the National Skills Audit that would enable us the opportunity to choose a migrant work force that truly addresses the skills gaps of our country, while protecting the employability of our people.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the National Skills Audit was in fact completed and has been presented to the Ministry of Education. An information paper on the adoption of certain recommendations will be tabled in Cabinet next month.
Mr. Speaker, the Population Policy, while it was delayed last year due to the reprioritization of resources following the impacts of the 2017 hurricanes, I am pleased to be able to assure this Honourable House that it forms a part of my ministry’s priorities for this financial year as it is featured in the budget being presented today.
Mr. Speaker, as we are all aware, my ministry has major responsibility for the processing of migrant labour through the work permit system, and Mr. Speaker, while these processes remain largely manual, time-consuming and tedious, my team continues to push, even as application volumes amount to some of the highest in our history and it is expected to grow higher. In 2017 Mr. Speaker, I told you that we would reduce the time frame for processing work permits across the board, and Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that currently 85% of work permits are being issued within three months and Fast Track, within fourteen days. Now Mr. Speaker, some will question this, but I will only say that it is human nature to complain loudly about what went wrong and thank quietly when it goes right.
Mr. Speaker, what we have accomplished was not easy and we are proud of the accomplishments that we have made to date.
However, Mr. Speaker, there is much to be done, and believe me, we are the first to acknowledge that there is room for greater improvement.
Therefore Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to you our plans to gain greater achievements and efficiencies in my ministry as we look ahead.
The Look Ahead
Immigration and Border Control
Mr. Speaker, considering where we came from and where it is my vision to take us this year, I have outlined six strategic goals that will bring about the change that this PDM government has promised. These strategic goals are as follow:
- To introduce Service Level agreements (SLAs) to be established and published for ALL products. Improved client services, including shorter waiting times, eradicate backlogged applications and streamline all processes.
- Identifying, addressing, and mitigating national security and fraud risks to our system;
- Enhance Border Protection by the implementation of APIS and the use of Biometrics – fingerprinting apparatus.
- A better trained and knowledgeable workforce to excel in a dynamic environment.
- Implementation of technology to increase security, efficiency and customer experience. Our pursuit of some of these technologies are well advanced. On line labour clearance and Work Permit Application, APIS, Biometrics, the use of drones as well as the digitization of Registration and Citizenship documents.
- Greater communication with the public (through media releases and press conferences, radio talk shows, newsletters, social media, sound bites etc).
Mr. Speaker, over the past few decades we have seen tremendous economic growth within these Islands, which continues to be the greatest pull factor of migrant labour through legitimate and unfortunate illegal means as well. This growth has presented special challenges as well as opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier reaffirmed this Government’s commitment to give urgent attention to public safety in all its aspects. The Government made a commitment to take initiatives to continue to modernize and improve the functioning of the key law enforcement agencies: them being the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force particularly the strengthening of the Marine Branch, and the Immigration Department and to review the introduction of a multi-agency approach to border protection. In fact, this solution also formed part of the terms of reference of an assessment conducted in early May 2018 by a five-member UK Border Expert Team. Mr. Speaker, the public will be happy to know that their government have been looking into the joint enforcement unit for border protection. However, Mr. Speaker, I believe we need to go a bit further and include enhancements in our search and rescue capabilities among other activities. It is the intention of this government to begin discussions to introduce a full-service Coast Guard. Our neighboring country the Cayman Islands is well advanced in their change to a full coast guard service and I have already held a preliminary discussion with them on their transitioning process.
Staff
Mr. Speaker, we in this ministry are committed to the upgrade of our staff, over the past year, we continued the initiative to phase out the position of Assistant Immigration Officers and to promote these Officers to full Immigration Officers in keeping with the statutory requirements and the broader Government objective of staff upward mobility. Due to this initiative the Immigration Officer posts increased by eleven (11) in this year’s Human Resource budget. This upgrade program will continue in this 2018/2019 financial year.
Mr. Speaker, the Immigration Department is also grateful to be the beneficiary of three (3) new critical positions to strengthen the targeted areas of investigation and intelligence. It is anticipated that holders of these new and critical positions will bring the relevant skills and competencies to achieve its objective.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to foster our staff growth while attracting, hiring, developing and retaining top-quality, diverse, and performance-driven employees.
Staff Training
Mr. Speaker, services and enforcement in the case of the Immigration Department is driven by proficient staff. Mr. Speaker, a strategic training plan is being developed for all staff. The plan will capture several areas identified as skills gaps within the Department. It is anticipated that the training will not only close such gaps but will improve efficiencies on service delivery and staff morale.
To this end, the Department will introduce a strategic Training Program that seeks to ensure that the human resources are fit for purpose and meet the expectation of an intelligence and enforcement driven body.
Thanks to this Government for increasing the allocation for training for the Department by US$20,450.00, which was only US$3,550.00 in the previous year. We are grateful!
Significant training will include communication, tactical and defensive training, team building, management skills, conflict resolution and human rights, among others.
In addition, all staff will benefit from lifestyle training and coaching.
Intelligence
In the area of Intelligence Mr. Speaker, we will continue expanding our network of intelligence and law enforcement capabilities with our partners locally, regionally, and internationally, to exchange information and intelligence, build capacity, and increase worldwide security and compliance standards. We anticipate the introduction of innovative approaches to intelligence, investigation and targeting, to also counter related criminal activities such as drug smuggling and money laundering.
This will also be done through MOUs with local partners. Mr. Speaker, we will ensure that intelligence-based decision making strengthens our border.
In addition, the Immigration Department will continue to assist the Ministry in providing leadership in promoting regional and international partnerships, much of same is being undertaken through the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC) and CARICOM IMPACS.
Mr. Speaker, Intelligence alliances will enable us to better vet applications for products offered by the Ministry of Border Control and Employment, inclusive of Visa and Work Permits for the long term.
Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)
Mr. Speaker on May 24, 2017, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government signed a Memorandum of Intent and later signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Government and CARICOM for the introduction of Advanced Passenger Information System within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Legislation has been enacted to enable the same and it is intended that the system will be introduced when the new Border Control Management System is implemented.
Mr. Speaker, this system will enhance border security by enabling advance intelligence gathering of passengers at airports and seaports, which would improve efficiencies for added tourism experience, as well as improve the safety of citizens and visitors.
Mr. Speaker, this is a significant step in hardening of our borders.
Strategic Alliances
Mr. Speaker, strategic relationships with neighbours and regional bodies is critical to protecting the borders in the long term. We will expand dialogue with current labour source countries such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In addition, we will seek to formalize arrangements of cooperation with the United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and further highlight the obligations of the United Kingdom in national security. In fact, Mr. Speaker, at the request of the Premier we have just recently received the letter of entrustment from the UK that will allow us to go ahead to formerly engage the government of the Bahamas on assisting us with patrolling our borders. It is my intention to lead a delegation to the Bahamas of high level participants before the end of this month to move this initiative forward.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, since coming to office I have taken a proactive approach of strengthening our relationship with the Cayman Islands Government, in this regard. Mr. Speaker, I must mention of our alliance with a group of private sector businessmen who have already stepped up in major ways to assist my Ministry and the police department and it is anticipated for this cooperation to continue.
Mr. Speaker, immigration and the national security of our borders are among the issues that I believe should never be politicized and me and my government have been careful not to do so. In light of this Mr. Speaker, I have requested already stated publicly that I will convene a summit on Immigration inviting all pass leaders of our country and all pass Ministers of Immigration irrespective of political party. We will discuss a define number of topics on immigration. Invitations will go out next week. It is my hope that this sends a signal to the people of this country that this is not politics.
Compliance
Mr. Speaker compliance is a significant aspect of enforcement. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Department of Employment Services have been our constant partners.
We have projected a fifty percent increase in compliance activities and prosecutions over the previous year. Much of these undertakings will be done independent of Operation Guardian.
We have increased our compliance efforts and presence in the districts and communities, particularly through the multi-agency approach and Operation Guardian specifically. Operations was conducted in Duck Yard, Grace Bay, Pallet yard, Behind Glass Shack, Kingston, Over Back, and North Back Salina, just to name a few.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, Immigration presence, in vehicles and on night patrol with the Police has increased as part of the mitigation initiative on illegal landings, which typically takes place at night.
Mr. Speaker, I again use this forum to request the support of the public. Where the law is not enforced, citizens lose respect for the law, violators then break the law or continue to break the law with impunity.
Mr. Speaker, we do not want to see this country develop into a country with a culture of lawlessness. Turks and Caicos Islanders, legal residents and visitors of these Islands have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes, in their neighborhoods, in their work places, in their vehicles, on the streets and in their places of leisure.
Mr. Speaker allow me to share a personal story with you. I remember one morning as a teenager still in high school living in Five Cays, I woke to find a lady sound asleep on our living room sofa. I did not recognize her, but I assumed at the time she must have been one of my mother’s friends or someone in the house knew who she was. As the rest of my family arose, it was evident that no one knew this lady. We later found out that she had came in on a sloop during the early morning hours and found her way into our home. We were fortunate that was the extent of the experience. Mr. Speaker let me tell you another story, its about one of the scariest nights of my life. Mr. Speaker imagine being at home with your wife and four-month-old new born baby and just after 3am in the morning hearing and seeing over a hundred persons walking pass right under your bedroom window. Mr. Speaker, one thought came to mind, what if they stopped.
Mr. Speaker, I shared these two personal stories to let the public know that no one understands this problem more than I do and no one should think for a second, that me and my government aren’t doing all that can be done to deal with this issue.
Rest assured, Mr. Speaker, that Immigration has stepped up law enforcement against all immigration crimes and offences and continues to bring perpetrators before the courts.
Mr. Speaker, the full force of the Turks and Caicos Islands law enforcement agencies will be utilized in confronting our complex immigration issues. Things are changing!
Operation Guardian
Mr. Speaker, Operation Guardian is undoubtedly the most successful sustained immigration led operation in the history of this country, Operation Guardian has been hailed as a game changer. It is already allowing for seamless sharing of intelligence, and planning and mounting of joint operations to curtail illegal immigration, human trafficking and the prosecution and deportation or repatriation of those illegally in these Islands, and these operations will continue well into this financial year, and beyond. Those officers from the Immigration Task Force and the Police Department and the other joining agencies must know, how grateful we all are for the work they have been doing thus far. Hats off to them.
Regulating Persons engaged in providing immigration advice and services
Mr. Speaker, Section 109 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance 2015 sets out the qualification for persons to provide immigration advice and immigration services for fee, gain or reward.
Mr. Speaker, for years this has been a growing problem that have been largely ignored or inadequate attempts made to resolve it. These immigration agencies or consultants as they are called has undoubtedly been a part of the problem. With unqualified persons who refused to study the laws and keep up to date with legislative changes and current policies, giving advice to their clients that results in wasted time and lost monies. And Mr. Speaker, what do you think most of them do? They tell their clients it’s, the government, it’s the new political party that just took over, it’s the department, it’s the civil servants, you name it, they say it. But never take responsibility! Therefore, Mr. Speaker, we will enact a code of conduct to regulate and improve the integrity of conduct of persons engaged in providing immigration advice and services and we will establish a Register of Recognized Agencies in accordance with Immigration Ordinance by the end of August this year.
Service Offering
Mr. Speaker, on the matter of service offerings we have moved expeditiously to reduce any significant back log of applications for Residence Permits. Between January – December 2017 we have approved and issued 213 applications for Spousal Residence, Home Owners and Independent Means Permits. As at May 2018, 79 applications have been issued. Mr. Speaker, the public must understand that a huge portion of my work since coming into office has been to clear up in some cases years’ old problems. Some applications spanning over a six-year period. And we have made significant progress. And keep in mind Mr. Speaker each one of these applications represented someone’s life that was put on hold for all those years and now they are free to move on with their lives.
The Department continues to honour its obligation and commitment to ensure that the current detention center facility be modified to meet minimum international standards. Also, a Border Control Detention Center Operation Standard manual is drafted and will be advanced for adoption through Cabinet this year.
Mr. Speaker, we continue to experience challenges as it relates to over stayers. To mitigate against the need to prosecute surety and bond holders, we are now providing after care to ensure and verify that beneficiaries of visas leave the Islands within the time granted. You would note that during this last year I have placed several restrictions on the issuing of visas in those areas that saw large scale abuse and we have already seen significant positive changes with this product.
Enhanced Communications
Mr. Speaker, enhancement to communications is critical to improving the service delivery aspect of the Immigration department. To ensure that clients and the wider public are aware of how we conduct business, we anticipate updating the current website, a newsletter will be created, and we will introduce an Official Immigration Department Facebook Page. These tools will enable us to better give more real time information about the Department, products offered, and processes related to the product offerings. The website, Facebook Page and newsletter will become active by the end of August 2018.
In addition, it is intended that this unit will also be responsible for Public Relations, which will assist us greatly in informing and reminding the public on immigration and labour matters.
Presence in Family Islands
Mr. Speaker our family islands are important to us therefore, management will increase its presence on all Islands to better monitor, review processes and procedures to ensure that during 2018/19 satellite officers all operate efficiently and to provide a better level of service to the residents of those islands.
Recap – Immigration’s Medium to Long Term Objectives
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recap my ministry’s medium to long term objectives. Mr. Speaker, we intend to do the following:
- Have New Staff reflect the direction of the department and to have effective intelligence driven model that enables the TCI enforcement partners to deliver effective control over who has the right to enter or exit the TCI.
- To be technology driven.
- To extend our strategic partnerships and alliances.
- To safe guard our economy by enabling and managing lawful trade and industry
- To have a trained staff who will enable greater efficiencies.
- To introduce a phased broad Border Control Management System with modern bio metric capabilities.
- To continue Operation Guardian and other well-designed operations over the next year.
Employment Services
Promotion of the Employment of Turks and Caicos Islanders
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Employment Service have been mandated with a new defined focus of the employment of Turks and Caicos Islanders through making the right connections to potential employers and assisting with self-improvement for job seekers to be better prepared to take up their desired job. Historically Mr, Speaker, the department has focused mainly on the restrictions built into the work permit process as an attempt to ensure our people are given a shot at a job. And while this is an important mechanism that we will continue to use, I believe we must take a more proactive approach to this issue.
Mr. Speaker, through the establishment of a partnership with the Ministry of Education and the corporate public, we will monitor the scholastic tenure of our students who are the beneficiaries of our scholarship program, to prepare for their placements in the public and private sectors on completion of their studies. In this regard, we will work with the private sector through their staffing plans to ensure that proper planning sees the matching of our students and/or other qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders, to existing and new jobs as they become available. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that I presented this paper to Cabinet on Monday this week for acceptance.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, we have already begun to host the largest country-wide registration drive in the history of this country. This is being done to ensure that the Department of Employment Services have full visibility of the persons that are requiring or otherwise seeking work and have greater success of matching availability to the demand in the labour market. Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage anyone seeking a job to take advantage of this initiative. Mr. Speaker, in addition we will soon be announcing The Apprenticeship Program that will aid students in secondary and tertiary schools to work with companies while still in school.
Major Legislative Agenda
Mr. Speaker, as we continue to improve our response and management of a modern work force, we will seek to do so with the support of robust and modernized legislation.
We will undertake the review of the Employment Ordinance, which commenced in 2015, with a view of improving on the conditions of employment for all stakeholders.
Additionally, we will commence the work on developing a legal framework for the introduction of a Health and Safety Ordinance, which will seek to put proper safety measures in place to protect workers from certain on-the-job injuries, and further provide remedies for employer negligence and protection against employees who fail to follow safety guidelines. Mr. Speaker, it is also inherently obvious that we will have to continue to keep under review the Immigration Ordinance 2015 and Regulations 2016.
Human Resource and Improvements
Mr. Speaker, we register our thanks for the provision of six additional staff members for the Department of Employment Services, which will greatly assist us in improving our processing times and delivery of services to the public.
In the budget is allocation for training of the human resource, which will make provisions for the improvement of skills in the Inspectorate to ensure greater success rates with mitigation and conciliation meetings and site inspections.
De-complication of Work Permit Process
Mr. Speaker, we would all agree that there are some categories of work permits that are straight forward, in that, there is little need for a consultative approach as provided by the boards meetings, and that which can be adequately reviewed and approved by the Commissioner of Labour, under the law.
Therefore Mr. Speaker, in our efforts to create a better business environment we are de-complicating the work permit process. I have already issued instructions that effective August 1st, several categories of work permits will be directed to the Commissioner of Labour for review, as provided for in section 28 (9) of the Immigration Ordinance 2015. This move will result in reduced processing time, less work for the Board, creating a better service experience and improving general quality of life for our people. To give a quick example of what I am talking about. Mr. Speaker, why would an application for a brain surgeon go through a board process when we know that we have no one here with that skill. Or even an application for gardener when we know that our people have shown little interest in this field of work. Mr. Speaker, I believe this only burdens the systems and, in most cases, results in frustrating the process. We will however, monitor these categories periodically base on continued registration by our people.
Improved Compliance
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the increased efforts for the placement of Turks and Caicos Islanders in jobs locally, we will also be improving compliance with the requirements of the Immigration Ordinance and provisions under which work permits can be issued.
I am therefore giving notice that among other things, the following will be enforced:
- Proficiency in written and oral English
- Change of employer through variations by the board or Commissioner
- Applications for renewal after expiration of work permits to be considered as new and non-continuous to previous period
Mr. Speaker, the enforcement of these measures will greatly improve the assurance that we are doing our utmost to uphold our laws. And additionally, this move will help to cure other issues that we have discovered when persons are applying for PRCs and other statuses many years later. It is very important that the public takes note of this.
Registration and Citizenship
Mr. Speaker, I will now focus on the Registration and Citizenship Department, which is responsible for all our citizenship products including births, deaths and marriages registrations, passport, TCI Status, Permanent Residence and Naturalization, among others.
The objective of this department is to create and manage the vital records of all residents, register all life events, and provide secure identity documents in accordance with the country’s legal frameworks. This year we are moving ahead with the digitization of all these vital records. Not only will this safe guard these documents for the future but it will also assist us in improving national security and providing a higher level of service to the public.
Improved Service Delivery
Mr. Speaker, I think that we can all agree that one of the greatest opportunities for us in this department is the improvement of service delivery and communication with our customers.
While this has been the aim from the time I came to office, much leg work was required, and I am now pleased to say Mr. Speaker, that specific milestones have now been made that will ensure our success in meeting these objectives.
Mr. Speaker in January 2018, we welcomed among our management team, a Director for the Department of Registration and Citizenship, who has since completed the drafting of Service Level Agreements between his department and the Customer Service Center, which will direct commitment times for delivery of products and customer feedback.
Mr. Speaker, these SLAs will ensure our commitment to agreed delivery time frames for each of our products, which has also been proposed and which will advance to Cabinet for a formal adoption, this is a testament to our commitment to improving our service to the public.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, we also register our thanks for the six additional staff allocations for 2018/19. In a department with some 12 products, and 6 caseworkers, one can see how these additional resources are critically needed. With the addition of these new staff, no longer should the public be told that this person is on vacation or out sick and therefore the process has stopped. It is long time that we move pass this way of doing business. To compliment the new hiring, we will also be conducting training for the employees. Her Majesty’s Government has been engaged to facilitate training on the laws that govern naturalization and registration in August of this year, and we will be arranging training on the passport process in the third quarter.
Additionally, we have commenced the development of operations manuals and additional process maps to better assist staff and improve efficiencies in the provision of products and services.
Mr. Speaker in addition to helping to improve service delivery, the new resources will enable strategic expansion of the services that we currently offer.
Registrars throughout TCI
Mr. Speaker, Providenciales continues to grow as the economic center of our country and further continues to generate the largest volumes of applications for our Registration and Citizenship team, and it is critical that we are constantly reviewing our processes to address the dynamics in this changing economy.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that in this year’s budget allocation, provision is made for a Registrar to be employed in our Providenciales office, who will be responsible for the production of registration documents for births, deaths and marriages in our largest populated island. Yes Mr. Speaker, no longer will applicants have to wait for unacceptable lengths of time for these documents to be registered and produced, as the processing will be done in Providenciales as well as Grand Turk.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, there is already legal framework for District Commissioners to perform as Registrars within their designated communities, and we will therefore be reviving services in our family islands, as well. Mr. Speaker, things are changing and changing for the better.
Bedside Registration
Mr. Speaker, with the employment of the Registrar in Providenciales, along with an Administrative Officer, will facilitate the introduction of Bedside Registration of live births at the government recognized medical facilities in Grand Turk and Provo, thereby improving the efficiency and timeliness of the birth registering process in these locations. Mr. Speaker, things are changing and changing for the better.
Secure Identity Documents
Mr. Speaker, the vast increase in international travel and growing threat of terrorism, along with the ever-increasing levels of identity fraud, especially within our very own Turks and Caicos Islands, which is commonly used to facilitate illegal migration, continues to plague us and the creativity of those engaged in such activities are ever evolving.
Mr. Speaker, these threats must be mitigated against and it must start with improving the security of our identity documents.
I am pleased to say that we have already begun this process with the introduction of the new work permit cards which holds multiple security features that the old paper cards did not. The other part of this initiative is already underway, and Mr. Speaker by September of this year we will see the introduction of secured documents for all products in the departments of my entire ministry. Mr. Speaker, the public should have realized by now that things are changing and changing for the better.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion no one can deny the harsh realities of immigration. Anyone paying the least bit of attention to world events will see that this is the hottest topic on the planet right now as country after country continue to grapple with illegal migration. Mr. Speaker countries with trillion dollar budgets have not been able to stop illegal migration, yes, even the great United States. And as much profound speeches and tweets as President Trump can muster he has not been able to stop illegal migration into the US. Mr. Speaker, this government is working hard, and we are doing our jobs. Despite the intentional miss characterization of the situation, the fact is, that we still boast a high detection rate of 95% and an unprecedented high rate of detention and repatriation. Mr. Speaker let me share something that is completely unfair and can only be seem as political mischief. When the Bahamas, America or any other country intercepts a boat at sea with illegal migrants and repatriate them back to their home country, some of our people hail them with great revere, they post all over Facebook “that’s how it is done”, now that is a country that is serious about protecting its borders”. However, Mr. Speak when this government does the exact same thing, intercept, detained and repatriate, we are cuss to high hell as being incompetent, uncaring and on and on and on. Now Mr. Speaker, you tell me if that isn’t just some low down dirty politics been played on the mind and hearts of our people then I don’t know what that is. A people should rejoice in the success of it’s government because inevitably our success is your success.
Mr. Speaker, the good Lord has continued to bless this little country of ours. And through all his blessings some of our people have taken this for granted. The fact that we have weathered two major hurricanes only days apart without any loss of life was truly a blessing and not a right. The fact that this country was able to bounce back so quickly after these storms was not a right. The fact that our economy continues to have growth is not a right. And Mr. Speaker, the fact that in December 2016, after fourteen years of being in the wilderness under a PNP government the good Lord has deliver us, is not a right. These are all blessings from God. Mr. Speaker, I would like to caution our people, that we should be humble or we might end up being humbled.
I wish to reiterate my profound gratitude to my team and the entire Ministry of Border Control and Employment for all that we have accomplished and further re-commit my unwavering support to our program and the goals that we have set this year, and beyond. I believe that I have laid a foundation for this ministry that can be built on by anyone.
Thanks is also extended to the members of both sides of this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker for the support of our initiatives and to the public for playing their role in assisting us in the protection of our borders.
And finally, I would like to once again to thank my people of Five Cays for their faith and trust in me. I promise I will not let you down!
Mr. Speaker, I would like to end with a quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing, that ever has.”
I say to the people of the TCI that on December 15th, 2016 this small group of citizens were elected to be the government of the day, on a mandate of change. And Mr. Speaker, as I have reported during this address, things are changing and changing for the better.
May God continue to bless you, and may He forever, bless these our beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.
End
