THRONE SPEECH
as Delivered by Governor (Acting) Anya Williams
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11.”
Salutations
- His Honour the Speaker
- Her Ladyship, the Hon Chief Justice
- Honourable Premier and Cabinet Ministers
- Attorney General
- Honourable Leader of the Opposition
- All other Honourable Elected members
- Honourable Appointed members
- Acting Commissioner of Police
- Members of the Clergy
- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
- Distinguished guests in the Gallery
Mr. Speaker, the journey of our country has been one of challenges, but we have also seen significant gains.
We got our first constitution nearly forty-five years ago. Since then the constitution has been suspended and revised a few times.
We are a work in progress.
In fact, we have come a long way from what, years ago, a journalist referred to as “the armpit of the Caribbean” to what many now say is “the Jewel of the Caribbean”.
Over the last 20 years, our growth and development, especially in tourism, have made the Turks and Caicos Islands one of the most desirable leisure destinations in the region.
We have made significant gains in some of the measurements of development, such as life expectancy; better access by our people to primary, secondary, and tertiary education; healthcare; improved infrastructure and greater access to electricity and clean water.
Regrettably, our people have not benefitted as much as they should from the significant growth in our GDP. Far too many remain on the margins and barely eke out an existence.
The next fifty years must be for and about the people. Everything we do must be centred on their wellbeing, welfare and wealth creation.
My government is taking office at a time when the world’s economic climate is unsettled, and in some cases volatile because of COVID-19.
The struggle to contain and control the pandemic has put pressure on our main industry and the economic health of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
An economy so dependent on one industry is vulnerable to external developments.
Keeping you healthy and safe while rebuilding the economy will be our focus.
Defeating COVID-19 requires the engagement and commitment of the whole of Government, community, and individuals.
There has been so much suffering and death. We mourn the loss of each person and pray that God will have mercy upon their souls.
So many of you have been extraordinary in how you have handled the inconvenience of the containment measures. You have altered your habits, deferred your plans, worked remotely, or redesigned your work methods and cared for each other. Many of you have become teachers helping your children who have had to continue their education remotely. We pay special tribute to our unsung heroes.
You are our front-line workers, including health care personnel and essential workers, women and men in uniform, volunteers, and leaders. You have laid your lives on the line in service to the health and wellbeing of your fellow citizens.
We owe you a debt of gratitude.
We thank Her Majesty’s Government in the UK for making vaccines available to us.
We urge everyone to get inoculated as soon as possible.
A healthy population will allow us to fully open our country quickly.
So long as COVID-19 remains a threat, we will not rest.
We will maintain a robust testing programme and we urge you to get tested, continue to social distance and practice good hygiene.
We have heard your cries and we see the hardships you are facing.
As promised, my Government will always protect your interest and look out for your welfare and wellbeing.
On Monday, 1 March 2021, my Government approved an initial $25 million in stimulus/relief measures that will provide immediate relief to persons in need.
These measures include:
- A payment of one thousand dollars for income assistance and relief to eligible Turks and Caicos Islander status holders and British Overseas Territory citizens who are at least 18-years old and were residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands within the last 12 months. Eleven million dollars will be spent on this programme and will benefit some eleven thousand persons.
- Customs and Import Duties for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), cleaning, hygiene and sanitation supplies will be waived for a period of 6 months effective 3 March 2021, totaling some $1.3m.
- We will waive and write off late fees and penalties on all outstanding contributions to the National Health Insurance Board owed by subscribers up to February 28, 2021; totaling over $12m.
- We will waive and write off additional charges on late payment on National Insurance contributions by employers and self-employed persons, up to and including 28 February 2021; totaling over $700,000.
Additional relief measures are likely to be included in the 2021/2022 budget.
As we look ahead to the medium to long term, my government is clear that we must build a stronger and more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands through economic growth, human capital development, and environmental protection.
We want everyone to participate in the process.
That is why on Wednesday, 3 March 2021, Premier, the Honourable Charles Washington Misick delivered to the head of the public service and senior public servants, a green paper on the Government’s plans for consultation.
The green paper outlines the plans to expand and sustain the major sectors of the economy.
We are determined to work with everyone to ensure synergy and to make practical steps for an economic and social development programme that is doable, deliverable and durable.
The people must be at the centre of any development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
My Government will only support development that empowers local people, protects their culture, and supports their aspirations.
To support the new direction, all Ministerial portfolios are being restructured around group functions that are either complementary or related to each other.
Transforming the Government will involve the creation of new agencies and retooling current agencies/departments to improve sustainability, efficiency, and seamless service delivery.
Our people must get value for money.
Over the last year, many of you have lost your jobs, have no stable accommodation and are struggling with the high cost of living.
My Government is moving at a fast pace to grow the economy, create jobs, cut the cost of living, provide quality healthcare and education and to create a more secure Turks and Caicos Islands.
ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
My Government will diversify the economy, augment the Tourism industry, and expand the Financial Services Sector and Agriculture and Fisheries.
The fragmented management of the destination, characterised by the dominance of large operators, a heavy dependence on foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign labour, disregard for the carrying capacity of the destination, uncontrolled development, and limited tourism spending in the local communities must stop.
Let me be clear, my Government welcomes foreign direct investments, but this will not come at a cost to the everyday development needs of our people.
The new Tourism Policy will have as its core objective sustainability. This requires an efficient tourism destination management organisation (TDMO) which is inclusive, autonomous, and tasked with achieving stakeholder synergies.
It will proactively facilitate tourism linkages to increase cash retention in local communities for inclusive growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
To expand the Financial Services industry, my Government will:
- Promote the international financial services sector by setting up and funding TCI Finance. It will promote TCI as a preferred FinTech destination to attract global financial services businesses.
- Institute a preferential labour protocols policy for the grant of multi-year work permits to qualified specialists in the sector.
- Target 2-week processing times for temporary Global Talent work permits in the field.
- Require a staffing plan to employ Turks and Caicos Islanders as a condition for these work permits, and:
- Create an empowered Financial Services Committee with senior representatives from the Financial Services Commission, private sector and Government, chaired by the Minister of Finance, to ensure that the Financial Services Sector is prioritized.
INVESTMENT POLICY
Over the years, our dependence on FDI driven development has led to unintended consequences, instead of policy driven outcomes and results.
To grow and diversify the TCI economy will require a strong combination of domestic and foreign direct investments.
My Government’s new investment policy will place emphasis on domestic investment, including funding sources for qualifying start-ups and existing entities – especially in the productive sector.
This new policy will dovetail into the overall development vision for the country set out in the TCI Vision 2040 Document.
Currently, despite a broad mandate, Invest TCI lacks the requisite level of autonomy, a clear strategy and confidence of the business community and other critical departments and agencies.
My Government will revamp Invest TCI to make it more effective in investment promotion and facilitation, attracting new investors and retaining existing ones.
We will augment the team with world class commercial business and legal expertise and balance customer concerns against the different regulatory goals of agencies through better inter-governmental communication.
My Government will:
- Link the investment policy to the development strategy.
- Pursue sustainable development through responsible investment (placing social and environmental goals on the same footing as economic growth and development objectives)
- Channel investment to sectors and locations that will fast track the build-up of productive capacity, competitiveness and create linkages to tourism.
- Remove barriers to and direct concessions in favour of domestic investment.
- Ensure cohesion with all other policy areas that support development objectives.
- Rebalance the current allocation of land use which was driven by foreign investors with an efficient and equitable land use policy.
- Incentivise joint-ventures and partnerships between FDI and local entrepreneurs especially in the productive sectors
- Establish minimum investment thresholds for stand- alone FDI entities.
- Strengthen compliance measures in the restricted business categories.
- Repeal the Encouragement of Development Ordinance and replace it with a new investment promotion legal framework that focuses on domestic investment, and genuine long-term alliances and partnerships with foreign investors.
- Restructure the revenue system to eliminate the need for complicated development agreements.
- Create new types of investments.
Honourable Speaker, food security is the foundation of all human needs.
Given the threat to the global supply chain and a lack of nutritious food in sufficient quantities, it is critical that the TCI creates a food security plan.
My Government will begin the process to develop a dynamic Agriculture Sector to grow food and cut the import bill. We will:
- Establish a food production cooperative.
- Fund agricultural loans and protect local investments in farming.
- Ramp up Agricultural Science training.
- Develop farm roads and infrastructure.
- Establish zones for poultry, livestock and fish farming.
- Facilitate the importation of temporary farm labour to boost production and availability of domestic food supply.
- Provide concessions to farmers and fishermen.
- Establish Farmers Markets.
- Build public slaughterhouses including on large farms.
- Create a national agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries department to be fully functional by 2025.
- Finance the development of a TCI Fishing Co-op.
- Impose stiffer penalties for bleaching of reefs, poaching, and the catching of prohibited species and under sized marine animals.
- Confiscate all foreign vessels caught within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Encourage the UK Government to engage with the Dominican Republic Government to finally resolve the disputed maritime boundary between the two countries – particularly the Mouchoir Bank.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA TO SUPPORT THE NEW ECONOMY
To support the new and robust economy that we are building, My Government will update some existing legislation and write new ones. They include:
- TCI – Limitations Ordinance
- Economic Development Incentive Ordinance
- Amendment to the Public Finance Management Ordinance and Regulations
- Freedom of Information Ordinance – to provide public access to information held by public authorities
- New Local Government Legislation
- Fair Competition Ordinance
- The Digital Economic Ordinance – making provision for electronic communications infrastructure and services, including the creation of a broadband Universal Service Order (USO), to give all premises in the TCI a legal right to a minimum standard of broadband connectivity, expected to be 10 megabytes per second (Mbps)
- Revenue Integration Ordinance – Revenue Authority
- New Employment Ordinance – to replace the current Ordinance with one that protects employees and enhances business operations. It will promote social dialogue mechanisms and collective bargaining to enhance working conditions, career prospects, and job security to the benefit of the workers.
PUBLIC SECTOR MODERNIZATION
For most islanders, it is hard to do business with their Government. The long waits and the lines have frustrated some and slowed the progress of others.
We can do better.
My Government will use technology as a development and economic tool and in the months ahead we will introduce E-Government as a Customer Service initiative.
E-Government will bring more services online and make it easier for you to do business with the Government.
My Government will develop a digital identity platform and issue a mandatory electronic ID card that will give everyone secure online access to Government services, fee payment, applications, and registration.
Over time, all Government services will be accessible via e-identity and from your mobile device.
- In the months to come, the Government will hire a consultant to advise on the appropriate system that will streamline Information and Communications Technology (ICT) activities and processes across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
- We will also hire a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to drive the implementation of E-government; manage all ICT assets, infrastructure, and projects and oversee its administration, focusing on creating a modern, responsive, and efficient public service to support national development and improved service delivery to the people.
- E-government will improve the co-ordination among agencies and departments as we move towards a more joined up Governmet.
- With ready access to employment statistics, the number of work permit holders, job functions, salary levels, and other key metrics, my Government can deal with immigration and labour issues in a timely manner.
- E-government and government-as-a-service will create trust. They are transparent and they encourage accountability.
- Residents can complete functions such as: checking whether their NHIP and NIB contributions are up to date, applying and paying for police records, driving licenses, fishing licenses; as well as applying for crown lands and registering children for school, etc.
CROWN LAND
Mr. Speaker, it is generally acknowledged that many persons are unhappy with the current distribution and management of Crown Land.
We believe this important asset must become a source of revenue and an engine of empowerment.
My Government will reform the system and will seek to:
- Place responsibility for Crown Land under the new Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure.
- Revise the residential development model to ensure the sustainability and sufficiency of quality housing for all.
- Adjust residential Crown Land concession to make it affordable to Turks and Caicos Islanders.
- Allocate residential parcels only after they are fully serviced.
- Designate remaining Crown Land under various categories of use in accordance with the new National Physical Development Plan. Land designated for large scale commercial development – especially tourism related will be managed through a real estate investment trust (REIT) – a quasi-non-governmental organisation (QUANGO) made up of representatives from various stakeholder groups. Monetising the utilisation of commercial land in this way will create a stream of income in perpetuity.
- Residential single-family zoned land will be reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders and managed and controlled through a National Housing Authority that will also dictate compulsory development standards
SPORT
Recognising the influence and importance of sport to the economic and social development of the Islands, we must ensure that as many people as possible play sports and engage in physical activity.
Increased participation in recreational and competitive sport enhances physical and mental health and promotes social integration at the community and national levels.
We also believe that there is both a need and an opportunity to leverage our natural environment and proximity to our source tourism market.
My Government will:
- Integrate the National Sport Policy within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) implementation mechanisms.
- We will develop a system for measuring the contribution of sport, physical education, and physical activity to sustainable development.
- Revise the National Sports Policy to restructure Athlete Assistance funding and grant funding to national federations and create a comprehensive grant application process which allows for transparency and accountability.
- Launch a national “TCI Move” Campaign to increase Turks and Caicos Islands residents’ engagement in physical activity.
- Refurbish sport and recreational facilities across the islands.
- Enhance existing and develop new state of the art training facilities that allow for high performance.
- Market TCI as a destination for off season training and professional tournaments and leagues.
EDUCATION
We must transform the education system to give our children various pathways to learn and succeed, have well-trained teachers, and use technology to aid learning.
The new education policy will engage parents and the community including the Christian Fraternity. My Government will:
- Identify funds to retrofit schools for post COVID-19 teaching.
- Increase budgetary allocations for early childhood development programming – including nutrition.
- Audit the national curriculum to determine where educational gaps are occurring and address them.
- Provide tablets for all students so long as distance learning is mandated.
- Provide internet packages to the most needy children.
THE YOUTH AGENDA
It is critical for sustainable economic success that our young people are given a chance to maximise their potential and productivity.
According to a 2017 Skills Audit, there is an over-supply of workers with primary and secondary education and a shortage of workers with vocational and university education.
There must be accelerated and collective action. My Government will:
- Create a National Youth Development Policy.
- Collaborate with industry leaders to better align labour market needs with education and training systems to effectively accommodate youths transitioning from school to work.
- Establish a National Apprenticeship programme.
- Set up a business incubation and start up program to encourage youth entrepreneurship.
SECURITY/SAFETY/JUSTICE
We are all concerned about the safety and security of our families and property. The increase in crime is a major concern and our territorial waters are appealing to smugglers, poachers, illegal immigrants and human traffickers.
Public safety, security and justice must undergird the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our people and visitors must feel safe and secure. We will:
- Develop new policies and programmes to promote citizens’ security, destination safety, crime abatement and increased investment in prevention and rehabilitation.
- Create a framework for conflict resolution in target communities.
- Sign a commitment for human rights; including employment and a fair wage, adequate housing, medical care, education, childcare, care for the elderly, disabled and sick.
- Reinforce and amplify Community Oriented Policing (COP) –with more foot and bicycle patrols and regularmeetings between the police and community.
- Enact Police Reform.
- Enact justice review and reform.
- Enact Private Prosecution Legislation
- Introduce a Division of Court Systemto create more specialized areas.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Honourable Speaker, we have a duty to create communities that are environmentally sustainable, clean and efficient.
Resilient communities are better able to withstand social, economic, and natural shocks.
This is especially important for our small island developing state which has seen an increase in intensity and frequency of hurricanes and other adverse weather events due to climate change.
HEALTH CARE
Quality health care is a human right.
We are committed to creating a healthcare system that is affordable, accessible to everyone, well equipped, fully staffed and promotes healthy living.
We know that lifestyle changes and preventative measures can reduce the high incidence of chronic diseases and their associated cost.
We will expand our primary health care programmes to ensure greater access to medication and we will provide greater support for our people who are affected by chronic illnesses.
My Government will:
- Audit all healthcare delivery systems in the TCI
- Create the framework (policy, legislation, structure, relationships, and systems) for the development and implementation of an interconnected health system, including a Health Policy Unit.
- Review National Health Insurance Plan and National Health Accounts to evaluate the potential of the Health Financing Mechanism to provide coverage and access to healthcare services.
- Restructure the Medical Treatment Abroad Programme to procure more cost-effective care.
LEGISLATIVE SALARIES & RETIRING ALLOWANCES
Hon Speaker, we have heard the views of our people regarding legislative salaries and pensions.
As Politically Exposed Persons (PEPS), legislators face severe restrictions on their business activities and are subject to intense scrutiny, and discrimination from financial institutions even long after they have left their legislative roles.
The salaries and allowances of Turks and Caicos legislators compare favorably with the lower 50% percentile of parliamentary salaries in the region.
We believe that the salaries and allowances of our Legislators are fair and do not currently propose any changes.
However, the House of Assembly Pensions, as currently provided for, contravenes the affordability rule in the 2012 Good Governance Principles.
My government will amend The Retiring Allowances (Legislative Service) Ordinance to reflect financial sustainability and equity.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE
If TCI is going to attract the best and the brightest to the civil service, their remuneration and benefits must be competitive.
We will continue the consultations which started in 2014 with the Civil Service Association (CSA) and the Deputy Governor’s Office to find a comprehensive solution that will guarantee civil servants a retiring pension plan.
The proposal is to give them the equivalent of two-thirds of the final average salary for a career officer when combined with National Insurance Board pension – a portion of which may be converted at the discretion of the officer as a lump sum at retirement.
IMMIGRATION & EMPLOYMENT
Honourable Speaker, immigrants have made significant contributions to the economic and social development of the TCI.
There will always be a demand for immigrant labour to supports a flexible labour market with a broad skills base.
While my Government supports such a labour market it will:
- Further modernize the Immigration Policy to put Turks and Caicos Islanders first for employment and small business opportunities.
- Attract new residents who can help in the growth and development of the economy.
CONCLUSION
Honourable Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islanders from every corner of these islands, the agenda of my Government is big and bold.
Our team is ready to work to deliver on the promises to turbo-charge the economy, create jobs, cut the cost of living, provide quality healthcare and education, create a more secure Turks and Caicos Islands and invest in our future through agriculture, environmental protection and infrastructural development.
Honourable Members, the challenges are great but together we can overcome them.
Let us embrace meaningful change in every area of national life.
We must change the way we do business; change the way we educate and train our citizens and the way we treat each other.
In embracing these changes, we must heed the experiences and the lessons of the last fifty years.
We have within us all that we need to succeed. We are a creative people, who are so richly blessed with wisdom, courage and energy. We must be confident in our abilities; we must be determined to create a better life for all our people. If we put hands and hearts together, we can make these God blessed Islands the greatest place to live, work and thrive.
May God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands and bless you all!
