Ministerial Statement by Hon. Otis Morris
Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Energy & Utilities, Broadcasting, and Telecommunications Commission
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thou faithfulness.
A pleasant good morning to you Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues in this honorable house, and persons listening by way of radio.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to rise today on this occasion and bring remarks and updates on the good work of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the difference we are making in the lives of Turks and Caicos Islanders.
” Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted”.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer condolences to all our mourning families throughout Turks and Caicos, and in particular to the families of the late Elva Williams, Clarence Simmons and Mrs. Estell Williams, of Grand Turk. My prayer is that God gives you the strength to comfort you in the days ahead.
Mr. Speaker over the month there has been a number of initiatives of which I would like to bring to your attention.
Energy & Utilities
The Energy & Utilities Department continues to make significant and opportunistic strides, geared at making TCI and its utilization of energy a better place to live and work.
- Renewal Energy Bill
Which is being led by the Department, with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Energy & Utilities, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Premier’s office. We are all committed to the successful passage of this Bill as Clean Energy is everyone’s business. The Bill will be a standalone Bill given its significance, providing governance for distribution, sales and regulations of the industry.
Mr. Speaker we continue to engage our leading provider of energy, Fortis TCI, who recently hosted the first ever Turks & Caicos Energy Forum, at the Shore Club, Providenciales. The Forum was a virtual and limited in-person conference highlighting “The Future of Energy in the Turks & Caicos Islands”, and feature key speakers from industry.
Mr. Speaker, I had the esteemed pleasure to participate and bring remarks to the Parliamentary Observatory on Climate Change and Just Transition (OPCC) organized by the Economic Commission for America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), on November, 9th, 2021. The Side Event of COP26, is an initiative carried out jointly by parliamentary leaders from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and from other regions of the world with the aim of constituting a tool for shared information on status of environmental/energy legislation and discussion in the region parliamentary cooperation so the law makers can review and pass legislation relevant to the just transition to low-carbon economics. The meeting received participation from representatives of the United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Montserrat, Columbia, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rico, and Guatemala. A joint statement was signed by all participating countries. Mr. Speaker the Turks & Caicos has taken bold steps towards supporting the Parliamentary Observation with the development of the TCI Vision 2040; the People’s Plan for Progress; Transforming TCI through inclusive growth (2021); the development of TCI Climate Change Policy, drafting of Environment & Energy Policies. In the TCI we support global initiatives, and we act locally. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to update this forum on development of these very important policies in due course.
Gender & Equality
During the month of October which commemorated Domestic Violence awareness month, The Gender Affairs Department developed new promotional material such as, pamphlets, (English Spanish, French), presentations were delivered to students throughout the TCI on the different types and causes of domestic violence, human trafficking. Partnerships were forged with NGO groups such as the Soroptimists, and various Church Groups. The Department also was instrumental in the production of short video clips, videos, a domestic violence short film entitled Behind Closed Doors. Discussions were held with women on titled “Women with Stories” and Youth discussion on Identifying Domestic Violence in Relationships (target group age 16 – 25).
The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy & Utilities and the Telecommunications Commission, joined the international community in the commemoration of International Men’s Day. Under the National Theme, Speak Up, Stand Up, get Involved-Men It’s Your Time, and hosted a two-day event highlighting the contribution of male role models throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The events held on November 9th and 10th predated International Men’s Day and was two-fold in their objectives. First seeking to engage men and boys in discussions which highlight the issues and challenges faced in their lives that are not often shared or adequately addressed. Secondly, our focus is also the engagement of role models in the society to increase their involvement and mentorship as we strive to identify solutions that will drive positive change where needed.
The feature event held was part of the commemoration and formal relaunch of the 100 Black Men TCI Chapter (fully affiliated with the 100 Black Men of America). This event was held in the form of a Worship Service on Tuesday, November 9th, at 7:00 pm at Abundant Life Ministries. Then on Wednesday, November 10th, the formal re-launching of the 100 Black men ceremony took place at Beaches Turks and Caicos, with Guest Speaker for both occasions being the internationally renowned pastor and author Dr. Jamal Bryant who shared his leadership and passion with attendees.
International Men’s Day is a global celebration which aims to celebrate the positive values men contribute to the world, their families and the community at large. To culminate the activities, the Department of Gender Affairs in collaboration with Health and Advocacy Unit, and the Department of Youth Affairs will host an International Men’s Day walk on Saturday, November 20th, 2021 commencing at 6 a.m., the route from the Lester Williams Park on to Governors Beach, Grand Turk. Please come out and support this important event.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Mr. Speaker, the Ministries of Home Affairs, Social Development, Education, Immigration, Police, Ministry of Health and the Governor’s Office has been collaboratively engaged on the issue of Child-Safety and Protection. Meetings have commenced to discuss working collaboratively in the best interest of the child from all aspects of survival to providing preferential support to children in need of care and protection who come into care with Department of Social Development. Some critical areas of the discussions include:
- Processing and providing legal documents to “Wards of the State” including passports, birth certificates, status cards, free-lance work permits;
- registration into public schools; and
- Training on protocols for institution, associations, clubs, etc. on dealing with adolescents after school programs.
The Ministry and the Department of Social Development will continue the Multi-agency meetings hosted by the Governor’s office where we are all able to share successes and challenges in our Departments/Ministries in terms of Child Safeguarding and projects we have been doing to promote this topic.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Social Development Department in partnership with UNICEF Eastern Caribbean, as part of our annual work plan is currently producing Billboards and PSA Videos on Child protection matters. These communication and awareness raising initiatives will be completed by end of November 2021.
Radio Turks & Caicos
Mr. Speaker, Radio Turks & Caicos has recently enhanced it programming and have gained some traction from the most recent addition of “people’s program” the famous Expressions. The program kicked off to a great start and was a welcomed additions to the lineup of programmes just in time for Christmas and the Holiday Season. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to congratulate the team at RTC and Flow for another very popular series of morning talk shows, the “Flow in the Morning” breakfast slots, showcasing, our very own talent as hosts to these shows. The feedback has been tremendous, as the topics of discussions are touching on key topical issues impacting our lives, here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Motor Vehicles, recently launched a License Plate Drive, on November 9th, 2021. It is expected that this exercise will continue every Tuesday, until the end of the year. Mr. Speaker the goal is to allow persons to come in and collect their license plates, in order to become regularized on the streets. Mr. Speaker, while there are still some plates not ready for collections, there are an excessive amount awaiting collection. I am employing the public to follow the notices from the Department of Motor Vehicle identifying the days when persons can collect their license plates that are ready for collection. Mr. Speaker there are over 3000 plates ready for collection by the general public and measures are in place to avoid overcrowding.
The Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Mr. Speaker the Department continue to realize improvements in its operations and management, and recently celebrated at the end of October, Prisons’ Week, where appreciation was shown to officers working in the Prison, as well as former officers for their commitment over the years. Activities ranged from sporting events, award dinner and team building activities. The week was deemed a success, and further concrete the relationship building efforts in the restructuring of the Prison. Mr. Speaker, rehabilitation programs have restarted, and plans are in motion to expand on these programs. Training programs for the officers continue, and morale levels are at an all time high. Mr. Speaker, during my visits to the prison since assuming responsibility for the facility, I can attest to the fact that the inmates are in a better space mentally and emotionally. I would like to thank the staff and Management at the prison for all the good work they are doing, as you hold one of the most challenging jobs one can experience. Continue to do well!!
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude now, by thanking my team for the exemplary work they do. Mr. Speaker I would also like to welcome to our Ministry Mr. Fredrico Johnson, in the role of Deputy Permanent Secretary, and to Ms. Michelle Fulford who has moved on to another stage of her professional career. Thank you, Ms. Fulford, for your support to our team.
Thank you Mr. Speaker for your indulgence and a special thank you to my constituents in ED1. May God continue to bless these lovely Turks & Caicos Islands.
