People, Opportunity, Prosperity: An Economy that will work for all
Introduction:
Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, persons in the gallery and listening via radio and other social media outlets, I greet you this morning with a grateful heart, as I present to you my second budget address in this honorable house as Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Environment, Religious Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Agriculture & Gaming.
The word of God implores us to acknowledge and give God thanks in everything. As such, Mr. Speaker I must first give all praises to the Almighty God for it is he who has seen fit for me to stand before you today.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honorable House and the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands my Ministry’s budget for the Financial Year 2022-2023; our achievements and plans.
Mr. Speaker, in line with the theme: People, Opportunity, Prosperity: An Economy that will work for all, I wish to re-affirm my commitment to the People of these beautiful islands that I will do everything under my authority for the advancement of the people in freedom, equality and justice for all. Mr. Speaker, my ministry will continue; even more, to create opportunities and further ensure prosperity for all. Mr. Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islanders will be at the forefront of these opportunities. We, Mr. Speaker will be the absolute master of our destinies and captains of our ships.
Mr. Speaker, as we strive to achieve all of these goals, we will remain committed to the preservation of our Christian Faith and Values, and the practice of good governance in the arena of fairness and justice in the conduct of our affairs.
Summary of our allocation: Fiscal Year 22/23
Mr. Speaker I move now to a summary of our allocation:
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry received an operating expenditure of fifteen million, five hundred and eighty-five thousand, one hundred and fifty-six dollars ($15,585,156); an increase of approximately 38% over the revised estimate of eleven million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand and twenty-eight dollars ($11,286,028) over the last fiscal year.
Notable increases are 41% overall increase under Policy, Planning and Administrative Support and a significant increase of some 111% for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).
Mr. Speaker, my ministry, through the submission of the budget, proposes a total of three million one hundred and eight thousand, five hundred and sixty dollars ($3,180,560) spread over five (5) projects for ministry’s capital program.
Mr. Speaker there is provision for 162 staff of various levels executive, technical and administrative – both departments and the statutory agencies who have the task of implementing our KPIs
Mr. Speaker, you will note an infusion of over one million dollars to the DECR. Mr. Speaker, this injection forms part of the Blue Belt fund to procure among other things – an additional park patrol vessel and other fisheries monitoring equipment. Mr. Speaker, it is safe to say that this Government not only have investors’ confidence, but also the confidence of both our regional and international donors. Partnership is key, and my Government will continue to dialogue with other agencies and stakeholders.
Highlights: Fiscal year 21/22
Mr. Speaker, as small as we are, my Ministry carries a big mandate and we will continue to advance the work of the people. Allow me Mr. Speaker to highlight some of the accomplishments made over the last year:
- At the request of the people; Successfully created employment opportunities through the Beach Patrol Unit.
- At the Request of the People; Successfully launched the first Agro-Incentive Program. 7 farmers and a total of 137,000 dollars in grants.
- At the Request of the People; Successfully launched the Religious and Faith Based Programme. Over 100 attendees across the islands.
- At the Request of the People; Successfully commissioned Kew Farm.
- At the Request of the People; Developed and passed the beach access policy.
- At the Request of the People; Developed and passed the beach and coastal vending policy and law
- At the Request of the People; we purchased and are now outfitting the Local Village on Grand Turk for beach vendors.
- Mr. Speaker, we have further commissioned a new floating dock which will come to fruition this fiscal year. Mr. Speaker, all of this is done so that our people can benefit from the growing cruise sector on Grand Turk.
- ( and Mr. Speaker I am not finished)
- At the Request of the people; Partnering
with Invest TCI, the Ministry and Tourist Board launched its Vacation Rental Initiative aimed at motivating and empowering homeowners to become involved in the tourist accommodation business. Consequently, increasing room availability on Grand Turk. (so far 6 applicants have been successful in receiving support – representing 12 rooms and a total of 92,000 dollars)
- At the request of the People; we re-started the weekly fish fry; a must for every visitor and resident to experience and Mr. Speaker, we all know the many opportunities this event provides for our local vendors.
Mr. Speaker it would be remiss of me not to mention at this stage the closure of the operations of the TCI Assured Portal. Through this portal we vetted for arrival over 600,000 visitors since its inception.
Mr. Speaker I must commend and thank all those persons who worked over the past two years as verifiers and team leaders, I must thank all our partners and stakeholders who worked to ensure that TCI remained a safe destination for our residents and visitors.
Mr. Speaker our preliminary estimates for visitors for the first quarter of this year shows 311,913 visitor arrival. Of this total 138,762 were land based arrivals which the USA accounted for 83% of that total. We received 173,151 cruise arrivals for the first quarter. Mr. Speaker we saw a 13% increase over the last quarter of 2021. This is indicative of the trend we have seen during the pandemic and continuing.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker this Honorable House and the general public were informed of the record-breaking number of arrivals we received, during the summer months of 2021 which were better than our Pre-COVID numbers.
Together with the Ministry of Health and our Tourism stakeholders we contributed to the successful management of the pandemic and now successfully brought closure to this system.
Revenue Collection:
A major accomplishment within the past fiscal year was the progress made with the now statutory Gaming Commission. You will note that the Gaming Commission met and surpassed its original revenue projection estimate by some $ 2.8 million or 80%. This was due to an aggressive campaign to recover outstanding arrears.
The same is true for the DECR, Maritime and Agriculture Sector, who met their projections, despite a slow start due to COVID 19 stipulations at the start of the year. We expect to see an uptake in some areas as the country returns to full normalcy and we begin to use our Parks and heritage sites as we did before.
These achievements are merely the beginning. Mr. Speaker, allow me to expand on these successes and to take you through the year ahead.
The Year Ahead 2022/2023:
Mr. Speaker, we enter into a new financial year with an opened economy ready to continue welcoming vaccinated visitors to our shores. As you know we have begun the work of transitioning the sector by establishing a Destination Management Organization and a Tourism Regulatory Authority. Mr. Speaker the consultants have 365 days to deliver a slew of deliverables, including a governance structure for both entities, the required legislation, regulations and other documents, a five-year marketing, product development and overall strategy for these entities.
Simultaneously, we will be addressing the transitioning of the current board and staff to ensure a smooth business continuation. To address any possible risk and to prepare for any transition and initial implementation costs we have allocated $1,610,000.00 (one million, six hundred and ten thousand dollars).
Mr. Speaker, change is inevitable and this is “No Sin” in evaluating what you have, to create something meant to give even better results. The Destination Management Organization or Regulatory Authority will ensure we are working co-operatively with the Private Sector in a sustainable and strategic way. The Regulatory Authority will set and maintain standards in all segments; accommodation, transportation, tours, etc. The people will be given the opportunities to expand their roles. Mr. Speaker we should not be afraid of this transition and we should not be afraid of this change.
Cruise Sector:
Mr. Speaker, with the return of the Cruise Sector in December of 2021 and the announced interest of other carriers to embark on arrivals to Grand Turk, we thought it necessary at this time to commission a carrying capacity study. You will see $100,000 dollars budgeted under ministry to carry out this project.
Closely aligned to this, is the project for the restoration works to Governor’s Beach to the sum of $240,000.00
Religious Affairs:
Mr. Speaker, I will now turn my attention to Religious Affairs
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government as part of its Citizens Contract has outlined the desire to form a Religious Affairs Unit.
Mr. Speaker, to carry out this mandate, this Government have budgeted some $250,000 towards the execution of this program.
The Government recognizes the need for a unified and improved relationship between faith-based organizations; the Turks and Caicos Islands Government further noted the need to empower citizens through supporting faith-based initiatives to build institutions and programs that will help to lift people out of poverty and improve quality of life especially the vulnerable in our society.
- Establish a National Faith-Based Committee.
The Ministry firmly believes in a need for a structure through which some of the goals are implemented for example and not limited to:
- A Grant program
- Food assistance program
- Shelter support to churches
- Grants to church schools
- Social and Youth Programs
Mr. Speaker, within the coming weeks, I will be appointing a Faith Based Advisory Committee who will represent a variety of Faith Based Organizations, Community activists and government departments and will work with the Ministry and future project teams on the strategic goals as set out by the Government. The Committee will be the body through which the voice of the Faith/Religious Community interfaces with the Government.
Department of Agriculture
Mr. Speaker, economic growth does not depend solely on a sustainable environment, but equally upon a viable agricultural sector.
My Ministry is committed, with evidence through this proposed budget, to ensuring stable food security, a very important goal in national development.
Mr. Speaker, the development of our agriculture sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands can significantly help to increase employment, raise income, and improve food security and, further improve the health of residents to our islands.
Mr. Speaker, the Government, throughout this budget will:
- Aggressively promote the cultivation of land and the breeding of animals and plants for consumption.
- Provide incentives and assistance to both those individuals who are currently involve in farming, and those seeking to enter the industry.
- Promote the “Eat what you Grow, Grow what you Eat” program, which include the development of School, home, and restaurant gardens.
Mr. Speaker, aligned with my Governments roadmap for agriculture, the department plans to undertake a number of programs this FY to boost the Agriculture Sector in TCI. These programs and initiatives for this Financial Year includes:
- Developing and implementing Educational Campaigns in both crop and livestock farming to encourage citizens to increase local food production and to educate on the requirements to access agriculture incentives. Mr. Speaker, this is evident through the significant increase in the Other Grants and Contributions line from $130,000 to $250,000.
- Further development of frameworks to facilitate the provision of financial support to drive agricultural production through the provision of incentives, concessions and development of an agriculture loan scheme to registered farmers.
- The establishment of a national nursery on Kew Farm to assist in supplying plant material to farmers and conducting research. (funding for this is in the capital projects program)
- We will continue to collaborate with the Department of Education to introduce the Farming concept in the School’s Curriculum and to establish small school farms at the public primary and secondary institutions.
- Mr. Speaker, the Department will continue to work with agencies e.g. Crown Lands and Planning Department to identify land for Agriculture to increase food production.
- Finalize the Animal and Plant Health Regulations.
- Establishing a plant and animal inspection facility at the Providenciales Airport.
Mr. Speaker, my vision is to link agriculture to other sectors of the economy where growth and job creation are strong.
Fisheries and Marine Resources
Mr. Speaker, I will now turn my attention to Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Mr. Speaker, our fisheries and marine sector is of vital importance, we continue to pursue measures that will enhance the sustainability of the sector.
My Ministry completed revisions to the Merchant Shipping Bill and supporting regulations to ensure Mr. Speaker that we meet international obligations. This will move through the house of assembly over the next year
Mr. Speaker we have aligned $50,000 toward the development of a Fisheries Management Policy.
Mr. Speaker, in our commitments to the sector, we continue to work with the TCI Fishing Cooperatives and will seek to strengthen relations and support to the organization and our local fishers through legislations and policies. We are working to fully establish the Fishing Corp by quarter four through the drafting of specific laws.
The sustainable use of the country’s maritime resources remains fundamental to the management and development of the Fisheries Sector. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of internationally funded projects aimed at ensuring the sustainability of our fisheries sector.
The Fisheries and Marine Resources are also the beneficiaries of grant funding through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Program (RESEMBID). Mr. Speaker we will receive approximately 77,000 pounds to:
- Enhance the long-term sustainability of our marine ecosystem.
- Build Fisher’s capacity-through training programs.
- Research for stock assessment.
- Procurement of new mapping tools
Mr. Speaker, my Government has embarked on the development of a national policy and implementation plan for small watercrafts under 5 meters both motorized and non-motorized.
This is important given the increase in small watercrafts such as Jet Skis and the need develop a framework for a safer operating environment for riders, boaters and bathers – to be completed by end of quarter two (2).
Department of Environment and Coastal Resources: DECR -
Mr. Speaker, my Government’s Citizens Contract has at the center of its agenda Goals 14 and 15 which describes preservation, conservation and sustainable use of the natural environment.
Mr. Speaker, the protection of our pristine environment and functioning ecosystems is equivalent to the preservation of our livelihoods and resilience. Mr. Speaker, the DECR is undertaking crucial action to safeguard our natural environment.
Mr. Speaker, through the beach and coastal vending policy, we not only enhanced and improve enforcement through staffing and training, but we also saw job opportunities become available through the establishment of the Beach Patrol Unit. Mr. Speaker, we have added two more positions to the Beach Patrol Unit based on inception challenges. Bringing the total to 17 new positions created because of this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, my Government is committed to the safety of our waters and the DECR has contracted works to install critical signage, navigational buoys and swim zones in our Parks and Coastal areas.
Mr. Speaker, previously in my speech, I had alluded to a significant increase in the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR). Through these additional funds, we will:
Implement the Beach Access Policy, through the installation of amenities such as foot baths, showers and other conveniences- you will see a marked improvement at beach accesses across the islands. We have allocated 650,000 for this venture.
Mr. Speaker, the People of these Turks and Caicos Islands should also be made aware of an increase in the amount of $600,000 to improve and manage our parks and vendor facilities, through the issuing of small contracts. Mr. Speaker, this is good news for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For clarity Mr. Speaker, we have funding for 2 new boats for the DECR: –
- Capital project of $500, 000
- Under the FCO funding of DECR Equipment for $1,013,365, this includes a vessel and other maritime equipment.
Mr. Speaker I thank the member for pointing out the fuel vault. We have fuel allocations in Head 61 – 069 of $61,700 and in 61-100 of $25,000, totalling $86,700. As we are working cooperatively, we share resources including fuel, we intend to increase allocations for the coming year as the new boats may not come until later in the financial year.
Climate Change:Mr. Speaker, Climate change is real. Establishing resilience to the issue of Climate Change is vital to all sectors of our government and economy. Mr. Speaker on Earth Day 2022 my Ministry signed and adopted the TCI Climate Change Charter, the Charter outlines concrete climate change goals that will help the Turks and Caicos Islands better respond to climate changes.
I must again commend our team for the successful Climate Change Summit held on Earth Day, this event marked the start of our commitment to addressing the climate change issue. Mr. Speaker our next Climate Change Summit to be hosted in 2023 will be bigger and draw an even larger international and regional participation.
Grants:
Mr. Speaker, the DECR continues to benefit from several external grants, which speaks to the persistence of our technical team. These grants will address the promotion and sustainability of our natural resources. You will notice well over one million dollars (1m) in both our capital and recurrent spending resulting in the following: ( say the head and sub head)
- Improved managing of coral disease
- Technical assistance for effective coastal marine management
- Conserving tropical marine ecosystems through science-based fisheries management
- Understanding Ramsar wetland dynamics for marine conservation and environmental resilience
- Darwin Plus project for the Strengthening of biosecurity to protect Turks & Caicos’ Iguana Islands
- Procurement of a vessel and marine equipment.
Mr. Speaker, the People of North Caicos can look forward to the Promenade opening this Financial Year which will allow residents employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Mr Speaker, we have now allocated some 1,000,000 to the paving of this promenade.
Mr. Speaker, the People of Providenciales can look forward to the opening of the Farmers Market in Kew Town. This is good news and my ministry will be providing more information in due course.
Gaming Commission: -
Mr. Speaker, the Commission has performed exceptionally well in the financial year 2021/2022 with total revenue collection for the Financial Year standing at $6,124,206.10. I am happy to report that at the end of March 2022 Mr. Speaker, there were no outstanding arrears owing to the Commission.
Mr. Speaker, on April 22, the Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bermuda for the sharing of information between both Oversees Territories. We believe that partnership with our colleagues is paramount to the development of our sectors.
Mr. Speaker, we intend to bring on the additional game offerings for new streams of revenue.
Mr. Speaker an online monitoring system will be launched to ensure that patrons and the Government alike are in full receipt of winnings and taxes appropriately accounted for. Mr. Speaker, my Government will ensure compliance to mitigate against unregulated gaming.
One of our main KPIs was to fully transition to a Commission by finalizing the Gaming Regulations that would have allowed this. Though later than planned, we are expected to have the regulations finalized and supported by cabinet by mid may. We began the process of implementing the Responsible Gaming Programs a central feature of this new gaming environment.
Mr. Speaker, to reduce the risk of growing stigma of the gaming sector, we will continue to increase educational awareness and our re-branding initiative to ensure a well-defined, regulated sector.
TCI National Trust:
Mr. Speaker, our National Trust plays a critical role in the preservation of our heritage. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Mr. Speaker, we must appreciate where we came from to know where we are going. Mr. Speaker, my Government is committed to the work of the Trust and have provided a $100,000 budget increase for the preservation of our heritage.
Mr. Speaker, the TC National Trust communications and marketing strategy has aided in increase public awareness of the National Trust programmes and projects by 20%.
We continue to see student visitation through school field trips to our heritage sites with over 400 visits by school children. As we move toward normalcy, we anticipate these visits to increase.
Mr. Speaker, the National Trust and Department of Culture continues to strengthen its relationship in a positive direction, joint efforts to revitalize the heritage clubs in the public and private schools are being developed and implemented for the upcoming Financial Year 22/23.
Department of Culture
Mr. Speaker I wish to draw your attention to the Department of Culture and Heritage which has the mandate of protecting, maintaining and enhancing our Culture and Heritage.
Within this new financial year, Mr. Speaker the team at the Department of Culture will embark upon several new initiatives that will seek to highlight our cultural artisans and the continuous promotions of culture and heritage throughout the country.
Mr. Speaker, we have re-aligned funding within the new financial year, to appoint a National Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee. The mandate of the committee will include the following:
- The Establishment of procedures and advise the Director of Culture on issues and activities relevant to culture and heritage.
- Review and make recommendations in accordance with the National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.
Mr. Speaker, the department will embark upon the introduction of a Radio Show – Let’s Talk Culture, that seeks to disseminate cultural information to the general public.
The Department will continue to partner with Digicel, who has been so gracious to share all media content from our Facebook page via their Culture Alive Television Program which is aired on One Island Media channel.
Mr. Speaker, the Department will continue to promote the various program offerings that they have and add additional elements to them to continue to raise awareness. Programs such as:
- the Boat Building Workshops,
- Through the Decades,
- Tasty Tuesday,
- Do It Yourself Cultural videos,
- Back to our Roots Program and
- the Right Excellent JAGS McCartney Lecture Series.
Mr. Speaker funding allocations for National Celebrations, Grants and Contributions votes respectively, will continue to provide support for the activities of a cultural nature being held within the various communities.
We aim to develop a criterion for the hosting of cultural events. This will help streamline events to ensure they are cultural in approach.
Mr. Speaker. as we continue to provide avenues for training in the area of Rip Saw, the Department intends to have a Musical Cultural Display – Rip Saw in the Park that will highlight all that has been taught during the training session.
Mr. Speaker, Island Wide Cultural Exhibitions will be held to showcase crafts and other items that are specific to each island. While these are not the only activities that will be held, the ones mentioned are new additions to the calendar of activities for the year.
Our Capital Program:
Mr. Speaker, I move now to our capital program which is very important and is an extension of our commitment to the People of these islands to provide opportunities for prosperity: This year we have a total of three million, one hundred and eight thousand, five hundred and sixty dollars ($3,108,560.00). In addition to the Blue Belt Funding program to DECR of $1,013,635 – This funding will:
- Continue our enhancement of the Heritage Sites to the tune of $170,000.00 (over two years)
- Ready the Promenade and the Sisal Museum for opening we will pave the promenade creating further ease and attraction ($1,000,000)
- The DECR will receive an additional vessel for its parks patrols- ensuring all islands have the resources it needs to sum of $500,000. (five hundred thousand).
- Upgrade the Bight Children’s Park with much needed play equipment, toilet facilities, the enhancement of the gardens and proper seating estimated at $650,000.00 (six hundred and fifty thousand).
- Of course, Mr. Speaker we will be constructing the vending facility as promised for the Sapodilla Bay Beach vendors as a part of our enhancement of beaches and beach accesses and with the mandate that our beaches are for the enjoyment of all of us. – total of $850,000. (eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars).
- And as stated above (procurement of another vessel and marine equipment-$1,000,000)
Legislation/Policies / Strategic Priorities
Mr. Speaker, we have a very vigorous legislative calendar planned. My Ministry aims to bring legislation within the Maritime area- one of which is the Merchant Shipping Ordinance was released recently in consultation.
We will facilitate amendments to the Agriculture Ordinance to establish a food security board and address inconsistencies with our stray animal initiatives as well as other minor areas.
We intend to pass the Small Craft Policy and as mentioned policy and legislation related to the Faith Based Unit and DMO.
Strategic Priorities:
Mr. Speaker let me reinforce – chief among our strategic priorities are:
- To Improve the efficiency in monitoring, and ensure greater transparency in the Gaming Sector, through implementation of revised ordinance and key changes in the organization.
- Establish systems to promote food security and sustainable agriculture.
- Provide technical Support for the transitioning of the Tourist Board to a Destination Management Organization and setting up of a regulatory authority.
Thanks
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Mr. Speaker, the People of the Turks and Caicos Islands can rest assure that my ministry will continue to carry out the mandate of the people.
I would like to extend my thanks to my senior Team Permanent Secretary Cherylann Jones, Deputy Permanent Secretaries Mr. Arthur Been and Mr. Ronlee James, Tourism Risk Manager, Mr. Brian Been, Head of Secretariat and Executive Assistance Mrs. Mellisa Ariza and Ms. Leandrea Missick, Head of Departments and their teams for their dedication to the work of the Ministry.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you.
