His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 16th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales.
In that meeting, All Members were present to discuss and approve matters pertaining to growth and upliftment of the TCI
Cabinet was updated on initial findings and proposals from international aviation consultants for the Providenciales International Airport redevelopment project.
· Approved a business license application in a restricted category for Flat Rock Farm to operate a small-scale backyard market farm garden on Providenciales.
· Approved the termination of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, designed to provide a series of business support services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises business in the TCI, including the withdrawal of grant funding.
· Was updated on the results of the TCI inflation stimulus program, designed to provide economic assistance to Turks & Caicos Islands residents who continue to experience adverse effects as a result of the economic hardships caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic and approved:
a) An allocation of $600,000 to cover any outstanding applications,
b) The ongoing review of existing applications currently being appealed, and
c) Additional amendments around the qualifying process.
· Approved the Magistrate’s Court (Amendment) Bill 2022, allowing more flexibility with shaping rules, frameworks and responsibilities, for submission to the House of Assembly.
· Approved a planning application (GT 5066) from the Public Works Department for the construction of a dual purpose Youth Centre and Hurricane Shelter on Parcel 10404/198, North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
· Approved the implementation of a mandatory child safeguarding certification program for persons working or volunteering with children, young and vulnerable adults in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
· Approved the Teacher Qualification Standards developed by the Ministry of Education.
· Approved logistical and regulatory support for a project wholly funded by Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, a Canadian non-for-profit charity, to relocate up to 500 stray dogs from Grand Turk to Canada, as part of the program to control the dog population on the island.
· Approved a Memorandum of Agreement between TCI Government and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) which outlines the conditions for collaboration between the Department for Fisheries and Marine Resources Management and the JNCC. Members also approved the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme Project “Sustaining queen conch fisheries and livelihoods in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)” – preventing the potential collapse of the queen conch stocks.
· Discussed how Faith and Religious groups can best be involved in supporting or delivering government policies or initiatives.
· Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations to include the issue of a temporary license plate to ensure vehicle identification possible, as required by law. Members also discussed long term plans for the issuing of new number plates.
· Approved revised terms of conditions proposed by the National Trust to variation of the lease held over parcel 61113/380 to facilitate the development and operation of a radar station.
· Approved amendments to the Migrant Health Evaluation Policy to improve processes and tackle fraudulent activity. Members also approved a moratorium of three months on existing work permit applications.
· Noted a paper on a judgement payment following a ruling by the Supreme Court in respect of a judgement on the illegal detention of irregular migrants from Sri Lanka.
· Noted a ruling made by the Supreme Court and approved the settlement of a claim made by two named individuals against the government.
· Approved a salary adjustment and pension scheme for FY 22/23 for TCI Airport Authority staff. Members also approved an adjustment to base salaries for air traffic controllers.
· Approved the appointment of Mr Peter Forbes as Managing Director of the Civil Aviation Authority for a period of three years with effect from 1 June 2022.
· Approved amendments to the terms of the appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as Chief Executive Officer of the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency. Appointed on 13 January 2022 for a period of three (3) years.
· Approved a settlement agreement for a former government employee injured during the course of their work.
· Re-approved the accession of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the implementation hub for sustainable energy activities and projects within the region.
· Re-approved the signing of the St. Maarten Declaration relating to School Safety in the Caribbean Region, which promotes safety in schools in the Caribbean, identifies achievements in this area and allows for the adoption of the Caribbean Declaration and Road Map on School Safety.
· Re-approved the extension of the 2022/23 business license renewal deadline from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022 for all businesses on all Islands.
· Re-approved the renewal of a rental lease agreement for the Judicial court Offices on Grand Turk for the purpose of carrying out Government business by the Chief Magistrate and staff of the Judicial Court and its offices.
· Re-approved a sand mining license application from CDMS Ltd. for dredging in the Bellfield landing channel and turning basin, North Caicos.
· Re-approved the renewal of an insurance policy with the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility, Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) for the 2022/23 hurricane season providing cover for tropical cyclone damage and excess rainfall.
· Re-approved the signing of the St. Maarten Declaration relating to School Safety in the Caribbean Region, which promotes safety in schools in the Caribbean, identifies achievements in this area and allows for the adoption of the Caribbean Declaration and Road Map on School Safety.
· Re-approved the Appropriation (2022/2023) Bill 2022 and for this to be advanced to the House of Assembly.
· Was updated on issues related to the Ministry of Health.
· Cabinet also approved for the TCI Government to commence negotiations for a Development Agreement between Circle Holdings Ltd, and TCIG, for a Mixed Accommodation Development and a marina in the Turtle Cove area, Providenciales. Members also discussed steps required on separate issues related to the project.
The results from that meeting will be discussed by Ministers in due course.
