TCIG PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES TO BE REVIEWED
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce that a contract has recently been signed with Ernst and Young (Kingston, Jamaica) to undertake a holistic review of Public Service salaries in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A total of Six (6) bids were received through open tender for this work, with Ernst and Young having been selected as the preferred bidder.
The review includes developing the following objectives and execution of deliverables:
Objectives
The Pay and Grading Policy, including criteria for allowances
Job Description Template and Guidelines for Completion
Job Evaluation Committee Terms of Reference
Grade Level Standards for Job Evaluation and Grading
Grade levels for jobs
Grades, Pay Points and Pay Rates
Compensation Market Survey
Deliverables
Deliverable 1 – Execution Plan: This shall detail the approach to meeting the objectives of the project/initiative, including initial scoping, assumptions, work plan, methodology, literature review, timelines, and a stakeholder engagement plan.
Deliverable 2 – Full Draft Report of the Proposed Pay and Grading System: This shall clearly and concisely present a full draft of the proposed Pay and Grading System with Strategic Considerations for review.
Deliverable 3 – Final Report – Proposed TCI Public Service Pay and Grading System: This shall present the final and agreed Report, taking into account feedback from the Draft Report Briefing session as well as comments and feedback from key stakeholders.
An initial envelope of 2.5 million has been budgeted in the 2023/2024 Budget in order to facilitate the first phase of the implementation of the anticipated recommendations in December 2023, with additional funds being budgeted as necessary.
Acting Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on the Public Service Pay and Grading Review stated:
“The Public Service plays a vital role in ensuring that the objectives of the government are met, that approved policies are implemented, and that services are carried out on behalf of the government for the benefit of its residents and visitors.
The last comprehensive Public Service Pay and Grading Review in the Turks and Caicos Islands was undertaken in 2012 and was implemented in 2014.
Since then the Public Service received a 2.5% across-the-board salary increase in 2016 and a 4% across-the-board salary increase in 2022, along with a 6% fully funded investment by the Government in 2022 in the new TCIG Pension and Gratuity Program.
As the demands and expectations of the Public Service continue to expand, alongside increased costs of living due to inflation and other factors, it is important that Public Service salaries are comprehensively reviewed to ensure that staff is appropriately compensated for the work that they do.
My office looks forward to working with Ernst and Young on this key initiative.
A kickoff meeting was held on April 21, 2023, ahead of the official commencement of the contract on April 24, 2023, to finalize the schedule of work. Subsequently, follow-up meetings are held once a week, every Monday.
On-island works are expected to commence on May 15, 2023, when the consultants are expected to travel to the islands to not only collect additional data but to also meet in person with key agencies such as the Civil Service Association, Police, Education, Health, and other sectors.
The work is expected to be carried out over the course of the next 6 months, with the final report and recommendations expected to be completed in November 2023, followed by the first phase of implementation depending on the recommendations in December 2023.
As we work to continue to improve not only service delivery but also the salary and working conditions of staff across the government, my office is grateful to the Government for the financial support provided and looks forward to delivering on this key initiative for the benefit of the Public Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Rick Ross says he's running for mayor of Fayetteville, Georgia
A denied permit won't stop the show ... at least that's what Rick Ross has told his fanbase. The rapper posted an Instagram Story Tuesday to share that his second annual car and bike show will go on as planned despite the Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission denying the permit for the event.
"I just parked the pink Cadillac out here. We getting ready, June 3 it’s going down, it can’t be stopped for nothing," Rozay said, adding the show is on private property, where guests have been "privately invited."
He then revealed he loves the city of Fayetteville so much that he plans to run for mayor next year.
“That’s right. The boss Rick Ross running for mayor of Fayetteville. I wanna know how many votes did it actually take to vote in the mayor of Fayetteville," he said. “I need to know that ‘cause we gon’ become that. We gon’ make that happen, and we gonna have a good time. We gon’ give some people opportunities, we gon’ give some people raises and, of course, we gon’ have to clean some people out.”
Ross' response and political announcement come after the Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission determined his car and bike show "is not in compliance with" the county's zoning rules.
The event is slated to take place June 3 at Ross' Promise Land estate. He and Gucci Mane are set to perform.
Source-ABC
GUIDELINES FOR THE FILING OF DECLARATIONS FOR SPECIFIED PERSONS IN PUBLIC LIFE
The Integrity Commission wishes to inform the public and, in particular, to remind the Specified Persons in Public Life (Declarants), as set out below and in Schedule 1, that they must file their Declarations of Income, Assets and Liabilities, as required by Section 39 of the TCI Integrity Commission Ordinance.
The filing of declarations will take place, on an on-going basis, during the months of May and June 2023.
All Declarants are required to deliver their completed Declaration forms, along with the relevant supporting documents, in person, at an office of the Commission, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Declarants will be contacted individually, with a specific date, time and location, for delivery of declaration forms.
Specified Persons in Public Life include the following:
· All Specified Persons in Public Life who made their last filing on or before 30th June 2021.
· All persons who are appointed to Statutory Boards, effective 1st April 2023, or thereafter.
· All Specified Persons in Public Life who are appointed, within the TCIG Government, effective 1st April 2023, or thereafter.
· All persons who are no longer sitting members of Statutory Boards, as at 31st March 2023.
· All persons who have resigned their posts, or whose contracts have not been renewed, within the TCIG Government, are required to file within 90 days of the end of their tenure.
· All other persons who are considered Specified Persons in Public Life, but who would not have been aware of their obligation to file, under section 39 the Integrity Commission Ordinance.
Declaration Forms are available on the Commission’s website at: www.integritycommission.tc.
For any inquiries about an appointment, please call 946-1941 or 941-7847 or send an email to info@integritycommission.tc
For those declarants who fail to attend their scheduled appointment, please be mindful of the following:
A failure, without reasonable cause, to file a Declaration is a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment for 1 year, or a fine of $15,000, or both. In addition, the Commission is, among other things, obligated to publish the fact of such failure in the Gazette.
All Declarations are confidential documents. Please DO NOT submit your completed Declaration form through a third party, or via electronic or surface mail.
Persons who have filed a Declaration during the calendar year 2022 and, were required to do so at that time as per regular filing cycle, will NOT be required to file in 2023.
Schedule 1 below details all Specified Persons in Public Life (Declarants) who are required to file a declaration.
SCHEDULE 1
(Section 2)
SPECIFIED PERSONS IN PUBLIC LIFE
1. Members of the House of Assembly
2. Members of Cabinet
3. Deputy Governor
4. Permanent Secretaries
5. Under Secretaries/Deputies Secretaries (or post of equivalent rank)
6. Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly
7. Chief Financial Officer
8. Chief Auditor
9. Accountant General
10. Complaints Commissioner
11. Chief Economist
12. Chief Statistician
13. Chief Medical Officer
14. Heads of Department
15. Director and Deputy Director of Planning
16. Director and Deputy Director of Surveys and Mapping
17. Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Deeds
18. Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Lands
19. Director and Deputy Director of Education
20. Director and Deputy Director of Immigration
21. Collector and Deputy Collector of Customs
22. Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Lands
23. Chief and Deputy Chief Valuation Officer
24. Deputy Heads of Departments, where the Head of Department is not called a Director
25. Deputy Attorney General
26. Crown Counsel
27. Clerk of Courts
28. Registrar and of Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court
29. Supervisor of Elections
30. Members of the Public Service Commission
31. Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner and Officers at or above the rank of Superintendent
32. Special Advisers (Inserted by L.N. 64/2012)
33. Members and Staff Members of the Integrity Commission
34. Chairman, Executive Officers, Directors, Deputy Directors and Members of any body referred to in paragraph (d) of the definition of “public body” in the Ordinance
35. Any person who has a statutory duty to record the minutes of meetings of a commission, statutory board, public authority or other body referred to in item 34 who signs the entity’s books and is involved in its business and affairs
36. Any person who acts in an office referred to in this Schedule for a continuous period of six months or more.
(Amended by Ord. 1 of 2009 and 15 of 2010, L.Ns. 7/2012, 29/2012 and 64/2012 and s. 6(1) Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011)
Spokesperson claims Harry and Meghan chased by 'highly aggressive' paparazzi in NYC pursuit
Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, were reportedly involved in a "near catastrophic" car chase while pursued by paparazzi in Manhattan on Tuesday night, according to a spokesperson for Harry.
The couple accused paparazzi of being "highly aggressive," driving on the sidewalk and running red lights as they pursued the famous pair for two hours.
"While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety," the spokesperson said.
Harry and Meghan appeared at the Ziegfeld Ballroom Tuesday night as Meghan received the Ms. Foundation's Women of Vision Award at the foundation's annual gala.
The New York Police Department is investigating the reports, including that members of the paparazzi had license plates covered on their motorcycles, scooters and cars, and that they were driving on sidewalks and backward on streets.
The NYPD said in a statement, "On (Tuesday) evening, May 16, the NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called it "a bit reckless and irresponsible" for paparazzi to chase Harry and Meghan, adding, "I don’t think there are many of us who don’t recall how his mom died," referring to Princess Diana.
That said, Adams expressed skepticism about elements of the spokesperson's account, noting, "I would find it hard to believe there was a two-hour high speed chase. But if it's 10 minutes, a 10-minute chase is extremely dangerous."
Source-ABC
Ex-Apple engineer accused of stealing self-driving car secrets
A former Apple engineer has been charged with stealing the company's self-driving car technology, almost five years after he fled to China.
Prosecutors accuse Weibao Wang, 35, of stealing thousands of files containing proprietary information while secretly working for an unnamed Chinese company.
Six counts of theft or attempted theft of trade secrets are in the indictment.
This is the third time an ex-Apple employee has been accused of stealing autonomous tech secrets for China.
The justice department alleges Mr. Wang stole documents containing the source code for the software and hardware behind the self-driving systems.
Mr. Wang joined Apple in March 2016 as a member of the team that developed technology for autonomous systems, the justice department said.
He signed a confidentiality agreement about the project, which was at the time known to very few people within the company.
Mr. Wang left Apple on 16 April 2018, the indictment said. Unbeknownst to the firm, he had accepted an offer more than four months earlier to work as an engineer at another company developing self-driving cars, said US prosecutors.
That company, unnamed in the indictment, is based in China, said prosecutors.
Law enforcement searched Mr. Wang's home in Mountain View, California, in June 2018 while he was there.
He told authorities he had no plans to leave the US. That same day, he bought a one-way ticket from San Francisco to Guangzhou, China, the justice department said.
An analysis of the devices seized from Mr. Wang's home showed he had stored large quantities of Apple data on self-driving car technology.
In a press conference, the US Attorney for the Northern District of California, Ismail Ramsey, said Mr Wang remained in China.
If he were ever extradited and convicted, he could face 10 years in prison for each of the six charges.
Apple did not respond to BBC's request for comment.
Two other former Apple employees have previously been charged in similar cases involving the theft of trade secrets.
Source-BBC
TCIG responds to sighting and capture of a raccoon in Grand Turk
The Department of Agriculture of Agriculture received information about the sighting of an animal looking like a raccoon on Grand Turk. Video footage was received which enabled team members to identify the animal and determine its size.
The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ports Authority, Department of Environment, Environmental Health Department, and Customs Department, implemented a surveillance and trapping activity with a view to capturing the animal for destruction.
On Saturday 13th May, the animal was captured in the location where it was last sighted by residents.
The animal was identified based on the markings as a raccoon (Procyon lotor), female, non-pregnant or nursing, native to North America. Raccoons are mammals and vectors to a number of infectious diseases, and a common vector of rabies. The department, therefore, took decisive action to have the animal euthanized and disposed of.
The importance of biosecurity systems for the inspection of all cargo on conveyances such as vessels and aircraft is critical. In addition, vigilance of the community is equally important, we encourage persons to continue to notify the Department of such incidents.
We want to thank all those who assisted in one way or the other in dealing with this incident.
The Department requests the continued support of the general public to assist in keeping TCI safe from the introduction of pests and diseases that may affect the islands.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT
THIS IS A PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY 2023 ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 6 AM
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAK HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM IS BUILDING OVER THE BAHAMAS WHILE TROPICAL MOISTURE CONTINUES ACROSS THE SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS
WARNINGS: THERE IS A THREAT OF WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT, AND HUMID, WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, BECOMING FAIR AND WARM WITH AN ISOLATED SHOWER OR A THUNDERSTORM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS ARE EXPECTED IN SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE, OCCASIONALLY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET
DAYTIME HIGH-TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW-TEMPERATURE 68°F 20°C
SUNRISE: 6:24 AM SUNSET: 7:47 PM
MOONSET: 6:05 PM MOONRISE: 5:32 AM THU
HIGH TIDE: 6:42 AM & 7:14 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:53 PM & 1:40 AM THU
EXTENDED FORECAST: THE HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL SHIFT EASTWARD THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK WITH GENTLE TO LIGHT WINDS WHILE AN UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH WILL CREATE SOME UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE ISLANDS
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, HOT, AND HUMID WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL ISLANDS AND EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN ALL AREAS
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO CLOUDY AND HOT WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 1 TO 3 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL ISLANDS AND 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.
TROPICAL WEATHER: TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 7 DAYS.
WHO (World Health Organisation) Declares that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)
RTC News understands that tt the fifteenth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, held on Thursday 4 May 2023, based on the information provided on the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, determined that “COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).”
The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. The TCI reported its first case of COVID-19 on 23rd March 2020. To date, the TCI has reported a total of 6588 COVID-19 cases and sadly 38 deaths locally. The Minister of Health commenting on the announcement by WHO stated “The TCI, in recognizing the declining number of tests and positive cases being identified locally, the reduction in hospitalizations with COVID-19 as well as the successful roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination and booster program, has dropped all of its COVID-19 measures with the requirement for travelers to be fully vaccinated being removed on April 1, 2023”.
Although today's declaration by the WHO is a significant milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health will continue to make available COVID-19 tests at its National Public Health Laboratory as well as continue surveillance of COVID-19. COVID-19 will remain in circulation and will likely continue to evolve and will need long-term monitoring and plans to address it at the local and international levels. The gains made during the pandemic as well as lessons learned will continue to be incorporated in order to strengthen preparedness and response to future outbreaks.
In line with the Emergency Committee's recommendations, the Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen its health systems, continue active risk communications and community engagement, implement a One Health approach to preparedness and response, and integrate COVID-19 surveillance and response activities into routine health programs.
World Hypertension Day- “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to join the World Hypertension League (WHL) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in observing World Hypertension Day 2023. World Hypertension Day - celebrated annually on May 17th – is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting hypertension prevention, detection, and control.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that if left untreated, can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, stroke kidney failure or blindness. Persons should aim to have a normal blood pressure of 120/80. Hypertension is the main risk factor to develop cardiovascular disease. More than one billion people around the world live with hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. It is the principal cause of premature death in the Americas, responsible for around 2 million lives lost each year.
“The burden of hypertension is felt disproportionately in low and middle-income countries, where two-thirds of cases are found, largely due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades. What is more, around half of the people living with hypertension are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death (PAHO, 2022)”.
This year, the WHL is celebrating its 18th World Hypertension Day under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, and is using this opportunity to focus on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.
Commenting on this year’s World Hypertension Day campaign, the Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services, stated:
“Hypertension, which is the main risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), remains a major public health threat. Therefore, it requires swift action that goes beyond individual and lifestyle changes”. Hon. Malcolm further stated that “the Ministry of Health has embarked on the HEARTs initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to care for hypertension and other non-communicable diseases at the first level of care, and to provide training and normative guidelines so that the latest, evidence-based approaches for hypertension diagnosis and treatment are practiced in primary health clinics across the islands”.
The MoHHS recognizes that health systems, which are upheld by a primary health care approach, represent the most efficient and cost-effective means of providing health and well-being services to individuals. Moreover, the Ministry is dedicated to delivering accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare services to all, and is committed to strengthening the health systems of the Turks and Caicos Islands by enhancing the availability of health services and advancing health education programs.
Accordingly, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services will continue to promote healthy living and educate the Turks and Caicos Islands community about significant health topics and issues as well as empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Persons diagnosed with hypertension are encouraged to manage their risk factors such as high salt diet, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and smoking, and comply with treatment as prescribed by their clinicians in order to reduce their risk for complications. Persons should know their numbers by getting their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Officials from the Ministry of Tourism attends annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CHTA)
The Turks and Caicos Islands Delegation attend Caribbean Travel Marketplace taking place Bridgetown, Barbados this week, 9 to 11 May 2023.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation travel over the course of two days of business meetings.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the largest tourism marketing event and is held annually throughout the region.
Under the theme "Predicting Travelers’ Impact", the event commenced with the 'Caribbean Travel Forum', where the keynote address "Tourism the key driver of generational wealth for Caribbean Nationals", was delivered by Honorable Miss Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados.
Therein, the Honorable Prime Minister charged the private sector and the hotel industry to work in partnership with the public sector. She noted that in this post-COVID-19 era, it is imperative that all work more closely together to be "shapers and not just takers" pertaining to the development of the tourism sector in the region.
Of the event, the Honorable. Minister Josephine Connolly reaffirmed the sentiments raised by Prime Minister Mottley during her remarks and went on to say: “COVID-19 has taught us all that success can be achieved by working together in partnership. The transition from the Tourist Board to the DMMO (Experience Turks and Caicos) will strengthen partnerships and forge new partnerships, both locally, regionally, and globally as we continue to work to ensure that the tourism industry in the TCI is sustainable but most importantly that our people can reap and enjoy the benefit of the economic development of these islands as a result of the Tourism Industry."
The forum also provided updates on the Caribbean as a region, and its performance as a whole, along with other engaging panel discussions.
The Turks and Caicos Delegation include from the Ministry of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism; Permanent Secretary, Wesley Clerveaux; and Courtney Robinson, TCI Tourist Board; along with Stacy Cox, CEO, TCHTA; and Karen Whitt, VP Marketing, The Hartling Group.