NATIONAL BUDGET DEBATE 2023
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2023/24 was previously laid in the House of Assembly and will be debated by members of Parliament on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 through to Friday May 19th, 2023.
Tune in to RTC Radio Turks and Caicos on 89.1 FM and TCIG Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pressofficetcig/) to hear the National Budget Debate.
2023 UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Communiqué
We, the Minister for the Overseas Territories and elected leaders and representatives of the Overseas Territories, met as the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) on 11-12 May 2023. Ministers and representatives from across the UK Government, including the Home Office, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Department of Transport, HM Treasury, Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero joined. We also welcomed the newly elected leaders of the British Virgin Islands.
The JMC provided an opportunity to reflect on the Coronation of His Majesty The King and pay tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We also reflected on successes of the year such as working together to respond to global events like COVID-19 and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and challenges of the year including rising crime and irregular migration in some Territories. The partnership between the UK and the Overseas Territories has helped us deliver these successes and meet these challenges.
PARTNERSHIP AND PRINCIPLES
1. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed that the Overseas Territories are an integral part of the undivided realm. The longstanding and deep partnerships give us strength in this rapidly changing world. We are family, under one realm. United by shared values and pushing in the same direction to overcome shared challenges.
2. In keeping with the founding intentions of the JMC, as the highest forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and the Overseas Territories, we approached these discussions with the purpose of promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest. We discussed key priorities with an aim to: promote the security and good governance of the Territories; their sustainable development, and economic and social progress; and to agree on priorities, develop plans and review implementation.
3. We welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s announcement of a new UK Government strategy on the Overseas Territories. We look forward to collaborating in its development, setting the direction for a relationship firmly based on the principles of collaboration and mutual interest. The Overseas Territories further welcome that each
Government Department will have an assigned Minister responsible for their Department’s relationship with the Territories. These Ministers will meet as a group chaired by the Minister for the Overseas Territories.
4. The principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as enshrined in the UN Charter, applies to the peoples of the Overseas Territories. The UK and Overseas Territories reaffirmed the importance of promoting the right of self-determination for the peoples of the Territories, which is a collective responsibility of all parts of the UK Government. We will continue to explore ways in which the Overseas Territories can maintain international support in countering hostile sovereignty claims. For those Territories with permanent populations who wish it, the UK will continue to support requests for the removal of the Territory from the United Nations list of non-self-governing Territories.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND IRREGULAR MIGRATION
5. TheUKandOverseasTerritoriesnotethesharedresponsibilityforensuringthe protection of our citizens across the Territories through the work of multiple agencies within and across jurisdictions. The Overseas Territories welcome the ongoing work by the UK Government through the UK Integrated Security Fund (formerly Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund), and Justice and Border Security Programmes to help strengthen and modernize law enforcement and border control capabilities. We recognize the importance of taking a holistic approach to crime prevention and border security, which is why in 23/24 the UK Government is committing over £10m to support OT law enforcement and border security capability and capacity building.
6. Both the UK and Overseas Territories recognize that security challenges are often complex and reaffirm the joint commitment to build upon multi-agency models (e.g. through Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command and Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme) to enhance cooperation and increase effectiveness within the Territories. We commit to sharing our experiences, challenges, and lessons learned by upholding our close partnership in areas of security and law enforcement. The UK undertakes in collaboration with affected Territories to strengthen their security and law enforcement regimes.
7. We acknowledge the irregular migration challenges that some Overseas Territories are facing, including as a result of the current situation in Haiti, and note that these challenges vary across the Territories. The UK commits to exploring options to increase support for impacted Territories and to continue to work together on these issues of shared importance.
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL RESILIENCE
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9. The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable needs of Territories where financial self-sufficiency is not possible, as the Overseas Territories continue to have the first call on the aid budget. The UK and Overseas Territories will work in partnership to develop and deliver successful programs in the Territories.
10. We acknowledge the challenges posed by rising global inflation, particularly for the most vulnerable in our societies. We shared lessons learned from our experience of introducing new infrastructure investments in the context of rising global interest rates. We discussed access to concessional financing, including the appropriateness of broader vulnerability indices for determining ODA eligibility. We resolve to promote and encourage trade as an engine of prosperity. The UK will continue to work with the Overseas Territories to explore opportunities for diversification of economies and building economic resilience.
The Overseas Territories are building successful and resilient economies. We recognize that external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and natural
disasters can result in significant fiscal and economic challenges and we are working to mitigate the impacts of these shocks.
11. The Overseas Territories and the UK are pleased to announce that we have launched a new ministerial-level annual dialogue focused on tackling illicit finance, demonstrating our enhanced commitment to working together as partners to defend our financial systems against illicit actors. The British Virgin Islands offered to host the inaugural meeting of this dialogue, or part of it, later this year. We will deepen our partnership to tackle shared illicit-finance threats. We continue to meet the highest international financial standards, including those set by the Financial Action Task Force and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Overseas Territories and the UK will continue to cooperate, including through technical forums on anti-money laundering, sanctions enforcement, counter-terrorist financing, and foreign bribery.
12. Furthermore, the Overseas Territories and the UK are pleased to announce that we will be establishing a technical working group on beneficial ownership transparency to share expertise on and consider issues around, the implementation of publicly accessible registers of company beneficial ownership that contain the necessary safeguards to protect the right to privacy.
13. We condemn the ongoing illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and note this has created new challenges for the Overseas Territories. The UK Government welcomes the Overseas Territories’ continued strong commitment and actions in implementing and enforcing sanctions against Russia.
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
14. The Overseas Territories are spread across all seven major oceans and seas, and support the Earth’s major ecosystem types, from polar tundra to mangrove forests. The Overseas Territories are leading on policies to protect unique environments and to address climate change including energy transition. The UK Government recognizes that the Territories are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and we are working with Territory Governments to prioritize climate change actions in UK funding.
15. We remain committed to keeping a limit of 1.5C temperature rise within reach and to implementing and building on the Glasgow Climate Pact. We welcomed the extension of the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement to Gibraltar in 2022 – bringing them into the scope of the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce all greenhouse emissions by at least 68% of 1990 levels by 2030. While recognizing the efforts of all Overseas Territories in reducing emissions, the UK Government will continue to support Overseas Territories with appropriate technical support.
16. The UK Government is supporting biodiversity and conservation projects in the Overseas Territories. For each year until 2025, the UK Government will continue to make available £10 million for applicants to Darwin Plus. This year, Darwin Plus has been expanded to include a new local scheme aimed at building capacity and growing local economies; and a new strategic scheme for fostering greater innovation and collaboration between Territories. With improvements to the Darwin Plus Fellowships scheme also underway, UK Government is pleased to be enhancing the full Darwin Plus offer and will keep the structure of the program under review, with a focus on suitability and practical conservation. The UK Government will explore ways that funding for the Overseas Territories is not cut short as a result of loss of access to EU environment funding.
17. The UK Government and Overseas Territories are developing a new joint UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, expected to be published in 2024. Building on the success of the Darwin Plus and Blue Belt Programmes, the Strategy will set out the priorities of individual Territories, our ambition to protect and restore biodiversity, and the approach to long-term investment for sustaining the Territories’ biodiversity.
18. The UK Government reiterates its commitment to the longevity of the established Blue Belt Programme, whilst continuing to welcome new Territories to the programme where they are committing to enhancing the protection and sustainable management of their marine environments. We welcome the Turks and Caicos Islands and Anguilla as the newest members of the Blue Belt family, and we welcome Bermuda’s participation in the Blue Belt Ocean Shield initiative.
19. We welcomed the active participation of the Overseas Territories in international fora including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and the fifteenth meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The UK Government and the Overseas Territories will work in partnership at upcoming climate change and biodiversity summits, including COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and at the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2024.
HEALTHCARE
20. The Overseas Territories welcomed progress in implementing the long-awaited reforms to the NHS Quota system, which now offers greater flexibility and access and for the first time includes Ascension, Tristan da Cunha, Pitcairn, Cayman, and Bermuda. Territories also welcomed the commitment to regular reviews to ensure that the reforms meet individual Territory needs including mental health support.
21. Leaders of the Overseas Territories also set out their thanks to the UK Government for its provision of COVID-19 vaccines and commitment to protecting the people of the
territories.
MARITIME STRATEGY
22. The Overseas Territories form part of the prestigious group of Shipping Registers, the Red Ensign Group, who collectively have the ninth largest fleet in the world and whose ships fly the most recognized flag in shipping, the Red Ensign. Our commitment to continually improving safety and security for anyone who works at sea or utilizes the sea for recreation purposes, and minimizing the risks to marine environments from shipping, is acknowledged globally and our reputation and standards are world-leading.
23. With over 90% of worldwide traded goods being transported by sea and the reliance on shipping to provide key lifeline services, and support tourism and the wider economy, we recognize the profound importance of shipping and related maritime industries to our small islands. The UK and Overseas Territories reaffirm our joint commitment to strengthening maritime capabilities in the territories and recognize the need for future investment by promoting defined career pathways and supporting those wishing to work in this essential industry.
24. We welcome the inclusion of those Overseas Territories that do not currently have maritime administrations to bring their unique experiences as coastal States to the Red Ensign Group.
25. We agree to explore a joint long-term maritime strategy in recognition of the wide-reaching impacts of maritime and to maximize opportunities for decarbonizing within the maritime sector and supporting blue economies.
26. Maintaining the security of shipping and port facilities is an important part of maintaining economic security by ensuring the continued flow of goods and supporting essential industries like tourism. The UK and the Overseas Territories agree on the need to continue to work collaboratively on ensuring effective maritime security within the Territories in compliance with the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
EDUCATION AND PENSIONS
27. In addition to the main topics discussed at the Council, the Overseas Territories expressed disappointment at the ongoing issue with the process for issuing visas for students with British Overseas Territories Citizenship to study in the UK. The Overseas Territories welcome the UK Government's commitment to resolving the issue.
28. While welcoming access to tuition fee loans in England for Overseas Territories students, The UK and the Overseas Territories acknowledge a concern that students from the Overseas Territories do not currently have access to maintenance loans.
29. The UK acknowledges a concern raised by some Overseas Territories on the uprating of State Pensions for residents who worked in the UK and then return to their Territory on retirement.
The UK Government and the Overseas Territories welcome the opportunity to come together as a Joint Ministerial Council.
We reiterate our joint commitment to deepening our unique and modern partnership.
EDUCATION WORLD FORUM
er Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, and Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, leads the TCI team to Education World Forum 2023 in London, 7th to 10th May, under the theme ‘New Beginnings: Nurturing Learning Culture, Building Resilience, Promoting Sustainability. Stronger, Bolder, Better Education by Design.’
The Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Hon. Rachel Taylor, is attending the Education World Forum (EWF) in London, England. Hon. Taylor and her team arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday, 6th May ahead of the opening of the Education World Forum.
Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, is also attending the Forum, despite other planned engagements. The sessions on Monday focused on lessons learned, Trends, Resilience, and Innovation, central themes of the forum.
The Minister is accompanied by other members of the Ministry including Director of Education, Edgar Howell, the President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Candice Williams, and the Curriculum Development Officer, Elisann Delancy.
As a highlight, Hon. Rachel Taylor presented at one of several prestigious panel discussions. The topic for her panel discussion was; ‘What role can and should education play in building sustainability? How can we accelerate from policy to implementation? The session was co-shared with the Director of Education and Skills OECD, Andreas Schleicher, and the Minister of Education for Ghana, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
The Ministry of Education affirms the tremendous strides it has made over the years in addressing sustainability and promoting resilience. “Because of some of our achievements, we are poised to not only learn from others but to share many lessons and best practices on a Global platform such as the Education World Forum” noted the Minister.
To maximize the visit, the team will use the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with several partners with whom TCI hopes to build future relationships. These include; the Fulbright Scholarship Program and the Northern Consortium UK – a consortium of the UK’s leading universities.
The Minister and team members have scheduled visits to various schools and Colleges to gain insights into strengthening the delivery of technical vocational education and training (TVET) and special education services for children and families. Minister Taylor is scheduled to join the Hon. Premier in Manchester for the well-publicized meeting with students and members of the diaspora later in the week.
The Education World Forum is held annually and is the world’s largest gathering of education and skills ministers. One hundred and seventeen (117) Ministers and delegates from 118 countries attended EWF 2022. Similar numbers are expected to attend EWF2023. ‘This event offers the opportunity for networking and developing partnerships as well as gaining insight and inspiration from leading policymakers, education experts and pioneers in the field of Education’.
The Education World Forum is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Education, the British Council as well as other industry partners.
The Ministry will share further information on the successful return of Hon. Taylor and her team.
Shootings being investigated
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating two shootings that occurred minutes after each other in Kew Town and Five Cays, Providenciales yesterday evening (May 07th).
Based on preliminary reports, the first incident occurred around 8:46 p.m.
The Police Control Room received a call that gunshots were being heard in Musgrove Close, Kew Town. A team of officers responded to the scene where they retrieved several spent shell casings on the ground.
Officers also observed that three vehicles – a Silver Mazda Demio, Silver Nissan Tiida and a black Dodge Caravan received damages consistent with gunshots. No one was injured.
In the second incident, shortly after 9:02 p.m., RTCIPF officers responded to another report of gunshots being heard in the vicinity of Noah Bar, Five Cays.
There were no injuries reported in this incident.
Investigations are continuing by our Serious Crime Team. The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information relating to this incident or any illegal activity anonymously. Please note, that Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency. The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI.
US Visitor Charged in Turks & Caicos
Officers of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged 23-year-old United States resident Alex Julian Guzman.
Mr. Guzman of Wyoming, Michigan, appeared before the Supreme Court on May 05th charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The particulars of the offense state that on Tuesday 25th April 2023, at the Providenciales International Airport, Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr. Guzman unlawfully had in his possession a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm license.
He was granted $20,000 bail with the following conditions:
1) One or two sureties or $20,000 cash;
2) Visit the Grace Bay Police Station every Wednesday between 8 am -5 pm;
3) Surrender Travel Documents.
A sufficiency hearing is scheduled for July 7th, 2023.
Multi-Agency Command Leadership Workshop
Stakeholders from local National Security State Agencies with responsibility for disaster preparedness, mitigation, interception, border response, law enforcement, and disaster recovery, yesterday (May 04th) participated in a workshop aimed at strengthening collaborative capabilities.
Thirty-three high-level personnel from Government agencies, Law Enforcement, the Attorney General Chambers, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), TCI Hospitals, TCI Regiment, Border Force, Fire, TCI Airport Authority, Immigration, Customs, members of the RTCIPF Executive and senior management were in attendance.
The Workshop entitled: “Working Together, Saving Lives, Reducing Harm”, was facilitated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force
Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting in delivering opening remarks said: “We can only ensure we have a safe and secure Turks and Caicos Islands if we, those that serve our communities and who are charged with the responsibility of protecting this territory, work together collaboratively in partnership and with a commitment to do so.”
Commissioner Botting noted that in the last six weeks, multi-agency Silver and Gold Command training was delivered, with members of the Immigration Ministry and Enforcement, Customs, Airport Security, Policing, and the TCI Regiment in the sessions: “Not as one agency, but learning and developing alongside their Law Enforcement and security partners.”
Commissioner Botting said such steps form part of a collaborative journey, and: “In this way, we will emerge stronger as a collective and be better equipped to tackle the threats and challenges we face.”
PUBLIC FORECAST THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT SUNDAY 7TH MAY 2023
WEATHER: CLOUDY AND WARM WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 7 FEET IN LIGHT EASTERLY SWELLS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMP: 86°F 30°C OVERNIGHT LOW TEMP: 75°F 24°C
SUN
SUNSET: 7:42 PM SUNRISE: 6:28 AM MON
MOON
MOONRISE: 10:04 PM MOONSET: 8:39 AM MON
TIDES
LOW TIDE: 3:40 PM HIGH TIDE: 10:06 PM
LOW TIDE: 4:38 AM MON HIGH TIDE: 10:24 AM MON
OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: VARIABLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH THE CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. VARIABLY CLOUDY AND BREEZY WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
Battle for China's electric SUV market heats up
China is ground zero for the price war in electric vehicles and the battleground is shifting to SUV-styled EVs, the largest segment of the market, dominated by Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and BYD (002594.SZ).
The market, crowded with more than 90 models, is about to get even tighter with at least 20 new models of both Chinese and foreign brands launched in April, squeezing pricing and margins at home and driving exports, analysts and executives said.
EV makers in China have followed Tesla's bold price cuts by lowering prices for their own electric SUVs, cannibalizing sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as the price gap between the technologies narrows, analysts said.
The trend will spread abroad with growing exports of China-made electric SUVs.
"We're going to see a lot of Chinese exports because of the ultra-competitive market in China. It's actually going to be a pressure release valve," said Tu Le, founder of Beijing-based advisory firm Sino Auto Insights.
The market for SUVs has boomed in China over the past decade and now represents almost 40% of all cars sold, with 400 SUV models of all fuel types.
Almost as many China-made SUVs were sold in 2022 as cars of any type in Europe last year, or more than 11 million.
The popularity of electric SUVs has exploded since Tesla delivered its domestically-produced Model Y two years ago in China, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the world's largest auto market.
Source-Reuters
TCI Records First Road Traffic Fatality
RTC News is learning that one man is dead, following a vehicular accident along the Leeward Highway yesterday on May 01st, 2023.
The victim has been identified as 34-year old Jason Alexander Robinson, of Dock Yard, Providenciales.
Initial police reports state at around 12 p.m , the Police Control Room received a call that a road accident had occurred.
Police investigations revealed, a silver Toyota Alteeza, driven by Mr. Robinson was proceeding on the westbound lane along the Leeward Highway, in the vicinity of Fortis TCI, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with another vehicle.
The silver Alteeza crossed the median and collided with two other vehicles including a truck.
The victim was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated for several injuries sustained from the accident. Mr. Robinson died today (May 02) at 5:30 am.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family of Mr. Robinson.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit are continuing investigations.
Turks and Caicos Golf Association Wins Caribbean Classic Tournament 2023
Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and USVI.
