POLICE NEWS IN THE CAPITAL & CITY
In the early hours of this morning, Monday 9th May, a series of gunshots were heard in the North Back Salina area of Grand Turk, where a young male has become the victim of gun violence.
The Police reported that they are currently investigating the murder of the young male who was shot several times. The identity of the victim has not yet been divulged to the public.
On Sunday, at about 12:30am, it was reported that a sloop had landed at Northwest Point when a boat was found on the shore. The police also reported that whilst the vessel was detected by the Coastal Radar Station, the vessel was too close to the coast to be intercepted by the RTCIPF Marine Branch, despite the Police boat being in the area at the time.
The Police and Immigration Enforcement were subsequently deployed to Northwest Point after several suspected illegal migrants were seen in the area.
Later that day at around 8:30pm, the Coastal Radar Station alerted the Police Control Room that they were tracking a target seven miles off the coast of Providenciales. The RTCIPF Marine Branch subsequently intercepted a boat carrying suspect illegal migrants at just after 9pm.
The vessel and persons were detained and brought into South Dock. The Police reported that forty-nine persons, including three children were handed over to the Immigration Enforcement Team and taken to the Immigration Detention Centre.
On Saturday, 7th May, at about 3:41am as police officers were on patrol, they conducted a stop and search on a male who was seen in the vicinity of the First Caribbean Roundabout. The police reported that during the search, two laptops, along with other items were found in a backpack that the man was carrying.
Police Officers subsequently made inquiries and discovered that the said laptops were stolen from a location along Leeward Highway, which appeared to have been burglarized.
The male was then arrested on Suspicion of Burglary, and the case remains an active burglary investigation.
Golden State Warriors dominate Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks edge out Boston Celtics
Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson combined for 78 points as the Golden State Warriors dominated the Memphis Grizzlies to lead their Western Conference semi-final series.
In the first one-sided game of the best-of-seven series, the Warriors won 142-112 to take a 2-1 lead.
In the Eastern Conference play-offs, the Milwaukee Bucks edged out the Boston Celtics 103-101.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 42 points as the Bucks moved 2-1 ahead.
The Celtics had mounted a late comeback in Saturday's game three, bouncing back from 13 points adrift to take a one-point lead with one minute and 49 seconds remaining courtesy of Jaylen Brown's pair of free throws.
But Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday put the Bucks back ahead, a lead they didn't again relinquish despite late attempts from the Celtics with Al Horford landing what would have been a game-tying basket milliseconds after the buzzer had sounded.
In San Francisco, Curry made a team-high 30 points, while Thompson added 21 and Poole 27 off the bench in the Warriors win.
Curry's total was the fourth time in these play-offs that he had made 30, and moved him past Paul Pierce and Kevin McHale into 21st place on the NBA's all-time post-season scoring list.
The Grizzlies' Ja Morant led the game with 34 points but had to miss the final six minutes after appearing to clash knees with Poole.
Grizzlies' coach Taylor Jenkins later said Poole had "grabbed his knee and yanked it", with Morant later tweeting - and deleting - that Poole had "broke the code".
Poole denied he had intentionally hurt his opponent.
"I hit the ball and I was going for the ball. Obviously, you don't want to see anybody get hurt. I'm not even that type of player. I respect everybody," he said.
"Hopefully he gets better, and we can see him out there next game. I don't even play like that for real. That's not my type [of] game."
Source-BBC
Bahamas registered near 14 per cent economic growth in 2021
The Bahamian economy exhibited a measured pace of recovery during 2021, the Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) has said.
In its just released 2021 Annual Report, the CBB said that the domestic economy registered a growth of 13.7 per cent last year, following a coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic-related 23.8 per cent contraction in 2020.
“Amid widespread vaccination efforts and the gradual easing of globally imposed travel restrictions, a recovery commenced in tourism output, led by a rebound in the high value-added air segment and joined later in the year by a restart of cruise activity.
“Several varied-scaled foreign investment-led projects and to a lesser extent continued post-hurricane reconstruction works, provided support to the construction sector, and by extension to economic growth.”
The Central Bank said that average consumer prices firmed during the year, reflecting the pass-through effects of higher global oil prices and other costlier imports.
It said that indications are that unemployment remained above pre-COVID levels, though significant workforce re-engagement began in the tourism plant, with impact also from sustained construction activities.
The CBB said that the fiscal deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio rose to an estimated 12.8 per cent in financial year 2020-21 from 7.2 per cent in the previous financial year, as the tax base contracted over the height of the lockdown, while expenditure growth was necessary on health sector infrastructure and social services associated with the pandemic, combined with outlays still for the reconstruction of key infrastructure, following the 2019 major hurricane.
At the end of December last year, the Government’s Direct Charge-to-GDP ratio firmed to an estimated 92.1 per cent from 97.1 per cent in 2020. The National Debt-to-GDP ratio stood at an estimated 95.6 per cent at end-December, a decrease of six percentage points over the 12-month period.
The Central bank said that external reserves expanded by US$50.6 million or 2.1 per cent to US $2,432.8 million during the year, a moderation from the US$624.1 million (35.5 per cent) accumulation in the preceding period, which had included net proceeds from government’s external borrowings. It said the import cover ratio narrowed to 36.8 weeks, from 56.8 weeks in 2020, but exceeded the 12 weeks benchmark.
The Bahamian Dollar Digital Currency Regulations, 2021 were gazetted and passed into law in November, 2021. Along with progress on the technology platform, this has set the stage for a more accelerated push for national adoption of the Sand Dollar in 2022, the CBB said.
“With the improving outlook for tourism inflows, the foreign exchange conservation measures that were implemented at the start of the pandemic were relaxed in 2021. The moratorium placed on the consideration of new licence applications for payment services providers and money transmission businesses remained in effect during the year, and is expected to be extended through to September, 2022.”
The CBB said that the credit bureau transitioned to live operations on 30th April, 2021, marking the onset of data submission to the bureau by domestic lending institutions.
The annual report, which provides an examination of the economic and financial environment, locally and internationally, the CBB said that global lockdowns to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) eased, given aggressive vaccine campaigns, resulting in a rebound in the tourism sector, albeit still below pre-COVID-19 levels.
“The strengthening in tourism output was mostly supported by the rebound in the high value-added air segment. A seasonal upswing in sea traffic was also noted, though restarting at a much later point during the calendar year, and with more deliberately constrained occupancy rates,” said CBB Governor John A. Rolle.
He said in addition, a number of small to medium-scale foreign investment projects undergirded activity in the construction sector.
“As private sector lending conditions remained subdued, monetary developments featured further build-up in both bank liquidity and external reserves. However, the pass through inflows to both aggregates from public sector debt operations were moderated, as the Government’s external borrowings narrowed in comparison to 2020.”
The CBB said that although credit quality metrics weakened further, given the pandemic’s continuing influence, the adjustment was more tempered, with losses related to bad debt provisioning also significantly curtailed.
According to the Central Bank, in the fiscal sector, the deficit widened significantly for the financial year 2020-21 as the COVID-19 related disruption in economic activities led to a falloff in revenue collections.
“However, for the first half of financial year 2021-22, the deficit narrowed considerably, underpinned by a value added tax (VAT)-led growth in total revenue, which outweighed the expansion in aggregate expenditure,” Rolle said.
Source-CMC
White House names first black press secretary
President Biden has named Karine Jean-Pierre as his new top spokesperson - the first time a black, or openly gay, person has held the role.
Ms Jean-Pierre, 44, has served as the administration's principal deputy press secretary since Mr Biden was elected.
She will replace outgoing press secretary Jen Psaki, 43, in the top role at the end of next week.
Press secretaries conduct daily news briefings with White House reporters, meaning the role can be high-profile.
Ms Psaki is taking up a job at the left-leaning MSNBC cable news outlet.
On Twitter, she called her successor a "remarkable woman" with "a moral core".
"I can't wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium," she said.
The White House press secretary is a presidential administration's face to the national media and, by extension, to the country and the world.
The individual can become an instantly recognisable figure in times of national crises or political scandal. They often develop cult-like followings among some - and are the butt of jokes for others.
For the first time in US history, the face of an administration will be that of a black woman, and of one who is openly gay.
The groundbreaking announcement underscores a Biden administration that has placed an emphasis on putting black women - frequently considered an essential, but politically invisible part of the Democratic Party coalition - in positions of power.
She joins Vice-President Kamala Harris, incoming Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Domestic Policy Council chair Susan Rice, UN
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and a handful of other officials and judges in prominent roles.
While press secretaries do not set policy, they help shape the public perception of an administration. Jean-Pierre has a challenging high-wire act ahead of her.
Ms Jean-Pierre, previously an analyst at MSNBC, brings more than two decades of experience in Democratic politics to the role.
Born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique and raised in Queens, New York, she was a key political director in the Obama administration.
During the 2016 presidential election, she was the national spokeswoman for MoveOn, a major liberal advocacy group.
Before joining the White House press team, she served as chief of staff to Kamala Harris, after she was chosen as Mr Biden's vice-presidential nominee.
Ms Jean-Pierre's appointment comes ahead of crucial mid-term elections this November that will determine how the rest of Mr Biden's presidency turns out.
Source-BBC
Gucci stores to accept cryptocurrencies in US
Italian luxury brand Gucci will start accepting payments in cryptocurrencies in some of its stores in America.
Customers will be able to pay using a number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
The service will be rolled out later this month at some of its flagship outlets, including Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and New York's Wooster Street.
Gucci, owned by France's Kering, joins a growing number of companies that have started to accept virtual currencies.
The firm said it will also take payments in Shiba Inu and Dogecoin - a so-called "meme" cryptocurrency that was originally created as a joke.
Customers paying in stores with cryptocurrencies will be sent an email with a QR code to use with a digital asset wallet - a financial transaction app that runs on mobile devices.
QR - or quick response - codes are the black and white, barcode-like squares that can be read by mobile phones and have been used increasingly widely since the start of the pandemic.
The brand said it plans to introduce the policy to all the North American stores it operates directly in the near future.
The announcement by such a high-profile brand marks another step forward for the acceptance of cryptocurrencies by mainstream businesses.
Gucci is the latest big name to announce that it will take cryptocurrency as payment.
Some of the world's biggest brands now accept digital currencies, including technology giant Microsoft, US telecoms firm AT&T and coffee chain Starbucks.
In the last year Bitcoin has also become legal tender in two countries - El Salvador and the Central African Republic.
Since El Salvador said it would allow consumers to use the cryptocurrency in all transactions, alongside the US dollar, the International Monetary Fund has urged it to reverse its decision.
Source-BBC
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT MONDAY 09TH MAY 2022
GENERAL SITUATION:A WEAKENING FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL MERGE WITH A STRONG SURFACE TROUGH ACROSS THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS TODAY BEFORE DRIFTING SOUTHEASTWARD THROUGH THE NIGHT.
TODAY'S FORECAST IS CLOUDY TO OVERCAST WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS HEAVY TO SEVERE AT TIMES THROUGH TONIGHT
ADVISORY: GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE BECOMING NORTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL ISLANDS TONIGHT
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET BUILDING UP TO 6 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS TONIGHT
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 84°F 29°C OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 70°F 21°C
SUNSET: 7:43 PM MOONRISE: 1:31 PM HIGH TIDE: 3:09 PM & 3:29 AM TUE.
SUNRISE: 6:27 TUE AM MOONSET: 2:57 AM TUE. LOW TIDE: 9:12 PM & 10:00 AM TUE
WEATHER OUTLOOK:THE STALLED SURFACE TROUGH WILL CONTINUE TO CREATE UNSETTLED WEATHER ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS, WHILE A BUILDING HIGH PRESSURE WILL SUPPORT FRESH WINDS AND HAZARDOUS SEA CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL ISLANDS TOMORROW.
Tony Nominees: A Strange Loop, MJ, Jesse Williams, Uzo Aduba, Phylicia Rashad and more
Nominations for the 2022 Tony Awards are in, and leading the pack this year with 11 nominations is Michael R. Jackson's "Big, Black & Queer American Musical," A Strange Loop.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play -- which made its world premiere in 2019 and its Broadway debut on April 26 of this year -- earned recognition in categories such as Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Musical.
A Strange Loop follows Usher who, according to Playwrights Horizons, "is a black, queer writer, working a day job he hates while writing his original musical: a piece about a black, queer writer, working a day job he hates while writing his original musical."
Closely following Michael R. Jackson's multi-award winning play is a musical based on another Jackson: MJ, centered around Michael Jackson's life and music, which earned 10 nominations, including Best Musical. MJ is also up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, for Myles Frost's portrayal of the superstar.
Nominated for Best Actress in a Featured Role is Broadway star Kenita R. Miller for for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. The Ntozake Shange production which originally premiered in 1976, earned seven total nominations including Best Revival of a Play.
Also recognized for Best Revival is Take Me. Having won the coveted Best Play award in 2003, the baseball coming-out story is nominated this year in three other categories, including Best Actor in a Featured Role, which recognizes Grey's Anatomy alum Jesse Williams.
Phylicia Rashad and Uzo Aduba are nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role for their work in Skeleton Crew and Clyde's.
The 75th annual Tony Awards will take place live from Radio City Music Hall in New York on Sunday, June 12 at 8 p.m. on CBS.
Source-ABC
Haitian government denies issuing state of emergency
Haiti has denied issued a state of security emergency even as a human rights group reported that rival gang warfare has led to many deaths and a reminder to the government that it is “its responsibility to ensure the safety of the population, to protect lives and property”.
In a brief statement, the Communication Office of the Primature said it was informing the general population and the press in particular that the government “has not decreed a state of security emergency, contrary to rumours and the false Order text, circulating on social networks”.
It gave no further details, but former legislator, Carl Murat Cantave, said people in this French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country are “fed up” and “are only hungry for security”.
“Consensus today is becoming an empty, outdated, inappropriate, illusory, operational word. It is only a simple artifice for one and the other. Ladies and gentlemen, the people are fed up, they are only hungry for security. Everything else is just nonsense,” the former senator said.
Haiti has been plagued with criminal activities, including kidnappings and earlier this week, the abductors have released at least three people.
Those released include businessman Jean-Marc Antoine, who was kidnapped last Sunday, accompanied by his son has been released. The conditions of his release were given.
Kidnappers have also released the chief executive officer of the ALMA funeral directors, Alcero Marc Arthur, after an unspecified ransom had been paid.
Meanwhile, the Citizen Protection Office (OPC), said that since April 24, 2022, the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets has been the scene of violent armed clashes between rival gangs for the control of territory, particularly the neighbourhoods of Bon Repos, Shadda, Damien, Santo, and Butte Boyer.
It said that the situation has worsened with another set of criminal gangs getting involved adding that up to May 2, “it was difficult to have an exact toll of the victims of this war between rival gangs”.
But the human rights group said that the first information reported several dozen people were killed and wounded, many homes were burnt and hundreds of people being displaced.
The OPC said that because of these armed conflicts, traffic is interrupted, thus blocking communication between the departments of Ouest, Artibonite, Nord, Nord-Est, Northwest and Center.
It said that since June 1 last year, the same situation has been observed in the districts of Martissant where access from Port-au-Prince to the departments of South, South-East, Nippes and Grand’Anse has been cut for 11 months.
“Everything is happening under the eyes and the great silence of the authorities and institutions responsible for ensuring the safety of lives and property, despite the calls for help from the inhabitants of the conflict zones. The people are on their own,” the OPC said, adding “for more than eight days, not a message or action both from the government and from the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN)”.
The OPC said it wanted to remind the state that it is “its responsibility to ensure the safety of the population, to protect lives and property” and urges the authorities to take “rapid and urgent measures to restore order and peace in the communes of Croix-des-Bouquets, Cité-Soleil and in the neighbourhoods of Martissant in order to allow all the inhabitants to go about their activities freely and without any worry”.
EDUCATIONAL ITEMS PRESENTED BY HON.OTIS MORRIS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS
The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Broadcasting, Energy, Utilities, and The Telecommunications Commission, was delighted to distribute educational materials to the various Early Childhood classrooms within the Government and Private Schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Department's overall aim is to contribute to a solid foundation from early childhood that shapes and develops a supportive learning environment for emergent learners and influences early development through education and play.
The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to be a part of a direct-learning initiative that helps foster new experiences, new words, and new adaptable behaviours through learning, which is an investment toward a more fruitful future. The Department further believes that Early Childhood Education is about honouring and molding the holistic child, eventually forming the basis of their lifelong journey. Therefore, we commit to playing an integral role in this critical stage.
The Minister with responsibilities for the Department of Gender Affairs, Hon. Otis Morris stated, “I am delighted to participate in this ambitious program. It emphasizes the student-centred learning model by having individual learning styles recognized and supported. This approach to learning means that teachers can thoughtfully plan the learning environment by offering many visible choices based on the child's skills and needs.”
He further added that “Early Childhood is so much more than playing. While the primary educational benefits of preschool (such as literacy and numeracy) are tangible, the advances children achieve towards becoming well-rounded individuals are truly invaluable. My Ministry will continue to be a contributing factor to these advancements.”
Principals were contacted regarding this initiative and were allowed to select items based on the priority needs of the individual classes.
The presentation was done in Grand Turk and will continue throughout the Islands over the following weeks.
Ministry of Tourism, Honorable Josephine Connolly presents Budget Address FY 22/23
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.