1ST SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL 2021-2022- OCTOBER 26th, 2021
Hon. Speaker,
Hon. Premier,
Hon. Members of this House of Assembly,
Strangers in the Gallery,
Persons tuning in via radio and streaming media, and
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Good Morning,
Before I get started Mr. Speaker, as you’re aware, there has been a dark cloud lingering over our great country for the last couple of weeks. During that time, we as a country, have had a number of untimely deaths. And Mr. Speaker, every one of them, regardless of the circumstance of their passing, left us far too soon.
I would like to take this time to pass my condolences to all their family and loved ones – including our colleague in this House, Hon. Jameka Williams, and my colleague in Cabinet, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams – and to remind them that in St. Paul the Apostle’s letter to the Romans, specifically Romans Chapter 14, Verse 8, he stated that:
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.”
May the souls of the recently departed live in peace this day, and I pray that their home be with God in Zion.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the capacity of Minister of Finance, Trade and Investments to table the 1st Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2021-22. But, before I do so, I would like to express profound thanks to the Hon. Premier for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, it was 9 years ago in 2012, when then Minister of Finance and current Premier Hon. Washington Misick told me that he wanted to start working on succession planning, as he felt the need to start the search for someone who could eventually replace him as Minister of Finance. And Mr. Speaker, I remember throwing out possible names to him, but never in my wildest dreams did it cross my mind that I could or would the person who ended up as his successor. I am humble and honored to hold this position, and with God’s guidance, and the Premier’s mentorship, I will do my utmost best for our people and for our country.
Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t take time out to mention the Ministry of Health, and to formally thank them for the support that they gave me during my short time as their Minister. Mere words cannot express my heartful gratitude to them for their kindness!
Now turning my attention to my new Ministry – i.e. the Ministry of Finance, which includes:
1. Invest Turks and Caicos,
2. The Budget Office,
3. The Public Investment Programme Department,
4. Financial Services and Supplies Management,
5. The Inland Revenue Department,
6. Central Purchasing Unit,
7. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition,
8. The Financial Transactions Information Exchange Department,
9. Statistics Department,
10. Economic Planning Department,
11. Public Policy and Strategic Management Unit,
12. Portfolio Management Office,
13. Customer and Government Information Services, and
14. Digitization and E-Government Technology and Innovation.
Mr. Speaker, I have had an opportunity to visit many of these departments, and I will speak about them in more details at a future meeting, but I must say I can see why the Premier enjoyed his many years working with them, and I am sure that I will feel the same at the end of my time with them.
Mr. Speaker, when I think of the Ministry of Finance, I think of Proverbs Chapter 21, Verse 5, in which King Solomon – the wise King – stated:
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit…”
I repeat, the plans of the diligent lead to profit!
According to King Solomon, a well-developed financial plan provides the clarity and confidence needed to make wise financial decisions.
Mr. Speaker, in this vein, I now present to you and this honourable House, our Government, your Government, the people’s Government, well-developed financial plan – i.e. this 1st Supplementary Appropriation Bill for FY 2021-22.
In this bill Mr. Speaker, you will see that the almighty God has bestowed many blessings on our great country with its beauties grand. I used the word “blessings” Mr. Speaker, as this Supplementary Budget has been made possible due to the unprecedented fiscal performance of the country since our Government came into office.
Within these Supplementary Estimates, and based on our near-term forecast, we are proposing to increase revenues from two hundred and seventy-four million (US$274M) to three hundred and sixty-three million (US$363M). That’s an increase of approximately ninety million (US$90M) – or 32.5% - over the approved Budget Estimates, with:
• Stamp Duties on Land Transactions at $35M,
• Import and Customs Duties at US$22M, and
• Accommodation Tax at US$16M,
being the primary drivers of the increased revenues.
And Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the real estate and tourism sectors are currently experiencing month on month growth that’s exceeding pre-covid levels. Due to this better-than-expected performance, I am also happy to report that there is no longer a need for this good good Government to draw down on the loan facility to support recurrent expenditures – i.e. costs (for those persons without and accounting background).
Due to this strong performance, our Government is proposing to increase expenditure by three hundred and forty-six thousand, four hundred and forty-three dollars (US$346,443), which is approximately a 1% increase over the current budget.
In addition, our Government is reallocating seven million, seven hundred thousand dollars (US$7.7M) across ministries to facilitate major government priorities and process improvements. Of this amount, US$3.4 million were savings achieved in personal emoluments for H1 – i.e. the period April -September.
The new priorities include:
• Land acquisition to support the tourism and education sectors,
• Seed funding to support the implementation of the Credit Union Ordinance,
• Funding to support the partial credit guarantee fund,
• Increased allocation for special needs children and the school voucher programme,
• Funding to continuously monitor the PPP contract between TCIG and IHC, and
• Additional funding to allow TCIG to enter into contracts to advance priority items including: citizens security, education, health care, and other social services.
Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to take a minute and directly speak to our people. I want them to know that while our Government has done a lot over these short eight months in Government, we are aware that there’s a lot more work to be done. We feel your pain! Your pain is our pain. And I want to assure you that we’re working as fast as we can to fix the problems of today while positioning the country for a brighter tomorrow. These things we are doing in parallel, and this Supplementary Appropriation Bill is designed to achieve that. I want you to know that your Government is working 24x7 on your behalf, and in the words of former United States President George Bush “we will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail”, when it comes you living your best lives in our beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, I now beg leave to lay on the Table of this Honourable House in accordance with Standing Order 32, and section 116 (2) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Constitution Order 2011 the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands Revised Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2021/2022
Mr. Speaker, I move that the Revised Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2021/2022 be referred to the Appropriations Committee to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 115.
Thank you.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders
Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade
Megan Thee Stallion is ready to graduate from college
After winning three Grammys and achieving superstardom, Megan Thee Stallion is fulfilling her late mother's wish that she graduate from college.
"2021 finna graduate collegeeee, taking my graduation pics today," the Hot Girl Summer wrote Monday on Instagram. "I can't wait for y'all to see."
Megan began her college studies at Prairie View A&M University, then when her career took off, she eventually switched to part-time, online courses to receive a bachelor's degree in health administration from Texas Southern University.
"I want to get my degree because I really want my mom to be proud," the 26-year-old rapper tells People. Her mother died in March 2019 after battling brain cancer. "She saw me going to school before she passed."
Now with a sizzling music career, plus fashion endorsements, and recently becoming a Popeyes franchise owner, Megan has special plans to utilize her degree.
"I'm gonna open an assisted-living facility and use the money that I make from rapping to open it," she says. "Then I'm gonna let my classmates run it."
As she prepares for graduation, Megan is ready for Halloween. She posted an Instagram photo of her dressed as Pinhead from the 1987 classic horror movie, Hellraiser, complete with needles sticking out of her head and wearing all white body paint.
"Pain has a face. Allow me to show you. Gentlemen I am pain #hottieween," she wrote, referencing a line from the film. "Scary how good you look...even dressed as an acupuncture face white man," commented boyfriend Pardi Fontaine.
Megan is hosting a private Halloween bash at an undisclosed location. "Y'all already know my hottieween party abt to be LIT this year," she wrote. "I can't wait to see everyone's costume."
Source-ABC
FATAL ROAD COLLISION,KILLS A 28-YEAR-OLD
The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police informed RTC news on Saturday morning, that at 11:23 p.m.,on Friday, October 22nd, 2021, that multiple calls were made to the Police Control Room, that a male in his late twenties was hit by a black SUV.
Shortly after that, Officers and medical personnel arrived on the scene in the vicinity of Grant's GasStation along the Leeward Highway, where the male was seen lying on the ground unconscious.
The man was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the black SUV was arrested on Suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving andreleased on bail.
Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant in his statement said "On behalf of the Force Executive Team and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands PoliceForce, I would like to express condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. My prayer for you is that God gives you comfort and strength in your time of grief".
The Police Traffic Unit is investigating this incident.
RTC News has learned that a large crowd gathered at the hospital following the incident.
CRICKET-T20 CWC-SCOREBOARD England vs West Indies – Group 1
Scoreboard of the Group 1 game of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup between England and West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium here Saturday.
WEST INDIES
L Simmons c Livingstone b Moeen 3
E Lewis c Moeen b Woakes 6
C Gayle c Malan b Mills 13
S Hetmyer c Morgan b Moeen 9
DJ Bravo c Bairstow b Jordan 5
+N Pooran c wkp Buttler b Mills 1
*K Pollard c Bairstow b Rashid 6
A Russell b Rashid 0
A Hosein not out 6
O McCoy c Roy b Rashid 0
R Rampaul b Rashid 3
Extras (w3) 3
TOTAL (all out, 14.2 overs) 55
Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Lewis), 2-9 (Simmons), 3-27 (Hetmyer), 4-31 (Gayle), 5-37 (Bravo), 6-42 (Pooran), 7-44 (Russell), 8-49 (Pollard), 9-49 (McCoy), 10-55 (Rampaul)
Bowling: Moeen Ali 4-1-17-2, Woakes 2-0-12-1, Mills 4-0-17-2 (w3), Jordan 2-0-7-1, Rashid 2.2-0-2-4.
ENGLAND
J Roy c Gayle b Rampaul 11
+J Buttler not out 24
J Bairstow c & b Hosein 9
Moeen Ali run out 3
L Livingstone c & b Hosein 1
*E Morgan not out 7
Extras (nb1) 1
TOTAL (4 wkts, 8.2 overs) 56
Did not bat: D Malan, C Woakes, C Jordan, A Rashid, T Mills
Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Roy), 2-30 (Bairstow), 3-36 (Moeen Ali), 4-39 (Livingstone)
Bowling: Hosein 4-0-24-2, Rampaul 2-0-14-1, McCoy 2-0-12-0 (nb1), Pollard 0.2-0-6-0.
Result: England won by six wickets.
CRICKET-T20 CWC-SCOREBOARD England vs West Indies – Group 1
by STAFF WRITER
October 23, 2021 Full Sports No Comments 70 views
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct 23, CMC – Scoreboard of the Group 1 game of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup between England and West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium here Saturday.
WEST INDIES
L Simmons c Livingstone b Moeen 3
E Lewis c Moeen b Woakes 6
C Gayle c Malan b Mills 13
S Hetmyer c Morgan b Moeen 9
DJ Bravo c Bairstow b Jordan 5
+N Pooran c wkp Buttler b Mills 1
*K Pollard c Bairstow b Rashid 6
A Russell b Rashid 0
A Hosein not out 6
O McCoy c Roy b Rashid 0
R Rampaul b Rashid 3
Extras (w3) 3
TOTAL (all out, 14.2 overs) 55
Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Lewis), 2-9 (Simmons), 3-27 (Hetmyer), 4-31 (Gayle), 5-37 (Bravo), 6-42 (Pooran), 7-44 (Russell), 8-49 (Pollard), 9-49 (McCoy), 10-55 (Rampaul)
Bowling: Moeen Ali 4-1-17-2, Woakes 2-0-12-1, Mills 4-0-17-2 (w3), Jordan 2-0-7-1, Rashid 2.2-0-2-4.
ENGLAND
J Roy c Gayle b Rampaul 11
+J Buttler not out 24
J Bairstow c & b Hosein 9
Moeen Ali run out 3
L Livingstone c & b Hosein 1
*E Morgan not out 7
Extras (nb1) 1
TOTAL (4 wkts, 8.2 overs) 56
Did not bat: D Malan, C Woakes, C Jordan, A Rashid, T Mills
Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Roy), 2-30 (Bairstow), 3-36 (Moeen Ali), 4-39 (Livingstone)
Bowling: Hosein 4-0-24-2, Rampaul 2-0-14-1, McCoy 2-0-12-0 (nb1), Pollard 0.2-0-6-0.
Result: England won by six wickets.
Points: England 2, West Indies 0.
Man-of-the-Match: Moeen Ali.
Toss: England.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Marais Erasmus; TV – Chris Brown.
MULTISECTORAL MEETING HELD WITH BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICES
On Tuesday October 19, 2021 the Acting Governor, Her Excellency, Anya Williams, Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade, the Honourable Erwin J. Saunders met with members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Banking Association at the Office of the Premier, Providenciales.
Also in attendance were members of executive team from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Darron Williams and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Willette Harvey.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss customer security and other concerns as it relates to the banking sector. Insights were given into the investigation of recent criminal activities in the islands that are believed to be linked to banking activities.
A commitment was made between the Banking Association and the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force to strengthen their investigative measures in hopes of creating better outcomes and a faster resolution rate. Both parties are very concerned for the safety of the general public and plan to have more frequent dialogue on clientele safety and other matters going forward.
The Acting Governor reiterated the importance and the need for banks, commercial banks especially, to improve the security arrangements for their operation as well as the technical and human resources needed to prevent long lines; which can contribute to vulnerability to opportunistic criminals for targeted crime. H.E. Williams also highlighted the importance of the mandatory vetting process for both security and bank personnel before being hired.
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Sergeant Grant, promised to increase patrols in and around the vicinity of banking facilities during the day and evening to reinforce security and boost customer confidence in banking security in the islands.
Discussions were also held around the issue of customer service, family island operations, and the need to establish an Automated Clearing House (ACH; a service that would allow local banking systems to speak to each other through technology, clear checks same day, and better allow transfer of funds between banks.
The government explained to the association that customer service in banks have drastically decreased in the past years. The Acting Governor stressed the need to improve and return services to the islands of North and South Caicos.
Scotia Bank executives were also asked to review the agreement made for services on Grand Turk. The Deputy Premier assured the association of the government’s eagerness to assist in whichever way is needed to enhance technology for the banking sector.
President of the Banking Association and Branch Manager for the Royal Bank of Canada, Mr, Marcus Samuel, welcomed all of the ideas and concerns expressed by the government. Mr. Samuel also explained the banks’ mandate to increase promotion of cashless banking and the use of technologies available to help safeguard the customer experience. Mr. Samuel further explained that the association will need the help of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to increase public education on the benefits of banking technology and the banks’ plan to make it more affordable for its retail customer.
Finally the Premier explained the strong position his administration is taking as it relates to crime and banking services in the TCI. Premier Misick reminded banks of TCIG’s financial position and his willingness to use it as leverage to get fairer treatment of citizens in this country and their ability to access capital.
Representation from the banking sector included: CIBC First Caribbean, Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, Turks and Caicos Banking, Bordier Bank and British Caribbean Bank.
Alec Baldwin posts about his "shock and sadness" after firearms mishap
Alec Baldwin has posted to social media about the deadly firearms mishap Thursday that killed a cinematographer who was shooting Baldwin's movie, Rust, in New Mexico.
"There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," Baldwin tweeted.
"I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna," Baldwin concluded.
Officials are still investigating what went wrong on the New Mexico set in the incident, which also left the movie's director, Joel Souza, injured. The incident occurred when Baldwin discharged a pistol on the set under circumstances that haven't been publicly specified.
Source-ABC
House votes to hold Steve Bannon in criminal contempt
The House of Representatives voted to hold Trump administration adviser Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress on Thursday for defying a congressional subpoena by the January 6 select committee investigating the attack on the Capitol.
The vote fell largely along party lines: 229-202, with nine Republicans voting with Democrats.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the resolution shortly after the House vote. Her office told ABC News the referral has now been formally transmitted to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
The Justice Department will now decide whether to prosecute Bannon.
It's been 38 years since the Justice Department pursued contempt of Congress charges: Environmental Protection Agency official Rita Lavelle was indicted in 1983. A jury eventually found Lavelle not guilty.
Bannon could face up to a year in prison and up to a $100,000 fine if the Justice Department charges him and he is eventually found guilty.
Source-ABC
Caribbean tourism on the upswing
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the Caribbean’s travel and tourism sector is recovering at a faster rate than any other region in the world, with its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) expected to rise more than 47 per cent this year, compared to just 30.7 per cent globally.
“Our research clearly shows that while the global travel and tourism sector is slowly beginning to recover from the ravages of COVID-19, the Caribbean is recovering much faster than any other region,” said WTTC president and chief executive officer, Julia Simpson.
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic stole almost a quarter of all travel and tourism jobs from the region but due to a significant increase in international and domestic spend, both jobs and GDP are on the rise,” she added.
According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if four vital measures are met by governments around the world.
The WTTC said that these measures include allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination and the implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world.
The WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, says that the recovery of the sector globally has been hindered by the lack of international coordination, severe travel restrictions and slower vaccination rates.
However, it noted, the Caribbean is now benefiting from more relaxed restrictions around the world and low infection rates, which is in turn boosting international travel spend and aiding the region’s swift economic recovery.
It said while the global economy is set to receive a modest 30.7 per cent year on year increase from
travel and tourism in 2021, representing US$1.4 trillion and is mainly driven by domestic spending, the Caribbean region can expect a year-on-year increase of 47.3 per cent, representing an increase of nearly US$12 billion, driven by both international and domestic travel spend.
“However, while the Caribbean is recovering faster than other regions, this is still below its performance in 2019, a record year for the sector, where travel and tourism represented more than 14 per cent of the region’s GDP contributing more than US$58 billion to its economy.”
The WTTC said that the research also reveals that at the current rate of recovery, travel and tourism’s contribution to the Caribbean economy could see a further year-on-year rise of 28.7 per cent in 2022, representing a boost of US$10 billion.
The data reveals that domestic spending growth is set to be stronger than international in all regions except for the Caribbean, and at the current rate of recovery international visitor spend across the region could see a year-on-year rise of 61.7 per cent in 2021, ahead of domestic spend which could witness a rise of 52.6 per cent.
Next year, international spend can continue to rise with a further year-on-year jump of 43.1 per cent, with domestic spending being also increasing by 13.6 per cent.
“Last year, a year in which damaging travel restrictions brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, 680,000 Travel and tourism jobs were lost across the popular holiday region, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector.
“However, this year the research reveals an expected 12 per cent rise in jobs, compared to a meagre 0.7 per cent globally, with a similar potential year-on-year jobs rise across the sector next year, by a positive 11.5 per cent,” the WTTC added.
Source-CMC
Megan Thee Stallion announces "Something for Thee Hotties" release
As Megan Thee Stallion celebrates her first anniversary with boyfriend Pardison Fontaine this week, the Hot Girl Summer announced she's releasing new tracks.
The "Savage" rapper is dropping a new collection of music titled Something for Thee Hotties: From Thee Archives, on October 29.
"My gift to my hotties," Megan commented Thursday on Instagram. "Freestyles y'all been asking for plus a few unreleased songs from my archives to hold y'all over for the rest of the year." In the photo, the three-time Grammy winner is ready for Halloween in a red leather devil costume, complete with horns and a tail, as well as the album's release date tattooed on her backside.
As previously reported, Pardi's anniversary present was an iced-out chain that bears Megan's name underneath a fire emoji.
He captioned their celebration video, "VYBE RECAP !! I don’t know who bought all the iPhone 13s but baby was mad as hell I couldn’t find her one. Thank you @luxe_vvsjewelers for helping me get out the dog house and putting the icing on the cake for the special day."
Source-ABC
Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams held a multisectoral meeting with TCI Bankers' Association
Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams held a multisectoral meeting with TCI Bankers' Association at the Premiers Office in Providenciales.
More on RTC 89fm.