CSIA ANNOUNCES NOMINATION AND ELECTION DAY FOR CSA EXECUTIVES
The CSIA would like to thank all the civil servants for their attendance at the civil service meetings in Grand Turk and Providenciales on 17 & 18 February, 2016. The purpose of these meetings were to inform the civil servants of the role of the CSIA and announce the re-establishment of the CSA and the appointment of the executive body. The civil servants provided valuable input in regards to the nomination and election process. Based on the recommendations the following dates have been set for nominations and the elections. They are as follows:
1st March, 2016 - Nomination day
4th March, 2016 - Announcement of candidates
23rd March, 2016 - Election Day
1st April, 2016 - Announcement of President and Vice President
There will also be public debates between the candidates for President and Vice President prior to the Election Day. The dates and times will be announced. Civil Servants will be informed in the upcoming weeks about the nomination process by their Head of Departments and via social media on the CSIA's social media accounts.
Turks and Caicos Islands Continues To Benefit From TCI-EU Relationship
The Turks and Caicos Islands along with other UK overseas countries and territories recently attended the 14th European Union Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) Forum held in Brussels, Belgium during the week commencing 22 February 2016.
The delegation which included the Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick, Deputy Governor and EU program manager for the TCI Anya Williams, Permanent Secretary Finance Athenee Harvey and Head of Secretariat and Head of UK Office Ronlee James and Tracy Knight, participated in several key meetings with the EU including its trilateral meeting with the Director General for Development and Cooperation Mrs. Jolita Butkeviche to discuss the ongoing progress of EU programs in the TCI; a regional meeting with other OCT's to discuss the progress of the regional program centered on sustainable energy and marine biodiversity programs in the OCT's, along with their participation in the 14th Ministerial Conference and EU OCT Forum where Premier Ewing led a round table discussion on Enhancing growth and investment opportunities in the OCT's along with his intervention on the OCT's response to the new global agreement on climate change.
At this year's 14th Ministerial Forum, the TCI Premier Hon. Rufus Ewing was elected to serve as the Vice Chair of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association. This is a key role as the TCI stands in line to be elected as the Chair of OCTA at the 15th OCT Forum which is to be held in Aruba later this year and will coincide with the planned UK Presidency of the EU.
Premier Ewing commented that he was pleased to be taking on the role as the new Vice Chair of the Overseas and Countries and Territories Association. "The overall mission of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) is to improve policy dialogue, strategic partnership and sustainable development in the Overseas Countries and Territories. This appointment comes at a time when there is great uncertainty surrounding the future relationship of the U.K. and the EU with a referendum having already been announced for June 23rd, 2016. At the Joint Ministerial Council held last December in London UK Overseas Territories were quite clear on the benefits of grant funding received through the EU. It is important for the TCI that the funds already earmarked for TCI in the EDF 10 and 11 programs are not jeopardized in any way. Our meetings with the EU sought to clarify issues such as this and we are quite certain that the TCI can still fully benefit from these programs notwithstanding the pending referendum. I look forward to my role as the Vice Chair of OCTA and will continue to promote programs and policies for the betterment of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the wider context of the OCT's."
Commenting on the TCI EU relationship Hon. Washington Misick stated that; "The TCI continues to enjoy a successful relationship with the EU; the EU having committed to over twenty five million euros (€25m) in grant funding to the TCI through the EDF 10 and 11 programs. The EDF 10 program of €11.85m is geared towards building a better business sector, with the first drawdown of (€3m) having been received in April 2014, the second disbursement of (€4m) having been received in December 2015 and the final disbursement of (€4m) due in December 2016. While the EDF 11 program of €14.6m formulated around improvements in the education sector will span the years 2017-2020. This has been of great assistance to the TCI and these are most noteworthy programs that will bring real benefit to the people of the TCI."
Deputy Governor and EU program manager for the TCI Anya Williams stated that she was pleased with the overall success of the EU programs in the TCI. "The TCI has over the years managed several successful EU programs including the Housing program which provided new and/or renovated homes to many families affected by Hurricane Ike in the islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos; the Protected Areas Management Project which provided much needed grant assistance to the National Trust and the EDF 9, 10 and 11 programs which provided millions of dollars in grant funding to valuable programs in the TCI. At a time when the TCI was working extremely hard to stabilize its finances, the Director General for Cooperation and Development stated that she took a personal risk in 2012 in reinstating the TCI into the EU program, but we are both happy and proud that we have exceeded the EU's expectations and now have one of the most efficient and effectively managed EU programs within the overseas territories."
TCIG TO HOST STRESS PREVENTION WORKSHOP IN SALT CAY
The National Health Emergency Management Unit (NHEMU) within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services is responsible for the coordination of activities designed to prepare for, monitor, mitigate and respond to natural and manmade disasters and emergency situations that could overwhelm the health sector.
The unit, working in partnership with other organizations, aims to prevent diseases and disasters, to reduce the vulnerability of the population to any disaster, to respond effectively and efficiently to the actual occurrence of disasters and to provide for recovery in the aftermath of any emergency involving debilitating influence on the normal pattern of life within the community. Systems are put in place to evaluate the level of risk, vulnerability, available resources including human, financial, material and equipment and other factors relating to preparation and response to an emergency/ disaster.
Against this background, we have partnered with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and Emergency Medical Services in organizing the Stress Prevention and Management in Disasters, Emergencies workshop.
This workshop is being conducted as part of our preparedness for the hurricane season and other emergency situations our essential services and emergency workers may have to deal with. Our target audience at this time includes our health care professionals, District Administration, Fire, Police, Public Works Department and Key Community persons. The workshop will take place in Salt Cay on Monday 29 February, 2016 at 10:00am.
The Objectives of the Workshop are as follows:
1. To increase the knowledge level of emergency responders on Stress management in Disasters and Emergencies.
2. To provide strategies that will help to promote the prevention and management of Stress during Disasters and emergencies.
Our facilitators are Dr Patrick Prince, Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and Mr Delwin Ferguson the Director of Medical Emergency Services.
Taking into consideration that the World Health Organization has declared the ZIKA virus a Public Health Emergency of International concern, we will also have a special presentation on Mosquito Borne Diseases by the Environmental Health department during this workshop.
END OF UK LOAN GUARANTEE
The UK Minister of State for International Development, Mr Desmond Swayne, made the following written statement to the House of Commons of the British parliament on 25 February:
“I wish to bring the House up to date with respect to the loan guarantee from the Department for International Development (DFID) to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).
On 28 February 2011, my Right Honourable Friend, the then Minister of State for International Development (Alan Duncan) informed the House that DFID had finalised a guarantee in favour of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd to provide TCIG with access to a maximum capital amount of US$260m over five years. He argued that the assistance would allow TCIG to implement budget measures which would lead to achieving a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013.
I am pleased to announce that on 22 February TCIG repaid its remaining borrowing under this guarantee on schedule and with an outstanding borrowing need of just US$28m. It was able to raise this amount without further recourse to the UK government for support and is expected to repay that loan over the next three-and-a-half years.
TCIG has progressed from deficits of US$77m in financial year 2010/11 and US$29m in 2011/12 to a surplus the following year and strong surpluses thereafter. TCIG and the TCI public service had to make a number of difficult decisions and sacrifices. Financial management and oversight has been strengthened. Essential investment was maintained, including an expansion of the international airport that has allowed a significant increase in flights from US cities. The successful conclusion of DFID’s guarantee is a credit to the resolve of the TCI public service, TCIG, the Governor’s Office and UK-financed technical experts.”
EDUCATION MINISTER ENJOYS READING WEEK AT ENID CAPRON
The Minister of Education and Deputy Premier, Hon. Akierra Missick joined the Principal and staff of the Enid Capron Primary School as they observed reading week on Tuesday, 23rd February. As part of the observances the Minister took the time to join in the activities by reading to students and talk about the importance of reading for growth and development.
"As an avid reader, I am always excited for an opportunity to talk to our younger citizens about the benefits of reading", said Hon. Missick. I was able to demonstrate to the very attentive Grade 2 class, that reading allows us to use our imagination and dream big. And also, the importance of reading and how it can help them to understand and learn more as they grow up and continue to go thru school."
Mrs. Garland, newly appointed principal of the Enid Capron Primary School, Miss Ne'lene Swann, Chief Organizer of the reading week and Ms. Malcolm and Williams teachers responsible for Grade 2 were praised by the Education Minister for their hard work and contribution. Also, A special thanks was made to the students, who were very attentive and welcoming to their guests.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: A COLD FRONT CONTINUES TO MOVE THROUGH THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WHILE HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD BEHIND THE FRONT.
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND COOL TONIGHT WITH THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS MAINLY IN THE VICINITY OF THE COLD FRONT, MOSTLY SUNNY AND MILD WITH THE CHANCE OF A BRIEF PASSING SHOWER TOMORROW.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION
WINDS: NORTHWEST TO NORTH 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
TURKS AND CAICOS
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS TONIGHT, PARTLY CLOUDY AND MILD WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS TOMORROW.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW
WINDS: NORTHERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS TONIGHT INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS TOMORROW
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET TONIGHT INCREASING TO 4 TO 6 FEET TOMORROW
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 61F 16C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 77F 25C
SUNSET: 6:10PM SUNRISE: 6:36AM FRI.
MOONRISE: 8:48PM MOONSET: 8:51AM FRI.
HIGH TIDE: 9:44PM LOW TIDE: 3:56AM FRI.
HIGH TIDE: 9:58AM FRI. LOW TIDE: 4:14PM FRI.
PUBLIC FORECAST ISSUED FOR 12:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT
THIS IS THE BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST ISSUED FOR 12:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH PRESSURE ACROSS THE ISLANDS WILL SHIFT TOWARD THE EAST AS A COLD FRONT MOVES INTO THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS LATER TONIGHT.
TURKS AND CAICOS
WEATHER: SUNNY AND WARM WITH BRIEF ISOLATED PASSING SHOWERS THIS AFTERNOON, FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86F 30C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE 70F 21C
SUNSET: 6:09 PM
SUNRISE: 6:37 AM THU
MOONRISE: 7:58 PM
MOONSET: 8:16 AM THU
LOW TIDE: 3:04 PM
HIGH TIDE: 9:06 PM
LOW TIDE: 3:17 AM THU
HIGH TIDE: 9:22 AM THU
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW: A COLD FRONT WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE THROUGH THE BAHAMAS BRINGING ISOLATED SHOWERS AND COOLER TEMPERATURES.
Education Week in the TCI
Education Week will be observed February 28 – March 4, 2016 under the theme, "Success for Every Learner." The week's activities will commence with ecumenical services across the country and culminate with Teacher's Day.
One of the key activities for Education Week 2016 is the inaugural TCI Museum's High School History and Heritage Quiz Competition. The event is in observance of the museum's 25th Anniversary.
The schedule of national activities marking Education Week 2016 is as follows:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
ECUMENICAL SERVICE [GRAND TURK]
Venue: St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral
Time: 11:00am
Guest Speaker: Father Mark Kendall
ECUMENICAL SERVICE [PROVIDENCIALES]
Venue: Paradise Baptist Church, Five Cays
Time: 3:30pm
Guest Speaker: Rev. Bradley Handfield
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29
ECUMENICAL SERVICE [SOUTH CAICOS]
Venue: Wesley Memorial Methodist Church
Time: 9:00am
Preacher: Mr. Jas Walkin
COMBINED DEVOTIONS NORTH & MIDDLE CAICOS
Venue: Church of God of Prophecy, Bottle Creek
Time: 9:00am – 10:30 am
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
TCI MUSEUM HISTORY & CULTURAL HERITAGE QUIZ FINALS
Venue: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex
Time: 1:00pm
NB. The preliminary round will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
FORTISTCI NATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR - QUIZ
Primary Schools Competition: 9:00am
High Schools Competition: 1:00pm
Venue: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
FORTISTCI NATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR [CONT'D.]
Judging of the Exhibits: 9:30am – 10:30am
Opening Ceremony: 11:00am
Public Viewing of Exhibits: 11:45am – 6:00pm
Prize Giving Ceremony: 3:30pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
Teachers' Day
Schools throughout the islands have planned in-house activities which will culminate on Friday 4th
March (Teachers Day).
Parents and community partners and are encouraged to come out in support of the various
activities and join in the quest to achieve success for every learner.
FLOW – EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST PARTNER AND SPONSOR OF FLOW CARIFTA GAMES
Flow has once again given Caribbean sports fans another reason to celebrate - as for the first time in the history of the CARIFTA Games, a three day sports event will be broadcast live in High Definition (HD) across the entire region.
Flow, Cable & Wireless’ consumer brand has signed a partnership with the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) to be the exclusive broadcast partner and sponsor of the Flow CARIFTA Games. This year, the games will be held in Grenada over the Easter weekend, March 26th to 28th 2016, and will take place in the country’s new national stadium, which officially opened on January 23rd.
The Flow CARIFTA Games will be shown in ten Flow markets around the Caribbean on the recently launched Flow Sports channel, making it the first time that the games will be broadcast live in HD across the region, offering customers the best-possible viewing experience of one of the region’s most important home-grown sporting events.
Flow’s announcement adds to an ever-growing line-up of exciting sport partnerships already signed over the past year; the Flow CARIFTA Games joins an impressive list that includes the CONCACAF 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Premier League and Manchester United (starting 2016 season) – plus its expanding list of Olympian Brand Ambassadors including Gold Medallist - Kirani James, Delano Williams and Lavern Spencer.
“We are proud to offer yet another ‘first’ to Caribbean sports fans and more specifically delighted to have this opportunity to air CARIFTA in partnership with NACAC,” said Denise Williams, C&W’s Senior Vice President of Communications. “Sponsoring and broadcasting these games, is just another way for us to further demonstrate our support for up-and-coming athletes across the region, as well as solidify Flow Sports’ commitment to become the home of sports in the Caribbean.”
Flow believes that its involvement in and the heightened exposure of the Flow CARIFTA Games will ultimately raise the bar for these significant regional games, from which many Caribbean athletic champions have already emerged. Further demonstrating its deep commitment to local sports, Flow already has a connection to some of the athletes competing in the games; several athletes from the Boys and Girls CHAMPS in Jamaica, of which Flow is a headline sponsor, will be present at CARIFTA. CHAMPS is the largest high school athletics championships in the Caribbean.
“We are pleased to have teamed up with Flow to give the Flow CARIFTA Games the coverage and support it deserves,” said Victor Lopez, President of NACAC. “Now upcoming generations of Caribbean athletes will have an opportunity to shine on an even bigger stage, while their family and friends will have an opportunity to keep up with every bit of the action on Flow Sports as it unfolds. We are truly excited to work alongside Flow and make this the most memorable CARIFTA Games yet.”
Flow customers will be able to watch the Flow CARIFTA Games on Flow Sports in HD March 26th -28th; Flow Sports will be available on FLOW2GO by the time the games commence. Sports fans can access the Flow Sports Channel on the Flow network in Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and in Trinidad.
END OF THE UK LOAN GUARANTEE FOR TCI
The Turks and Caicos (TCI) Government repaid its $170m guaranteed bond, thereby completing the refinancing of its UK guaranteed debt, on Monday, 22 February 2016.
The $170m bond was originally issued by the TCI Government in 2011 as part of the $260m UK Government guaranteed refinancing. The bond was repaid from a combination of $142m of cash and a $28m loan (provided by RBC and announced last month). The balance of the $260m had already been repaid in 2014/15.
"This is a moment to exhale and thank the Almighty for his favour! The convergence of sound fiscal management, vigilance of ministerial colleagues, the hard work of TCI public servants, the forbearance of the TCI people and the co-operation of the UK together with our international and regional partners have paid off", said Minister of Finance, Hon. Washington Misick. "I especially thank senior staff in the Ministry of Finance, the CFO and the Debt Refinancing Advisor for their role in the new arrangements for the residual balance of the debt. TCIG now has breathing space to fully reassess measures for widening the fiscal space in order to spread the benefits of growth more broadly. It however must be said that the financial prudence that has brought us here must become a hallmark of TCIG's governing principles."
"The repayment of this bond, and with it the removal of the UK Government guarantee, marks a very significant step in TCI's financial rehabilitation. In the last few years TCI has undergone a major turnaround, not only in its economy and government finances, but also in its international reputation. With its booming economy, BBB+ credit rating and healthy government finances TCI is in an enviable position in the region – both to invest in the socioeconomic development of its people and to attract foreign direct investment into the local economy", said Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing.
TCIG's Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Turnbull commented; "This is the culmination of five years' work by TCI Ministers and civil servants, UK Government officials and a range of international advisers to TCIG. Creating such a rapid and dramatic improvement in TCI's financial situation has necessitated rigorous cost controls and a cautious approach to new investment. With this period of 'belt-tightening' behind it, the people of TCI, acting through their Government, can now enjoy new autonomy to focus on the priorities that matter most to them".
Governor, H.E. Peter Beckingham also welcomed the repayment, adding; "I know that UK Ministers are pleased that the bond has been repaid on time. It was necessary at a critical juncture for Turks and Caicos Islands, and meant that the country has been able to re-establish its economic stability. I would like to record my gratitude and thanks to a great many people in TCI, in the House, Ministers, public servants and UK advisers who have helped steer TCI to what is now an increasingly enviable financial position in the region.
"But there is no room for complacency, not least given our dependence on tourism, which can be fickle. We must all continue to look at expenditure carefully, and keep in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure our finances remain robust. I, and most importantly external observers, are confident that we will."