RTC Director

GOVERNOR MOURNS PASSING OF DR CONRAD HOWELL

His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, issued the following statement following the death of Dr Conrad Howell over the weekend.

" I was deeply upset to learn of the untimely passing of Dr Conrad Howell at the weekend. A beacon of light in TCI has been extinguished, and I join the Premier, leader of the opposition and many others in mourning his tragic death. His passing is in every respect a bleak day for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

" As I said to Conrad Howell's wife in a note to her on Saturday, I had the good fortune to meet Conrad on several occasions. His good humour and wit were much in evidence, even when we were the most friendly of sparring partners on his hugely popular radio broadcast. I also mentioned to Mrs Howell how struck I was by Conrad's powerful presence at the National Hero's Day commemorations just a few months ago in Grand Turk.

" Our country has this weekend lost one of its own national heroes, whose contribution to religion, broadcasting, education and the community at large will be deeply missed. But at least his presence will  stay with us forever in the beautiful words of the National Hymn."

The Premier, the Opposition and citizens of the Turks & Caicos islands have been pouring out heartfelt condolences over the weekend following the news.

by RTC Director

PDM ON THE PASSING OF THE REV CONRAD HOWELL

The Turks and Caicos mourns the loss of the Rev Dr Conrad Howell, a prominent Turks and Caicos Islander. As a people we have been flung into a state of grief and shock over his sudden and tragic demise. In the midst of what seems to be an air of grave uncertainty, our hearts and thoughts are immediately turned towards his wife, Brickell,  his children, Angelica, Conrad jr, Cristin and Courtnee, his siblings and wider family. Anyone who knew Rev Howell knew that his family was a close knit one and the part of his life that he celebrated. We extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to them and pray that they will allow the God of Peace to envelope and comfort them at this time.

The Late Rev Dr Conrad Howell was well known throughout these Islands for the many roles he played or was playing in these Islands at the time of his passing. Perhaps more notable of these is his current role as host of the Radio Show "Expressions", host of PTV's Show "On Your Mind" , a serving member of the National Honors and Awards Committee, PTA President at the country's largest secondary school and the School named for his father Clement Howell, President and joint owner of the University College of Providenciales, immediate Past President of the Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship and author of "We Salute This Land of Ours".

A citizen who chose to be a participant in his country's affairs through various means, he was a constant voice in the national dialogue.  His life is therefore worthy of celebration.

We pause to also celebrate the unity we saw displayed by members of the public on the Island of Providenciales for a cause that was bigger than what too often divides us. The partnership between the Police and the people was an encouraging breath of fresh air. We are grateful for this and to all of you who answered the call to be brave and caring citizens, the best kind, we say thank you. May God bless you and your homes.
I wish to also use this opportunity to encourage members of the public especially those on social media to be responsible in their comments and to allow the family time to grieve and the Police time to investigate. In circumstances of this sort, it is wise to wait on the official release from the Police.

Today we mourn, we celebrate but we should also give thanks for the life and contributions of the Late Rev Dr Conrad Howell.

by RTC Director

Emergency Management Accreditation Program Assessment– 14th – 18th September 2015

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government, through the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), has applied for Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Accreditation.

During the week, beginning Monday 14th – Friday 18th September 2015, five (5) Assessors from EMAP will be in country to conduct an on-site assessment of the DDME and the Emergency Management Programme in the Turks and Caicos Islands against 64 industry Emergency Management Standard by EMAP. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided sponsorship for this initiative.
EMAP is the only accreditation and assessment process that exists for emergency management programmes worldwide. The assessment will examine all phases of the disaster management cycle (preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response and recovery) and will involve reviewing documents, and interviewing stakeholders/partners in disaster risk reduction to ensure that policies and procedures that govern operational activities are clearly defined and documented. Full accreditation can only be achieved if all 64 standards are met.

It is the expectation of the DDME that by conducting this assessment and seeking to adhere to EMAP Standards, the institutional and operational capacity of the department and TCIG will be further strengthened. Hence, the department’s ability to carry out its mandate to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands will be enhanced. With this expectation, the DDME aims to be the second territory outside of the United States and Canada to be granted international accreditation for its disaster management programme. Presently, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is the only British Overseas Territory (OT) to achieve Accreditation, which was granted in April 2015 by the EMAP Commission. 

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will hold a Press Conference in regard to an Emergency Management Accreditation Program Assessment for the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Department of DDME, Conference Room, 1316 Customs Complex, Off Leeward Highway, Providenciales on Monday 14th September 2015 beginning at 10:00am

by RTC Director

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT RECEIVE DONATION FOR SCHOOLS

Scotia Bank TCI Ltd. and St. Monica's Young Adults Ministry (CONNECT) made the new school year 2015 of children from the communities of Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay, Providenciales and North Caicos brighter.

Through the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs, TCIG a combined total of 85 backpacks and school supplies were donated by the banking giant Scotia Bank Ltd TCI and Faith Based Organization of the St. Monica's Young Adults Ministry CONNECT.

The supplies included composition books, rules, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, calculators, dictionaries, and scissors among other items. The Department also received school uniforms and school shoes.
"This act of kindness will help to lighten the burden of many parents who are experiencing financial problems in preparing their children for school and it will definitely assist the children in their learning and scholastic experience", stated Tiffany Thomas-Browne, Director, Social Development Department.
"We are happy that the business community and Faith Based Organization has seen it fit to partner with the TCIG in bringing good cheer to our children academic development. We look forward to partnering with other companies and agencies in the future."

The Director of Social Development and Gender Affairs along with Social Workers were present to receive the donations.

by RTC Director

CABINET approves the Telecommunication Taxation (Amendment) Bill 2015

CABINET at its meeting on Wednesday, received an up-date on the progress to re-finance the $170m UK-guaranteed loan bond by 22 February 2016. A Draft Request for Proposal will be presented to the next meeting of Cabinet on 23 September for approval;
Minister of Finance is expected to sign a non-binding Aide Memoire produced by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) following its Policy Reform Mission to TCI in August, subject to amendments to existing wording. A Country Strategy Paper produced by the CDB, will also be presented to the next meeting of Cabinet on 23 September for approval.

CABINET noted procurement waivers granted between April-June 2015 according to the provisions of Section 21 of the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012.

It noted as well recommendations of the Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR14/39 an amendment to the Grand Turk Master Plan; TR15/5 Framework Agreement for Consultancy for TCIG Capital Projects; and TR15/20 Energy Audit and Evaluation of the Hon. N J S Francis Building; 
Governor Beckingham was advised to agree to the extension of the UK Armed Forces Act 2006 and the UK Armed Forces Bill 2015 to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

At that meeting on Wednesday, CABINET considered a request for change to the Draft Development Agreement and Accreted Land Lease between the developer, TCI Toscana GP Ltd and Vista Development Ltd, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and agreed to request the developer to provide an up-to-date description of the proposed amendment to the scope of the development with confirmation of eligibility requirements and to meet other conditions stipulated by TCIG in response to proposals put forward by the developer.

His Excellency the Governor was advised to approve the Telecommunication Taxation (Amendment) Bill 2015 for forwarding to the House of Assembly; Gov. Beckingham was advised to grant a business license to Crust Holding Ltd to operate in reserved business activities under the Business Licensing Regulations 5 Section 30 and to notify the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance of Cabinet’s decision; to grant a business licence to the owners of the M/V Lady Aria to operate in reserved business activities under the Business Licensing (Amendment), (No.3) and in both instances, to notify the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance of Cabinet’s decision.

CABINET at its meeting on Wednesday, advised His Excellency the Governor to make several appointments to the various boards. Captain Harold Williams is the Deputy Chairman of the TCI Civil Aviation Authority Board for a period of one year;
Mr. Norman Hamilton, a member of the National Insurance Board has been appointed as Employer Representative for a period of one year;  Ms. Naysia Missick to the post of Collector of Stamp Duty in accordance with Section 3 (1) of the Stamp Duty Ordinance;
The Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal has as its Chairman, Mr. Royal Robinson; members are John A. Williams; Paul A Gardiner; Brian Cyrus and James Parker; and Natasha Hall has been appointed Secretary of the Physical Planning Tribunal;

CABINET at Wednesday’s meeting, also approved the submission of the Statement of Net Excess Expenditure to the House of Assembly; It agreed that the Department for Planning should budget for the cost of 15 meetings of the Physical Planning Board per annum; and it approved the renewal of a lease arrangement for the rental of office space for the Internal Audit Department on the second floor of the building on block parcel 10306/68 in Grand Turk owned by J C Development; Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal – Royal Robinson (Chairman); John A Williams (Member); Paul A Gardiner (Member); Brian Cyrus (Member); James Parker (Member); and the appointment of Natasha Hall as Secretary of the Physical Planning Tribunal.

by RTC Director

TCIG EXPRESSES CONCERN REGARDING REPORT OF MISSING CITIZEN

TCIG is asking the public to keep the family of Rev. Howell in their prayers.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has received official reports that the Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell is at present reportedly missing and that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has begun their initial investigation into his whereabouts.

The public is hereby asked to keep the family and friends in their prayers at this time of difficulty and uncertainty,” the office of the Premier said in a brief press statement.

by RTC Director

Missing Person’s bulletin issued for the Rev Dr. Conrad Howell

The country awoke this morning to the sad news of the disappearance of a prominent member of the community, the Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell.

The family of Radio Turks and Caicos joins with the family of the Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell’s family in praying for his safe return to his family.

Social media was alerted by a posting by Rev Howell’s wife Brickell Howell that her husband has not been seen since the early hours of this morning.

The alert read quote:-   “It is out of character for the Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell not to be in contact with his family. Therefore, the family is concerned that we have not seen him since late last night. He was wearing a black pants, white singlet and socks. Should anyone see him or know of his whereabouts, please contact the Police, or one of the family members.” End quote.

Public Relation’s Officer with the RTCIPF, Audley Astwood, in an official statement to RTC New, said Police have gotten the missing person’s report for Dr. Conrad Howell from his wife.

Dr. Howell was last seen by his wife at their home sometime around midnight last night (Thursday September 10, 2015). Dr. Howell's wife said she was awaken around 2am this morning and discovered that he was not at home.

It is reported that no one has seen him since and police have launched an investigation into his disappearance,” the statement from Astwood said.

Police say they will update the media as more information becomes available.

by RTC Director