RTC Director

Turks and Caicos Cabinet Press Statement 2 July 2014

His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales on Wednesday, 2 July 2014. 

All Ministers were present except Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith and Hon. Don Hue Gardiner. 

At this meeting Cabinet: 

·         Received a presentation from the Complaints Commissioner setting out the role and function of her office. Cabinet welcomed the presentation and the helpful insight this provided on the Commissioners role and the relationship with other constitutional bodies charged with good governance; 

·         Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the National Health Insurance (Amnesty) Bill, 2014 and the National Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The matter will proceed to the House of Assembly. The amendments proposed are as follows:

o   The introduction of an Amnesty Period of ninety (90) days to allow subscribers to the National Health Insurance Plan to be exempted from the payment of additional charges which have accumulated as a result of failing to pay contributions on the day that contributions were due, provided that all outstanding contributions due at the beginning of the Amnesty Period are paid in full whether in a lump sum payment or by way of a payment plan;

o   The amendment of section 37 of the National Health Insurance Ordinance to make provision for a new rate at which the additional charge will be levied on outstanding contributions. At present the rate is ten per cent of the outstanding contributions for each month or part thereof during which the contribution remains unpaid; the amendment seeks to lower the rate to three per cent. Such new rate s not intended to have retroactive effect; 

·         Approved the appointment of Nurse Jackurlyn Sutton to the Joint Service Review Board in accordance with Schedule 6, Section 11, part 1 of the Hospitals Project Agreement; 

·         Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the Business License Regulations and the Business License Fees Schedule (including some professional services) and amendments to the Reserved and Restricted Categories. The revised fee schedule will be effective 1st July 2014; 

·         Considered amendments to the Companies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2014, and the Non-Profit Organisations (Amendment) Regulations. The amendments provide for revisions to the requirement for the auditing and registration of Non-Profit Organisations. Cabinet requested that further consideration be given to the representations of key stakeholders and that the matter be considered further at their next meeting. It was agreed to extend the time for a registered NPO to elect to continue as a non-profit company under the Companies Ordinance to the 31st August 2014 and extend the time for an existing NPO to register with the NPO Supervisor to 31st August 2014 so that no enforcement action should be taken against such an organisation if the organisation registers on or before that day; 

·         Considered a report from the Minister of Government Support Services setting out proposals for around twenty infrastructure projects in Grand Turk to be funded by the Infrastructure Improvement Account. Cabinet prioritised six projects for consideration by Carnival; 

·         Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the Customs (Charge on Insurance and Freight) Ordinance (Legal Notice of 2013) to vary the rate of the Freight and Insurance Tax from the current 15% to 7.5% effective 1st August 2014. The matter will proceed to the House of Assembly; 

·         Noted the Premier will be absent from 6 July to 10 July, with Hon. Amanda Missick being Acting Premier.

by RTC Director

PDM Holds Convention in South Caicos

The Peoples Democratic Movement is gearing up for a weekend of excitement as it holds the annual national convention on the island of South Caicos. The two day affair will see party faithfuls from all over especially from Grand Turk, Provo and North Caicos. 

The theme: Commitment Without Excuse will be heard throughout   the sessions as each attendee will be challenged to dedicate more time and effort into building the movement.

South Caicos has not hosted a national convention in over two decades so the loyal party supporters are excited about this opportunity. Everyone is welcomed to join us on Friday for a night of fellowship. On Saturday there will be a business session for the PDM caucus. Election of officers is expected to take place. We intend to emerge with a strong leadership team who will continue building on an already strong team. 

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the PDM party. This convention is the spring board for the next milestone. PDMs are encouraged to recommit themselves and help to make the next year a most productive and progressive one ever.

by RTC Director

Ministry of Health and Human Services congratulates participants of the recently completed Mass Casualty Management Course

The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends congratulations to eighteen Emergency Response Workers who received intense training in Mass Casualty Management the week 23 -28 June, 2014 in Providenciales.

Participants included health care professionals such as doctors and nurses from the TCI Hospitals, nurses from the Primary Health Care Department, Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Responders as well as representatives from the Police Department, 911 Dispatch Services, Airport and Domestic Fire Services, Ports Authority and Turks and Caicos Red Cross. 

The objectives of the course were:

1.    To strengthen the capacity of the Turks and Caicos Islands to respond to natural and man-made disasters

2.    To ensure that procedures, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood within the current public/private health care system

3.    To enhance intersectoral cooperation and collaboration 

This course was an historical occasion, as this was the first Mass Casualty Management workshop conducted by our locally trained Mass Casualty Instructors. Our Instructors were formally trained by the Pan American Health Organization and provided with the skills to conduct local Mass Casualty Training in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the opportunity to branch out to become Regional Instructors. 

There are a total of six Mass Casualty Instructors namely Dr Denise Braithwaite, Ms Charlene Higgs, Mrs Audrey Ewing, Ms Imternizia McCartney, Mrs Mary Forbes and Mr Winston Quelch. The main Instructors for this first course were; Dr Denise Braithwaite, Ms Charlene Higgs and Mrs Mary Forbes with support from Mrs Audrey Ewing. 

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is thankful for all its partners, especially the Department of Disaster Management, TCI Hospitals and TCI Airports Authority for the support given towards this vital Mass Casualty Management training.

by RTC Director

LIME’s Scholarship & Grant students perform well

LIME made an investment in the area of education and the students who were on the LIME Scholarship and Grant program have excelled in their studies.

Last year, Leslyn Nelson, Aaron Lightbourne and Salutatorian Gabrielle Williams graduated as members of the team. 

This year LIME is also pleased with the excellent performances of Natalia Williams who attends the HJ Robinson High School and the first Valedictorian of the program. Marvin Jennings and Leroy Penn are Salutatorians at their respective schools; the Maranatha High School and the Wesley Methodist School. 

The company recognizes that the team work of parents, teachers, the students and the contributions from LIME worked together to see this level of achievement. Congratulations to the parents of these students who have now seen these young people reap the rewards of their hard work. LIME is so very proud of Natalia’s accomplishments as the first Valedictorian of the program.

Natalia said: “I am an intrinsically motivated, hardworking and ambitious young lady. These traits along with the support of those around me have no doubt contributed to my latest achievement of becoming the Valedictorian of the H.J. Robinson High School Class of 2014.” 

She continued: “I enjoy reading and dancing, and believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My next goal is to successfully become a Medical Technologist and serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Natalia also thanked her parents for being there for her while studying late into the night. She also thanked LIME for helping to provide that incentive each year so that she pushed herself towards a goal that she consistently met.

Marketing Manager, Rachel Harvey noted: “Natalia, Leroy and Marvin have performed well throughout their life in secondary school and LIME wished them every success in their future endeavors.” 

As Natalia, Leroy and Marvin leave the program, LIME will welcome a new member to the Scholarship family.

LIME congratulates all the students that have performed so well during this graduation cycle.

by RTC Director

LIME Turks & Caicos launched 4G Technology

LIME Turks & Caicos Islands has introduced its 4G technology with the official launch of its 4G+Me campaign. The launch was held at the Grace Bay Hotel with a large number of corporate customers in attendance. LIME’s new General Manager Mr. James Pitt was on hand to welcome guests.

The evening began with the soulful music of Sounds of Sax as customers mingled with staff as they enjoyed cocktails. The 4G backdrop was beautiful against the blue tranquil water of the world famed Grace Bay beach.

Mr. Pitt addressed the crowd at this significant juncture of the company’s history, “LIME’s goal is to be the Provider of Choice in the Turks & Caicos with the best in data offerings and unparalleled customer service.”

He continued, “LIME will compete on the highest level with any other company on island. We know that data is critical in modern life and business and most of you here are corporate customers – with the ability to access high data speeds whenever and wherever you want.”

HOD Sales Mrs. Delleriece Hall also commented, “LIME has been serving the Turks & Caicos Islands from the days of telex, now the company is offering 4G speeds to customers. This speaks of the investment and staying power that is synonymous with LIME in the TCI.” She stated, “LIME will be offering competitive plans with this 4G service and customers are encouraged to check out the MyPlan for postpaid and the new MyPlan Prepaid packages as well.”

Customers also enjoyed the tropical beat of the Soundproof Band; the rhythmic dancing of Shara Bowen; the fascinating Fire Dancer and the music of Prime DJs.

The food paid homage to each LIME Caribbean island as customers won prizes such as the latest smartphones and tickets to the Busy Signal concert.

The launch activities continued with the Island Fish Fry powered by LIME where customers were able to received various specials on LIME’s 4G network. The culmination of the events took place on Friday with the “LIME TIME” radio show; a live broadcast from the LIME office and the Busy Signal concert which LIME was a major sponsor.

LIME realizes that 4G is not a destination; it is a journey and customers are welcomed to join the company on this road to success.

by RTC Director