Premier Address to the Nation on taxes 2014
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and Residents of these “Beautiful by Nature" islands, it is indeed with much optimism that I address you today. An optimism that has never faded even through the many challenges and barriers to progress that were placed in our path since being elected to Government. My Government held as its primary mandate, the stabilization of Government finances and the facilitation of economic growth that would create jobs and small businesses that would evolve into the primary drivers of our economy. The Government’s tax rationalization strategy was one of the major pillars upon which we placed the economic recovery of our county.
Since assuming office, we were forced to implement a number of small taxation measures to close the fiscal gap that existed due to the non-implementation of VAT. These measures were essential in the absence of a replacement broad base taxation measure and revenue collected by these means ensured a growth in Government revenue that was predictable and less vulnerable to global economic shocks. All of these taxation measures were implemented or proposed to ensure that the Government was able to deliver on its responsibility in providing for the people, the many critical services that are required. As a Government, we no longer have the opportunity to implement a broad base tax that would have had the least impact on the unemployed. With the failure to pass the payroll tax, we must also recognize the task of providing for the people, through the creation of jobs, the delivery of capital projects and the provision of critical services will be even more challenging, but this is a challenge that we are committed to overcome.
The Payroll tax was intended to be the broad base taxation measure component of the Tax Rationalization Strategy that was presented to the people of this county over the past several months and the House of Assembly in the past week. The Payroll Tax Bill, from all indications during the debate in the House of Assembly, did not receive the majority support in the House of Assembly and it was left at the stage of its second reading. It is my Government’s intention, during the next sitting of the House of Assembly, to formally withdraw the Payroll Tax Bill 2014 from the House of Assembly.
Even though such actions and decisions would have some negative impact on Government finances and our ability to deliver on some key and important responsibilities, we remain optimistic about the direction of our economy and confident in our ability to meet all of our obligations, including the servicing of our current and future loans. This is due to the hard work and efforts of your Government over the past year and half in facilitating economic growth with progressive increase in Government’s revenue every quarter. Most of this increase is due to performance in the tourism and related sectors of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and real estate.
Our Government will continue to attract FDI and create the environment for the development and growth of small and medium enterprises (SME) and place an acute focus on manufacturing and processing and financial services sectors, through which we can further diversify our economy. To this end, we will deliver on our promise to give back and rationalize taxes as we work towards our mandate of lowering the cost of living and creating jobs. We will reduce the recently-approved increase in business license in some areas by fifty percent, putting focus particularly on SME and tourism related businesses. We will also reduce the Freight and Insurance Tax (FIT) from 15% to 7.5%. I hasten to add that it was our hope to eliminate both of these taxation measures entirely with the implementation of the payroll tax, but we are now unable to do so until we are confident that the revenue gap is bridged in a sustainable manner.
We will within the next 2 months, implement an NHIP Amnesty Programme that will waive penalty arrears, with persons still being required to pay the principal amount, following consultation with NHIP. It is also intended that going forward, NHIP penalties will be reduced from the current 10% to 3%, non-compounding.
The 2014/15 budget has been finalized, taking into consideration the loss of revenue projected for payroll tax and reduction in revenue from freight and insurance tax and revenue loss from reduction in business licenses. These revenue losses will be offset by the withholding of funds from the Sinking Fund and the transfer of funds from the Airport’s Authority. There was no impact to funding for currently budgeted capital projects for fiscal year 2014/15, save for those additional projects that we would have been able to implement had the payroll tax been passed and were we able to withhold even more funding from the sinking fund.
Therefore my Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have now emerged from a period of mere fiscal stabilization and into a period of economic growth. Our credit worthiness will rest heavily on our ability to drive economic growth that is sustainable with high levels of fiscal responsibility. The Standards and Poor’s Credit Rating Agency will be releasing our credit rating assessment later this evening. This will be the first credit rating for The Turks and Caicos Islands, and whatever it may be, it will stand as the starting point for us to improve upon as we become a more economically progressive, fiscally responsible nation with a high level of integrity and one that retains the respect and confidence of the international community. This is our goal and our plan as we continue to work for you, now even more committed and more dedicated to the cause of our future.
May God continue to bless you and these "Beautiful by Nature" Turks and Caicos Islands.
Band Boyz wins 'Battle of the Bands 2014'
Islandcom’s Battle of the Bands competition was the event of the summer according to many patrons! The Turtle Cove Marina overflowed with concert goers for the free event on Saturday June 21st, where six bands competed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.
At stake was the $5,000.00 for 1st place, $2,500.00 for 2nd place, and $1000.00 for 3rd place. The package also included the latest Samsung phones and gift certificates from co-sponsors of the event- The Wine Cellar.
A new category was introduced this year - The People’s Choice award, courtesy of the Department of Culture under the Premiere’s Office.
The cash award valued at $1,000 and was given to the band chosen through text messaging by the audience.
The bands on the roster for the night were the Grand Land Band, Harbour Catch, Obstak, Island Boys, Karib Band and Band Boyz.
The crowd was treated to a surprise performance from two local divas Crystal Charles and Tiffany Thomas.
After all the bands performed the crowd was given 5 minutes text in their vote for the People’s Choice Award.
In third place winning $1000.00 was Grand Land Band while the second place, winning of $2500.00 and 6 months of Islandcom service went to Island Boys.
Taking home the grand prize of $5,000.00, a year of service from Islandcom, the People’s Choice Award for $1000.00 and the chance to record a song with Producers Keno and Kazz was the Band Boyz.
Chandra Craigg, of the Islandcom Marketing team talked about the event on Monday, she said. “Team Islandcom has put a lot into this event and we are very happy with everything coming together as planned. We owe a large thanks to many entities on island. The Wine Cellar, of course, as our co-sponsors of the event contributed quite a lot to its success. We also couldn’t have done it without the help of Dion Pratt and the Got You Covered Team. They really had us covered! Special thanks also goes out to our host Obrien Forbes for keeping the crowd entertained and informed. Thanks also go out to the judges for their fair voting. Other companies we owe thanks to are Turtle Cove Marina, TCI Waste, Blue Loos, CSS Security, Leyshan Sounds, Life Productions, Trail Enterprise, Coral Gardens Hotel,Fresh Catch Restaurant, Smart Choice, Graceway Sports Centre, photographer Li Welch, the PABA Association and of course the bands.” added Ms. Craigg.
There were special awards won by individuals, which included- Best Showmanship went to Whitfield Robinson from Island Boys, Best Vocalist went to Kacey Lewis of Band Boyz, and Breakout Musician went to Sherlock Joseph of Band Boyz.
A panel of 5 judges chose the winners.
JA' Government Ponders Law For Illegal Importation Of Banned Supplements
Jamaica is considering the implementation of legislation to address the illegal importation of banned supplements.
Contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Natalie Neita-Headley, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sport, said that even while new law is being considered, coaches, administrators and athlete-support personnel are reminded that they are equally responsible if they are found guilty of providing banned substances to junior athletes.
Neita-Headley said sport supplements have been found to contain ingredients that are not stated on labels, and urged athletes to "go back to the days of the cornmeal porridge, arrowroot, the Trelawny yam".
She told Parliament that many athletes are using supplements as part of their training or competition regimen, adding that this is due to athletes believing that a normal diet is not suffucient for optimum performance.
Jamaica's drug-testing programme has been the subject of much debate, but Neita-Headley said that since January, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has conducted 203 tests, 69 out of competition and 134 in competition.
US insists murder of T&T prosecutor was organised
A senior United States official says prominent attorney Dana Seetahal was murdered earlier this year in a "well planned and orchestrated hit" by an international 'player' with a crime organisation presence in Trinidad and Tobago.
"It was not a crime of opportunity where someone felt they should steal her handbag and then found they had to shoot her. This was a well planned and orchestrated hit. This is not something you plan easily," said United States Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield during a teleconference with Caribbean journalists.
Seetahal was shot dead on May 4 after she left a casino for her home. No one has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder despite a TT$3.5 million ransom offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Government and Crime Stoppers for information leading to a prosecution in the death of the former special prosecutor and president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Brownfield, who is responsible for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in the US Department of State, said that Seetahal had been murdered two days after he paid a visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
"I stand by what I say, this was quite clearly not a crime of passion, this was not a crime of opportunity. People did not just happen by and believe that they could steal her pocket book and then find that they had to open fire in order to accomplish this. This was a carefully planned operation," Brownfield said.
Big Church Softball Games at the Stadium
RTC Sports caught the recent softball games held earlier this week at the National Stadium.
On Monday in the first game, Methodist church had a ‘by’ because of the no show by Abundant Life Ministries.
In the second game, Paradise took that game comfortably over Harvest, with a win defeating them 13 to 5.
In last night’s game, the Romans took on the Leeward Highway favorites St. Monica’s.
No mercies were shown as St. Monica’s buried the Romans 13 to 5, but in the hotly contested second game between Harvest and Methodist Church; Harvest Bible who was down 13 to 2 in the bottom of the 5th inning and made a historic come back and won the game 14 to 13, this was a must great game missed, if you were not at the National Stadium.
Games will continue on Thursday with Methodist Vs St. Monica's and the Romans VS Bethany.
The action will commence at 6:30pm.
Police humiliates Quality Super Kings in cricket
The Turks and Caicos Cricket Association 2014 Cricket Season continued on Sunday 22st June 2014 at The Downtown Ball Park Providenciales with The Police Humiliating Quality Super Kings.
Police won the toss and elected to bat and then chalk up 206 runs for 8 wickets from 20 overs. Chabbie Charlery top scored with a pugnacious 65 runs which was decorated with 4x4’s and 8x6’s Garvin Bruno chipped in 25 runs..
Bowling for Quality Super Ebbon Caesar took 2 wickets for 15 runs from 2 overs and Damain ST Ange had 2 wickets for 36 runs from 4 overs.
In reply Quality Super Kings were Skittle out for Paltry 66 runs from 11.4 overs. Top Scorer was Damian St, Ange with 15 runs..
Bowling for Police Chabbie Charley Captured 4 wickets for 16 runs from 4 overs and Hayden Spring claimed 2 wickets for 9 runs from 3 overs.
Man of the Match was Chabbie Charley
Bahamas govt modifies position on gaming industry
The Bahamas government says it is “unable to ignore” the nuances that came to light when the island held a referendum on gaming in 2013 as it announced measures to modify its position on regulating the gaming industry.
Prime Minister Perry Christie said as a result, his administration has decided to proceed with the regularisation of the industry despite the results of the referendum.
“My position and that of my government on the regularisation of web shop gaming has evolved as a result of certain realities which have emerged,” he told legislators.
“While I originally took the position to abide by the outcome of the referendum on this issue, there are certain realities which have come to light following the referendum which I cannot as Prime Minister ignore,”said Christie.
Christie said that he held discussions with various stakeholders including bankers, advisors, Cabinet colleagues and others to ensure that the government was on the right track with its decision.
“As a result of these consultations and in order to preserve and protect the national interest. I took the decision that despite the outcome of the referendum, the right thing to do in the circumstances is to regulate web shop gaming.”
Christie said the government would proceed with the debate of a comprehensive Gaming Bill designed to update casino gaming legislation in order to bring it in line with competing jurisdictions.
Asafa to run in France before CAS hearing
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell will run in France on July 5, days before his doping hearing at sport’s highest court. The organisers of the Paris Diamond League meeting confirmed his participation yesterday.
Powell is free to compete pending the outcome of his doping appeal.
A former world recordholder in the 100 metres, Powell tested positive for oxilofrine in the Jamaica trials a year ago. Powell appealed the 18- month suspension imposed by Jamaica anti-doping authorities, asking the Court of Arbitration for Sport to cut the sanction to three months.
The CAS hearing is set for July 7-8. Former world champion Tyson Gay is also returning from a one-year doping ban to compete in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 3. The American sprinter will then run at the Montreuil meet on July 7.
New Turtle and Conch Regulations take Effect 1 July 2014
The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is advising the public that as of 1 July 2014, new regulations for turtle and conch under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance will take effect. The regulations include the following restrictions on the taking of turtles:
· A closed season for Hawksbill turtles from 1 August to 31 March (inclusive). During the closed season it will be unlawful to take, purchase or possess hawksbill turtles or hawksbill turtle products.
· A legal size limit of 18 inches (minimum) and 24 inches (maximum) for green and hawksbill turtles. It will be unlawful to possess green or hawksbill turtles larger than 24 inches or smaller than 18 inches.
· A permanent closure on the taking of Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead and olive ridley turtles. As of 1 July 2014 it will be unlawful to take or fish for any of these species.
· A ban on the export of all turtles and turtle products, except for scientific purposes. No turtle products shall be exported from TCI.
· A ban on the keeping of turtles in captivity. As of 1 July it will be unlawful to keep any turtles in captivity, unless such captivity is necessary to rescue, rehabilitate or preserve the life of the turtle.
· A prohibition against processing turtles at sea. All turtles will need to be landed live and in whole condition after being taken and only processed where it is to be sold, processed or used for personal consumption.
In addition to the above turtle regulations, as of July 1, 2014, it will become lawful to export conch shells, conch jewellery, conch pearls or craft products made of conch shells during the closed season for conch. This regulation will allow such products to be exported for non-commercial or personal use only.
Drivers License for North & Middle Caicos
The Traffic Department in the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs is pleased to inform the residents of North and Middle Caicos that commencing Friday June 20, 2014, Driver’s License Applications and Renewals will be conveniently processed at the District Commissioner’s Office located in Bottle Creek, North Caicos.
Prior to today’s announcement, residents in these family islands were forced to travel to Providenciales or the capital of Grand Turk in efforts to remain compliant with Road Safety Regulations, but the Government, under the Progressive National Party Administration saw the need to extend these services to those islands, instead.
Hon. Amanda Missick, Minister of Environment and Home Affairs commented:
“I am happy that we were able to overcome the IT-related challenges that essentially delayed this move and that, residents of North and Middle Caicos can finally renew and apply for Driver’s Licenses conveniently, and within their own community.
“Accessibility to essential Government services, such as this, is critical to improving the lives of our people and we, the Government, will continue to re-establish essential services to the residents of our family islands as a part of our national agenda for the advancement of our people and the sustainable re-development of a Turks and Caicos Islands, that we all can be proud of.”
The general public is hereby reminded that Driver’s Licenses are renewable every four years on the anniversary of the holder’s date of birth and that it is an offence to drive or operate a motor vehicle without a valid document.
Residents in North and Middle Caicos are encouraged to visit the District Commissioner’s Office between the hours of 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday, to take advantage of these services.