TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 13th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at the NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk.
All Members were present; except the H.E. Deputy Governor and the Honourable Minister of Immigration who were away from the islands on official duties.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Welcomed the return of the Cabinet to the Cabinet Room at the NJS Francis Building following the major repairs and redevelopment work undertaken to the building.
- Approved the purchase by private treaty of Parcel 60605/117, Norway and Five Cays Providenciales as part of the PATCI, land acquisition
- Approved the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Taxation)(Exemptions)(No. 2) Regulations 2024.
- Noted a report on the concessions granted under the Property Ownership Incentive Program Policy and the Turks and Caicos Stamp Duty Reduction Policy for Turks and Caicos Islands Status Holders and British Overseas Territories Citizens.
- Approved the renaming of the Safe House for At-Risk Young Girls to the Hon. Mahala Wynns’ Empowerment Home.
- Noted the resignation of Ms. Julianna Musgrove as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Governors (TCICC BoG) and approved the appointment of Mrs. Sheba Wilson as a member of the TCICC BoG for three years.
- Noted the resignation of Ms. Bernadya Smith as Secretary to the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal and approved the appointment of Ms. Vershina Forbes as Secretary to the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal for three years.
- Noted an update on issues related to ongoing bomb threats at the JAGS McCartney International Airport and the Howard Hamilton International Airport and the steps being taken by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police concerning the same.
- Noted an update on Court related matters.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
CIVIL SERVICE WEEK 2024
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government will celebrate ‘Civil Service Week 2024’ during the period June 16-22, 2024 under the theme 'Transforming Together - Civil Servants Driving Change.'
This theme is in line with our strategic objective of driving transformative change across the public service.
We invite public servants across the Turks and Caicos Islands to join us to for a week-long of events designed to celebrate and to recognize the contributions and achievements of our public servants.
Stay tuned for the full lineup of events.
Let us drive change together and ensure this Civil Service Week is truly unforgettable!
UNICEF provides safe drinking water in Haiti
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says more than 30,000 people displaced by gang violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, now have access to safe drinking water.
The UN said Port-au-Prince has been in the grip of armed groups for several years now, and roughly two months ago the gangs launched coordinated attacks that paralyzed the metropolitan area.
Since then, UNICEF said alongside the National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) and partners, they have provided more than 2.6 million liters of safe drinking water to children and families across 20 sites housing those displaced.
UNICEF said the recent escalation of violence has compounded the already dire situation faced by children and families, who already lack essential support and facilities.
It said the current rainy season has only added to their plight, leading to major flooding in lowland areas of the capital and the resurgence of cholera cases in Cité Soleil, an extremely impoverished neighborhood.
“With no drinking quality water and adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities, displaced children are exposed to water-borne diseases, more specifically to a widespread cholera outbreak,” said Ruben Um Bayiha, chief of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, adding “operating in such an insecure and volatile environment is akin to navigating a war zone every day”.
Despite the challenges, UNICEF said together with the partners they are stepping up efforts to protect children and families and provide the lifesaving support they desperately need.
UNICEF said it leads WASH response in Haiti, providing over half of overall support, ensuring safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services at all displacement sites.
Initiatives include trucking water, treating piped water, repairing water supply and sanitation systems, building temporary latrines, providing essential hygiene items, and delivering hygiene messages, UNICEF said.
It said its WASH efforts “yielded significant outcomes” during March, with over 700,000 gallons of chlorinated water distributed to displaced families and children.
UNICEF said collaborative efforts with partners, such as the aid organizations Solidarités International, ORRAH, and ACTED, have ensured that essential needs were met “even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Furthermore, UNICEF said it and its partners have distributed hygiene kits to almost 11,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across six sites.
UNICEF said it has also prioritized improving sanitary conditions in the high-risk IDP sites, including removing and safely disposing of about 78 cubic meters of fecal sludge from three sites accommodating roughly 7,000 people.
Um Bayiha upheld the agency’s commitment to addressing evolving needs, particularly as the region braces for the upcoming hurricane season. Yet, he warned that “this crisis will worsen unless the response is scaled up urgently,” underscoring the need for funding.
UNICEF said it aims to support more than 884,000 people across Haiti this year to access quality water for drinking and domestic needs, as well as appropriate sanitation services and critical WASH supplies.
Meanwhile, UN said its humanitarians and partners have been supporting people affected by recent gang clashes in Delmas commune in Port-au-Prince.
Meals, shelter, and other supplies have been provided to displaced persons and the host community, and the hope is that assistance will ramp up as soon as security allows, the UN said.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has so far this week distributed food to 264,000 schoolchildren and more than 5,600 displaced people in the capital.
Source-CMC
CARNIVAL AND THE PNP GOVERNMENT SECRET DEALINGS
Dear Editor,
As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.
The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.
It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere "holding letter" sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.
Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival's proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.
The critical issue is that of this PNP government's continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.
The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being.
At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.
By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.
It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”
The Premier and his government's lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.
Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.
As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government's failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?
On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.
it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement. Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.
Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
People’s Democratic Movement
Internal Audit Staff completes Leadership Training with Coached
The Office of the Chief Internal Auditor (OCIA) is pleased to announce that Ms. Abbigail Clarke (Senior Internal Auditor) has completed a one-on-one Leadership course. This course was facilitated by Mrs. Zena Dennis-Tucker from Coached.
These one-on-one sessions covered a range of topic areas which included: problem solving specific to the workplace and culture, motivating, and encouraging team members, effective communication skills, mastering the art of effective coaching techniques, building a culture of care and engagement, and bringing awareness to leadership styles through self-analysis.
This initiative aided in the development of Ms. Clarke’s leadership abilities and was tailored to suit her needs specifically because of its one-on-one nature. The different elements and topics covered in the coaching sessions have enabled Ms. Clarke to have a well-rounded knowledge of leadership concepts and have given her the tools to excel in her role as Senior Internal Auditor.
Full funding for this program was provided by the Deputy Governor’s Office through the Professional Development Fund (PDF).
Comments by Ms. Clarke
This experience with Coached has been unique. It afforded my coach, Zena, and I the opportunity to assess where I currently am and to develop my skills from there. It was customized specifically for my leadership development needs, and that made it a worthwhile experience. These sessions have provided me with the knowledge and opportunity to develop my leadership skills in several different areas and this aided in building the capacity of myself, the Department, and by extension the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government.
Special thanks is due to the TCI Government, particularly the Deputy Governor’s Office, for their assistance in making this opportunity possible. Special thanks is also due to my team at the OCIA and my family for their continued support as I bring this chapter to an end. I look forward to contributing to the betterment of the Turks and Caicos Islands with my added knowledge and skills.
Comments by Zena Dennis-Tucker – Founder of coached (www.coachedworld.com)
Our leadership training at coached is founded on the principle of cultivating leaders capable of producing successive leaders within various industries, establishing an ongoing cycle of leadership excellence not only throughout the Caribbean region but also on an international scale.
It's a profound honor to elevate communities like the Turks and Caicos Islands community, aiming not only to advance excellence but also to showcase that local talent holds significant value, contributing to the sustainability of talent both regionally and on the global stage. Collaborating one-on-one with professionals such as Abigail Clarke, a Senior Internal Auditor at the Office of the Chief Internal Auditor TCI, highlights the caliber of talent present in the Caribbean. We feel privileged to have been the chosen company to initiate her journey, elevating her mindset and leadership capabilities which will have a lasting positive impact for generations in Turks and Caicos.
As we continue to raise the profile of Caribbean professionals let us continue to ensure that they are fully equipped with the tools necessary for continuous improvement and expertise within the region. Abigail is without a doubt an exemplary asset to the Turks and Caicos Islands in her field and her journey within the leadership space is worth following closely.
Thank you to Abbigail’s Leader Marlon Shippie, Chief Internal Auditor, for acknowledging her talent and leadership potential, and for investing in this invaluable experience. Abbigail’s success serves as an inspiration and a testament to the capabilities present in the Caribbean, furthering the mission to establish leaders who can produce other leaders in the industry and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A special thank you to the Deputy Governor’s Office for your support in enabling this opportunity. Your commitment to contributing to a better Turks and Caicos Islands is truly commendable, and we are confident Abbigail’s newfound expertise will be an asset to the progress of your community.
Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men will take on Aruba to headline Soul Beach Music Festival
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men are headed to Aruba, where they'll take on headlining duties at Soul Beach Music Festival 2024. Also joining are comedian Earthquake and DJ Jazzy Jeff, continuing the festival's mission to deliver "a world-class experience pulsating with the beat of music legends performing genre-defying acts under the Caribbean sky."
The Soul Beach Music Festival is slated to go on Memorial Day weekend, May 22 to May 27.
"We are thrilled and honored to welcome Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — such esteemed iconic voices for this year's festival, says Mark Adkins, CEO & executive producer of Soul Beach Festival Productions, in a statement. "We also look forward to the excitement of this year's comedy night and featured DJs at the after-parties. All of this, coupled with the beautiful island and people of Aruba makes this a 'can't miss' weekend for both our loyal fan base and first-timers (newbies).
We hope you join us in creating a lifetime of memories this Memorial Day Weekend!"
Source-ABC
FIRST CABINET MEETING AT THE HON. N.J.S FRANCIS BUILDING
Today’s Cabinet Meeting on May 1st, 2024 was the first held at the Hon. NJS Francis Building, Pond Street, Grand Turk since 2017.
This milestone aligns with the Government’s commitment, upon assuming office, to reinstate the Helena Jones Robinson High School’s Auditorium for its students and resume operations within the People’s House.
From Left to Right (above): Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Ms. Mailaka Lightbourne, Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Minister for Education, Labour, Employment & Customer Service. Hon. Rachel Taylor.
From Left to Right (below): Minister for Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, Hon. Otis Morris, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment, Trade and Public Policy, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister of Health & Human Services, Hon. Shaun Malcolm.
The Deputy Governor, H.E. Anya Williams, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs, Hon. Josephine Connolly, and the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, were absent due to attending official business.
More on Cabinet in another post.
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
Provo Water Company Continues Efforts to Address Water Supply Issues.v
Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.
This news comes as an update on the organization's swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station, alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.
Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.
These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.
In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization's dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.
In a statement, Hall said, "We will implement these measures only as required throughout May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”
The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.
Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”
TIDES TRAINING SESSIONS SET TO EMPOWER ISLAND COMMUNITIES
The Department of Tourism Regulations proudly announces the upcoming schedule of TIDES (Together, Individuals, Delivering, Excellent, Service) sessions. These are tailored to ensure that all employees in the tourism sector are equipped with comprehensive knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. By participating in these sessions, individuals will not only enhance their professional skills but also contribute to promoting and preserving the unique identity of the region.
The TIDES Training sessions will be held on the following dates and locations:
- May 4, 2024 - Providenciales: A. Louise Garland Thomas High School
- May 11, 2024 - Grand Turk: HJ Robinson High School
- May 18, 2024 - South Caicos: Iris Stubbs Primary School
- June 1, 2024 - Providenciales: A. Louise Garland Thomas High School
Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to fill out the application form accessible via QR code provided on the official flyer.
For more information and inquiries, please contact the Department of Tourism Regulations via email at tourismregulations@gov.tc and via telephone: +1(649) 946 4970