The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) welcomed Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson, as Guest Speaker at its General Meeting held virtually on August 26, bringing members together for a timely discussion on workforce development, immigration reform and other matters impacting the tourism industry.
Against the backdrop of continued tourism and economic growth, the meeting provided an important opportunity for TCHTA members to hear directly from Hon. Robinson on Government initiatives with significant implications for employers, while raising questions and sharing perspectives on the operational realities facing businesses.
Opening the meeting, TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, underscored the importance of continued collaboration across the tourism industry as the destination navigates changing travel patterns, airlift, rising operational costs and wider global pressures.
Central to that conversation was the need to maintain the competitiveness of the Turks and Caicos tourism product, invest in people and ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders have meaningful opportunities to participate in and benefit from the industry’s continued growth.
Hon. Robinson used the engagement to outline a series of reforms being advanced through the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, beginning with the ongoing review of the Employment Ordinance, which was enacted in 2004.
A Select Committee has commenced its review, with stakeholder engagement expected to follow, providing organisations such as the TCHTA and its members with an opportunity to contribute to the process.
The modernisation of the Employment Services Department, traditionally known as the Labour Department, is another key component of the Ministry’s reform agenda.
The restructuring is intended to create a more responsive and fit-for-purpose system capable of supporting employment opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders while addressing the legitimate labour and skills requirements of a growing economy.
Progress on the proposed repeal and replacement of the Immigration Ordinance was another major area of discussion. Hon. Robinson advised members that the revised legislation is expected to advance following final review and Cabinet consideration.
Proposed changes include expanded temporary work permit options of up to six months, and stronger oversight of succession planning and the employment and advancement of Turks and Caicos Islanders will form part of the proposed legislative framework.
Speaking to the scale of the country’s labour requirements, Hon. Robinson noted that there are approximately 25,000 active work permit holders in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said this reality reinforces the need for policies that allow the country to meet the demands of continued economic growth while taking a more intentional approach to workforce development and opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Modernisation will extend beyond legislation through Government’s Digital Borders Programme, which is expected to transform the way immigration and border services are delivered. Planned features include the digitisation of immigration products and applications, improved online application tracking, electronic travel authorisation and e-gates at international ports of entry.
Together, these initiatives are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the skills currently available within the Turks and Caicos Islands, identify future workforce requirements and support a more deliberate approach to population and economic planning.
The General Meeting further provided members with updates on TCHTA programmes, activities and priorities as the Association continues its work to support the development, competitiveness and sustainability of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism sector.
