Mr. Speaker, before commencing with this Ministerial Address, I would like to begin with a scripture passage from Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Mr. Speaker, today, I stand before you with great humility and a sense of purpose to present the budget for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, and the Telecommunications Commission. Mr. Speaker the budgetary proposal reflects our collective commitment to advancing the wellbeing of our citizens, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the safety and security of our Nation.
First, Mr. Speaker, let me take this time to greet the great people of ED1, Grand Turk North who have elected me to represent them. Mr. Speaker I am forever grateful and will continue to be a Servant Leader, that will continue to move this Country forward with our people’s best interest at heart.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support as I embarked on this journey to serve our country. I also want to extend my thanks to my exceptional team, comprised of my Ministry and Departments, under the leadership of PS Astwood and DPS Johnson. Mr. Speaker they are the driving force behind our achievements, and without their guidance, many of our accomplishments would not have been possible. I am immensely proud of their dedication and urge them to continue their excellent work.
Mr. Speaker, for those listening via radio and streaming online I would like to make mention the breakdown of my Ministry which consists of ten (10) cost centers totaling some One Hundred and Thirteen (113) positions and one (1) statutory body, with nine (9) positions.
Mr. Speaker the Ministry includes:
- Policy Planning and Administrative Support (Ministry)
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Social Development & Welfare Department
- Gender Affairs
- Registrar General’s Department
- Citizenship and Naturalization Department
- District Commissioner’s Office – North Caicos
- District Commissioner’s Office – Middle Caicos
- District Commissioner’s Office – South Caicos
- District Commissioner’s Office – Salt Cay
- Telecommunications Commission
Mr. Speaker, on the operational side, the Ministry was successful in completing the majority of its programs, strategies and operational mandates.
Mr. Speaker, during the last financial year my Ministry exhausted 99% of its total allocations during the last financial year. Mr. Speaker let me repeat that just in case persons missed it. Mr. Speaker, during the last financial year my Ministry exhausted 99% of its total allocations during the last financial year
· Our original budget was $12,958,783.19
· The revised budget was $14,272,364.42 (which includes all supplementary appropriations, addition and withdrawal of funds)
· The total expenditure at the end of the financial year was $14,091,436.17
· Leaving some $180,928.25 or just 1% available.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honourable House an overall budget of $17,723,228.00. This is an increase in allocation from last year’s revised estimates of $14,272,364.00. The actual amount increased is $3,450,864.00.
Mr. Speaker this year, there will be a focus on legislative changes to various Ordinances as well as the digitization of various services throughout our departments.
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry’s general focus will also be on the move toward bettering the customer experience and improving customer satisfaction. Mr. Speaker we will do this by improving policies, creating standard operating procedures and investing in new technologies that will allow the customer to access our products remotely.
MR. SPEAKER, LET ME NOW BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
Ministry
Mr. Speaker, in this year’s budget there will be a dramatic increase in the Ministry’s “Community Enhance” vault to over $800 thousand dollars. Mr. Speaker this money will be used for community enhancement projects focused on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos.
Mr. Speaker some of the project airmarked are, but not limited to the following:
· Renovation and restoration to Parks/Play Ground Throughout the island of Grand Turk.
· Upgrading and renovations to the Boiling Hole in South Caicos
· Renovation and restoration to the Pine Barrel Creek Community Park on the island of Middle Caicos
· Construction of Observation Decks throughout the island of Middle Caicos
· Repairs to the Boat Ramp and Dock in the Belfield Landing area on the island of North Caicos
· Refurbishment of Community Parks throughout the island of North Caicos
· Construction of a Guard House at the Safe House
· Renovations to the Safe House grounds Mr. Speaker
· Renovation and restoration to the Thomas Cedar Park on the island of Salt Cay
· Renovation and restoration of the Cricket Field on this island of Salt Cay
· Strengthening Foundations – A Multi-Level, Multifaceted intervention campaign aimed at ending domestic violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands
· Vital Data Hub – A Comprehensive Database for Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
· Replacement of Street Signs and markers
Department of Gender Affairs
Mr. Speaker, our commitment to Gender Equality is profound. Over the past year, our Gender Affairs Department has implemented a robust strategy to promote awareness of our Gender Equality policy, leveraging digital innovation and technology. This comprehensive campaign has encompassed a range of activities aimed at raising consciousness about gender equality and equity. Notably, the introduction of Gender Pop-up stations has been met with enthusiasm, facilitating active engagement with the community and the distribution of educational resources. Furthermore, the campaign has effectively utilized various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, ensuring rapid dissemination of information and widespread engagement across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, the department of Gender Affairs also implemented the National Domestic Violence Protocol. Mr. Speaker this Protocol helps to improve the quality and consistency of services countrywide and also standardize the response to victims and survivors. Importantly, Mr. Speaker the procedures also aim to improve partnerships and coordination between essential stakeholders.
What’s in store for the 2024
Mr. Speaker, this year the Department will see the further advancement and the full activation of the Hill of Hope Safe House (Which has been long overdue) and the Safe House Strategy. This will include all standing operations procedures and policies. This service is essential as it provides critical intervention for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
The Office of the Registrar General
Mr. Speaker, The Registrar General’s office has implemented and adapted to using a workflow system that has been updated on our portal called Unity Client. Mr. Speaker this has allowed employees to track each stage of an application process and has improved our output of applications from 3-4 weeks to 1-2 weeks for most products. Mr. Speaker we are eager to roll out our upgraded database in the year 2024, which will help the Department achieve turnaround times of 3-5 business days and in some cases, we will have the ability to produce products on the same day. Mr. Speaker if this is not improvement than I don’t know what improvement is.
Mr. Speaker, the Registrar General’s Office has successfully started social media pages on Facebook and Instagram where more engagement is fostered between the general public and the office. Mr. Speaker they have also successfully launched their website which hosts all fees, forms, news, contact information, and details on the process and procedures of the office. Mr. Speaker, we are simply making it easy for everybody.
What is in store for the 2024
Mr. Speaker, the office of the Registrar General notes areas of concern such as service delivery, and technological advancement. Therefore, this year the department’s planned deliverables will aim to improve and possibly eliminate these concerns that are negatively affecting the department.
Mr. Speaker, the department’s goal is to improve the service delivery time frame to 3-5 days and for most products Mr. Speaker we want to be ambitious and deliver it within 1-2 days. Mr. Speaker the department will advance the rewriting of the Registry books as well as have each individual entered into a database engine being built on our current software called ONBASE. The Registrar General’s office Mr. Speaker will continue to make a social presence in the General public through social media pages and the release of material that promotes brand awareness. Mr. Speaker, my department will also build better morale between the RGO and the public by launching our “give back program” which aims to assist new parents by issuing small keep sakes when they come in to register their child or children that will promote brand development.
The Social Development & Welfare Department
Mr. Speaker, for Social Development and Welfare, our programs were very successful with the allocations received last financial year. We can report on the following: Mr. Speaker
1. Over 492 persons were approved for financial services
2. 40 children were placed in Foster Care Homes
3. There were 6 granted adoptions and 9 preapprovals
Mr. Speaker the department also
4. Provided temporary placement for 36 children
5. 200 persons were provided temporary NHIP coverage
and we
6. Hosted numerous Child Safeguarding Training sessions at Schools and Churches throughout the Islands
Mr. Spekaer
7. Let’s Talk Social- Radio talk show on the various services offered by the Department was launched
And we
8. Launched our ‘Feet in the Street, Door to Door’ initiative where our team went to North and Middle Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos bringing awareness about our products offered.
What is in store for the 2024
Mr. Speaker, this year we will be investing an additional 1.5 Million in our Social Programmes which the Hon. Premier captured earlier in his speech.
Mr. Speaker team plans to continue the great work by developing an Independent Living Programme geared towards personal and professional development for children transitioning out of foster care at the age of 18. This would include teaching life skills, career decision-making, and employability skills in a standardized way.
Mr. Speaker, I must add that we can do so much more to assist our vulnerable population, once given the right resources, but our Team will continue advancing our Social Programmes to help as much persons as possible.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Mr. Speaker, for the Department of Motor Vehicles, Customer Service, and service delivery are key components of the business of the department, and so our Que Management was set up to ensure an organized entry into the customer service area by allowing persons to sign in for services the required. Mr. Speaker this system proved a tremendous help in easing congestion and limiting the amount of time spent at DMV.
Mr. Speaker, we also implemented a dedicated exam room with six stations which permits the DMV to schedule three exam times each day reducing the previous wait times for Customers to sit the Sign test and Written exams.
What is in store for the 2024
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of plans instore for the Department. Mr. Speaker we will be advancing our Digital Transformation – Computerization of the core operation for all products and services, including e-payment and e-services offered by the department. Mr. Speaker this will make a tremendous difference in the way people apply for Licenses and will completely decrease the wait time.
Mr. Speaker, we will also be implementing system-generated decals for all motor vehicles in the Turks & Caicos Islands. These new decals will contain all pertinent information related to each vehicle and also a QR code for law enforcement purposes.
Mr. Speaker all these changes, we must and will be revising the Road Traffic Ordinance and Regulation to capture these as well as other important changes that are necessary for the proper functioning of the department.
District Administration
Mr. Speaker, as I address this Honorable House today, I am filled with anticipation for the initiatives we are poised to unveil this year for District Administration and our Family Islands.
Mr. Speaker our focus this year centers around fostering community engagement and empowerment, placing it squarely at the core of our strategy. We are committed to allocating resources to bolster community-building efforts, granting local communities’ greater autonomy in shaping their own destinies.
Mr. Speaker over the past year, there has been much talk about the introduction of Local Government throughout our islands, and I am pleased Mr. Speaker to announce that its launch is imminent.
Mr. Speaker we have taken a phased approach on the roll out of Local Government and Mr. Speaker Phase one is set to roll out by the end of the first quarter of this Budget year. This phase will encompass nationwide educational sessions and consultations, with the initial implementation slated for the Family Islands currently under District Commissioners. However, we are mindful not to overlook our two main islands, and plans are underway to study their complexities for a subsequent phase of implementation. Alongside the introduction of Local Government, we have identified over 20 projects slated to commence across the Turks and Caicos Islands through our Community Enhancement Fund. Mr. Speaker, we are dedicated to serving, and service is precisely what we aim to deliver.
Mr. Speaker, District Administration has successfully
executed several projects and initiatives throughout the last budget year. Mr. Speaker Our emphasis on collaboration with various departments and engaging the public in governance and decision-making has been instrumental. Additionally, our efforts in disaster management, promoting culture and heritage, and enhancing service delivery have significantly contributed to shaping our community and advancing our progress.
Mr. Speaker at this juncture of my address, I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude to my District Commissioners. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices have demonstrated that much can be achieved. I also wish to acknowledge their numerous accomplishments throughout the year, as well as those endeavors that may be underway.
Mr. Speaker on the island of Middle Caicos, we have-
• Implemented a Vendors Market at the Pine Barrel Creek where a quarterly Fish Fry is hosted for merchants to promote and sell their products.
• Mr. Speaker we continue to Promote and Host Eco events at Pine Barrel and Lorimers Creek where we intend to preserve the Natural Beauty of these areas.
• Mr. Speaker we have re-trained our disaster response team and updated the island disaster SOP which shows out commitment in ensuring that our residents are kept safe and ready.
• Mr. Speaker placement of Proper Hazardous signage on beach access locations
Mr. Speaker on the island North Caicos, we –
• we conducted a business conference on the new bidding process for local contracts
Mr. Speaker
• With assistance from Public Works we awarded nearly 260 thousand dollars’ worth of small contracts to residents last financial year
and
• In Collaboration with DDME and Social Welfare – Launched A Food Drive and Giveaway for North and Middle Caicos where more than 100 homes received help.
Mister Speaker similar to Middle Caicos the department
• Successfully Launched “Back to Our Roots Fish Fry and Farmers Festival” where local vendors were on site with their various products.
Mr. Speaker on the island of South Caicos, we –
• Installed a perimeter wall at the Basden Well, as well as installed a manual pump to preserve its history.
Mr. Speaker
• We installed a bathroom facility for the EOC at the community centre.
and
• Installed three gazebo shades for benches at the Marjorie Basden High School.
• Installation of a gate at the cemetery.
• Maintenance to both schools government including comprehensive property cleaning of the Iris Stubbs Primary School, installation of 53 block and room label signs at the Marjorie Basden High School.
• Plumbing, electrical and carpentry maintenance to government buildings, including changing of the porch roof, cupboards and doors at the Eliza Basden’s Aged Care Centre; installation of window blinds, bathroom faucets and LED lights at the Office of District Administration.
• Hosted various events in collaboration with the Millennials and a Senior Citizen’s Bingo Night
• In Salt Cay, we Rrestored two Gazebos one in the North District and one in the South District
• Refurbishment of the south shelter/Command Center, including electrical upgrades, Ceiling, Shelves and replacing hurricane shutters
• Renovated Duncombe Point historical reins, main pool and children’s pool
• Completed the Security fence around the clinic
• Renovation to the fish house located at the Dean’s dock
What is in store for the 24/25 Budget Year
Mr. Speaker, our team intend to educate our residents and citizens on the procedures and processes of each application, the department will consider embarking on a road show via radio and Facebook where team Citizenship will be taking questions and providing feedback on the various products offered by the department. Mr. Speaker, we want to make all our products and processes easier to understand to assist our customers, and these is just some of the ways we intend to do just that.
Telecommunication Commission
Mr. Speaker, over the last year, the Telecommunications Commission commenced the second phase of the Number Portability project to allow consumers to move their numbers to a provider of their choice.
The Commission finalized the amendments to the Telecommunications Ordinance & Regulations. The Commission has also advanced the efforts to finalize the Maritime Ship Radio licensing system.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, The Commission is actively advancing efforts to implement the National Fiber Optic Ring in TCI. We have made tremendous strides in this and our people will see activity soon.
So, Mr. Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications will continue its move to enhance sector performance, and to build a vibrant telecommunication industry.
CLOSING
Mr. Speaker, within this budget proposal for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, and the Telecommunications Commission lies a steadfast dedication to forging a safer, more interconnected, and prosperous nation. Through targeted investments in social necessities, transportation advancements, and telecommunications connectivity, we aim to cultivate an environment where every citizen can flourish, actively participate in the economy, and pursue their ambitions.
Mr. Speaker, I implore all my esteemed colleagues to rally behind this budgetary proposal. Together, let us propel forward toward the realization of a radiant future for our cherished homeland.
Mr. Speaker, as I draw near the conclusion of my budget address, I am compelled to share a scripture close to my heart: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9. This verse resonates deeply with our commitment to serve the people of our nation tirelessly. There is boundless potential for progress and prosperity, and I am confident that together, we will rise to meet every challenge and seize every opportunity. As we look ahead, let us embark on this journey with renewed vigor and determination, knowing that our efforts will yield bountiful rewards. With steadfast resolve, we will fulfill our pledge to the people, ushering in a brighter future and a higher standard of living for all.
Mr. Speaker, esteemed members of the House, and the cherished citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to address you today. As we bring this budget address to a close, I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your attentive presence and thoughtful consideration.
May God bless you all, and may His blessings continue to guide and protect the wonderful people of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. Thank you
