World news story
Turks and Caicos Islands: post-cabinet meeting statement 12 February 2020
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the third meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 12 February 2020, at the Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales.
All Ministers were in attendance.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- were given a presentation of the recent draft Population Policy (Dec 2019), briefly discussed its findings and how the country might address some of its recommendations
- noted an update on the contract with InterHealth Canada and next steps
- agreed on a recommended option and next steps to progress on the issue of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Tax (HRTT) for Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort & Spa
- approved Supplementary Appropriation Bill No 2, covering cost neutral changes, for submission to the House of Assembly
- approved a proposal for the partial write off of a portfolio previously managed by TCInvest, for submission to the House of Assembly, and next steps
- approved the procurement of repeaters to enhance radar capability in tackling the threat of illegal immigration and human trafficking
- approved funding from the National Forfeiture Fund for the enhancement of radar capability
- were informed of ongoing work around a new TCI Public Service Pensions & Terminal Benefits program
- approved amendments to the National Health Insurance Ordinance and a draft National Health Insurance Amendment Bill for submission to the House of Assembly
- were updated on a draft National Martine Policy and supporting Action Plan ensuring TCI complies with the International Maritime Organisation and TCI’s National Security Strategy
- approved amendments to Register Land Ordinance to permit the subdivision of leased parcels with the consent of the lessee
- approved a settlement agreement with S&C Services for services rendered between September 2017 and October 2019
- approved a draft Sports Commission Bill for re-enactment and additional Board members for submission to the House of Assembly
- approved a Business License Application under the restricted category for Xander’s Fishery to provide fresh seafood products to the Providenciales community
- approved a Business License Application under the restricted category for the expansion of Prudhoe Caribbean
- endorsed the reintroduction of the Blue Flag program as an international standard for the protection and promotion of beaches, marinas and environment in TCI
- approved Planning Application PR 14440 for the rezoning of parcel 61111/8 to enable the construction of retail units and apartments on Long Bay Hills, Providenciales
- noted the recommendation of the Procurement Board to award a contract for PN 005519, Morgue for South Caicos (TR 19/58)
- approved a lease agreement for the relocation of the Public Works Department on Grand Turk
- approved the Civil Procedures Fees Order 2020 which will come into effect on 17 February 2020
- approved the re-appointment of members of the Informal Settlement (squatters) Task Force with the Director of the Crown Land as Chair and the Director of Planning as Deputy Chair
- approved amendments to the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2019 and for submission to the House of Assembly
- approved a proposed Financial Institution Resolution Bill to be drafted by AG Chambers and funding from the Financial Services Commission to assist with this process
- approved a proposed International Insurance Bill to be drafted by AG Chambers and funding from the Financial Services Commission to assist with this process
- approved amendments to the Notary Public Bill for submission to the House of Assembly
- were updated on the Health Ministry’s web seminar with PAHO/WHO and all Ministers of Health in the Caribbean and South America on the Coronavirus outbreak and had confirmation of no cases being reported in TCI
- were informed of travel by the Hon Premier and multi-disciplinary teams to Bermuda on the issue of tackling crime and Barbados to attend CARICOM
- were updated on the Chance for Change initiative
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.