Turks and Caicos post Cabinet Statement Wednesday 21 January 2015
HE the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 21 January 2015 at the NJS Francis Building on Grand Turk.
All Ministers were present except; Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
At this meeting Cabinet:
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Noted the death of the former speaker of the House of Assembly Dr. Rosita B. Butterfield, MBE and confirmed that Dr. Butterfield will be honored by a state funeral on 5th February 2015 in recognition of her service to the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition Cabinet confirmed that Thursday 5th February 2015 will be a holiday in the TCI Public Service. Further details of the state funeral arrangements will be published shortly;
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Received a report from Rodney Adams, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police setting out the latest crime statistics and the actions being taken by the RTCIPF to counter crime and their plans to strengthen community policing. The RTCIPF will communicate these matters to the public in a news conference in due course;
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Advised HE. the Governor to approve the appointment of Sanfra Foster, Country and Branch Manager (TCI) RBC Royal Bank and Patricia Adams, Senior Manager Business Support Scotiabank (TCI) as members of the TCIG Audit Committee;
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Approved the budget structure for the management and operation of District Commissioners Offices in line with the Governments long-term vision to strengthen the role of District Commissioners and to establish effective local Government across the islands;
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Noted waivers of the Public Procurement procedures granted by the Director of Contracts and the Permanent Secretary Finance. Waivers are granted in accordance with section 21 (12) of the Public Procurement Ordinance which makes provision for a waiver in exceptional circumstances;
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Approved arrangements for the establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islands London Office in the UK. The role of the TCI London Office is to establish and strengthen relations between TCIG and the UK Government, the EU and other Government and Non- Government Organisations. To serve as media spokesperson for TCIG in the UK and to actively market and promote tourism, investment and financial services throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with the TCI Tourist Board;
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Advised HE. the Governor to approve revisions to the TCIG Travel Policy. The revisions make provision for a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for local travel;
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Noted the National Insurance Board (NIB) Audited Financial Statements 2013/14 and the 7th Actuarial Valuation Report as of 31st March 2013 in preparation for submission to the House of Assembly;
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Considered a report from the recent public consultation on Company Beneficial Ownership and maintenance of a publicly accessible central beneficial ownership registry. A full statement setting out Cabinets position on the matter will be made in due course;
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Received a report from the Minister of Home Affairs and agreed in principle proposals to make Front Street, Grand Turk a one way street. The matter will be the subject of further consultation with the Police and Road Safety officials and businesses and residents in the area;
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Advised HE. the Governor to approve the reappointment of Permanent Secretaries Susan Malcolm and Wesley Clerveaux to the Executive Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust. The appointments are made in accordance with Section 6 of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust Ordinance;
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.