Turks and Caicos post Cabinet update
Governor Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet at the House of Assembly Building, Grand Turk on Wednesday, 9 July 2014.
Members of the TCI Cabinet.
All Ministers were present except Hon. Premier and Hon. Minister of Health. At this meeting Cabinet:
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Advised the Governor to agree and sign the Development Agreement with Circle Holdings (Third Turtle) which will see a new $100m hotel, casino and marina built on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 17 acre vacant site includes 775 feet of sea frontage and 1300 feet of marina frontage on the famous Grace Bay. The Development is expected to create 300-400 new jobs and bring additional tax revenues of around $9m to TCIG;
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Reviewed a proposal from Adventure Resorts Ltd on the development of an eco-adventure resort for Five Cays, Providenciales. The development proposes a low-rise, low density development designed to blend in with the environment and will include tourist accommodations, spa, fitness areas and recreational areas. Cabinet confirmed its support for the development subject to satisfactory completion of investment processes;
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Advised the Governor to agree amendments to Regulations 3 (1) (g) and 3 (2) (f) of the National Parks Ordinance. The amendments will facilitate passenger transportation services by hovercraft to South Caicos, North Caicos and other areas that are currently difficult to access with traditional vessels including transportation of passengers through National Parks and Nature Reserves;
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Approved establishment of an International Finance Marketing and Promotion Working Group. The working groups terms of reference will include development of new financial services products, new legislation and a strategy to market TCI as a well regulated International Financial Services Sector with superior products and services. Membership of the working group will include private and public sector financial services practitioners;
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Welcomed two proposals from shrimp farming developers and confirmed the Governments support for the development of shrimp farming and shrimp farming methods that have minimal negative impact on the TCI environment. The developments will be subject to full environmental impact assessment and planning regulations;
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Advised the Governor to agree amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance that are in keeping with recent developments in TCIs fisheries and advancements in fisheries science in order to improve the management of finfish, pelagic species and other marine species;
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Agreed that the Caribbean spiny lobster season 2014/15 shall open on 15th August 2014 and close on 15th March 2015;
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Agreed that a Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) sponsored Green Economy initiative be undertaken in TCI July - October 2014. The initiative will involve a review of existing environmental literature and knowledge, including legal capacity, governmental capacity and capacity of non-governmental organisations to implement management protocols. The review will be conducted by expert consultants , who are retained by JNCC. Their findings will be presented to a Project Oversight Group, which will include stakeholders from government and the public and private sector;
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Received a report from the Department of Environment and Marine Affairs on the development of appropriate measures for the sustainable management of queen conch (strombus gigas) and agreed that the matter be subject to public consultation including a public awareness campaign to alert key stakeholders to these important developments;
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Approved the appointment of members to the following Boards and Committees; Immigration Board; Ms Dorothy Malcolm (member) and Ms Jennifer Glinton (member); Planning Board; Mr Marvin Simmons (member); Education Advisory Committee; Ms Alexandra Missick (Deputy Chairman.)
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.