Turks and Caicos Islands: post-cabinet meeting statement 12 February 2020

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.