His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 5th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 26 January 2022 at the Premier’s Office on Grand Turk.
All Members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Approved a draft Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement for 2022-2026 for submission to the House of Assembly. Members also agreed next steps, in particular around large infrastructure projects.
Approved an Inflation Adjustment stimulus providing economic assistance to qualified persons impacted by the Covid Pandemic and global inflation rates, and agreed on next steps.
Approved the Estimates of expenditure for a Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2022 for submission to the House of Assembly to facilitate: further fiscal intervention, enhanced policing initiatives, PPP consultancy work, and the payment of outstanding House of Assembly allowances.
Approved the Maritime Law Enforcement (Co-Operation) Bill 2022 for submission to the House of Assembly giving legal effect to the terms of the Shiprider Agreement and MOU entered into with the Commonwealth of the Bahamas aimed at combating the smuggling of irregular migrants, trafficking in persons and narcotic drugs, trafficking in firearms and ammunition and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Approved the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2022 for submission to the House of Assembly clarifying the meaning of Minister, reframing the offence of assisting illegal entry (human smuggling) and introducing stiffer penalties for that offence and the offences of harbouring irregular migrants; employing irregular migrants and businesses operating while suspended for employing irregular migrants under the Immigration Ordinance.
Approved the Integrity Commission (Amendment Bill) 2022 for submission to the House of Assembly.
Was updated on the Grand Turk Cruise Grant program aimed at supporting the re-start of the cruise based economy on Grand Turk. Members agreed on issues which need further consideration.
Approved a Temporary Workers/Street Cleaners Employment Program and associated funding up until 31 March 2022. Members also agreed on the need for an overarching policy to be developed for casual labour employed by Government and for same to be reflected in an amendment to the Public Service Ordinance.
Approved the Social Assistance Policy 2021 and increased payment under the Social Enhancement Aid and Foster Care programs. Members also agreed on next steps.
Approved a Governance Frame Work for the Agriculture Finance Support Program (Agro-Grant incentive) to stimulate a growth in locally produced products. Members also agreed to the development of an explanatory note for farmers and the roll out of the policy ahead of the legislation which will be out in place by March 2022.
Approved the drafting of a Renewable Energy Bill, taken from the Electricity (Amendment) Bill which was the subject of earlier consultation and for the Renewable Energy Bill to be submitted to the House of Assembly with the Electricity (Amendment) Bill to follow closely behind.
Approved for the Government of the TCI to commence negotiations for a development agreement with Ellipse Development Ltd. and Ellipse Properties Ltd. in accordance with the Investment Policy for a multipurpose commercial and residential development in the Grace Bay Area, Providenciales.
Noted the Procurement Board’s recommendations on the award of contract for TR 21/17, Consultancy Services for Destination Management Organisation and Tourism Regulation Authority.
Approved the terms of reference for a Memorandum of Understanding for the Government of TCI to commence negotiations for a development agreement with Hamilton Education Foundation Ltd. for the development of a medical school and connected facilities in the Grace Bay Area, Providenciales.
Approved the drafting of a Bill to establish the TCI Statistical Authority which will assume the mandate of the current Department of Statistics.
Approved the appointment of Yaa McCartney as the AG’s representative and Shirlen Forbes as the PS, Finance’s representative on the Invest TC Board with effect from 1 February 2022 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the appointment of Angelique Garland as Secretary to the Adoption Committee for a period of three years until 31 March 2025.
Approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission and the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission.
Approved revisions to the Sports Commission Fee Structure.
Approved a funeral grant for the burial of Ms Isabel Adams, former Establishment Secretary in accordance with the Protocol Policy.
Approved the establishment of a steering committee for the guide the procurement of a long term project to redevelop the Providenciales Airport.
Confirmed its earlier approval of the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2022.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
Education on next steps in the roadmap to return to face to face schooling, and the
Attorney General’s Chambers.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
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