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PM Minnis says Fiscal Discipline is Critical to Economic Stability

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#Bahamas, October 12, 2017 – Nassau – The Minnis Administration is resolute in bringing fiscal discipline and order to public finances, as such discipline and order are required to forestall any possible dire economic consequences that can cripple growth and the longer-term prospects for the country.

“If we do not get our economic house in order, the foundation and the house are at risk of collapse,” Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis told Parliament Wednesday (October 11).

Prime Minister Minnis said the Government of The Bahamas is focused, resolute and determined to not only improving the economic vitality of The Bahamas as a country, but to also improving the standard of living for all Bahamians.

“Our vision is the ongoing development and transformation of our economy through creating wealth opportunity for more Bahamians; diversification within tourism and the boosting of new and other industries; and through the reform of public finances and the public sector.”

Prime Minister Minnis said the government has developed a number of strategies to achieve their goals.   These include the establishment of an Economic Council of The Bahamas which, the Prime Minister said, is providing advice on job creation and growth “which are critical to economic recovery.”

An Ease of Doing Business Committee has also been appointed.  Its mandate is to make specific recommendations to make it easier to do business in the country for Bahamians and foreign investors.

“The previous five years was the worst period of governance in the modern Bahamas,” Prime Minister Minnis charged.   “This Administration is reigning in public expenditure in order to provide for long-term growth and economic stability.”

Prime Minister Minnis said Administration Officials have a comprehensive vision for a 21st Century Bahamas and national development.

The seven-point plan includes economic development, transformation and diversification; bolstering national security, including combating crime and its causes as well as illegal migration; advancing democracy, good governance and freedom through government and political reform and social development, inclusive of education, healthcare, housing, child, youth and community development and other elements of social well-being.

Other components of the vision include promoting and protecting the country’s cultural heritage; environmental stewardship and protection; and protecting and promoting Bahamian interests abroad.

Individual citizens and residents, have a role to play in the plans outlined for national development going forward, the Prime Minister said.

“Development does not solely refer to public infrastructure and economic growth, though both are essential for national development,” Prime Minister Minnis said.   “Development also refers to the cultural and social habits (that) help to make a country successful and well-run.

“These habits include a population committed to education and learning; the rule of law; an efficient and effective public sector; the development of the arts and culture; a commitment to civility and public cleanliness, and the cultivation of values such as working together for the common good and social justice and tolerance for, and the celebration of, diversity.

“Law and order are as essential for development,” Prime Minister Minnis continued, “Moreover, when we ignore or disrespect law and order in small things, we tend to adopt this attitude with the bigger things.”

 

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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