TCI News
TCI braces for scrap metal trade but must also brace potentially for scavengers
#Providenciales, August 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The PDM Administration announced in the House of Assembly last week that it is creating an environment to encourage the export of scrap metal; Premier Sharlene Robinson rolled out the plan in her ministerial statement.
“Mr. Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islanders will not only have an opportunity to strive but thrive in the exportation of scrap medals.”
Three significant incentives, for the removal of scrap metal have been announced by the Premier as: “…approved through cabinet a policy to incentivize the removal of Scrap Metal from the TCI for a period of twelve (12) months; My Government has set the rates of cargo dues payable during the period of the policy to zero percent for a period of twelve (12) months and my Government has set the rate of security dues payable during the policy period to zero percent for the first six (6) month of the twelve (12) month period.”
Zero rates to export the eyesore of derelict vehicles, for example, is likely to be welcomed news; and admittedly for the Premier, cleaning the country up is a major driver for the decisions.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands currently does not have in place an effective and enforceable regime for the disposal of imported vehicles that are at the end of their useful lives. As a result, vehicles are abandoned and left at mechanical workshops or remain on the owner’s premises. Mr. Speaker, it is not uncommon to see abandoned vehicles in vegetated areas along streets and unpaved roads throughout the Islands. These vehicles would soon become derelict/ scrap metal. Mr. Speaker, these conditions constitute a defacement of the environment becoming an ‘eyesore,’ bringing down community aesthetics and a breeding ground for mosquitos, rodents and pests. Consequently, our health is threatened.”
But there is a caveat worth the mention here; regional neighbours have found that this lucrative industry has created a new kind of crime.
Jamaica found the increased rate of theft for metals like copper soared and in 2011, scrap metal trade was banned there. A recent announcement hinted at a return of the scrap metal industry to Jamaica, but with stringencies.
Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Anthony Hylton is quoted in media saying, “Any proof of theft of scrap metal that is exported by the company will result in stiff penalties and cancellation of the licence to export,” he said. “The penalty will be J$5 million and the company will have to post a bond of $5 million.”
It is not just Jamaica, but Antigua, Grenada, Montserrat and The Bahamas which were all sent reeling as the scavenging was so serious that historic sites were robbed of copper artifacts and utility companies, like BahamasTelecommunications, were hit in the hunt for copper wire. BTC was robbed of a reported $1 million in copper.
Payouts for scrap metal continue to soar; it is a good industry and sensible, profitable business.
Imagine being paid for computer motherboards, car alternators, aluminum sheets and cans, steel or cars, which iScrapp lists as attracting $110.00 for a complete car.
Scrap metal is big business and Premier Robinson, said her campaign promise was to ensure more islanders got a bite at big business.
“Mr. Speaker, my Government was approached by several persons in the community seeking ways to partner with the Government to assist in the removal of scrap metal and derelict vehicles. My Government immediately explored possibilities and created a policy which would assist in meeting the environmental challenges whilst creating opportunity for the local businesses.”
The TCI must obviously ensure its laws discourage illegal activity in this new scrap metal industry, but for now, the Premier is calling it a ‘win-win’ for business and environment.
#magneticmedianews
#tciscrapmetaltrade
#potentialscrapmetalscavengers
Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an expressions of interest process, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2007, Mr Dimaggio Rigby, Mr Geoff Scott and Mr Dennis Swann, have been appointed to serve as Commissioners on the Financial Services Commission Board of directors.
Mr Rigby brings specialist experience in cyber, media, and technology risks. He is currently employed in the City of London as a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant.
Mr Scott is a financial services professional with over 30 years’ successful track record in banking. He currently leads the Bermuda Bankers Association and was, until August 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Cooperation of Barbados Limited (ICBL).
Mr Swann is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He has expertise in Human Resources and worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 12 years. He has previously worked within the TCI FSC.
Commenting on the appointments, the Governor said:
“Following consultation with the Hon. Premier (in his capacity as th
e Minister of Finance) and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I have appointed Mr Dennis Swann, Mr Dimaggio Rigby and Mr Geoff Scott respectively, to serve as Commissioners (non-executive directors) on the Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC). I am confident that the combined experience of these three new Commissioners will help ensure the FSC delivers our vision for a technologically advanced financial services sector that is competitive and supports growth, is well regulated while agile and internationally respected.
I would like to thank Mr Keno Forbes for his previous service as a Commissioner.”
The appointments are for a three-year period, beginning in April 2024. Further details on the work of the Financial Services Commission can be found at TCIFSC.
Wednesday, April 17th 2024 – On Monday the 15th April at 11 am, the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) unveiled their new brand to their supporters, members, the media, government departments and partnering NGO’s. The TCAAF, which is now the Turks and Caicos Health and Wellness Foundation (TCHWF) welcomed everyone to their new office which is oblique to the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Downtown, Providenciales.
The TCHWF was founded in 2003 and is a registered non-profit organization in the TCI and a registered 501 (c) non-profit in the United States as well. TCHWF will focus on addressing broader health and social issues driven by the intersectionality of health and social factors, and disparities in services in the TCI.
At the ceremony, Dr. Dawn O’Sullivan, who provides medical care to persons living with HIV (PLHIV) through the Foundation and will continue to be the doctor on staff for TCHWF, gave the audience an insight on how the Foundation began. Dr. O’ Sullivan praised the board members, staff and volunteers for the success of the Foundation, which includes building the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. She explained that the rebranding was necessary since HIV is a chronic disease where you can take medication and live a long and healthy life, but support is needed for all persons living with chronic diseases and for the population that feels excluded or stigmatized.
TCHWF will provide holistic care to these populations. The new TCHWF office is comprised of a doctor’s office where patients can have consultations and be treated, and other comfortable spaces where persons can relax and unwind.
Nurse Nora Tyndall briefed the attendees on the services that the Foundation currently offers, such as the donation of a CD4 machine to the government so that patients can know their CD4 count before seeing the doctor. Other services being offered are free medical consultations, improved access to treatment and care, convenient access to medications, food cards, grocery distribution and the provision of formulas to infected mothers who give birth and cannot breastfeed. Nurse Tyndall highlighted that there is an increase in the number of pregnant women living with HIV in the TCI.
The new mandate of TCHWF is “Linking Lives, Transforming Communities”, the Foundation’s mission is to expand its services to connect HIV and non-HIV persons to entities and experts that can address varying needs.
The Executive Director of TCHWF, Anansa Jervis, highlighted the Foundation’s “aim to promote access to quality health services, information and education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Mrs. Jervis further explained that this would mean the need to “integrate HIV services and non-HIV services by increasing access to holistic and comprehensive health services needed for PLHIV and persons not living with HIV.” In this regard, the TCHWF intends to provide linkage to:
▪ The cultivation of youth empowerment and the development of life skills
▪ Health, hygiene, education and wellness strategies tailored to the needs of young women
▪ Care and support services for survivors of domestic violence
▪ Mental health, psychosocial services and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders.
▪ Equitable access to HIV care and support services, addressing disparities.
To achieve these linkages, the Foundation has held discussions with various NGO’s and government organizations to provide the necessary services and support to persons with varying needs.
One of the Board Members of the Foundation, Giovanni Delancy, gave the closing address by expressing thanks to God, the members, staff, media and volunteers for attending the unveiling ceremony. He closed with “we will continue to bring awareness and education to those not only with HIV/AIDS but other STD’s and other diseases. Let us continue to make a difference wherever we go.”
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