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PREMIER EWING RESPONDS TO BRITISH MP EDWARD MILIBAND ON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP & CENTRAL REGISTRY

Published

8 years ago

February 10, 2015

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuesday February 10, 2015 – Note has been taken of the various unfortunate statements made by UK Opposition Labour Party Leader the Rt. Hon. Edward Miliband as quoted recently in a number of the UK Media Channels where he charges that the UK Overseas Territories are not complying with UK directives as it relates to beneficial ownership of companies and public central registries of beneficial ownership of companies.

It must first be stated that as Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I have yet to receive or have sight of any correspondence from the UK Labour Leader in respect of this subject at hand or any other subject. However, I note the letter of Chief Minister Picardo of Gibraltar to Mr. Miliband and wish to align, in most parts, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ position with that of Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, and that of the Overseas Territories that stand in solidarity on this issue.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government takes exception to the statement made by Mr. Miliband, in referring to our jurisdiction as a “Tax Haven”. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a well regulated and compliant financial services jurisdiction that has complied with the FATF Standards, Global Forum Standards and have signed numerous Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs), including the US-FATCA, UK-FATCA and multilateral agreement on automatic exchange of information in Berlin on 29 October 2014, among numerous others agreements.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, represented by the Deputy Premier in June 2014, along with other UK OT Leaders, supported the UK Prime Minister Cameron during his presidency of the G8 as the United Kingdom made commitments to improve transparency of information to combat tax evasion, money laundering and financing of terrorism. Prime Minister Cameron acted on his commitment and is progressing the establishment of a publicly available central registry of beneficial ownership of companies in the UK and is encouraging all of the UK OTs, which, Mr. Cameron emphatically stated are not tax havens, to follow suite.

In keeping with our joint UK/OTs commitment for transparency and to proactively combat illicit activities, the Turks and Caicos Islands devised an Action Plan and conducted a public consultation on the issues of maintenance of Legal and Beneficial Ownership information and the establishment of a Central or public Register of Beneficial Ownership information. This consultation was recently concluded and the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet has reviewed the results.

It is the position of the Turks and Caicos Islands that we will continue to comply with all of the global standards as issued by FATF, Global Forum, AML Directives, G20 Principles and we will continue to improve our systems, in ways that support sound business growth locally and globally. However, until such time as there is global agreement on appropriate exemptions and safeguards, and a public central registry becomes the internationally practiced standard, the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to follow its current regime.

Perhaps it would have been more helpful to these Turks and Caicos Islands and other Overseas Territories for the Labour Leader to have sought an audience with the Leaders of the Overseas Territories during our many visits to the UK, the most recent being for the purpose of the Joint Ministerial Conference meeting during which meeting, the issue of beneficial ownership was of key debate. Such engagement would have allowed Mr. Miliband to familiarize himself with our jurisdictions, and perhaps he might have discovered that the OTs are not tax havens as he accuses, but, in fact, well and better regulated financial services jurisdictions than many larger jurisdictions. Mr. Miliband would have then been in a better position to more appropriately inform his party’s manifesto in support of assisting the Turks and Caicos Islands and other OTs economies, as one would expect of responsible leadership, rather than utilizing outdated and damaging descriptions that undermine the strident efforts made by OTs to date to meet and in some cases surpass internally accepted standards.

The Turks and Caicos Islands stands committed to support and implement any global transparency initiatives and directives that will combat tax evasion, money laundering and financing of terrorism, and welcome discussions with the UK as a part of the solidarity partnership among OTs on the eventual maintenance of a Central Registry, but this will be done cautiously and with sober thought to the appropriate level that the information should be made public. We must ensure that we are supporting law enforcement agencies and thwarting criminals, all while ensuring the sustainable growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the protection of the fundamental constitutional rights and privacy of the law abiding citizens and clients we serve.
END

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Branch out and Tap in to greater Financial Opportunities says Robert Hall

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Teachers in The Turks and Caicos need to be allowed to market their skills to the private sector, broadening their earning potential and likely enhancing their tenure as teachers, also attached to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

Robert Hall, a former Minister of Education made the edgy suggestion at an Education Week Symposium which was carried live on the TCIG’s Facebook page.

“For instance, a good music teacher, rather than simply training voices why not get into the entertainment field?”

Home Economics teachers and Technical Drawing teachers and similarly talented individuals should break into the industry and tap into the Turks and Caicos’ multi-million-dollar clientele.

“Why not offer the service and you can do that at a cheaper rate. In each case whether it is the Home Ec teacher, the TD teacher or woodworking teacher; pull some of your students along with you into those areas,” he urged.

The presence of local job experience programs aside, what Hall is suggesting, should it be carried out, could put local teachers and students in the direct path of mega successful hoteliers, architects, artistes and more. Some of the most successful people in the world frequent the Turks and Caicos and there have been several occasions where residents have their talents recognized and honed by investors.

It is well known that the late Prince, a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, gave unique opportunities to Quinton Dean in music and Frank Forbes in culinary arts; one touring with him and the other his personal chef. Forbes was also a personal chef to music and movie star, Tyrese. More recently, recording artist Jenardo Laporte was handed a whopping $20,000 by global music mogul, Drake, when he demonstrated undeniable talent.

Robert Hall is a firm believer. He says that through branching out, educators would be able to seriously help themselves financially.

Caribbean News

Illegal immigration, still a real threat in TCI

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Immigration reform is perhaps the most complex policy to enact, let alone enforce without stepping on individuals human rights or on the toes of a certain group of people. I realize there is an undercurrent of tension right now as it relates to this delicate topic, but it’s important to discuss. This is why in my opinion, no one has the perfect solution or answers, not even major developed countries. Nevertheless, elected politicians have an obligation and a duty to come up with a comprehensive approach and viable solutions in the best interest of our the Turks and Caicos.

The impact of the recent pandemic have created even more of a nightmare for many countries around the world. As

a result, many people are suffering and in dire straits of basic needs. Amid the fears and instability in our neighboring country like Haiti, it’s pretty evident. As we can see, without intervention, it is forcing hundreds, if not thousands of illegal migrants to risk theirs lives to reach our shores.

Years ago, political pundits were taken back when the former premier stated that she cannot stop the illegal Haitian sloops from coming. Although, not politically correct, it has proven to be factual. Despite their tireless efforts, with some progress being made in recent months, which political party has yet to show they can?

For decades our country has dealt with illegal immigration, primarily Haitian and Dominican nationals and there seems to be no real solutions or end in sight. Recently, many other nationalities are seizing on the opportunities and taking advantage of the loopholes in our immigration system and porous boarders.

I’m inclined to believe we literally have thousands of undocumented immigrants living in our country under the shadows, be it from undetected illegal boats coming ashore or persons who have overstayed their visas.

The recent voters list published by Tci Sun, which showed only 9,034 registered voters out of a population of approximately 45k, could be indicative of the magnitude of our illegal immigration problems.

Currently, there are ongoing discussions of enlarging our franchise through a legal framework with descendants of TCI. Looking at it through this prism, although noteworthy, we ought to be careful not to rush this initiative. In doing so, it could be consequential. In the interim, why not deal with the problem at hand?

In a small island nation like TCI, unchecked immigration could threaten the very fabric of our society in terms of our culture, the burden on our existing welfare system, etc. What we need is zero tolerance for illegal immigration. Although we are advocates for human rights, our country has a rule of law that must be adhered too.

In order to properly enforce our current laws and bring about real change, the government will need to have stronger checks and balances in place, in addition to implementing more aggressive deterrent tactics.

Such as, a better tracking system for overstayed visas under the “Operation Guardian programme”.

-Imposing hefty fines for hiring illegals or aiding and abetting illegal entry.

-Housing enforcement of make-shift shacks erected on vacant properties, be it government or private.

-Investing heavily in border control and protecting our sovereign water ways.

-Increasing unannounced worksite immigration inspections, etc.

It’s unfortunate, but given the rapid decline of our indigenous population over the years and the construction boom, the country cannot continue to thrive and survive without foreign workers. The reality is, our country does not have sufficient local labor force to meet the construction demands and the growing need for workers in the service industry.

The question is, at what point are we willing to accept this reality? I also believe there is a broader appetite by the public for the government to make some necessary amendments to our current immigration policies. It’s evident, the British government who is ultimately responsible for our external security, is only spoon feeding us when we cry out. I’m afraid, the road we are currently on, its putting the country in a very precarious position which will be difficult to rebound.

With that being said, there are other options the government should also consider to help mitigate the internal and external impending threats. The first option: Whilst developing bilateral security partnerships is great, let’s ramp up the pressure on the British government to station their own coastguard ship in our waters on a semi-permanent basis. This will help to deal with the constant interceptions of illegal vessels and less reliance on the US and Bahamian Coastguard.

With our limited Marine resources, why are we processing hundreds of illegal migrants on our shores? Our system was not designed to house and support such levels of immigration. The high cost of repatriation is draining our already strapped fiscal budget, which in turn creates other economic shortfalls for the country.

The second option: Consider passing an amnesty bill with a path to citizenship for those without criminal records who can prove they have entered the country prior to XYZ date. For eligibility, such persons would have to provide some form of legal documentation, work history, passport and credible references.

Obviously, this will need to be a well thought out process and will require some kind of “Think Tank” committee to brainstorm this to see what the legal ramifications may be. It will also need to include our census bureau embarking on a countrywide effort for a more accurate headcount.

By doing this, we may accomplish a number of things, for one, it will decrease what I would characterize as the “slave labor pool” in our country. In addition, it will allow those who were once illegal to pay into our NHIB, NIB health and retirement system rather then draining it at our own expense.

“ The bottom line is, it’s a broken system and we cannot continue to kick the can down the road. If we operate the same way we will get the same results”.

As we have seen over the years, even though many of these voyages could be very treacherous, these migrants are undeterred by the seemingly odds of dying to get to TCI.

Therefore, it is futile to just sit back, complain and think it will magically go away. Because, at the end of the day, they are here, living and working among us undetected and have been for years. Something unprecedented must be done.

Illegal immigration is a matter that should concern all of us. Whether or not we choose to confront the problem, or just put a bandaid on it, it’s definitely something we need to tackle head on.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Caribbean News

Tenders Published for Credit Union, South Caicos Port, K-9 Unit and Public Sector Pay Raise

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurkandCaicos, March 24, 2023 – Contracts are now up for grabs as some long-awaited projects are poised to get started with funding allotted, and projects in need of companies to execute them; they include, the investigation into another pay increase for public servants, the new credit union, and development in South Caicos.

A suite of tender documents was officially published earlier this year for upgrades including the South Caicos Port Dredging Project.

The South Caicos Channel has not been properly maintained since it was initially constructed. The project aims to restore navigability to the port and increase the vessel, and barge sizes (tonnage capacity) with access to the port according to the government’s tender.

The TCIG says this is to reduce the costs of imports as the fully loaded barges reduce costs of goods and materials to residents, local businesses, and existing and future commercial development interests at South Caicos.

The Office of the Deputy Governor has also opened a tender to reassess payment for all public servants.

A consultant is being sought to do a grading review for the entire sector of which the Deputy Governor is in charge. The Government introduced a pay increase of 10 percent for public servants last year. However, most of that was not cash in hand as it went to a new retirement fund.

The tender follows the increase of the minimum wage in February, to 8 dollars an hour.

Next up is the new National Credit Union which the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade is hoping a consultant will step up to establish. The Credit Union is aimed at expanding financing options for residents beyond commercial lenders.

Customised vehicles are also being brought in for a brand-new K-9 unit at the Department of Customs. Late last year, K-9 Units were used at the nation’s ports and were successful in detecting and thwarting efforts to smuggle illicit drugs into the Turks and Caicos Islands.