News
Turks and Caicos Statutory Board review report released, Government to embark on vigorous reforms
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 3, 2018 – Seven days of dedicated focus by a Consultant has unearthed some disturbing truths about Statutory Bodies within the Turks and Caicos Islands, and country leaders say the findings will improve governance but not lead to any dismantling of boards.
“We would not be doing this if this was not going to offer the opportunity of genuine improvement and limited risking of these bodies. We started out because we had concerns and of course the NHIB (social health care board) was of a particular concern, but there were also more general ones… so yes, we think it will be better,” shared Governor Dr. John Freeman during the press conference to announce that the report was completed and available to the public.
Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson added, “The public needs to understand that this exercise speaks to good governance overall but specifically the public wants to ensure that we are limiting government to financial risks.”
Reference was made, by both Governor and Premier, to the consistent budget-busting cost of medical care referrals for treatment abroad tied to the nine year old social health care plan. The announcement of a review of statutory boards came in November 2016, following a $2m overrun at the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB)
Over two meetings, the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands considered the recommendations in the report by former Chief Financial Officer of the Turks and Caicos, Stephen Turnbull which was on March 1, 2018 made public on the TCIG website.
“We actually had a presentation from the reviewer and we discussed this and we have moved very quickly through Cabinet because we deem it very important. While we ensure that we going to engage the statutory bodies, it is not going to be a long projected exercise we are going to move as quickly as we possibly can… to ensure there is good governance…” 
The Turnbull Report exposed old and new problems of the 13 Statutory Boards reviewed, and among the most prominent concerns are that the Boards are staffed with unqualified people, that some individuals were receiving inflated compensation and that all but one board had no strategic plan.
“The Consultant concluded that there is a lack of strategic planning and systemic organizational and senior leadership performance management which has created a culture which does not promote effective accountability, shared Governor, Dr. Freeman.
The Governor explained that he was reading a consolidated version of the actual report, adding that the Consultant found areas which Statutory Boards were not eager to embrace and others that question how selection of board members are made by the various leaders.
“He observed again, that some board members held no relevant qualifications or experience under the provisions for which they were appointed. It is therefore doubtful that the members could effectively contribute on strategic or operational matters.”
It is a widely held view that the board appointments by successive political parties elected as government are given as tokens of appreciation to staunch party members.
Next for the Governor, Premier and relevant Ministers is to hold meetings with each Board reviewed by Mr. Turnbull.
The Premier has six boards within her portfolio, the Home Affairs Minister is with one, as is the Minister of Education and the Minister of Health, who jointly shares responsibility for the NHIB with Finance. The Tourism Minister oversees two of the boards and the Governor has oversight of three statutory bodies.
The Press Conference was held at the Office of the Premier, Hilly Ewing Building on Thursday March 1, 2018 at 9am.
News
TCI DELEGATION ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE (CAPP) IN BARBADOS
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – A delegation from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS) traveled to Barbados to attend the launch of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP). The event marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in probation and parole efforts, with participation from several Caribbean Islands. The delegation representing the Turks and Caicos Islands included: Mrs. Bridgette Newman (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Jaron Harvey (Director), and Ms. Drexanna Seymour (Probation and Parole Officer).
During the launch, a presentation on the progress of TCI’s rehabilitation and probation sectors was delivered, highlighting both existing and
upcoming innovative programs aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting behavioral change among clients. Director Harvey emphasized, “We are committed to creating a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also empowers them with the tools to transform their lives.” He added, “Collaborating with regional partners through CAPP enables us to build on these efforts by sharing our achievements and learning from one another. Our emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and behavioral change is already showing positive results, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
PS Newman asserted “as a region, we face similar challenges, and this organisation allows us to pool our resources and knowledge to develop solutions that work for us. I am proud of the strides we have made in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our partnership with CAPP will further enhance our efforts to reduce re-offending and empower those under our care to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
The launch of CAPP represents a milestone in strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices across the Caribbean to tackle issues related to probation, parole, and reintegration. The association aims to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and policy development to address the needs of individuals within the justice system while promoting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
The delegation’s participation in this event underscores TCI’s commitment to leading by example in probation and parole services, while the collaborative efforts with CAPP promise a brighter future for rehabilitation and community supervision across the region.
News
Department of Housing and Community Renewal Provides Update on Home Improvement Projects Across Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, October 6, 2024 – The Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is pleased to update the public on the progress of its Home Improvement Programme, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing living conditions for residents.
The programme has been rolled out across several islands, with numerous projects underway aimed at improving housing standards. The Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell R. Robinson, commented on the initiative:
“This programme represents our government’s dedication to ensuring that every resident has access to safe and comfortable housing. We are proud of the progress made so far, and we remain focused on completing these projects in a timely manner, while ensuring quality and accountability.”
Island Progress Updates:
Grand Turk:
- A total of 11 projectswere approved in batch one of the programme.
- 6 contractshave been awarded, and work is actively progressing on 4 of these projects:
- One project is 60% complete.
- Another is 50% complete.
- One is at 30% completion.
- The fourth is 25% complete.
Providenciales:
- 6 projectswere approved in batch one.
- 3 contractshave been awarded, with the following progress:
- Two projects are 25% complete.
- The third project has reached 10% completion.
South Caicos and Salt Cay:
- 9 projectshave been approved for South Caicos, and 3 projectsfor Salt Cay.
- In both islands, 2 contractshave been awarded, with mobilisation of works expected to begin shortly.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos:
- The Department is currently awaiting bids from contractors under the Framework Agreement.
- Once received, the bids will be reviewed, and contracts will be awarded as part of the government’s commitment to ensure the housing needs of these islands are met.
Programme Overview and Commitment
The Home Improvement Programme is a key part of the government’s broader efforts to address housing needs across the Turks and Caicos Islands. By targeting homes in need of repair, the initiative aims to improve the living standards of many families. With projects already underway and more set to begin shortly, the DHCR remains committed to the successful and timely completion of all works.
The Department will continue to provide updates on the progress of these critical projects as they move forward.
For further inquiries, residents can contact the Department at 649-338-2220.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The long-awaited Turks and Caicos School Sports (TCISS) season kicked off on Saturday, September 28th, with the expectation of an electrifying resurgence of school spirit.
The first school sport on schedule is the Inter-High School Football season for Boys and Girls. Last year’s Boys’ champions were the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School and the Marjorie Basden High School were back-to-back champions for the Girls.
The opening weekend will take place at the TCIFA stadium on Venetian Road starting at 10:00 am but all following games in the season will take place at the National Stadium.
Chosen by the coaches in a lottery draw, here are the groups each team will be playing in:
Boys Group A
British West Indies Collegiate – BWIC
Wesley Methodist High School – WMHS Maranatha Academy – MA
Clement Howell High School – CHHS
TCIPS Comprehensive High – TCIPS
Boys Group B
Raymond Gardiner High School – RGHS
HJ Robinson High School – HJRHS
- Louise Garland Thomas High School – ALGTHS Marjorie Basden High School – MBHS
Elite High School – EHS
Girls Group A
Clement Howell High School – CHHS
Wesley Methodist High School – WMHS
Raymond Gardiner High School – RGHS
- Louise Garland Thomas High School – ALGTHS
Girls Group B
British West Indies Collegiate – BWIC
Clement Howell High School – CHHS
HJ Robinson High School – HJRHS
Marjorie Basden High School – MBHS
On the launch of TCISS 2024-25, Hon. Rachel Taylor shares, “As Minister with responsibilities for Sports, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate all schools for making the assertive effort to ensure that their students are actively engaged in sporting initiatives in partnership with the Sports Commission. Such partnerships aid in the effective delivery of the Physical Education Curriculum. The various sporting disciplines provide an opportunity to develop the soft skills of our students in areas such as leadership, team building, and resilience, and promote physical fitness. We wish our schools all the best as we launch our school sports season.”.
How to Watch Games: 
For this year’s game schedules visit the TCISS page: https://www.gov.tc/sports/our-events/tci-school-sports. Tickets will be sold at the stadium booth: Adults $5, and Children $3.
Visit this link to review last year’s season’s fixtures and standings: https://www.schoolssports.com/CompetitionMicrosite/Competitionintro.asp?TID=TCISS-Football&S=20232024.
Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports 2024-25 Schedule
- TCISS Inter-High School Football Boys, TCISS Inter-High School Football Girls – September 28, 2024 – October 26, 2024 (Providenciales)
- TCISS Inter-High School Basketball – November 2024 – February 2025 (All-Island)
- TCISS Inter-High School Softball – November 2024 – February 2025
- Track and Field Development Meets – February & March 2025
- TCISS Inter-High School Track and Field – March 2025 (Providenciales)
- TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field – April 2025 (Providenciales)
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