TCI News
Report to the Nation: TCI NHIP underfunded as lifestyle diseases costs soar, overdue report to reveal if contributions will increase
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 24, 2018 – In a report due to be completed by the end of May is where the nation will find out if the cost of contributions to the National Health Insurance Board should or will be increased to help stymie the year on year shortfalls of the social health care plan.
The Premier and Finance Minister, Hon Sharlene Robinson on Monday led a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Board in a nationally aired press conference which exposed progresses at the beleaguered entity.
Premier Sharlene Robinson, in opening said: “I have started the overdue actuarial review of the National Health Insurance Board, the results of which will form and inform key government decisions. Our Government has ensured financial support of the National Health Insurance Board to the tune of $12m. Ten million of which has already been dispersed in the recently passed supplementary budget.”
The NHIP has been running a deficit budget for the past three years and it is costing TCI tax payers $12m to bail out the health care plan.
“These funds have been used to significantly reduce the organization’s liabilities to its local and overseas providers. At this point the National Health Insurance Board is 70 to 80% of clearing all outstanding liabilities for the financial year 2017-2018. The remaining 20% should be completed by the end of April 2018.”
The reason for the overrun at the NHIB, which in the Statutory Board Review was recommended to be dismantled, is – among other things – the surging cost to the Plan of medical treatment overseas for thousands of patients; 70 to 80% of which are Turks and Caicos Islanders.
“The average total expenditure for the National Health Insurance Board over the last three years is $61 million. Hospital related payments accounted for about 51% of the average NHIP expenditure, followed by Treatment Abroad with 35%, pharmaceutical and local provider costs averaged about six percent and two percent respectively,” said Delton Jones, Chairman of the NHIP Board, who added later that, “This is indicative of the persistent under funding of the NHIP at a time when there has been increasing health care costs.”
The National Health Insurance Plan is reviewed in the Stephen Turnbull report as unsustainable, that it should be absorbed into the Ministry of Health. However, Cabinet Ministers rejected the idea and voted ‘no’ to the recommendation. The Premier tried to quell the fears of the 30 staffers at the NHIP.
“Let us not for one minute think that nothing is happening at the National Health Insurance Board. Our government has been working alongside the Board to fix the issues and turn the organization around, we are fixing it and we are committed to fixing the National Health Insurance Board. Premier Robinson said to the staff, with whom she plans to meet soon that “I personally wish to thank them for their dedication and assure them that the National Health Insurance Board is here and that my government is committed to their well being. We recognize that they have a pivotal role in turning the organization around and will be a part of all key decisions…”
The long overdue Actuarial Report is but one of the advancements currently underway to reveal the truest state of the NHIP; it was also announced that the Health Regulatory Agency (HRA) is nearing launch and Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health shared that there is a roll out plan.
“We have in place the CEO, as the Minister mentioned… it (the HRA) should have been in place prior to the opening of the Hospitals, unfortunately that did not progress in the manner in which it should have but we are now closer – closer meaning we have established an implementation plan which we should be rolling out within the next four to six months, before December.”
P.S. Lewis explained that the HRA is currently seeking a location, will bring on staff and will eventually manage and monitor all health facilities within the Turks and Caicos Islands. The HRA will also have auditing power over the National Health Insurance Plan.
The National Health Insurance Plan, as explained by Chairman of the Board, Delton Jones started collecting contributions in 2009 with a current enrolment of 33,218 members, which includes dependents.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
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