TCI News
NHIP averaging $10 million over budget annually; latest Actuarial Review tabled in Parliament
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 25, 2019 — In a matter of just four years, the National Health Insurance Plan is expected to bust its own budget to the tune of $43.1 million dollars according to Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson.
The National Health Insurance Board this month made a final presentation to Cabinet on its latest Actuarial Review and during House of Assembly meeting on Monday, Premier Robinson laid the review including its recommendations on the table.
“Coming out of this actuarial review are various recommendations for the national health insurance program to implement in order to address the estimated accumulated deficit of $43.1 million over financial year 2018 to 2022.”
The National Health Insurance Plan has grown over 40 percent since it started in 2010; from under 24,000 to now over 35,000 beneficiaries which accounts for 84 percent of the taxable population according to the Finance Minister. The need for medical care paid for by the social health care plan has also grown significantly.
“To this end Mr. Speaker, an actuarial review of the period April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017 was conducted. I will provide a status update of the responses to the recommendations from the review. As mentioned already Mr. Speaker, a new actuarial review for the period post April 1. 2017 to March 31, 2019 has been commissioned and of course this will advise the minister and the board on the sustainable health care financing strategies to be pursued in the short, medium and long term.”
The NHIP actuarial of 2018 is a forensic review; aiming to expose whether or not the plan is adequately supported by the salary-deducted and employer-matched contributions; in other words, it gauges whether the plan is financially able to do what it promises it will do.
The revelation on Monday by the Premier confirms that the National Health Insurance Plan is falling short by an average $10 million, plus each year but she said the next Actuarial Review is when the Minister and the Board will determine the way forward.
“The evaluation is to take into account, health are financing strategies under consideration by the Board as well as any need to increase the stipulated reserve as outlined in Section 28 of the NHI ordinance,” the Premier explained that the new review will likely commence in the third quarter of 2019 and added, “The 2019-2020 budget catered for sums to address these recommendations such as the development of a funding policy and a risk management policy which are detailed among the recommendations listed below.”
Among the recommendations are enhanced staff efficiency measures, a human resources study, creation of a three-year strategic plan, renegotiated fees for more competitive treatment abroad services prices and a Claims Verification Officer has been hired.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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