TCI News

TCI Economy could lose $460 million in Tourism job cuts and slashed salaries, says TCHTA & KPMG survey

Published

4 years ago

May 8, 2020

#TurksandCaicosIslands – May 7, 2020 — Tourism sector employers in the Turks and Caicos Islands believe they will have to gradually decrease basic salaries to their staff and may eventually have to lay-off workers, up to 44 per cent of them, as the COVID-19 crises continues to paralyze the travel industry.

The shocking findings herald a possible collapse of the Turks and Caicos economy and are revealed in a survey conducted by KPMG and commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, TCHTA. Compelling statements and suggestions are made to the TCI Government about possibly decreasing the economic disaster which looms now, due to the unprecedented pandemic.

An excerpt from the survey report says: “If the effects of the pandemic are thought to continue for another six months the monthly fall, based on monthly payroll data of respondents, will be US$46m which for the period April to October represents a cumulative fall (including April) in economic activity of approximately US$300m.”

Stretch out any continued negative impacts on travel and tourism due to the Coronavirus, the Turks and Caicos could see economic activity usually enjoyed due to the employees resident within these islands, plummet by as much as US$460m over nine months.

More than 5,600 employees are represented in the report by a range of employers who were surveyed from April 12-20; the cumulative pay for this sampling of workers in hotel and tourism is estimated at $11.9 million per month.

While there is no concrete number of how many TCHTA members were included as the source of the survey data, KPMG informed that 48 per cent of those surveyed had between one and 20 staffers; 31 per cent of responders employ between 21-100 people; twelve percent of the employers have from 101 to 500 staff members and nine per cent of those who completed the survey questions, employ over 500 people.

It was revealed that since the impact of the pandemic on this tourism destination, fifty-six percent of employees were retained, 30 percent were furloughed or temporary laid off and 14 percent have been terminated.

Currently the islands have zero tourists with all ports of entry closed to visitors during the public health crisis; so the leading industry is already in dire straits. The KPMG survey exposes there is still more ground to loose however, including the loss of spending by the employees from the country’s leading industry.

Food shopping to rent to fuel and school fees, dining, banking, services, utilities and entertainment will all suffer tremendous decreases in business activity if 44 percent of the industry workers are laid off and if the remaining 56 per cent are not able to receive their full pay.

KPMG explained it this way: “… it is clear from the survey results that the percentage of base pay being paid in April is not sustainable. Fifty-nine per cent of employers indicated that at the end of April they will have to reduce this percentage of basic pay which will reduce the level of economic activity even further particularly when taking into account the 44 per cent of the workforce that will be let go shortly.”

One solution put forth in the document is a government supported staff retention program.

“Seventy per cent of employers indicated they would be willing to contribute to some form of a Coronavirus staff retention program (“the program”) which would be a program, ideally backed by new legislation, which ensures current employees continue to be employed and receive some pay even though there may be no work for them for a certain period. Employees would also have their continuity of service maintained. They would not be considered to be unemployed. The program would be voluntary with “Participating Employers” and “Non-Participating employers.”

With tourism salaries contributing as much as $55 million per month to the country’s GDP, according to the survey, there is an unequivocal message being transmitted: that Government’s support of a staff retention program would mitigate the severity of further fall out in the face of COVID-19.

In the end, it is stated within the TCHTA and KPMG survey report: “No economy the size of TCI’s can sustain such dramatic falls in economic activity.”

Government

Register of Interests of the Members of the House of Assembly

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed. Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.

The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023.

The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:

⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk

⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales

⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)

⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.

The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.

For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)

By e-mail at: secretary@integritycommission.tc or info@integritycommission.tc

News

Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross Celebrates World First Aid Day

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.

Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.

In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life

News

Turks and Caicos Vector Control Supervisors Enhance Skills at CARPHA Workshop in Cayman

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.

The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.

Key topics covered in the workshop included:

The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.

This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.

The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.