TCI News
TCI Premier doubles down on no Civil Service pay cut while asking the CSA to wait
#TurksandCaicosIslands – The Premier has doubled down on the commitment to not cut civil servants salaries. Sharlene Robinson, also the country’s Minister of Finance defended her office and PDM Administration on its intention for terminal benefits for Civil Servants.
“To project that there should be a sacrifice at this time is premature or to state that TCIG can not commit has been mischaracterized following a release from the President of the CSA. I believe it is important to clarify by saying that the state of finances in this country and the uncertainty around the finances that exists has seen TCIG seek to borrow to stabilize its cash flow to meet existing commitments including high fixed costs like salaries and will honour commitments made.
We remain committed to the public service and have over the years demonstrated this,” said Premier Robinson in a statement issued November 26.
The Covid-19 pandemic has shoved the Turks and Caicos into recession. Global tourism took the hardest hit and for this tourism dependent jurisdiction, that means earnings are down, government spending is down but the unexpected costs linked to the virus which has sickened 64.5 million people across the globe, including 750 Turks and Caicos residents has stymied plans to honour the government’s commitments to the public sector.
The promise is however, five-years old.
“On coming to Office, I met with the then President of the CSA and members of the Executive. Following that meeting I also spoke with the Deputy Governor who advised that the committee appointed in 2015 had been able to progress the work further due to other pressing commitments. We agreed that a consultant can carry out the task and I offered to fund it. This offer was accepted and the consultant was retained,” explained the Premier.
The matter has reached the Cabinet level, said the Premier, but it is not concluded.
“Until these costs are assessed, TCIG cannot and has not taken a decision. The matter of the pandemic and the resultant economic crisis has been time consuming and has certainly been a priority but our commitment has not waivered. We are asking the President and the CSA family to rest assured that this remains a commitment but also to note as I publicly stated that the Budget for 2021 will be late and will come within a new Administration.”
In listing other opportunities and benfits in the public sector, Premier Sharlene Robinson noted that increments have returned, a credit union for the civil service on the cutting board and “Despite overtures to cut salaries, on rising to bring the national budget this year, I assured the CSA that TCIG will not take a look at cutting salaries as a response to carry TCI’s finances through what has been a troubling year for the country but will do as economists advise.”
***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.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCayman Relief Mission to Hurricane hit CARICOM nations
-
Caribbean News7 days agoCARICOM raising profile and priority of its Migration Policy; curbing challenges ‘a tall order’
-
Caribbean News1 week agoHurricane Help; Money donated to Jamaica, Barbados, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia and Grenada
-
Caribbean News1 week agoJamaica’s Hurricane Recovery Efforts Bolstered by Donation from Cayman Islands
-
Bahamas News7 days agoPrime Minister Davis: Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 ‘a long time coming’
-
News7 days agoWhat the new UK Prime Minister had to say about the Rwanda Deportation Plan at his first press conference
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas Celebrates 51st Independence – ‘United In Love & Service’
-
News7 days agoTurks & Caicos’ E.J Saunders part of Election Observer team in UK on July 4