Turks & Caicos Islands Cabinet Report

#TurksandCaicos, March 19, 2021 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 3^rd meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 10 March 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.  All members were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

·         Were updated on the state of the nation and discussed measures to further address and mitigate against any escalation of Coronavirus (Covid-19) including increased testing of front line staff, administration of vaccines and a review of existing protocols.

·         Approved funding for the hire of additional staff at Cheshire Hall Hospital (Providenciales) and consumables to increase the provision of dialysis care for a period of 12 months in light of rise in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic. Members also discussed health care provision by InterHealth Canada more broadly.

·         Were informed on options for expanding the administration of the Covid-19 Vaccine into the communities through the use of mobile clinics, vaccination drive-throughs and home vaccinations in the case of persons who cannot move.

·         Approved a phased approach for the resumption of organized sports within the Turks and Caicos Islands, beginning with a return to training for TCIFA and the CARIFTA teams (phase one) with effect from 11 March 2021.

·         Approved the drafting of a bill to vest ownership of TCIG sports and recreation facilities and parks in the TCI Sports Commission for their management, preventative and corrective maintenance, control and development.

·         Approved the issuance of a revenue line for the TCI Sports Commission, allowing it to collect its own revenue.

·         Approved the removal of the Turks & Caicos Islands Status card issuance fee and waiving of replacement fee for a period of three months with effect from 11 March 2021.

·         Approved the implementation of a Fraud Policy document as a working document within the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services coming into effect on 1 April 2021.

·         Approved final draft versions of the following documents for referral to the UK for final approval:

a) an Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for cooperation among certain law enforcement activities (“the Shiprider Agreement”) and 

b) a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation on Border Control between the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

·         Were updated on parliamentary procedures and practices being adopted by the incoming government and elected members, and discussed new roles and responsibilities under consideration.

·         Were updated on the recent landfall of irregular migrants and discussed further work required to mitigate sloop arrivals and address the presence of other illegal persons currently in TCI.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.