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Letter To The Editor: Protecting Generational Wealth!

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#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – Despite the significant impact caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, real estate reports show the market in TCI is at an all-time high, and continues to make remarkable gains.

With that being said, this should give us pause for thought; why in a global economic downturn, does TCI real estate continue to be such a hot commodity?

Could it be because we have such relaxed tax regulations, or is it a consortium of foreign investors with large sums of cash who are seeing this as a lucrative opportunity to acquire prime real estate?

In some cases, these properties are used to build lavish homes which are later utilized as short term vacation rentals, or better yet, just left for their next generation.

With this being a real possibility, are we forward thinking enough to undertake sharply focused policies to revise the existing laws and regulations in order to maximize revenue in this area?

We realize drafting legislation to enact policy changes is not an easy task, but the window of opportunity in this arena may be limited.

While the market is red hot and TCI is still listed as one of the top destination choices, the time to capitalize on the opportunity is now. At this given time, do we really need to relax the laws even more and give investors bigger tax breaks?

Albeit, over the years foreign investors have played an extremely important role in the growth and development of our country and we should be appreciative of that.

Nevertheless, we are at a stage in our development where it’s imperative that we take a closer look at the true overall impact it’s having on the betterment of both the country and communities at large.

When is enough, enough when it comes to selling off government land and generational properties to foreign investors? What our country needs is a more diverse portfolio other then selling off real estate.

Let’s face it, there are alternative foreign investment opportunities that could and should be explored. Areas such as light manufacturing or production like recycling on a larger scale, co-op sustainable fishing partnerships, restoration of our conch farm, call-centers, etc.

Generational property is the primary way for our millennials to build and accumulate wealth over time. So why continue to sell it off for pennies on the dollar without looking at the big picture?

With the changes in demographics and the high number of unskilled laborers in our country, these other types of investment opportunities could offer more employment prospects and social benefits. This will also help to raise the standard of living and allow us to become less reliant on low paying service jobs.

The underlying concern is, with the native population continuing to decline, Baby Boomers are pretty much the only ones remaining with generational properties.

Unlike many wealthy families in other developed countries, most of them will not inherit trust funds.

Therefore, we must preserve our only real asset which is generational land, and educate our children on the true value of our forefathers inheritance.

The reality is, most Turks Islanders are not in a financial position to hang onto undeveloped properties as long as they would like too, especially if they are cash strapped. They are then left in a precarious position when attractive offers are presented to them by realtors.

There is also a rising cost and huge demand for housing, especially in the high tourist areas that are the epicenter of jobs and businesses.

To help mitigate this, in my opinion, what is needed are more government affordable land and housing for the locals with the option to buy.

In addition, without having adequate banking systems in place to offer low cost property loans with affordable mortgage payments, it creates a disadvantage and more opportunities for foreign investors.

As places like Providenciales become over populated or have a shortage of inventory, the migration will move to South, North and eventually to Middle Caicos, creating a higher supply and demand market.

In the very near future, the business landscape as we know it in these Caicos islands will continue to evolve exponentially. Deserted land being sold right now, might not be what locals consider prime real estate, but it will be.

It is my belief, rising property value in these areas will be largely driven because of the recent proposed developments such as, a newly constructed marina, a welcome center and a reopening of the airport in North Caicos.

Over time, properties that were quite cheap to buy, suddenly becomes costly and the resale value will double or triple.  Once again, leaving the locals with limited options and very little transfer of wealth.

In essence, the real estate boom may not be a win, win for all in the long run. So the question remains, are we making sound real estate decisions in the best interest of the next generation?

 

Ed Forbes

POETRY :

Summer In Turks And Caicos Islands.

Summer by the sea and

It’s so beautiful to stop

And see watching the

Children smiling so bright

Having fun in the warm

Summer sunlight feeling the warmth

On my face and Turks And Caicos Islands is just

A beautiful sunny warm place and the

Taste the sweetest fruits and I’m

Watching the butterflies flow

Oh how I love the summer days

Smiling so bright kissing my beautiful wife

And all of the songs we sung where so

Beautiful and bright in the warm

Summer sunlight and it’s truly

Beautiful to see the little birds singing

To me it’s summer time and I’ll remember this summer’s day and all of my memories will never fade away Oh how I love summer time in Turks And Caicos Islands every day.

 

David P Carroll.

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Health

Ministry of Health and Human Services Launched Electronic Patient Care Report (Ambpro)

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly announces the successful launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR), marking a historic milestone in emergency healthcare services. The official unveiling ceremony took place on March 12, 2024 at the Atrium conference room.

In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including  Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Culture, Heritage and Religious Affairs, Honourable Josephine Connolly; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honourable Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove; and the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, who recognized the significance of the ePCR system in promoting public health and safety. Their presence underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements to better serve the needs of the population. Thus reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at improving emergency healthcare services and strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service’s capabilities.

During the launch event, the Minister of Health and Human Services highlighted the transformative impact of the ePCR system on patient care and emergency response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare, the Minister expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who contributed to the development and implementation of the ground breaking technology. The Deputy Premier praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the ePCR system, affirming its potential to revolutionize emergency medical services especially the pre-hospital management of citizens and visitors across the country.

The Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing technology to advance patient care. “The introduction of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services,” said Mr Brijmohansingh. “This innovative system empowers our teams with the tools they need to deliver swift and effective care, while ensuring that patient information is accurately captured and securely shared.”

The Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) represents a significant advancement in the National Ambulance Service’s mission to deliver efficient and high-quality emergency medical care to citizens across the nation. Developed with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, the ePCR system streamlines the documentation process, enhances communication, and ensures the seamless transfer of patient information between emergency responders and healthcare facilities.

The launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in the evolution of emergency medical services, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. With its implementation, the National Emergency Medical Services reaffirms its dedication to providing timely and effective care to individuals in their time of need.

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Education

Ministry of Education launches 2024 Season of Scholarship Applications

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 6th March, 2024– The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services would like to announce the launch of the 2024 scholarship application season which opens on March 11th 2024. This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.  For more information on our priority areas please visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat

Estimated awards within each award category as follows: –

  • Standard Financial Assistance ………………………………………………….(55) including:

o    Cadet Financial Assistance …………………………………………………(2)

o    The TCI Hope Award …………………………………………………………..(2)

o    Intl. Associate’s Degree / A-Level awards ……………………… (3)

o    TCICC Academic Excellence Award …………………………………..(7-preselected)

  • Athletic Financial Assistance ……………………………………………………..(3)
  • National Scholars Awards ………………………………………………………….(4 -preselected)
  • Special Needs Students Financial Assistance Award ……………(2)
  • BWIC – GCE Advanced Level …………………………………………………….(3)

Explanatory notes in the link provided above outlines the criteria for each award category.

Our new application method

Our new application method for financial assistance marks a departure from traditional email or paper submissions; all applications must now be submitted exclusively through tcig-nefa.grantplatform.com/. Utilizing the Good Grants platform, an internationalized grant-making platform, applicants can easily apply online by clicking the provided link.

Dates

  • Application deadline: 30th May, 2024 at [11:59 pm] [EST]
  • Please note the application deadline, this date is final and there will be no extensions provided for the initial submission. The system will automatically prevent application submission after the deadline.
  • There is an extension date for the below documents IF NECESSARY up to June 30th.
    • Acceptance Letter
    • Transcript
  • Successful applicants will be notified in early August 2024.

Support

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Scholarship Secretariat Unit by email to [scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc]. DO NOT SEND APPLICATION SUBMISSION TO THIS ADDRESS.

  • You may edit your application after submitting, up until the deadline date.
  • Please make sure all your personal details are entered accurately, including contact details, so that we may contact you if your application is successful.
  • You are allowed to submit to more than one category, as long as the work submitted meets the criteria. However you can only be awarded 1 award.
  • You can use the ‘copy’ feature to create a copy of your application and change the category as required.

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Education

Department of Special Education Needs Services makes strides at CEC 2024 convention and Expo

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The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing services for exceptional learners through its participation in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2024 Convention and Expo, held in San Antonio, Texas March 12th to 16th 2024. This event, renowned for its dedication to advancing the field of special education, provided a platform for our team to immerse themselves in a wealth of knowledge and resources.

The convention, with a rich history of fostering collaboration and innovation, focused on sensitizing attendees to global initiatives in special education. Our team, consisting of four professionals from the Department of Special Education Needs Services; Mrs. Paulette Simmons – Special Education Teacher at SNAP Center, Jamiliyah Jordan – Speech and Language Pathologist, Christina Joseph – Behavioural Analyst, Lashaunda Skippings – Coordinator of Assessments and one representative from the Department of Education, Mrs. Faaida James – Special Education Officer benefited immensely from four days of information-packed workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge assistive technologies and programs.

 CEC 2024 Convention and Expo has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of special education. Each year, it gathers professionals, researchers, and advocates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to support individuals with exceptional needs.

 Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, and a part of the team, shared her thoughts on the convention, stating, “ The CEC 2024 Convention exceeded my anticipations. It was incredibly enlightening and stimulated thoughtful reflection. I am grateful for the openness of presenters who shared their exemplary practices in Special Education, that address the needs of students with disabilities globally.”

Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of Special Education Needs Services, expressed her excitement about the department’s progress, stating, “The thrill that fills the department and the parents as initiatives in Special Education Needs falls into place remarkably is tangible. We are dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained from events like CEC 2024 to further enhance our services and support for exceptional learners.”

 Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, expressed her commendation for the Department of Special Education Needs Services, stating, “I commend the Department of Special Education Needs Services for their unwavering dedication and proactive stance in participating in the CEC 2024 Convention and Expo. The Ministry acknowledges the pivotal role of such initiatives in elevating the standards of special education services and fostering the comprehensive development of exceptional learners nationwide.” 

 The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive and inclusive support to individuals with special needs. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every exceptional learner can thrive.

 For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and its initiatives, please contact sens@gov.tc.

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