TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT 

#TurksandCaicos, February 25, 2022 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 7th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 16 February 2022 at the Premier’s Office on Grand Turk.

All Members were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and TCI Finance Limited to implement a marketing and strategic plan to grow the Financial Services Industry in TCI. Members also agreed on a review process after the first year.

• Discussed a proposed development agreement for the construction of affordable homes and luxury villas, and agreed on necessary steps required before this and similar proposals can be taken forwards.

• Discussed the purchase of tourism related parcels on Grand Turk by the TCI Government for public use in support of growing the cruise industry and wider tourism sector on Grand Turk. Members agreed on next steps.

• Agreed for the approved Provisional Warrant Resolution 2022-23 to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund in respect of the recurrent expenditure for part of FY2022-23 to be advanced to the House of Assembly.

• Noted work currently being undertaken to progress the e-government initiative, in particular proposed terms of reference and actions to deliver initial projects (Digital Government, National e-ID and Workflow management solution). Members agreed on next steps.

• Approved ad-hoc subsistence rates for Members of the TCIG Audit Committee. and

• Agreed on a holistic review of stipend and subsistence rates for committees and boards across the public sector.

• Disclaimed any interest in property held by a dissolved Company known as Blue River Limited.

• Discussed options for designating temporary facilities as a “hospital” within the meaning of the Mental Health Ordinance for the admission, assessment and treatment of persons who suffer mental disorders. Members also agreed next steps for to the period of care for psychiatric patients.

• Approved a Stamp Duty Policy for TCIslanders and BOTCs including an increase in the zero-rated transaction threshold and reduced rates of duty across the Islands.

• Discussed proposed amendments to the First Time Home Owner’s Policy, aimed at assisting in promoting homeownership for Turks & Caicos Islands Status Holders and BOTCs to commence on 1st April 2022.

• Approved the appointment of the PS Labour (Chair), DPS Finance, a representative from the Statistics Department, Premier’s Office, Labour Department, and AG Chambers, and two representatives from the private sector as Members of a Minimum Wage Committee to advise the TCI Government on a socially just wage to support wage earners in relative comfort when combined with social support programs for a period of three months with effect from 21 February 2022.

• Noted the TCI Government’s commitment, as Chair of the Board of Governors for the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD), to host the CBD’s annual general meeting in June 2022.

• Approved a request from the Hon. Attorney General to make an AG’s Reference to the Court of Appeal in respect of section 25 of the Road Traffic Ordinance.

• Approved the change in title of the Director of Road Safety and Department of Road Safety to the Director of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:

1. Infrastructure,

2. Education,

3. Tourism,

4. Finance, and the

5. Premier’s Office,

6. Office of the Deputy Governor, and

7. Attorney General’s Chambers.

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