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IMF hired by TCI Gov’t; VAT seems to be a top choice for new tax

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By Denadrea Hamilton

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#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2022 – Representatives of the International Monetary Fund, IMF are in country on an invitation by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to conduct a study on the current tax regime, hired to determine, says the Minister of Finance, how TCI can improve its tax earnings.

E Jay Saunders, Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade and Deputy Premier informed our news organization this past Sunday, the goal is a tax regime which is “progressive, sustainable, predictable and simple to administer.”

While there is no highlighting of VAT by the Finance Minister in his comments to us, it has become a blazing headline as the notion, rejected by Turks and Caicos in the last PNP Administration, continues to be an option.

The Finance minister in response to our question on whether the government is again wooing the idea of Value Added Tax, explained:  “in terms of government revenue, we’re not looking at any specific area as yet.”

There have been a number of meetings with stakeholders and in this round of work, media is not included.

What will come of those session, is a report with recommendations, which could include that VAT.

Hon Saunders said since Government commissioned the study, it will be up to “us, if and how we want to move forward with the recommendations.  All we’ve done at this moment, he shared, is commissioned a study of our tax system.  Right now we’ve taken no position on taxes.”

In a statement from the Turks and Caicos Islands Chamber of Commerce on April 7, there was focus on the possibility of introducing a broad based tax, like VAT informed Daniel Le Vin, 1st Vice President of the Chamber.

The Chamber makes it clear that it does not support the introduction of VAT.  No broad based tax is supported by the Chamber of Commerce including income or corporation tax.  In fact, the Chamber explains VAT would be “bad” for the TCI because it would be so very costly and complex to administer; the Chamber feels it would be a negative blow to small business because of what it would take to administer a VAT tax.

The Chamber also expressed that not at all is a the TCI a low tax jurisdiction.  Stating this:  “the tax burden is relatively high within a regime which works reasonably well…”

The suggestion by the Chamber, improve on the efficiencies of the current systems.

Another suggestion, since almost everything is imported, continue the customs duty and raise taxes on other areas like accommodation tax and stamp duty.

Supplied to the IMF team by the Chamber of Commerce said LeVin that:  “The Chamber cautions against any significant changes which might increase the overall tax burden and cost of living or doing business in the TCI or create administrative difficulties.”

Caribbean News

As Uncertainty Grows, Aquila Doubles Down on Destination Training

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Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts with Ed Limon, cofounder of Winged Whale Media, at Seatrade in Miami last month

Miami, Fl, May 12, 2025 – As the cruise tourism industry navigates global economic recalibration and rising geopolitical uncertainty, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence is doubling down on its mission: training Caribbean destinations to deliver exceptional guest experiences, no matter the climate.

At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts emphasized the growing importance of workforce development as a strategic advantage. “When travelers are more selective with their spending, it’s the destinations that consistently deliver excellence that will stand out,” said Colpitts.

With the energy on the show floor buzzing, Aquila led strategic conversations focused on future-proofing the Caribbean’s tourism product through long-term training investments. From cruise line executives to destination decision-makers, the message was clear: quality training pays off.

Aquila, a leading training partner for the cruise industry for more than 15 years, unveiled new initiatives at the conference, including immersive VR-based programs developed in collaboration with Winged Whale Media. The team activated a dynamic takeover of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) booth, hosting live demonstrations, mini-training sessions, and interactive activities that illustrated how technology can enhance both the visitor experience and community capacity.

Product development and sustainability were front and center in this year’s training dialogue. “Destinations want to build experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful and sustainable,” said Colpitts. “It’s about enriching the guest journey while protecting and celebrating the culture and communities that make the Caribbean so special.”

With global economic uncertainty on the rise, Aquila is urging destinations not to retreat but to double down on service delivery. “Even if arrivals dip, we must exceed expectations for guests. That kind of experience drives powerful word of mouth – and training is the foundation,” added Colpitts.

As the official training partner of the FCCA, Aquila remains committed to raising performance standards across the Caribbean and Latin America, equipping destinations with the skills and tools to compete – and win – on the global stage.

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Government

Governor Calls for Bold, Community-Led Policing in Crime Fight

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Providenciales, TCI Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has issued a strong call for data-driven, intelligence-led and community-based policing to combat rising crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In remarks delivered at the recent swearing-in of Commissioner Fitz Bailey, the Governor underscored the urgent need for reform, accountability and strategic collaboration across agencies and borders.

“Our response to crime must be strategic, data-driven, intelligence-led and collaborative—across agencies, across borders and above all, with the communities we serve,” the Governor said, addressing law enforcement officers and regional dignitaries.

She warned that criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, and that the TCI is at the “sharp end” of regional security threats. Against that backdrop, she outlined a vision for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as an institution rooted in fairness, strengthened by public trust, and driven by results.

“We must be unforgiving in our zero-tolerance approach to misconduct,” she added. “Wearing the badge must continue to be a source of pride, not of power or privilege.”

Governor Selvaratnam praised Commissioner Bailey for his record of modern, community-focused leadership and said his appointment marked a critical moment for the country’s law enforcement strategy. While the ceremony took place two weeks ago, her words continue to resonate amid ongoing public concern about violent crime and border security.

Quoting from the Bible and invoking the moral arc of justice, the Governor emphasized that effective policing must be grounded in integrity, humility and service.

With regional police leaders from Jamaica and The Bahamas in attendance, the event signaled a united front against shared threats—and a new chapter in the push for a safer, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Caribbean News

Haiti in Crisis: Children and Families Caught in the Crossfire of Gang Violence

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

Haiti, May 15, 2025 – Haiti is facing an escalating humanitarian catastrophe as gang violence continues to spread across the country, forcing tens of thousands to flee and placing children at immense risk. According to the United Nations, a recent spike in armed conflict in the Lower Artibonite and Centre Departments has displaced over 66,000 people in less than two weeks — including at least 15,000 children. The displaced now seek shelter in overcrowded rural zones or makeshift sites, where access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare is dangerously limited.

Between April 28 and May 3 alone, over 16,000 people fled their homes in Lower Artibonite, with families living in precarious conditions and reliant on emergency aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is leading coordination efforts to support national authorities in addressing priority needs. In response, UNICEF has deployed mobile clinics, delivering essential pediatric care and immunization services to nearly 2,000 people. Hygiene kits and nutritional support are also being distributed to prevent further deterioration of health conditions in displacement sites.

The situation for children is especially dire. Many are being exposed to or directly affected by violence, including forced recruitment into armed groups, sexual violence, and family separation. UNICEF and its partners are responding by establishing child-friendly spaces and delivering psychosocial support to more than 1,400 children. Specialized case management is underway, with at least 150 high-risk cases referred to protection services.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs far exceed current funding. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan identifies over $44 million needed for child protection alone. Yet, to date, only about $68 million of the total $908 million required for the entire country has been secured—just 7 percent of the target. As Haiti braces for the approaching hurricane season, the urgent call for international support has never been more critical.

Haiti’s complex crisis—driven by gang control, political instability, and chronic underdevelopment—demands sustained global attention. Without swift, coordinated action, an entire generation risks being lost to violence, displacement, and neglect

PHOTO CAPTION:  © UNICEF/Herold Josep

Dozens of people displaced from the Haitian communes of Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau attend hygiene awareness sessions in Boucan Carré.

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