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Turks and Caicos Post Cabinet Meeting Statement

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#TurksandCaicos, April 28, 2022 – Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 11th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 23 March 2022 at the Premier’s Office on Grand Turk.

 All Members were present. At this meeting Cabinet:

  •  Approved the Estimates of expenditure for a Supplementary Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2022 for submission to the House of Assembly to facilitate: additional funding of the new pensions scheme; repatriation of irregular migrants; legal claims against government; procurement of assets and land acquisition for government.
  •  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.
  •  Approved an extension of the timeline for completion from 3 to 4 years and final Development Agreement between the TCI Government and BBF Cooper Jack Ltd. (The Strand) for the development of luxury residences and vacation villas in Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales.

 Was updated on the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) of the TCI National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) as at 31st December, 2021. Members approved for the NHIB to go outside of established analogues to recruit and remunerate the Change Manager Operations and Change Manager Finance positions.

  • Approved for the TCI Government to host the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) governance meeting in December 2022.
  •  Approve the appointment of Trevor Cooke as Chairman of the National Insurance Board for a period of 5 years with effect from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027. Members also approved the PS Education or his nominee to represent the Government in the absence of the PS of Finance.

 Discussed the provision of official office space for the Leader of the Opposition.

  •  Approved the exemption of Import Customs Duties for the importation of a vehicle for a named individual similar to an existing policy which applies to Leaders of Churches.
  •  Approved the exemption of Import Customs Duties for the importation of all-terrain vehicles by Chukka Caribbean Adventures for the provision of excursions to cruise ship passengers on Grand Turk. Members also agreed for a revised policy in support of businesses working in the same sector.
  •  Approved for the TCI Government to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the following Parcels:

 a)    10304/156, Grand Turk for the expansion of the tourism corridor on the island,

b)    10304/139 & 140, Grand Turk for the expansion of the tourism corridor on the island,

c)     51205/18, 43 & 44, North Caicos to construct a Community and Recreation Centre, and

d)    10404/157, Grand Turk for the purpose of developing domestic fire and emergency services on Grand Turk.

e)    60607/79, Providenciales, for the purpose of developing several capital infrastructure projects linked to internal and national security including but, not limited to, a Prison Remand Centre, the RTCIPF Marine Branch Base and an Immigration Detention Centre.

  •  Approved the applications for Class A Processing and Export Licenses from Caicos Seafood Ltd. (Godet Street, South Caicos); Caicos Fisheries Ltd. (Guagabeen Street, South Caicos); DNA Fishing (Albert Capron) and Provo Seafood (Five Cays, Providenciales) and discussed Class B Processing and Export Licenses for further discussion.
  •  Approved the extension of existing COVID-19 measures and protocols until 30 April 2022 and the following amendments: 

 a)    Removed the requirement of obtaining written permission from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer and written approval (permit) from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources for any gathering or social activity (whether private or public), including on public beaches  

b)    Amend quarantine regulations requiring persons to self-isolate for 5 days if they test is positive. 

c)     Effective May 1st, 2022 only a negative covid-19 test within 72 hours will be required for visitors entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands and Pre-Travel Authorization will be discontinued.   

 Members also discussed the need for a Covid-19 strategy covering measures and entry requirements going forward.

 Noted a paper on the regional implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine and approved the application of a temporary visa regime for Russian and Ukrainian nationals travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

  •  Noted recommendations by the Procurement Board on the award of the following contracts:

 a)       TR 21/43, Consultancy Services for the Providenciales International Airport Redevelopment Project;

b)    NHIB 03/2021, TR 21/11, Motor Vehicles for the national Health Insurance Board;

c)     TCIFSC 02/2021, TR 21/20, Replacement Vehicle for TCI Financial Services Commission;

d)    PN 005225, SSP, Homes for Domestic Violence – Providenciales, Ministry of Home Affairs and Transportation;

e)    PN 005575, SSP, water Distribution Pumping Station – Grand Turk, Ministry of Home Affairs and Transportation; and

f)      PN 005612, SSP, IT Command and Control System (CAD Radio Upgrade All Islands, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

 Re-approved the granting of management responsibility to the Public Works Department over parcel 50206/7 for use as a staging area and an asphalt plant to facilitate the planned road works for North Caicos.

  •  Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:

1.     Immigration, and

2.     Education.

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New Honour coming for JAGS; Cabinet agrees to re-name Grand Turk road 

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Turks and Caicos, May 11, 2025 – Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 4th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday March 19, 2025, at the Hon NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of the Minister for Innovation, Communication and E-Government, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders and the Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, with Ms. Khalila Astwood attending as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Approved an amendment to the Cost-of-Living Relief Policy to include a provision for the issuance of cheques to deceased persons estate.
  • Approved a moratorium on the issuance of new business licenses in the contractor’s category with non-Turks and Caicos Islander involvement.
  • Approved an MOU with the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom and the Turks and Caicos Islands to support the implementation of internationally recognized maritime security standards.
  • Noted an information paper on the turn-key housing pilot project.
  • Approved the naming of the Old Airport on Grand Turk to the JAGS McCartney Memorial Drive.
  • Approved the naming of the bridges on West Road and Church Folly to Alexander Forbes Bridge and The Austin Robinson Bridge respectively, and adjacent roads the Carl Coverly Drive and Davis Higgs Drive.
  • Noted the awarding of contracts:

o   PN 005823, TR 24/33 Consultancy Services for the National Identification System-Subject Matter Expert

o   TCIAA 012/24, TR 24/36 JAGS McCartney International Airport Fire Hall (Phase II)

  • Approved an application for lease to construct and operate resort communities on the island of Salt Cay.
  • Approved settlement agreements for former civil servant Court Matters.
  • Approved the appointment of Ms. Cynara John as the Interim Secretary to the Turks and Caicos Islanders Status Commission.
  • Approved the Law Revision (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill 2025 for further submission to Parliament.
  • Approved the purchase of the Temple Trust building on Providenciales.

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

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Archbishop Broglio welcomes Pope Leo XIV: ‘A shepherd for a troubled world’

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From Vatican News

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, expresses joy and gratitude following the election of Pope Leo XIV.

By Marie Duhamel and Linda Bordoni

Speaking to Vatican News shortly after the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he was “very pleased with the choice of the cardinals,” acknowledging his surprise at the outcome but affirming his deep sense of happiness and trust in the new pontificate.

“I certainly offer a prayer for Pope Leo,” he said, “and pray for the beginning of his mission and for its success.”

rchbishop Broglio shared that he had met Pope Leo XIV during official visits to Rome as part of his role with the bishops’ conference, recalling a man marked by warmth, openness, and a genuine desire to collaborate, as well as during the Synod on Synodality.

“On both occasions,” he noted, “he was very cordial and demonstrated a great desire to be helpful and work together. I was very grateful for that.”

What is in a name?

The choice of the name “Leo” evokes rich associations with Church history, particularly Pope Leo XIII, remembered for his groundbreaking work on Catholic social teaching and his encyclical Rerum Novarum.

“It sparks the memory of Leo XIII,” Archbishop Broglio reflected, “who was the first pope to enunciate in a clear fashion the social doctrine of the Church.”

The name also speaks to the new Pope’s roots. “Since Leo came from the neighbourhood of Rome, I think the people of Rome, primarily, will be very happy,” he said.

A call for peace

Highlighting the state of the world today, Archbishop Broglio stressed the need for the Pope to be a voice for peace and dialogue amid the many crises unfolding across the globe.

“I think all of us are extremely troubled by the by the situations that continue to ignite in our world. I think now of Pakistan and  India, but we also have this disaster in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and so many parts of Africa. So that he would speak of peace, I think is essential. And I hope that he will be a pontiff who can further peace and dialogue in our world,” he said.

A united Church

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s words about a united Church, Archbishop Broglio agreed that this message is also important for the people of the United States.

“One of the things we have to learn is to listen to each other,” he said. “We may disagree, but each person is created in the image of God, and that should never be lost. I hope we hear his message as an invitation to be unified and to become instruments of dialogue.”

A universal shepherd

Archbishop Broglio also commented on Pope Leo’s international background—French and Italian by heritage, with pastoral experience in Latin America—as a gift to his universal ministry.

“I think it’s excellent,” he said. “Living in different parts of the world makes a big difference. It brings depth, perspective, and a richness that will help him guide the Church.”

He added that such global experience helps keep the Church from becoming “lost in its own backyard.”

A Pastor for all

Noting the Pope’s decision to speak in Italian during his first public address, Archbishop Broglio remarked on the pastoral significance of language.

“As the Bishop of Rome, I think it’s important he spoke Italian,” he said, while also acknowledging the comfort this choice brings to Spanish-speaking Catholics, especially in light of the recent passing of Pope Francis. “It will be reassuring to see that their new pastor can reach their hearts as well.”

Concluding, Archbishop Broglio offered prayers for Pope Leo XIV: “I wish him tranquillity and every success in his ministry.”

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Government

Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.

Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.

As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office. This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.

Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”

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