Minister Connolly Budget Highlights; DMO is ‘no sin’, Zero Arrears in Gaming and Churches to get direct support

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

TOURISM

With a budget of nearly 50 percent higher than the year prior, Minister of Tourism Josephine Connolly, says her ministry has plans in several sectors including Climate Change, Agriculture and Tourism to improve islanders’ lives.

When it comes to the new concept to guide and govern tourism, $1.6 million dollars  has been allocated for the completion of the Destination Management Organization and Tourism Regulatory board in the next year, Connolly said.

The Government is now waiting for consultants to present several documents including the governance structure, the required legislation management plans and all members of current staff will be transferred to  the DMO.

“There is no sin in evaluating what you have to create something even better. The Destination Management Organization and Regulatory Authority will ensure that we are working cooperatively with the private sector in a sustainable and strategic way,” she insisted.

A capacity study is coming, its cost: $100,000 and it will explore how many other carriers the government can allow into Grand Turk for cruising. Governor’s Beach will also be upgraded in anticipation of new cruise lines and the enhancement carries a $240,000 price tag.

GAMING

Minister Connolly described the revenue collections by the Gaming Commission which were 80 per cent higher than expected at 2.8 million ’a major achievement’. It was achieved through the ‘aggressive’ collection of arrears resulting in no outstanding arrears.

RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

For the Church, $250,000 has been set aside for a Religious Affairs unit. This is in tandem, Connolly said, with  the creation of the Faith Based initiative and Advisory Committee  through which Grant Programs, Food and Shelter Assistance, Social and Youth Programs and subsidies or support  to church schools will be facilitated.

ENVIRONMENT

Connolly promised that the next holding of the TCIs Climate Change Summit will bring larger international and regional crowds.

AGRICULTURE

In the agricultural sector Minister Josephine Connolly said the TCIG would be ‘aggressively’ promoting the industry as well as providing grants for new and current farmers. In order to boost campaigns to enter farming there will be educational campaigns and the allocation for grants will increase from $100,000 to $250,000.

A loan scheme, national nursery and the establishment of school farms are also in the works.

FISHERIES

A fisheries management policy is on the way as well for that industry to the tune of $50,000 and is to be complemented by a ‘Fishing Corp’.  The Fishing Corp will be established by early 2023 to strengthen relations with local fishermen.

International partners have gifted the Turks and Caicos, 77,000 pounds  has been gifted to the TCI from International partners to “enhance marine ecosystems” Connolly said.

By the end of the second quarter of the year there will be new regulations for small crafts including jet skis to promote  safety.

The safety of the environment is also being secured with DECR adding 2 new members to the beach patrol unit, more strict protection of nature reserves will be carried out by the DECR as well with 650 thousand dollars also allocated to the upgrading of beach access points as well as funding two new boats.

The Minister maintained that the many initiatives were for the benefit of the TCI Islanders and the preservation of the islands.