News
Indian High Commissioner visits Turks & Caicos with praises and encouragements for the local Indian Community
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 17, 2022 – Indian High Commissioner, to Jamaica H.E. Mr. Masakui Rungsung visited the Turks and Caicos on June 5th and had encouraging words for the Indian community in the islands.
Rungsung who serves as the High Commissioner to Jamaica, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands met with the small but vibrant Indian community in the TCI which numbers about 250 people.
He restated his country’s commitment to its diaspora, stressing that if the Indian community in the TCI needed anything they only had to communicate it.
“My officers will definitely call you back, or drop in a message, we might be engaged somewhere else or because of the time difference; but if you drop in a message we’ll definitely call you back.”
He assured them that they were important, noting that when they did well overseas it was not brain drain but ‘brain gain.’
He also said that the small community had to treat each other well and remain tight knit, encouraging them to form an association, register at the High Commission’s website and even create a WhatsApp group for expeditious replies and stronger relationships.
The Ambassador, who also facilitated a mix and mingle at the Palms Resort was also welcomed to the country by Hon Otis Morris, Home Affairs minister and Hon E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The meeting with the Indian community preceded a meeting with TCI Premier, Hon Washington Misick which was also scheduled for the three-day visit.
H.E. Rungsung, who was accompanied by his wife and other staff from the High Commission’s office, maintained that there must be duality in Indian members of the TCI family.
“You come from India and your roots are there. You preserve those traditions but adapt and live with the people where you have settled down,” he said.
In an exclusive with Magnetic Media, the High Commissioner divulged that the recent official visit of the Ram Nath Kovind, President of the Republic of India to Jamaica was a signal for the entire region.
“There is a commitment from the government of India towards the small island countries. It is important for us to partner with the smaller countries on disaster management because of climate change and several other issues…We are committed to partnering with this region.”
Referencing India’s willingness to share vaccines in the Covid-19 pandemic as an example, he described the Caribbean and India as a family,
“Unless we can save all the family members then the family cannot be saved. Whenever there are issues in a country we are happy to donate, we’ll reach out to all countries including this one,” he explained.
While there was no monetary investment in the cards for the Turks and Caicos, Rungsung said, “I think we’ll always find a way depending on what the requirements of this island are to see what kind of assistance we can give.”
In the meantime he informed of training programs fully sponsored by the Indian Government and during discussions with the premier, the Indian High Commission said he would encourage the TCI government make them available to Islanders.
PUBLIC NOTICE
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force informs the yachting community and marina operators of a new requirement for using the SailClear platform. Effective 1 May 2024, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) implemented a $25 annual subscription fee for SailClear users. This fee allows unlimited application submissions, helps improve service quality, and expands SailClear’s capabilities.
SailClear, introduced by the TCI Customs Department in February 2023, provides a secure and efficient platform for submitting electronic customs declarations. The annual subscription ensures continued investment in maintaining rigorous service standards including system reliability and efficient processing of notifications implement upgrades and to expand the services to additional maritime jurisdictions.
Pleasure craft operators are reminded that electronic pre-arrival and pre-departure notifications via SailClear are mandatory. The master of a vessel must electronically submit a Sailclear notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the vessel’s estimated time of arrival at a port. Additionally, before departing, the master must submit a Sailclear clearance notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the estimated departure time.
Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offence under the Customs Ordinance. Those found guilty of this offence will be subjected to a fine of $5000.
Important Reminder for Yacht and Watercraft Owners:
- Non-Registered Users: SailClear use is enforceable under section 5 of the Customs (Pleasure Craft) (Amendment) Direction 2022 (Legal Notice 82 of 2022). For those not yet subscribed to SailClear, visit sailclear.com and click “Subscribe Here” to follow the registration process.
- Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Notifications: All pleasure craft owners arriving or departing the Turks and Caicos Islands must submit pre-arrival/departure notifications to Border Force through SailClear. Failure to submit electronic notifications via SailClear constitutes an offense under the Customs Ordinance.
- For Inquiries: Contact support@cclec.org for further information or assistance.
This update ensures the continued efficiency and reliability of the SailClear platform, allowing for a seamless customs clearance experience for the yachting community in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Carlencia Lightbourne
Public Relations and Communications Officer
KINGSTON, September 18 (JIS): National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors affected by Hurricane Beryl are being reminded to apply for the organisation’s post-hurricane peril moratorium by September 30.
Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, told JIS News that the newly introduced initiative is designed to offer financial relief to those who experience property damage or economic hardship as a result of natural disasters.
Under this arrangement, eligible individuals can temporarily suspend their monthly mortgage payments, which is crucial support during the recovery process.
The duration of the moratorium is tailored to individual circumstances, with a maximum period of up to six months.
“We understand that life happens, and circumstances of individuals may change from time to time. The NHT has made special resources available for individuals who are making applications for any of our [relief] initiatives. We are looking out for them, and we will expedite the applications to ensure that the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible,” Mr. Berbick said.
The NHT’s special mortgage moratorium is accessible to all affected parties, including those who have previously benefited from other NHT Loan facilities.
Mr. Berbick underscored that this inclusive approach will ensure that everyone who needs assistance can receive it.
Applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a valid government-issued identification and Tax Registration Number, along with additional documents where applicable. These include photographs of property damage, proof of reduced income, or proof of unemployment.
Mr. Berbick is urging all eligible individuals to act promptly to secure the support they need.
The post-hurricane peril moratorium forms part of the NHT’s wider strategy to provide relief and support to contributors and mortgagors during challenging times. Other initiatives include the Special Home Improvement Loan and Disaster Grant.
For more information on how to apply for this or other relief options, persons can visit the nearest NHT office or the entity’s website at www.nht.gov.jm.
CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY
PHOTO CAPTION: Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the National Housing Trust, Dwayne Berbick.
Photo: Adrian Walker
CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress participants look on.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.
The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.
Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.
“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”
The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.
udges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila’s Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands.
The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.
The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.
Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
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