Cabinet approves proposal for new names for airports in Provo, South Caicos, North Caicos and Middle Caicos and more Government business…

#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2022 – Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 25^th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 14 September 2022 at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales.

All Members were present with the exception of the Minister for Tourism, who is out of the country.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Declined a request for an amendment to the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) regarding a zoning change to a specific parcel in Juba Sound, Providenciales.
• Approved a proposal by the TCI Diabetic Association for specialised podiatry and foot care services to persons within the TCI community with diabetes. Members also approved the waiving of fees for registration and license to practice under the Health Professions Authority.
• Approved the drafting of a ‘Scape Metal and Derelict Vehicle/Vessels, and other related items Removal and Export Policy’ with a view to introduce new regulatory measures, compliance with health and environmental requirements, registration, removal of export tariffs and ensure sustainable development of this Industry.
• Accepted the recommendations by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) to not move forward with the establishment of a Revenue Authority, thereby reversing an earlier Cabinet decision, for  and instead it will focus on the enhancement of the Inland Revenue Department as part of the Ministry of Finance’s modernization project.
• Discussed the continual increase in the cost of electricity to the consumer, and agreed for a team from the TCIG to meet with the local electricity provider to discuss measures to mitigate the effects of the increase on the public.
• Approved a Turks and Caicos Islands Dog Control Strategy: Five-year Plan (2023-2027) to tackle but, not limited to, unregistered pets, stray dogs, unregulated breeds, illegal breeding, and approved six priority measures required by the Department of Agriculture to deliver this strategy.
• Noted the Quarterly Financial Report of the Government’s Statutory Bodies for (January to March 2022), and approved the publication of this report.
• Approved the re-parcelling of Parcels 10204/164 and registered Crown road reserve, rectifying an encroachment by a residential development on Crown Land.
• Approved the implementation of a compliance risk management strategy for the tourism sector by the Inland Revenue Department, with a specific focus on tax compliance, and approved provisions to made in the FY23/24 budget to carry out the implementation.
• Approved the proposed naming of the following airports currently under the control and management of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (“TCIAA”):

1. a)South Caicos International Airport  – Norman B. Saunders Snr International Airport
2. b)Providenciales International Airport – Howard Hamilton International Airport
3. c)North Caicos Airport – Clifford Gardiner International Airport
4. d)Middle Caicos Airport – Eric Arthur Airport

• Re-affirmed the appointment of Tueton Williams (Chair), Kesha Gardiner (Deputy Chair), Crosly Bain, Tracey Parker Gray and Pastor Dennis Swann as Members and Permanent Secretary Finance or her nominee, Permanent Secretary Ports, Director Ports, Chief Engineer and Collector of Customs as ex-Officio Members of the Turks and Caicos Ports Authority Board for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2025.
• Approved the appointment of Dr Candace Williams as President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for a period of two years, the establishment of a temporary office for and recruitment of a Provost charged with supporting the President.
• Discussed rules and regulations surrounding the shipment of pre-owned vehicles to the TCI and agreed next steps.
• Were updated on recent police activity surrounding the tragic murders over the past fortnight and broader activity to assured the safety of residents of the TCI.
• Approved a revised Development Agreement between Circle Holdings and the TCI Government for a Mixed Accommodation Development and a marina in the Turtle Cove area, Providenciales.
• Approved for the 19 September 2022 to be declared a national (“bank”) holiday to allow for a National Day of Mourning in celebration of the life of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.