News
TCI Cabinet confirms Airport CEO, Watching Haiti, Updates on Natl Security, agrees to merge NIB and NHIP and approves Islanders to various boards
#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2022 – Godfrey Smith is now officially the CEO of the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority after a 10-month stint in the role as acting chief executive officer; it’s one of the decisions from a November 2nd Cabinet Meeting. Smith is confirmed for a 3-year contract at the TCIAA.
Duty exemptions are extended to Provo Water Company for the importation of a water storage tank and pumping equipment and to Como Parrot Cay for the machinery to be used for recycling waste products.
Cabinet has also approved a wage system for prisoners carrying out voluntary work under a new program to be called “The Progressive Regime and Earned Privileges Scheme.”
And the moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for construction companies in the contractor’s category with non-Turks & Caicos Islander involvement wil continue for six (6) more months but at least one unnamed company has been granted an exemption from this.
Here are more highlights as reported by the TCI Cabinet:
At this meeting Cabinet:
Approved the merger of the NIB and the NHIP Collections and Compliance Functions.
Was briefed on a Turks and Caicos Islands Government led initiative with the US Government’s Department of Homeland Security to combat the issue of irregular migration into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Was updated on the progress of establishing a Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, and endorsed a number of structures, leadership frameworks, and other measures bringing together the work of the Customs and Immigration departments under a unified Border Force.
Was briefed on the 1st Quarter Financial Report 2022-23 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and approved for the same to be made public.
Approved for the drafting of a Bill to allow for the payment of housing allowances to former ministers for the period 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2020, subject to a reconciliation of subsistence and accommodation payments during the said period for the impacted persons.
Approved an amendment to Turks and Caicos Islands Citizen Homeowner Policy.
Approved a business license in a restricted business activity for Phoenix Fisheries & Seafood.
Approved for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to enter into negotiations with Ani T&C Ltd. for a Development Agreement for the development of a private resort on North Caicos.
Approved for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to enter into a lease agreement for an office accommodation on Providenciales.
Approved a wage system for prisoners carrying out voluntary work under a new program to be called “The Progressive Regime and Earned Privileges Scheme”.
Approved the appointments of Doreen Quelch-Missick, Latisha Williams, Alleveia Butterfield, Kerchelle Bain, Dr Alicia Malcolm, Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Alces Dor and Selvon Bruce-Whatley to the Adoption Review Panel.
Members to serve for a period of one (1) year with effect from 7 November 2022.
Was briefed on the work being performed on energy, energy efficiency, and emission reduction policies, which will shape future legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Approved an exemption on import duties for Provo Water Company for the importation of a water storage tank and pumping equipment.
Approved an exemption on import duties for Como Parrot Cay for the importation of machinery to be used for recycling waste products.
Approved the appointment of Godfrey Smith as CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for three (3) years.
Approved a lease agreement for the temporary relocation of Customs and Immigrations Departments on North Caicos following damages to their offices by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022.
Approved the appointment of Zaneta Burton (Government Representative), Floyd Seymour (Employer Representative), and Danita Clare (Insured Person Representative) to the National Insurance Board for a period of three (3) years with effect from 7 November 2022.
Approved the appointment of Doreen Quelch-Missick (2 years) and Wendall Swann (1 year) to the Labour Tribunal with effect from 1 January 2023.
Approved a six (6) month extension to the moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for construction companies in the contractor’s category with non-Turks & Caicos Islander involvement. The extension will take effect from the 21st of October 2022.
Approved, for a named company, a waiver with certain conditions, to the moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for construction companies in the contractor’s category with non-Turks and Caicos Islander involvement.
Approved a Christmas Salary Advance of one month’s basic salary (excluding allowances) to all Public Officers and pensioners, and terms for re-payment.
Discussed the deteriorating situation in Haiti. The Governor is in close contact with the US and UK Governments on scenario planning and mitigation.
Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.
The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.
The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats
facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.
These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.
“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of
TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”
The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities
South Caicos
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.
This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.
North Caicos
The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.
Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.
Middle Caicos
EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”
The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.
Blue Hills
For further information, please contact:
Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc
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