Connect with us

Government

CPL Arrears to be WRITTEN OFF as the program is PHASED OUT

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 14, 2022 – The Crown Land review, jointly conducted by the TCIG and the UK Government has exposed that over 1,100 parcels of Crown Land are subject to long standing disputes about ownership and titles in the Conditional Purchase Lease program.  Now, the expensive and contentious CPL pathway to land ownership is heading to the scrap pile, with some last ditch measures agreed in order to give people in this precarious position a chance to finally secure properties in question.

The Review proposes to write-off arrears on Conditional Purchase Lease agreements to give land owners a fresh start and final opportunity to honour their commitments.

“If this policy is to be pursued, it will be necessary to have a finite period of time within which applicants must come forward to apply for the freehold and gain the benefit of the write-off,” explains the review, adding, “A finite time period, such as three years, would ensure that titles are quickly regularised and would also save the applicant from further delays requiring a fresh revaluation which would cause the freehold price to go even higher.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is likely now to agree not to reintroduce Conditional Purchase Leases in the country as per recommendations included in the newly published crown land review. For those who currently have a CPL the recommendations set out specific guidelines on how to proceed.

CPLs in the Turks and Caicos provide residents with a three year lease on residential land after which they can either extend or terminate the lease. The review, in the fact-finding process, found that six CPLs were surrendered or terminated; that 383 were cancelled for non-payment of rent and 301 bought the free hold title.  It left hundreds of CPLs incomplete and unresolved.

The report, released on December 8, 2022 said: “But it was made clear that a large number of people still claim land under expired CPLs and have not done anything about selecting their terminal option. There are 1,101 parcels of Crown land in this position.  This is despite the fact that the Crown Land Ordinance envisaged that all CPLs, and all their two-year extensions, should have disappeared by 2017 at the absolute latest.”

A plan to bring some finality to those with unsettled CPLs has been laid out extensively in the review which also reveals that the CPL program is a monster-sized mess with both government and leaseholders at fault.

“It is clear that leaseholders have not complied with their obligations or sought renewal of their lease, and it is also clear that Government has allowed people to assume that this is acceptable by not taking active enforcement steps in the past. Together, these factors have contributed to a culture in which CPLs have not been adhered to for decades and this explains how there comes to be such a disparity between the original CPL freehold prices and the revaluations.”

The joint Crown Land Review has anticipated that a significant problem will emerge when the parcels of land in question are valuated.  Land prices in the Turks and Caicos Islands have risen sharply in the 10, 20 or 30 years since the CPLs were agreed and the appraisals to determine fair market value today will dramatically alter the costs in the original agreements.

The review offered a striking example:  “To take one documented example, the freeholds in a pair of undeveloped residential plots in Providenciales were offered in the original CPL at $6,750 and $8,900 in 1999, and upon revaluation were priced at $30,800 and $73,500 respectively in 2007; they have undoubtedly gone up much more since then. Other unconfirmed examples were given to us by members of the public who spoke of more recent valuations, such as from $20,000 to $200,000, showing a tenfold increase in the freehold price upon revaluation. The effect of such re-valuations is that any person who has budgeted in reliance on the original CPL freehold price, despite the CPL having expired, will not be able to afford the increase.”

It could mean, homes and other constructions on parcels in an incomplete CPL, where no freehold title is obtained by the leaseholder, would be lost.  The Review frankly points out that Government is not obligated to stick to the original price and that Government has been less than proficient in managing the CPL program, but if the CPL holder is able to pay off its rent arrears, then a new agreement could be drawn up with the help of a lending institution.

“Our conclusion is therefore that all arrears should be written off for anyone who buys the freehold. This will reduce the financial burden for people who choose that option, and it will also increase the likelihood of mortgage finance being available for the freehold purchase.”

A public awareness campaign is recommended to ensure no one in this category “misses out”.

The review also outlines who qualifies for the write-off; how and whom CPL parcels can be passed on to; recommends actions to distinct categories of CPLs; addresses government mismanagement and leaseholders who have lost documentation and after attempts to regularize CPLs the review suggests it is best to phase out the process entirely.

Recommendation 17: that CPLs should not be reintroduced. Turnkey housing (starter homes and rentals) should be the priority for those people still unable to afford undeveloped land even with the benefit of the Islander discount.

Government

Alpheus Smith appointed Commissioner of Labour in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alpheus Smith to the post of Commissioner of Labour within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Mr. Smith’s distinguished career within the Turks and Caicos Government commenced on February 1, 1985, as an Immigration Officer under the guidance of the then Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Thomas Saunders. Over the years, he has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, serving in various capacities within the Immigration Department.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith has ascended through the ranks, demonstrating outstanding leadership and proficiency. In 1988, he was promoted to the role of Senior Immigration Officer, subsequently advancing to the positions of Assistant Director of Immigration and Deputy Director of Immigration.

In 2002, Mr. Smith transitioned to the Labour Department, assuming the role of Assistant Commissioner of Labour. His tenure in this capacity provided him with invaluable experience, during which he frequently acted as the Commissioner of Labour, showcasing his capabilities and commitment to public service.

Mr. Smith’s professional development has been further enriched through participation in numerous training programs, encompassing various facets of Industrial Relations, Court Procedures, Employment Laws, and management training, among others. Notably, in July 2019, while maintaining his full-time employment, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, augmenting his educational foundation and expertise.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Smith stated:

“I give thanks to the almighty for his continued blessings on my life. I am humbly thankful to have been selected for appointment as the new Commissioner of Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I have full confidence that the experience and training that I have gained over the years has greatly prepared me for this role and I will do my best in carrying the duties that this post requires me to do.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on Mr. Smith’s appointment stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Alpheus Smith on his official appointment as the new Labour Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Labour Department is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s most heavily focused costumer service departments. With over 30 years of combined experience in the Immigration and Labour Departments and having had the opportunity to act in this role for an extended period, Mr. Smith has demonstrated his ability to perform this role.

I wish him well on his new appointment and look forward to working with him and the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services to reform the operations of the Labour Department to better serve the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Smith!”

Continue Reading

Government

Fresh feel for Turks & Caicos House of Assembly in return to NJS Francis Building

Published

on

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – Renewed and better than ever the NJS Francis building has once again been christened as the home of the House of Assembly following a March 21 reopening ceremony.

“As we gather on this auspicious occasion I am filled with a sense of pride, duty, hope and determination. Across our islands we are proud of our resilience and our ability to navigate various challenges including natural disasters,” said Anya Williams, Acting Governor as she spoke on behalf of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.

Williams detailed the history of the establishment  The NJS Francis building served as the home of the House of Assembly for 11 years, from 2006 when the Legislative Council was changed to the HOA until 2017 when it sustained heavy damages during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The following year the auditorium of the HJ Robinson High School was appointed the meeting place for the House of Assembly and repairs began at the NJS Building. Those repairs have only just been completed and the members are back in the true home of the Assembly.

“I believe it is fair to say that some five years and four months later we had overstayed our welcome,” Williams said. She continued “Following significant investment it is with great pride that the  House of Assembly is now able to return to the NJS Francis building in the nation’s capital and to once again proclaim it is the official House of Assembly on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Williams urged those in the HOA to fight for justice progress and the common good.

Washington Misick, TCI Premier, raised a motion of thanks, which was seconded by Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, acknowledging those who had worked to make the building renovation a reality.

Thanked were Olympic Construction, Gordon Burton, House Speaker; Tracey Parker, the HOA Clerk, the HJ Robinson High School body, the Ministry of Physical Planning and others.

“This honourable House thanks the public for their patience during the period that the House of Assembly was away,” Misick maintained.

Stressing the importance of architecture, he said:

“I have a deep sense of pride to be back in the people’s house after five years— the authority we exercise here is given to us by the people, and we must never forget it.“

The police band was on hand to add to the festivities as Members on both sides of the house expressed excitement about the reopening.

“To my colleagues whose first time it is in this chamber, take it in, take your pictures and enjoy this moment, this is an amazing moment,” said Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Parliament TCI Branch.

The House of Assembly has traded the warm interior walls for a fairer shade and the decision for a brighter lighting treatment in the decor appears to let the sunshine in on the people’s business.  What has returned is the classic emerald green carpeting and wood finished furnishings.  There has been an upgrade in the utilities and as is customary, photos of previous leaders and Speakers of the House adorn the hallowed walls.

Continue Reading

Government

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood – Response to Premier’s Absence at CARICOM Meeting

Published

on

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2024 – Weak, ineffective, and afraid are the best words to describe Premier Washington Misick’s most recent inaction as it relates to the international crisis in Haiti that has directly impacted TCI.

With the recent escalation of violence in Haiti causing our country to assemble its national security to plan to tackle an influx of now potentially illegal armed and dangerous Haitian migrants to our shores, we have heard nothing decisive or definitive from the Premier on what his government is doing to protect our country and our people.

Additionally, with the recent announcement of HAITIAN GANGSTERS AND CRIMINALS ARRESTED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, surely this should have catalyzed the Premier to treat with urgency the situation unfolding in Haiti.

Instead, what the public is witnessing is a complete turnover of elected powers to the British Government by this out-of-touch Premier. I dare say he has even turned the TCI power over to the Bahamian Prime Minister, as in his words he has said that the Turks and Caicos Interest was represented by the Government of the Bahamas.

It is said that adversity often reveals a person’s true character. Observe how they respond to difficult situations, setbacks, or failures. Do they take responsibility for their actions, do they give their responsibility to others, do they blame others?

We have seen Premier Misick crumble or hide over and over again when facing critical and difficult matters being faced by our people and our country.

What could be occupying this sleepy Premier time so much so that he cannot attend the high-level meeting of Caricom convened in Jamaica for the specific purpose of addressing the Haitian crisis taking place on our doorsteps and presenting a clear and present danger to our people?

Having read the embarrassment of a statement issued by the Premier, he has not stated why he did not attend in person or virtually. This is unacceptable, and he is duty-bound to explain to the public his absence from an invited meeting of the heads of Caricom. Outside of Death in the family or Sickness, there is no excuse that the Premier could give that would be acceptable.

I would go on to say that Premier Misick and his Cabinet have embarrassed the Turks and Caicos, locally, regionally, and internationally.  His absence from this meeting shows that he does not care about us, our security, our lives nor our livelihood.

With all due respect, no one in the Turks and Caicos Islands elected the Hon. Fred Mitchell to represent them. Does the Hon. Mitchell work for the Governor’s office? Is he our new Deputy Premier? Is the Hon. Mitchell a Member of the House of Assembly of the Turks & Caicos Islands?

However, I have to thank him for standing in the gap to represent the Turks & Caicos Islands, when neither the Premier nor the Governor saw it fit to be in attendance at this high-level meeting, dealing with an issue that potentially causes the Greatest danger to Turks & Caicos lives and livelihood.

I, as Leader of the Opposition, would have happily gone in his stead to represent my people and my country.

As Premier, I – Edwin A. Astwood, would have been the first person in that Caricom meeting, traveling with a team of government heads, in particular the Minister of Immigration, the Permanent Secretary responsible for National Security, and the Commissioner of Police. The Turks and Caicos concerns and experience would only be presented by us on behalf of our people, not by someone representing another country’s interest. “He who feels it- knows it”.

Such careless behavior is the modus operandi of an uninterested Premier Misick, who just can’t seem to be bothered with what matters most to our people and our country. Should he persist with this unconcerned behavior, and to save our country, the people will have to fire him before elections like how he fired Honourable EJ.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING