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Crown Land Management recommended NOT to return to Cabinet Minister

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 13, 2022 – Crown Land management will likely not be returning to a cabinet ministerial portfolio following the recommendation in the freshly published report, made available by the Office of the Premier on December 8.

On page 120 it is surmised that:  “Before the Crown Land Ordinance 2012, the administration of Crown land for residential purposes came under the Ministry of Natural Resources. It was said that the absence of legislative control of Crown land made it “susceptible to ministerial abuse”151 and it became clear that the Minister had indeed become personally involved in directing the relevant public servants to make particular land grants.152 In response, this recommendation was made: “ensure complete independence of the departmental body to be entrusted by the proposed new legislation from ministerial involvement or interference in its individual allocations of Crown Land by way of lease or sale.”

The last decade, the report explains, has severed the tie to cabinet ministers sufficiently enough that risk is at an all-time low.  The mitigation of the risk of undue influence has also opened the door to expanding the function of land allocation beyond the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Crown Land Unit.  Now, the dispersal of this valuable resource could involve a new Housing Entity.

According to the report, the Housing Entity would be established to support land distribution and while the proposal is for this body of appointees to review only residential lots in a highly choreographed system, the AGs office will continue to work directly with the Crown Land Unit in dishing out larger tracts of land.

This change, if accepted by the masses, may result in expediting residential land purchases or it could prove more cumbersome as it once again relies on the proper staffing of the Housing Entity and equitable management which would employ a points system.

“We propose that in the first stage a civil service caseworker in the Housing Entity should apply the points system to a particular Crown land allocation and come to a provisional decision. In the second stage, the caseworker’s provisional decision should be sent to a new Housing Points Board which has the task of reviewing and making changes if needed to the caseworker’s provisional decision. The Housing Points Board would be composed of: o the Permanent Secretary for Physical Planning, Infrastructure and Development or their delegate o the Permanent Secretary for Finance or their delegate o the Director of Social Development or their delegate o a member with a professional legal qualification o 6 lay members.”

While the report favours this approach as low risk for corruption; there are expressed misgivings about the powers which would be legally granted to the appointees of the Housing Entity.

“Our view is that if the Housing Entity is going to be involved in large and costly infrastructure projects, and also involved in the oversight of wide-ranging housing issues from rehousing inhabitants of informal settlements to subsidising rents for the poor, enforcing non-payment, and monitoring housing supply, then it needs to be closely integrated within the civil service. Such a broad set of functions will require continual contact with other civil service departments and unimpeded access to civil service resources.”

A determination is the Housing Entity not evolve to a statutory body, for example but be grafted into the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.  The report makes it clear that it is an absolute must for the members of the Housing Entity be completely un-influenced by the elected government.

Housing Points are expected to be the equalizer; giving a final score to determine which applicants are successful for the land in question.  It is also recommended that the Governor and Cabinet decide on the transfer of that land through the Crown Lands Unit.  The Housing Entity and Housing Points Boards will have no authority to transfer land, says the report.

Recommendation 43, is one of 146 recommendations which have emerged in a report summarizing the results of weeks of interviews, surveys and online engagement in an effort to amend the current Crown Land Ordinance.

The Turks and Caicos Islands and United Kingdom are working on this modernization together.  Washington Misick, TCI Premier said “I welcome the joint review final report as it remains my governments vision to seek equitable access for the people of these islands.”

Lord Zac Goldsmith, UK Overseas Territories Minister said “I welcome this joint review and it’s set of practical and well-considered recommendations to improve the utility of crown land in TCI and generate a more efficient and transparent process,” adding that, “The TCI Government has our full support as they move ahead to implementation and delivery of these reforms.”

The 400 page report was completed by R Donhue Gardiner, TCI Attorney with experience in land law and policy development in TCI, and Professor Simon Cooper PhD, an expert in Caribbean land law and registration systems.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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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.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

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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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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