Island Trams gets green light for new investment, Dialysis Unit to be upgraded, Discussion continues on Tourism DMO and E Government Cars approved

TCI Cabinet Report

#TurksandCaicos, December 14, 2022 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 32^nd meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 30 November 2022 at the Governor’s Residence on Grand Turk.

All Members were present, with the exception of the Hon Ministers for Immigration and Health who are out of the country.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Was updated on progress on the preparation of the TCI Environment Strategy and approved a list of priorities for the second phase of consultation.
• Discussed the organisational model and structure for a new Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMO), and the regulatory structure for a Tourism Regulatory Authority.
• Approved the Securities and Investment Business Bill, aimed at consolidating and replacing the Investment Dealer (Licensing) Ordinance and the Mutual Funds (Amendment) Bill, reflecting international standards in the regulation of investment business.
• Approved amendments to the Magistrate’s Court (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill 2022 and to the Court of Appeal (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2022; and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly.
• Approved amendments to the Magistrate Courts (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill and the drafting of Regulations to accommodate these changes, providing a detailed framework for the regulation of Justices of the Peace in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Approved amendments to the Company Management (Licensing) (Fees) Regulations.
• Approved amendments to the Public Procurement Ordinance and the Public Finance Management Regulations, raising procurement thresholds from 1 January 2023, and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly
• Approved the granting of a licence, subject to modifications, to SS Investors Group Ltd (Seven Stars) over Parcel 60906/218, Leeward Providenciales.
• Approved the grant of a 12 year license over parcel 10307/22 to Island Trams, Grand Turk for a concession to operate a restaurant and bar.
• Approved a variation of a lease between Caicos Resorts Villas Ltd and the Turks and Caicos Government on Parcels 60000/659, 660 and 662 (now registered as Parcels 60000/767-774) with an amendment to the period of construction and completion of a development.
• Approved amendments to the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill 2022; Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Regulations (2022) and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly. Members also approved amendments to the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Policy.
• Approved the completion of transactions with RM Telecom Limited and Meridian Corporation Limited as part of a wider purchase of property on Parcel 10507/35, Grand Turk.
• Noted the Turks and Caicos Government 2^ndQuarter Financial Report 2022-23 and approved its publication.
• Noted the Statutory Bodies 2^ndQuarter Special Purpose Financial Report for FY 2022-2023 and approved its publication.
• Approved the expansion of the Haemodialysis Services at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre to meet the needs of a growing number of dialysis patients.
• Was updated on the second Citizens Inflation Adjustment Stimulus. Members approved changes to timelines for applications and the virement of additional funds to pay benefits.
• Approved amendments to the TCI Airports Authority Ordinance and supporting Regulations, and the Airport Development Charge Ordinance.
• Approved an exemption of Import Customs Duties on road vehicles being imported by Let’s Ride Auto Rental on Grand Turk. Members agreed next steps on customs policy.
• Noted the award of contract PN 005617, TR 21/51, Vehicles for Digitization e-Government Technology and Innovation (DETI).
• Approved an extension on the reduction of Import Duties and Customs Fees until the end of the financial year.
• Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:

1. Education, and
2. Infrastructure.