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Increases Across the Board at NIB

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2023 – Pensioners across the Turks and Caicos are looking at across the board increases in their National Insurance Board (NIB) payouts after an actuarial review found that more cash needed to be flowing to beneficiaries.

An increase in Minimum Pensions was first up with Primary minimum pension increased from $405 to $460; Spousal minimum pension increased from $300 to $340; and Dependents minimum pension increased from $120.00 to $135.

Non-Contributory Old Age Pension (NCOAP) payouts will increase from $300 to $345; the combined benefits of which the NIB says will reach 92% of pensioners across the Turks & Caicos Islands.

There was also an Increase in Maternity Grants $600.00 to $680.00 per child; an increase in Funeral Grants and dependent’s funeral grant from $2,390 to $2,720 and from $1,550 to $1,765, respectively; and an increase in Death Grants and dependent’s death grants from $2,390 to $2,720 and from $955 to $1,765, respectively; and the NIB weekly allowance will be increased from $50 to $200.

In addition to all of that:

  • All Pensions currently being paid which were awarded on or before March 31, 2017 have been granted a 13.2% increase;
  • Pensions awarded on April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, dates inclusive will get a 10.9% increase;
  •  Pensions awarded April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, dates inclusive were granted an 8.6% increase; and
  • Pensions  awarded April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, dates inclusive, now have a 6.3% increase.
  •  And Pensions  awarded April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, dates inclusive, will be granted a 3.4% increase.

The extra cash was courtesy of the latest actuarial review; conducted every three years the most recent was undertaken by Trinity Consulting Ltd, of St. Vincent & The Grenadines in 2022 a year where international and local inflation levels were at extreme highs.

“As part of the triennial review, the Actuary considered the amounts of benefits and whether they maintained their value in relation to the cost of living and the general level of earnings, having regard for the financial condition of the Fund and the general economic conditions in the Islands.”  The NIB said maintaining that inflation was specially considered.

The increases which have been approved by Cabinet, took effect as of January 1st.

Finance

Scotiabank Cheques – Verification of Transit Numbers

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 19 March 2025: The Treasury Department wishes to inform customers that Scotiabank will no longer process cheques with transit numbers linked to non-operational branches. As a result, cheques with incorrect routing numbers are being returned unprocessed.

Please note that the following Scotiabank transit numbers are no longer valid:

  • 24265
  • 68825

Cheques displaying either of these transit numbers will not be accepted by the Treasury.

To avoid delays, Treasury customers who make payments via Scotiabank cheques are advised to verify transit numbers ensure that the transit code/routing number on your cheque reflects 94045 before submitting it for payment.

This proactive measure will help ensure smooth processing of cheque payments. The Treasury appreciates your cooperation in this matter.

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Finance

The American Club achieves target increase with the 2025/2026 P&I renewal

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Premium year on year rise of 7% with other adjustments adding additional 4% value

 

NEW YORK, March 4, 2025: The American Club has reported a strong renewal, achieving targets set by the Board for 2025. While gross tonnage for the Club’s Class I (mutual P&I) entries was virtually unchanged at the turn of the renewal at Noon GMT 20 February 2025, premium income increased by over 7% at the renewal. Its Class II (mutual FD&D) portfolio was renewed on a similar basis, while its Class III (charterers’ liability) business is poised to increase by about 5% in 2025.

Eagle Ocean Marine, the Club’s fixed premium facility, which serves the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, carries an overall historical loss ratio of 68%. The 23/24 facility year is running below 40%, while the current 24/25 facility year is relatively benign but still in an active period of development as the facility year runs to July of each year.

The Club’s Board mandated target increase in expiring premium for the 2025/2026 policy year was met as the cash rise year on year on renewing business was 7%. Supporting the premium position were deductible and term changes calculated to have a value of another 4% against net premium, resulting in an overall increase of 11% on renewing premium.

Speaking in New York earlier today, Tom Hamilton, the Chief Underwriting Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, said: “The 2025 renewal underscores the value Club members place on the high level of service provided by the Club, evidenced by a business retention rate of 94% during the renewal. The American Club’s focus remains on rate adequacy and sustainability particularly in response to the emergence of Pool claim activity during 2024. Importantly, the American Club commences the 2025 policy year in a solid position with premium income for P&I, FD&D and charterers’ liability classes, along with Eagle Ocean Marine, in excess of $130 million, and we are encouraged by the expectation for growth across all classes over the course of 2025/2026. We are grateful to our Members, new and existing, our producing brokers, our Board of Directors, and of course, to our executives throughout the world, all key to the Club’s continuing resilience.”

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Bahamas News

Nedra Woodside Named CIBC Caribbean Director of Corporate Banking

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Nassau, Bahamas, March 4, 2025 – Nedra Woodside has consistently demonstrated her expertise in credit underwriting, portfolio management, and corporate banking for over 25 years.

Today, her mastery of complex financial structures and client relationships has propelled her to being named CIBC Caribbean’s new Director of Corporate Banking.

Starting her journey in entry-level positions, Nedra has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to rise through the ranks. In her most recent role as Associate Director of Credit Underwriting and Portfolio Management, Nedra led a team of managers and officers across The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, driving performance and operational efficiency.

In 2023 alone, Nedra not only exceeded her personal annual sales target by 28%, achieving $28.3 million, but also played a crucial role in helping the bank’s Bahamas unit surpass its overall sales target by reaching $136 million. Her latest promotion is a reflection of her dedication and the tangible impact she has had on CIBC Caribbean’s growth and success.

Nedra’s new director role will see her continuing to influence the strategic direction of corporate banking at CIBC Caribbean. She will drive innovation and growth and further cement the bank’s commitment to excellence as a regional powerhouse in the financial services industry.

Nedra’s accolades, including multiple FirstStars awards and CEO recognitions, underscore her exceptional leadership and commitment. Nedra’s promotion is not just a recognition of her stellar track record but also a reflection of her deep commitment to CIBC Caribbean clients and team.

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