Government
Only Weeks to Crown Land policy Priority Dicussions says Premier
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, January 23, 2023 – TCI residents can expect details on how the government will approach delivery of the 146 recommendations agreed to in the Crown Land Review in a matter of weeks, according to Premier Washington Misick who made the announcement during a press conference on January 16th.
“In the next few weeks we will be addressing issues of housing, the land policy that the country has long long been waiting for is now published and we will be starting to deliver incrementally on that.”
Residents are anxious to hear which of the mountain of recommendations will be tackled first, hot button issues to be written into law include beach access. Recommendations regarding access would give residents more legal power
over their beaches to complement cultural use.
Also of interest is the housing policy, recommendations on this topic included an increase in the islander discount, phasing out of Conditional Purchase Leases; prioritization of family homes built in bulk by the government and turnkey ready rather than allotment of multiple plots for residents without proper facilities.
As for informal settlements those were addressed as well with stern recommendations about the handling of residential properties which called for empathy and will allow those holding them a chance to regularize themselves in the eyes of the law.
Also dealt with was the lottery system. In the Review completed by R Donhue Gardiner, TCI Attorney with experience in land law and policy development in TCI and Dr. Simon Cooper PhD, an expert in Caribbean land law and registration systems the recommendation is the practice of a lottery for land should be ended and two new panels be set up to manage the dissemination of parcels which will now be put up for sale via a points system.
These and other issues were laid out in fine detail in the 300 page document which ended with 146 recommendations; it was published on December 8, 2022.
In the press conference held last week to discuss the implementation of a ‘livable wage’ for the Turks and Caicos, the premier reminded that government will have to amend significant portions of the Crown Land Ordinance and in at least one case, craft a totally new law.
The task will likely take years with residents hoping that the most important issues will come first.
Government
Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.
Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.
As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office.
This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism. In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.
Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”
Government
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