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Governor says TCI is growing fastest in the Region, but TCI Citizenry not benefitting

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2023 – Legal Migration is contributing to a rapid population growth rate for the Turks and Caicos, now the Governor of the territory is labelling the islands as “the fastest growing Caribbean country” amidst concerns that an insufficient number of those people are able to become full citizens of the TCI.

The Governor, Nigel Dakin, in an instagram post on Saturday March 4th said the country was growing at a rate of roughly four percent confirming data shared in 2022 by Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services.

On an annual basis, 1,000 applicants successfully receive British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC’s) status, but only around 60 of those people become official TCI citizens, said Governor Dakin.

“There are many who were not successful and feel aggrieved. Judicial Review is pending; if the process was followed correctly by the Commission it will withstand review – if it wasn’t, a remedy is needed.”

The Governor exposed, in a striking photograph, what it looks like when he is about to confer citizenship onto individuals approved by the Status Commission; he informed in the Instagram message that he wholeheartedly accepted the 42 recommendations and would sign the documents making the approved applicants full fledged citizens of the British Overseas Territory.

For those whose applications were met with a nod of approval, there has been a lawsuit filed and others expect the Governor to intervene.

“I accepted the Commission’s positive recommendations in their entirety. What the Ordinance does not allow me to do – correctly in my view – is second guess those the Commission do not recommend.

While I appoint the Chair, I was clear if the Premier and Leader of the Opposition could agree, I would accept their shared recommendation. They did.”

The Governor maintained that by law he was not allowed to second guess the members of the TCI Status Commission, which, as a body approves and rejects applicants seeking citizenship in the Turks and Caicos.

He also revealed that while he had appointed the Chair of the Committee, it was an action on the advice of both the Government Administration and the Opposition for a very specific reason.

“This is because I believe that while it was essential to start this process, it was also important to ensure the Turks and Caicos Islanders felt full ownership. The growth has been discombobulating – on present projections the population in 1980 (7,000) will grow to ten times that, in less than a lifetime.”

The potentially landmark lawsuit against that Commission broke the dam on the polarising views on the matter of one’s pathway to citizenship in the Turks and Caicos.

The Governor’s report also followed Minister Musgrove, who in a press conference in February said this population growth is not coming from birth or citizenship approvals but from residents who hold Permanent Residency Cards and then become naturalized as BOTCs.

Dakin continued: “How a stable nation is built with an asymmetry between those who “Belong” “de jure”, and those who “belong” “de facto” is a sensitive issue.”

Nigel Dakin has long been calling for a frank discussion on the highly contentious issue.

Government

Ministry of Tourism Participates in 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference  

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND MARINE AFFAIRS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE, AGRICULTURE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AND GAMING

 

 

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos, 1st November 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Fisheries, Agriculture, Religious Affairs, and Gaming actively participated in the 30th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, held from 22 to 26 October 2024, in collaboration with the Government of St. Maarten. Mr. Brian Been, the Ministry’s Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, represented the ministry at this significant event.

The FCCA Conference is recognised as the largest gathering of cruise industry stakeholders in the Caribbean. Attendees engaged in numerous one-on-one sessions, allowing destinations to connect directly with cruise operators. The agenda also featured discussions on training opportunities, capital investments for various destinations, and the latest trends in cruise tourism.

Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the sustainable development of the cruise industry, stating, “We are proud to have elevated our status to Platinum Membership, enhancing our connectivity in product development, marketing, and crucially, in capacity building through training. Recently, Experience TCI organized a series of workshops with FCCA trainers from Aquila in Grand Turk. We are dedicated to the integrated development of cruise tourism in collaboration with our partners.”

A highlight of the conference was the release of the BREA Study, which showcased the continuing success of the Turks and Caicos Islands in cruise tourism. The study revealed an economic contribution of US$116 million from the 2023/2024 cruise season, a significant increase from $86.47 million in 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism extends its gratitude to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, and other partners for their invaluable contributions to the data submission process.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the overall visitor experience, with participation in events like the FCCA Platinum Member Conference playing a vital role in achieving these goals.

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The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Pinned House of Assembly (HOA) Members for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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PRESS RELEASE 

From The Department of Gender Affairs

 

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands October 29th 2024 – In a powerful display of solidarity, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government rallied behind Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a pinning of members of the House of Assembly. This symbolic act, where the leaders were pinned with an awareness badge, signifies their public commitment to the cause. The event, held on October 11th , 2024, was organized by the Department of Gender Affairs and led by Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Gender Affairs, under the theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain: Silence Hides Violence.”

Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick and several other esteemed members of the House of Assembly participated in the ceremony, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to combating domestic violence. By wearing the awareness pins, these leaders visibly pledged their support for victims/survivors and their families, as well as their dedication to breaking the cycle of abuse.

Mrs. Dickenson expressed her elation at the overwhelming support shown by the members. “Their participation sends a powerful message that our government will not tolerate domestic violence in any form,” she stated. “It emphasizes that we all have a role to play in ending the silence that hides this devastating issue too often.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance in the Turks and Caicos Islands aimed at raising awareness of the pervasive problem of domestic abuse and providing support to those affected. The theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain” is a call to action, emphasizing the need to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and create a chain of support for victims. It encourages everyone to speak out against domestic violence and support those who are affected.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government urges all residents to join this important awareness campaign. Together, the community can play a crucial role in stopping the pain of domestic violence and breaking the chain of abuse for generations to come.

If you do not have a pin, we encourage you to collect one from the Department of Gender Affairs. Your participation is crucial in our collective efforts to end domestic violence.

For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and resources for those affected by domestic abuse, please contact the Department of Gender Affairs via telephone at 649-338-2681 (Grand Turk), 649-338-2686 (Providenciales). You can also contact the Department via email at genderaffairs@gov.tc. Continue to look out for its various activities on facebook.com/genderaffairstci or Instagram: @genderaffairstci.

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Government

Shakiah Lewis Appointed Dean of CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Department of Youth Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Shakiah Lewis as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program (CYAP) for the entire CARICOM region.

A dedicated educator and passionate youth advocate, Ms. Lewis, brings extensive experience in regional integration, leadership, and community involvement. She is a member of the TCI National Youth Parliament, TCI Community College Alumni Association, CSA Young Workers Leader, AOL Foundation advocate, and Rotaract Club of Grand Turk Director.

As Dean, Ms. Lewis will promote youth advocacy and leadership development, deepening youth participation in regional integration and development. Her one-year term will focus on championing youth-related issues such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture stated, “I congratulate Ms. Shakiah Lewis on her well-deserved appointment as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program. Her dedication and leadership as a TCI Youth Ambassador, coupled with her impressive civic portfolio have, prepared her well for this regional role. We are proud to have her represent our country and empower young leaders across the Caribbean.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government congratulates Ms. Lewis on this achievement and wishes her success in her new role.

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