TCI Cabinet Meeting, Revises Police Record Process & Ends Vaccine Mandate to Visitors

Published

3 years ago

March 31, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, March 31, 2023 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 7^th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 22 March 2023 at the Governor’s Residence on Grand Turk.

All Members were present with the exeption of the Hon Minister of Health, away from TCI on Government business.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Approved the lifting of the COVID-19 Vaccination requirement for visitors entering the Turks and Caicos Islands with effect from 1 April 2023 and agreed next steps to ensure the nation can respond to any uptick in Covid-19 cases.
Was updated on an arbitration case between the TCI Government and InterHealth Canada. Members also agreed next steps.
Approved the development of new national criteria, including public consultation, to revise the application and issuance of a Police Record certificates by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, seeking to eventually reducing employment categories where records will be required. Members also discussed the inclusion of criteria to allow the TCI Public Service to employ low risk offenders as an example to private sector employers.
Approved amendments to, and the implementation of, the Turks and Caicos Islands Official Credit Card Policy, and encouraged its adoption throughout TCIG and its Statutory Bodies.
Approved a roadmap for the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accruals basis of accounting, enhancing accountability, transparency and financial management. Members also approved resources required for this to be implemented.
Approved for the Complaints Commission to be relocated to a more central location on Grand Turk. Members also approved next steps including where funding should come from to support the work of the Commission and for new office space to be identified.
Approved for the Government to enter into negotiations to purchase Parcels 10304/33, 130 & 131 on Grand Turk to relocate both the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency Services, and the Central Purchasing Unit.
Approved for the Government to enter into negotiations to purchase Parcels 10306/68, 69, 10 & 11 on Grand Turk for use by TCI Government Departments.
Approved the payment of a claim for rent due to K&T Auto Ltd for vehicles used by Customs Department officials in 2016 for official purposes.
Approved the re-appointment of Sharon Simons(Chair), Donovan Francis, Madeline Mills and William Cole Fulford as Members, and Director of Immigration or her representative, Commissioner of Labour or his representative and Permanent Secretary of Finance or her representative as Ex-officio Members of the Work Permit Board – Zone 1 and Sharlene Smith as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the re-appointment of Nikimo Williams(Chair), Alpheus Pinder, Jennifer Glinton and appointment of Charmaine Clarke as Members, and Director of Immigration or her representative, Commissioner of Labour or his representative and Permanent Secretary of Finance or her representative as Ex-officio Members of the Work Permit Board – Zone 2 and Desireka Glinton as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the re-appointment of Rayan Williams(Chair), Lofton Morley Jr.,Kitchandra Penn, Deondra Delancy and Lorniqua Gardiner as Members of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal and appointment of Jenika Laporte as Secretary of the Tribunal for a period of one year with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.
Approved the appointment of Vernon Alco Williams (Chair), Samuel Williams, Dorn Fulford, Carlis Williams, Arnelle Taylor, Kenya Forbes-Jagger, Kerchell Been Lawers, Yolander Forbes, Wandy Delancy and Edward Hall as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of one year with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.
Approved the appointment of Peter Forbes (Chair), Bennet Gardiner (Deputy-Chair), Antoine Missick and Darrak Williams as Members of the Air Transport Licensing Authority Board for an period of two years with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the upgraded appointment of Algernon Dean (Chair), re-appointment of Kenro Gardiner (Deputy-Chair), Brandon Gardiner and appointment of Tony Clarke as Members and Permanent Secretary responsible for TCICAA and Managing Director of the TCICAA as ex-Officio Member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (TCICAA) Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the appointment of Paul Brie (Chair), Benjamin Durham, Anton Faessler and Kaylea Malcolm as Members of the TCI National Wealth Fund Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025.
Approved the re-appointment of Sonia Williams (Chair), Reverend Julia Williams (Deputy Chair), Gretle B. Dean, Deserika Lightbourne and appointment of Avi Adams as Members and Permanent Secretary for Education or Delegate and the Director of Education as Ex-officio Member of the Education Advisory Board / Scholarship Committee and Sharine Lightbourne as Secretary to the Committee for a period of two years effective 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025.
Approved the re-appointment of Dr Barbara Ambrister (Chair), Dr Marcella Malcolm (Deputy Chair), Richard Gibbs Jnr and appointment of Julianna Musgrove, Selvyn Hawkins and Velma Smith as Members and President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Permanent Secretary or Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance and Permanent Secretary or Deputy Permanent Secretary Education as Ex-officio Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Governors and Velma Smith as Secretary to the Board for a period of two years effective 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025.
Approved the extension of the appointment of Clara Gardiner (Chair), Alexandria Missick (Deputy Chair), Owenta Coleby, John Hilton and Shavonda Lewis as Members of the TCI Tourist Board until 30 June 2023.
Approved further amendments to the Hurricane Fiona Relief Policy increasing the qualifying threshold of household income, independent valuations and capped benefit to $25,000 per property regardless of value of the assessments.
Approved the awarding of the following contracts:

a) TR 22/19, Consultancy Services for Turks and Caicos Islands Domestic Submarine Cable Strategic Outline Business case,
b) TCIAA 02/2002, TR 22/09, Furniture and Equipment for TCIAA – LOT A: Office Furniture and Equipment,
c) TCIAA 03/2002, TR 22/09, Furniture and Equipment for TCIAA – LOT B: Office Furniture and Equipment,
d) TCIAA 04/2002, TR 22/09, Furniture and Equipment for TCIAA – LOT C: Office Furniture and Equipment,
e) TCIAA 05/2022, TR 22/39, Grand Turk Perimeter Fencing, and
f) TR 22/25, Consultancy for the Operationalization of a Credit Union.

Members were also updated on issues relating to the Ministry of Immigration.
In closing, Members expressed their thanks and gratitude to the Governor for the work he had led on and supported throughout his tenue.

Browne Wins Fourth Term in Antigua & Barbuda Landslide

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Antigua & Barbuda, May 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a historic fourth consecutive term in office, leading the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to a commanding victory in the country’s snap general election held April 30, 2026.

Preliminary results show Browne’s party capturing 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, tightening its grip on power and dramatically weakening the opposition.

The main opposition United Progressive Party was reduced to just one seat, held by its leader, while the Barbuda People’s Movement retained its single constituency in Barbuda.

The result marks a major political turnaround for Browne, whose party had won a much narrower 9–7 majority in the 2023 election before rebuilding support through defections and by-elections.

Voter turnout figures vary in early reports, with initial estimates indicating participation of around 35.8 percent, or roughly 22,700 voters out of more than 63,000 registered. However, broader election data suggests overall turnout may have exceeded 60 percent, reflecting steady engagement despite political tensions.

The election, called nearly two years ahead of schedule, was shaped by concerns over the cost of living, global economic pressures and fallout from U.S. visa restrictions linked to the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme.

Despite those issues, Browne campaigned on economic stability and continued development, pointing to a strong tourism recovery and ongoing infrastructure expansion.

The decisive victory now strengthens his mandate, but also raises questions about the future of the opposition, which faces internal challenges after significant losses at the polls.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Bahamas News

VOTES SAFE, SAYS PRD AFTER BALLOT BOX FIASCO VIDEO

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, May 4, 2026 – The Parliamentary Registration Department is assuring the public that ballots cast during advance polling remain secure, following a viral video that sparked confusion and concern in eastern Nassau.

The footage, widely circulated on social media, showed a tense scene outside Thelma Gibson Primary School, where party supporters surrounded election officials as a ballot box was escorted to a waiting vehicle under police guard. The confrontation—loud, chaotic and closely watched—left many questioning whether proper procedures were being followed.

In response, the PRD moved to clarify.

In an official statement, the Department said the transport of ballot boxes in the Elizabeth and Yamacraw constituencies was conducted in line with established protocol. It explained that once polling concludes, the Presiding Officer is required to return sealed ballot boxes to the Returning Officer, who—accompanied by a senior police officer—then transports them to the Parliamentary Commissioner.

The PRD said it is satisfied that Returning Officer Sonia Culmer adhered to those procedures and that the ballot boxes remained sealed at all times.

But that account has been challenged.

PLP Elizabeth candidate Jobeth Coleby-Davis has called for an urgent investigation into what she described as alleged irregularities involving ballot handling. She claims that established procedures were breached, including the movement of sealed ballot boxes without the presence of party observers, and is urging authorities to review the matter.

The competing accounts have added to public unease following scenes that saw supporters from multiple political parties crowding officials during the transfer process, demanding clarity on what was taking place.

Individuals clad in PLP shirts, including incumbent Coleby-Davis swarmed the returning officer, police officers and the ballot boxes. The charge was the woman in the crosshairs of the accusations was connected to the opposition FNM party.

There was nothing to validate this claim and there is no confirmed breach reported by election officials.

Ballots cast during advance polling are expected to remain secured until Election Day, May 12, when they will be merged with ballots in their respective constituencies and counted as part of the official tally.

For now, the PRD is standing firm on the integrity of the process—even as calls for further scrutiny grow louder.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Government

$94.1Mfor Health; Knowles Pushes to Keep Care at Home

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2026 – A major shift in how healthcare is delivered in the Turks and Caicos Islands is at the center of the Government’s latest budget, with a focus on reducing reliance on overseas treatment and strengthening services at home.

Presenting his contribution to the national debate, Kyle Knowles outlined a strategy aimed at building a more sustainable healthcare system—one that allows more residents to access quality care within the country.

The health sector has been allocated $94.1 million, making it one of the largest areas of public spending in the $550.8 million Budget passed on April 23.

Central to the Minister’s approach is a restructuring of the Treatment Abroad Programme (TAP), which has grown significantly in recent years as more patients are sent overseas for specialized care.

The Government now aims to reverse that trend.

“We are reforming healthcare to ensure long-term sustainability,” Knowles indicated, pointing to efforts to strengthen local services and reduce the need for travel.

The strategy includes improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding services available within the islands and increasing efficiency through the digitization of medical records.

Digitization is expected to support better coordination of care, reduce delays and allow for more accurate tracking of patient needs—part of a broader effort to modernize public services.

The Minister emphasized that the goal is not only cost control, but improved access.

“No family should have to leave home to get quality care,” he said, underscoring the Government’s intention to refocus healthcare delivery on local capacity.

The shift comes as rising healthcare costs continue to place pressure on public finances, with overseas treatment representing one of the most expensive components of the system.

By investing more heavily in domestic services, the Government is seeking to reduce that burden while improving outcomes for residents.

While the direction is clear, details on timelines and the pace of expansion for local services were not fully outlined in the presentation.

Still, the emphasis on sustainability, access and modernization signals a strategic pivot in how healthcare is expected to evolve in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.