Turks & Caicos CABINET MEETING Report February 22, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, March 6, 2023 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 4th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 22 February 2023 at the Premier’s Office on Grand Turk.

All Members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Home Affairs, who is away on official business.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Approved cost neutral Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure under a fifth Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2023 and for this to be submitted to the House of Assembly.

Were presented with the CARTAC-IMF report and recommendations around “Diversification for Sustained Revenue” options for the TCI. Members approved the establishment of a Revenue Policy Unit to review the recommendations and to develop a Revenue Based Diversification for Sustainability plan for the TCI.

• Approved the establishment of an electronic Beneficial Ownership register for TCI companies, the amendments to the applicable Ordinances to introduce and manage the register, in keeping with the global standards set by recommendations 24 and 25 of the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations.

Approved the establishment of a “Citizens Empowerment Fund” for all Turks & Caicos Islands Status Holders and British Overseas Territories Citizens, and for a lump sum grant by the TCIG to be held on account in the National Wealth Fund until the “Turks & Caicos National Credit Union” is established, at which time membership will be offered to the public.

Approved for a Housing Policy under the Ministry of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development (PPID) to be further developed with a view to providing better access to adequate shelter, affordable accommodation, and housing options throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Discussed an application received for the development of a low density resort comprising of hotels, villas, residential units on Crown Land located on Salt Cay. Members approved for the Crown Land Unit to issue a request for tenders from interested developers.

Approved amendments to the Post Office Ordinance recognizing the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Service as the designated postal operator in the Turks and Caicos Islands in compliance with the Universal Postal Union Convention.

• Approved amendments to the Health Professions Ordinance and the Health Professions Regulations 2019 and for the former to be submitted to the House of Assembly.

Approved the re-appointment of Mr. Deveraux Malcolm as a Member of the National Insurance Board of Trustees for a transitional period of one year with effect from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Approved an application for a five year license from Rex Swann to operate culture tours for cruise ship passengers on a portion of parcel 10101/24, North East Suburbs, Grand Turk.

Approve the use of funds from the National Forfeiture Fund expenditure by the Integrity Commission, including the conducting of special investigations and the purchase of vehicles.

Approved the renewal of a rental lease agreement for the Publishing Department on Grand Turk for a period of three years. Members also agreed next steps on broader lease agreements for government offices.

Approved the re-appointment of Mrs Lavern Reynolds as chair of the Procurement Board for a period of two years with effect from 31 March 2023 to 31 March 2025.

Approved the awarding of the contract NHIB 01/2022, TR 22/17, Purchase of Vehicle for NHIB.

Approved a five year license to TBH Provo Ltd to regularize several structures including a lifeguard tower on accredited land bordering parcel 60812/20, the Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.

Noted work to streamline applications and processing of Migrant Health medicals and approved the extension of a moratorium on Certificates of Good Health for a period of three months, or if earlier, by the completion of a new migrant health system. Members also agreed next steps.

Confirmed its earlier approval of the Crown Land Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Crown Land (Residential Conditional Purchase Lease)(Arrears And Mesne Profit)(Amnesty) Bill 2023, and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly.

Confirmed its earlier approval of a request for a new Development Order for development concessions for Provo Water Company Limited for a period of ten years.

Was updated on the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex on 22-23 February 2023.

Was updated on the recent visit to the Bahamas by the Hon Premier.

Members were also updated on issues relating to the ministry of: Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Premier, and Office of the Governor.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.