Government
Turks & Caicos CABINET MEETING Report February 8, 2023
#TurksandCaicos, March 6, 2023 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 3rd meeting (Part 2) of Cabinet on Wednesday 8 February 2023 at the District Commissioner’s Office on South Caicos.
All Members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Tourism, who is away on official business.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Was presented with a comprehensive business case by the TCI Airport Authority and external consultants for the development of a new International airport on Providenciales. Members also discussed funding mechanisms for further consideration.
Approved for the TCI Airport Authority to write-off debt owed to it by domestic carriers, for sums dating back to October 2022. Members also agreed for TCIAA to implement collection measures around outstanding debts owed to it.
Discussed options for a Housing Policy under the Housing and Community Renewal Department in order to provide better access to adequate shelter, affordable accommodation and housing options throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Noted the roadmap and approved milestones and timelines for the smooth transition of the Tourist Board into
Approved the re-appointment of Commissioners to the Immigration and Population Council for a period of 18 months with effect from 1 April 2023. Members also discussed recommendations made by the Council and agreed next steps.
Approved an extension of the Provo Stevedoring contract for a period of five years. Members also approved for the Ports Authority to take forward an independent consultant’s recommendations to improve oversight of stevedoring services.
Approved amendments to the Magistrate’s Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2023 and the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill 2023 and for these to be advanced to the House of Assembly. Amendments will grant the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) the right to appeal to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal in criminal matters, including appealing against sentences, from 8 February 2023 onwards.
Approved a waiver of the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Taxation (HRTT) for the accommodation of the US Government Agents only, deployed to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands with the serious crime issue.
Approved the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (“TCIG”) and Hadley Investments Limited., with a view to enter into a Development Agreement, for the construction of a hotel development in the Leeward Going Through settlement of Providenciales.
Approved a request from Desarrollos Hotelco DC Ltd. for the re-instatement of a Stamp Duty Remission Order, for the development of a hotel complex and private villas on Dellis Cay, for a further period of six months.
Approved the opening of a Turks and Caicos Islands Government Office in Nassau, Bahamas, and the appointment of Ms. Vernay Mills and Rev. Cannon Curtis Robinson as Diaspora Liaison Officers for a period of three years when the office formally opens in early 2023.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministry of Education.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.