Government
Roughly 140 People Displaced in Gov’t Demolitions, better info coming says ISU
By Dana Malcolm with Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2023 – A post mortem of the recent demolition which returned some 27 acres of land to its rightful owners has revealed to the Informal Settlements Unit what can be done better next time around and that includes a truer picture of specifically who is directly affected by the containment exercises.
Despite the necessary and tactical nature of the scope of work of the Informal Settlement Unit there was one concerning issue, admitted leaders on the delicate project, namely the lack of a comprehensive collection of statistics in the late March two-day demolition exercise.
It’s an issue which Carlos Simons and Virginia Clerveaux say has been exacerbated by a staff shortage; one which has been flagged for adjustments going forward.
The mission of the ISU is likely to cause hurt feelings, bringing distress to those who have for years been able to reside illegally, in unauthorized homes or conduct business in buildings which have shirked Planning Department
approval. Still, the ISU maintains it wants to make the process as humane and empathetic as possible; they have involved the Human Rights Commission to achieve that goal.
“As we go along we will learn lessons and one of the lessons that we have learned is it might be a good idea for unit personnel to take a survey of who lives in these makeshift shelters, whether there are children involved and where the adults work, where the children go to school. We will design questionnaires to garner that information.’’
There were approximately 140 people displaced by the demolition in The Bight, according to the ISU.
It is concerning that there was no demographic information gathered on the group. Officials cannot say who they are, what nationality they are, where they work, if they are legal or illegal residents and how many children, if any.
Admittedly, it’s information which would have proven quite valuable to the government, regulators, media and the public. It means the government will not be able to account for these residents and cannot confirm whether they have transitioned to suitable living accommodations; which for work permit holders or legal migrants is required of employers in keeping with the law.
Simons, KC readily admitted this and cited his intention to improve the process.
Based on information from a soon to be published study on Dock Yard, the Unit is confident that most of the people who occupy these settlements are undocumented.
Turks and Caicos
Governor, Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 32nd meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 9th October 2024 at the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of H.E. Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism, and Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister for Immigration.
At this meeting of Cabinet:
- Received an update from the Statistics Authority on the progress of the current state of the Turks and Caicos Islands census.
- Approved the Supplementary Appropriation (2024/2025) Bill 2024 for onward submission to the House of Assembly.
- Approved, on an exceptional basis, the reinstatement of a Concession Order for Grace Bay Resorts.
- Approved the appointment of Ms. Latisha Williams -Bruce as Chairman of the National Insurance Appeal Tribunal for a period of two years.
- Approved the Turks and Caicos National Wealth Fund (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024 for onward submission to the House of Assembly.
- Approved the introduction of the National Quality Policy 2024.
- Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Public Works Department in Grand Turk for a five-year term.
- Approved the appointment of the following medical professionals to the Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Professions Council for a two-year term: Dr. Alexis Missick, Medical Practitioner; Dr. Janice Baron, Chief Dental Officer; and Dr. Reginald Thomas.
- Approved the reappointment of the following individuals as members of the Ports Authority Board for a three-year term: Mr. Tueton Williams (Chair), Crosly Bain (Member), Tracey Parker Gray (Permanent Secretary, Finance or Nominee), Permanent Secretary, Ports, Director of Ports, Chief Engineer, and Collector of Customs. Also approved the extension of Mr. Dennis Swann (Deputy Chair) and Showonda Gardiner for a term of two and a half years.
- Received an update on development for the island of South Caicos.
- Confirmed the transfer of funds from various Ministries to the Ministry of Education for additional scholarship funding.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos
Governor, Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 33rd meeting of Cabinet held on Friday, 25th October 2024 at the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister for Health and Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General with Ms. Khalila Astwood serving as Acting Attorney General.
At this meeting of Cabinet:
- Received an information paper on the Howard Hamilton International Airport Redevelopment Public Private Partnership Project and approved financing proposals for submission to the United Kingdom in line with the Public Finance Management Ordinance (PFMO).
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos
Governor, Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 34th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 30th October 2024 at the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Otis Morris, Minister for Home Affairs.
At this meeting of Cabinet:
- Approved policy changes and amendments to the Business Licensing Ordinance.
- Approved amendments to be made to the National Insurance (Benefit) Regulations.
- Approved an Amnesty Ordinance to provide a 6-month amnesty on penalties for outstanding contributions as well as an amendment to the National Insurance Ordinance and Regulations.
- Approved amendments to the Elections Ordinance to align with the additional requirements and subsequent changes made to the Constitution.
- Approved the recommendations made by the Supervisor of Elections and the International Observers, following consultation and discussion with the Elections Oversight Group after the 2021 General Elections.
- Approved the reformation of the National Assessment Team (NAT) related to the poverty assessment for a period of seven months.
- Approved the appointment of Ms. Rudell Williams as Chairwoman of the TCI Credit Union and further granted approval for stipends for non-TCIG board members.
- Approved the payment of costs related to a Court matter CL 130/2023.
- Approved a duty concession on the importation of furniture and fixtures as per the Refurbishment Policy for Pelican Bay Restaurant & Bar.
- Received an update on the number of approvals granted in the Restricted Business Licence Application Category – Schedule 4 of the Business Licensing Regulations 2021.
- Approved the appointment of Ms. Cagina Foster as Collector of Stamp Duty commencing November 1, 2024.
- Approved a Bill to Repeal the Legislative Service (Special Provision) Pension Ordinance for onward submission to House of Assembly.
- Approved the withdrawal of the moratorium on a parcel located within Block 60804, the Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.
- Approved a license to Henrik Arnth-Jensen and Ekaterina Arnth-Jensen for the repair of an existing groyne and the development of a boardwalk seaward of parcels 60702/59 and 60702/60, subject to various conditions.
- Approved a rental lease agreement for additional space for the Judicial Courts at Unit #1, Rhonda’s Building, Whitby, North Caicos, for a five-year term.
- Approved a lease agreement for the Department of Gender Affairs at Unit #3B, Courtyard Plaza, Providenciales (parcel 60703/24 K 17), for a five-year term.
- Approved the Revised Vehicle Import Duty Reduction Policy for current and former Civil Servants.
- Received an update on the Renewable Energy Consultation process.
- Approved a payment to be made in relation to a Claims Against Government-Judicial Review Matter CL153/2023.
- Approved the establishment of the Quality Assurance Consultative Committee, comprising the following members: Wesley Clerveaux (Chair), Danier Lightbourne (Member), Trefa Hinds (Member, ex-officio), Luc Clerveaux (Member, ex-officio), Candesha Mills (Member, ex-officio), John Hilton (Member), Mary Lightbourne (Member), and Sasha Arthur (Member). Further approved the payment of a stipend to non-TCIG members.
- Approved the commencement of the TCIG Christmas Salary Advance 2024 Programme for Public Officers and Pensioners.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
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