CABINET MEETING:  Diaspora Office Approved; Airports initiatives sanctioned and Tourism Levy via the DMMO gets the nod

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT 

Her Excellency the Acting Governor chaired the 14^th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at the Governor’s Office on Grand Turk.

All Members were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the rental of the Diaspora Office in Nassau, Bahamas by accepting the signing of a three year lease with FINCEN LIMITED.
• Approved for the Minister of Finance to waive accommodation tax payable by guests attending the 45^thRegional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to be hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands 21-28 July 2023.
• Approved amendments to the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Taxation Ordinance subject to industry consultation.
• Approved with various considerations an MOU with GT Onshore Development Ltd. for a cruise ship tendering development and tourist accommodations on Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
• Noted the fourth quarter financial report 2022/2023 for publication.
• Approved amendments to the National Investment Policy 2016.
• Approved a request for a Development /Order for Development Concessions for Provo Water Company Ltd (PWCo).
• Discussed environmental concerns regarding dredging in the Leeward Marina and along Grace Bay and next steps to develop a plan to mitigate any environmental concerns and damage.
• Approved a Sand Mining licence for the Strand.
• Approved applications for Class A Processing and Export Licence to Caicos Seafood Ltd, Caicos Fisheries Ltd and Provo Seafood.
• Approved the Immigration Regulations 12 and Schedule 7 – Permanent Residence Permit Fees for public consultation.
• Approved amendments to the Airports Authority Ordinance to facilitate Modern Development Initiatives.
• Noted the order of the Supreme Court for the award of taxation of cost to a named individual and agreed next steps.
• Approved proposals to introduce the regulation of Haitian cargo vessels under the provisions of the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships.
• Approved the proposed name change of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence to the Department of Behavioural Health Services.
• Noted the following Contract Award Notifications:
• TCIG 01/2023, Airline Subsidy to Caicos Express Airways to engage airlift services to Salt Cay and South Caicos from Grand Turk for the period 30 May 2023 – 30 May 2024;
• Various High Value Projects including:

1. TCIG 14/2022, TR 22/12, Purchase of Vehicle for FIA;
2. TCIG 16/2022, TR 22/14, Purchase of Vehicle for Informal Settlement Unit;

• TCIG 25/2022, TR 22/21, Consultancy Services for TCI Public Service Pay and grading Review;

1. TCIG 34/2022, TR 22/29, Consultancy Services for Tourism Carrying Capacity Study;
2. TCIG 43/2022, TR 22/40, Vehicle for Financial Crimes Unit;
3. PN 005561, TR 22/22 South Dock Port Redevelopment – Technical Support for Phases 1 and 2;

• PN 005561, TR 22/23 South Dock Port Redevelopment – Consultancy to design South Dock Fuel Discharge Mooring;
• PN 005561, TR 22/24, South Dock Port Redevelopment – Consultancy Services for the Preparation of design and Costs for Phases 3 and 4;

1. PN 005667, SSP, Border Force Improvement Project – Three Phase Power (resubmission);
2. PN 005725, SSP, CCTV for Police

• Approved with various considerations the terms for the Hadley Investments Ltd MOU with a view to enter into a Development Agreement.
• Approved with various considerations the approach to collect Tourism Guest Levy for the Destination Management Organisation.
• Approved the renewal of the Policy for the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility for 2023/2024.
• Approved an application for a licence over Parcel 10101/24 for a named individual for the purposes of developing a drive in theatre.
• Approved an application by the proprietors of Strata Plan No 67 for a lease or licence over accredited land seaward of Parcel 60905/206
• Approved an application by Blue Roc Properties Ltd for a licence to establish a swim deck seaward of Parcels 60612/220 and 60612/221 located at Norway and Five Cays.
• Approved the following appointments to the TCI Sport Commission Board, commencing as of 1 June 2023:
• Mr Shanwell Gardiner for three (3) years as Chairman
• Mrs Tamara Basset for two (2) years as a board member
• Approved an amendment to the current Development Order/Agreement between TCI Toscana GP ltd, Vista development Ltd and the TCIG to reflect a new completion date of October 31 2027.
• Approved with various considerations a Development Agreement with Hamilton University.
• Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Ordinance – Import Permit
• Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Ordinance – Traffic Signals