Government
Misick and Selvaratnam to work on Constitution
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2023 – Washington Misick, TCI Premier is hoping to harness the legal expertise afforded to the country by Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam to speed up constitutional reform. He made the request to the new governor during her swearing in this past Thursday June 29.
“To advance the changes needed we hope that with your professional qualifications, skills and experience in the areas of public policy law procurement and strategy together with your network in the power halls of the United Kingdom—we will find a way to expedite the changes needed in these areas.”
The Premier advised too, that the status of an overseas territory was fraught with potential for misunderstandings and the UK had many times misunderstood the ‘ground level realities’ and that had cost the country dearly, though
they were working to improve. He had encouragement for the newly appointed governor as well.
“What does matter will be your commitment to come to know us and use your high office in collaboration with the government— towards the aspirations of the people of these islands,” Misick maintained.
He said that the country’s economic boom had brought its own challenges including security threats and lop-sided development and admitted that social development is lagging despite the massive amount of money the country has stored away.
At the same time Misick maintained that to move forward, the Government would need more flexibility, a task with which Selvaratnam is expected to help.
During his speech, Misick recognized Anya Williams, Deputy Governor for her excellent service and lauded Selvaratnam for hitting a ‘double record’ being the first female governor and first governor of color.
Selvaratnam is a lawyer by trade with years of experience in the UK legal space. Her Excellency, the sixteenth governor for the TCI, was sworn in on June 29th 2023 and is expected to serve a two year term as Governor.
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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