By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, September 15, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands economic hot streak is cooling; within the Throne Speech of September 14 it was explained that the Washington Misick Administration is monitoring the global economy for any trends which may offset the TCI’s fiscal buoyancy after recording negative growth in the first fiscal quarter of 2023-2024.

“My government will continue to watch the world economy and adjust as we see fit to ensure that our people are protected and have a chance for the best outcomes. The global economic contraction is cause for concern. For the first quarter, the TCI revenues were $109.8 million. That is $3.7 million or 3% below estimates.”

The decrease in government income follows two consecutive periods of banner performances in tourism and real estate.

In delivering the message penned by Hon C. Washington, Misick, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Throne Speech, the governor, on his behalf said: “Mr Speaker! The 2022/23 Financial Year was challenging for my government and the people of these islands, but through the mercies of God, we finished the year with much to celebrate and much to be thankful for.

Mr. Speaker! While the TCI’s economic prospects are tied to the rest of the world, this little country is doing far better than many larger economies.

The economy has recovered fully from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and over the last two and a half years has seen consistent growth,” said H.E. Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The IMF has warned that the global economy is poised to slow.  Already, Canada is reporting that it has had a first quarter of negative growth.  Now, the Turks and Caicos is revealing the same.

“As we enter this legislative year, we must be mindful that as a tourist-dependent economy, we will remain vulnerable to global economic conditions.

That is why my government is striving to build an economy that has a strong foundation, is sustainable, diversified and above all gives every islander and resident an equal opportunity to create the best life for their families.”

The government explained in that parliamentary speech that while there have been pioneering strides in devising savings’ plans, managing debt, decreasing unemployment and raising salaries, according to the Speech, the Turks and Caicos is not absolved from external shocks.

“The Russia-Ukraine war continues to have a negative impact on us.  Over the last year, we have seen the cost of fuel and food increase significantly.

My government is mindful of the hardships that many families are facing. As we have done over the last two and a half years, we will continue to find ways to ease the burdens.”

Governor Daniel-Selveratnam, on behalf of the PNP Administration shared that spending will not be paused on previously touted Government initiatives.  In fact, it was announced that crowd Funds and Programs are advancing.

“The National Wealth Fund stands at $50.8 million. This is a testament to our journey toward posterity. It is a testament to an economy built to withstand external shocks and has the ability to bounce back quickly after a catastrophic event or natural disaster. The fund is valued at about 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is distributed in four specific ways:

• The Stabilisation Fund has the lion’s share with $30.7million
• The Infrastructure and Competitiveness Fund has $8.8 million
• The Heritage Fund has $4.3 million and
• Citizen’s Empowerment Fund $7 million. The first project of the Citizen’s Empowerment Fund is the creation of the National Credit Union to benefit all status holders and British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTCs) who live in the TCI. I am happy to report that this is well underway.”

The Speech reflected on raised salaries for the Public Sector, establishment of an e-system to support a government worker pension fund and $1 Million invested in a reverse osmosis system for the once beleaguered facility in Grand Turk.

However, in addition to earnings being down for the first quarter, government spending dropped significantly.

“Total Expenditure was $20.9 million below estimates.  These results are for the 1^st quarter only and could change.”

The Turks and Caicos is courting investments and in the Throne Speech, the nation learned of infrastructural projects which have the potential to boost earnings for the country, however, at no point in the presentation was the topic of economic diversification broached; no mention of new earnings streams and no mention of the current number two and three industries: Financial Services and Agriculture adn Fisheries.

The absence of potential remedies to the heavy reliance of Turks and Caicos on Tourism, raises questions about how the government plans to broaden the recurrent revenue stream or weather a possible global recession.

The Throne Speech was delivered to a packed galley on Thursday September 15, 2023 at the House of Assembly in Grand Turk.  It was the first Throne Speech for Her Excellency Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam as the newest governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.