Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff

It is a brand new minister heading a somewhat new ministry and when Kyle Knowles, the member from Wheeland made his debut as a front bencher during the recently concluded Budget session in the House of Assembly, he announced his mission in a ministerial statement under the theme: “Forging Ahead: Building A Stronger, More Sustainable Ministry.”

There are seven departments within the newly minted, Public Safety and Utilities and the allocation for tops $16 Million for areas, listed by Minister Knowles as: Water Undertaking; Customer and Government Information Services; Postal Services; Correctional Services; Domestic Fire and Rescue; Energy and Utilities and Rehabilitation and Community Services.

The minister announced his spending priorities and on the table is an $850,000 allocation for the completion of the Halfway House in Providenciales; another $300,000 is allocated for the Community Enhancement Program to assist rehabilitation efforts and community projects, while $613,763 will go to the establishment of the Multi-Sector Regulatory agency.

“The Ministry’s mandate is an important and critical one and I pledge my full support to ensuring that we continue with renewed momentum and zeal to deliver for the people of these islands.

Mr. Speaker, my Ministry’s mission is to consistently excel in service delivery, produce high quality products, enhance customer service experiences and uphold the highest standards of excellence and accountability, while safeguarding the well-being, safety and security of the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Minister Knowles.

An electronic monitoring system, to the tune of $384,900 was allocated for the Parole Board and  $1,615,420  is earmarked for enhancing security across the prison, bringing increased training and staffing resources and broadening of the farm activities at His Majesty’s Prison, also known as the Department of Correctional Services.
A common criticism of ministries of government is their inability to spend the funds allocated, funds which are often announced as necessary to advance development of the society. Minister Kyle Knowles reported on last year’s performance where there was a shortfall in spending.

“Mr. Speaker, as a brief recap of the Ministry’s 2023/2024 performance, total actual revenue for the Ministry was 1.85 million dollars ($1,852,199.40) against an projected 2.35 million dollars ($2,352,025.98). While this was a shortfall of twenty-one percent (21%), this was due to external factors – a planned grant from Expertise France for the RESEMBID programme was not implemented.

The operational performance for 2023/2024 saw the achievement of ninety-five (95%) of the revised estimates being spent. Total expenditure was 13.24 million dollars ($13,237,019.75) against the projected 13.92 million dollars ($13,922,059.92).”

Still he seemed pleased that projects, namely: Construction and renovation of structures for Water Undertaking; Construction and renovation of structures for the Department of Correctional Services and Purchase of plant and heavy machinery for Water Undertaking were on the previous fiscal period’s agenda, adding that most program strategies were completed with a focus ramping up the ministry’s performance.

“As I deliver remarks in this new capacity, I accept the mantle and carry it forward, building on the foundation and accomplishments of the former Minister and his executive team.
It would be remiss of me, if I did not pause to express gratitude to the Minister for Home Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Commission and in that same vein to thank the Executive Team of my Ministry, led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Teann Thomas, Head of Secretariat Ms. Shanetta Thompson, all Heads of Departments and support staff for the warm welcome I have received and I look forward to building on the Ministry’s successes as together we chart the way forward.”