United Kingdom, September 13, 2024 – A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands will visit the UK Parliament for the Good Governance and Public Finance Forum.

This week, delegates from the Turks and Caicos Islands are among 39 Overseas Territories representatives attending the Sixth UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finance, hosted in the UK Parliament and UK National Audit Office.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ delegation includes members of the House of Assembly and National Audit Office. Held between 10 – 12 September 2024, the UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finances is an important event for many parliamentarians, parliamentary officials, and government auditors across Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the flagship annual conference, focused on enhancing good governance and oversight of public finance, the Forum stands as an important opportunity for parliamentarians, officials, and auditors alike to meet and share best practices.

Sarah Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of CPA UK, said: “Over the past eight years, the UK Overseas Territories Project has brought together people from across the Overseas Territories, the UK, and the Crown Dependencies to share good practice and exchange ideas. The Forum in London will be a great opportunity to strengthen the existing networks and partnerships across the Overseas Territories and build new ones.”

Hon. Gordon J. Burton, MHA, Speaker of the House of Assembly, said: “The CPA UK has been an invaluable partner to the House of Assembly for many years by providing training opportunities to members and by conducting post-election seminars through the UKOTP. This seminar is a continuation of that collaboration which strengthens our members ability to carry out their duties as members of the oversight committees of the House.”

The Forum is hosted by the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the UK Government Internal Audit Agency, and the UK National Audit Office.

Since 2016, the three organisations have worked with the authorities in the British Overseas Territories to deliver training, spaces to share knowledge learnt and insights gained, as well as opportunities for professionals to visit their counterparts overseas.

Turks and Caicos Islands – All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of the Minister for Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly and the Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Brathwaite-Knowles. Khalila Astwood sat as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting of Cabinet:

1. It approved the Crown Land (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Crown Land Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2024 for submission to the House of Assembly.
2. It noted the First Quarter Financial Report for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government which will be published on the government website.
3. It approved policy changes to Section 68 of the Customs Ordinance CAP 19.04 to allow auditors to conduct reassessments of goods in the post-clearance Audit function, noting that the required legislative amendments will return to Cabinet for approval.
4. It approved a proposal for investing the Consolidated Fund free cash reserves into short-term fixed deposits.
5. It approved recommendations regarding the Sandy Point Investors Limited (SPIL) Development Agreement Dock Facility at Bellefield Landing.
6. It approved the establishment of a committee to progress the formation of the Mortgage Corporation.
7. It approved for Parcels 60803/114,115,116 & 117 consisting of a total of 4.5 acres be sent out to tender and advertised in keeping with Section 34 of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012.
8. It approved the reappointment of Ms. Louise Malcolm as a member of the Health Professions Authority Board for a period of three (3) years.
9. It granted approval for the issuance of a tender in relation to Parcels 60803/114,115,116 & 117.
10. It approved the reparcellation of Parcel 61113/57 and Parcel 61113/58 for the purpose of resolving an encroachment issue.
11. It approved funding assistance for Enhancing Disaster Supplies and Storage Facilities across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
12. It approved recommendations in respect of the American Airlines Expansion into South Caicos.
13. It received an information paper relating to the installation of solar panels.
14. It approved the establishment of a Public Private Partnership Monitoring Unit at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority.
15. It approved an application for a licence to operate a Beach Bar on Parcel 60906/172, Providenciales.
16. It considered proposals from developers regarding the Program Housing Concessions for Residential Developers.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.