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Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, and Religious Affairs Delivers Impressive Quarterly Report on Achievements

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Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, and Religious Affairs Delivers Impressive Quarterly Report on Achievements

April 4, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, and Religious Affairs has released its quarterly performance report, (MOT Quarterly Report – Q4 -2023-2024.pdf ) showcasing a plethora of accomplishments across various sectors. From ground-breaking initiatives in agriculture to the preservation of cultural heritage, the Ministry’s efforts underscore its commitment to sustainable development and the enrichment of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Agriculture Advancements

In the realm of agriculture, the Ministry has spearheaded several notable initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector’s productivity and resilience. Among the highlights is the successful launch of the “Business in a Box” initiative in Grand Turk and other Family Islands, providing local entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the agricultural market. Furthermore, significant strides have been made in leveraging technology, with the advancement of an online platform following successful testing with staff and importers in Providenciales.

Moreover, the Ministry has demonstrated its dedication to animal welfare and biosecurity through the finalization of amendments and enactment for implementing the Dog Control, Animal Control, and Biosecurity Ordinances. Collaborative efforts with local NGOs, such as the Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA), have resulted in tangible outcomes, including the sterilization of 230 animals through Spay and Neuter Clinics in January and February 2024.

Continuing its commitment to sustainable practices, the Ministry is actively engaged in ongoing cooperation with Ministry of Health officials and stakeholders to finalize the draft of the Pesticide Bill, further bolstering environmental protection and agricultural sustainability.

Fisheries and Marine Resource Management

In the domain of fisheries and marine resource management, the Ministry has demonstrated commendable progress in addressing key challenges and advancing strategic objectives. Efforts to bridge identified gaps in the TCI III Code Action Plan in preparation for the III Code Audit in 2024 underscore the Ministry’s commitment to international standards and best practices.

Additionally, the implementation of the Small Craft Policy and the initiation of a consultancy for sustainable livelihood assessment in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) highlight the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, significant investments have been made in infrastructure and legislation, including the approval of a supplemental budget of $200,000 USD for the construction of 800 additional lobster Casitas by commercial fishermen. Legislative advancements, such as the implementation of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2022 and supporting regulations, underscore the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety and governance.

Department of Tourism Regulations

The Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) continues to prioritize efficiency and excellence in its operations, with ongoing efforts focused on enhancing regulatory frameworks and facilitating industry growth. Initiatives such as the continuation of TIDES training and alignment of the DTR ordinance with Business Licensing underscore the Department’s commitment to professionalism and service excellence.

Furthermore, the Department remains dedicated to leveraging technology for streamlined processes, with the launch of QR codes for the Taxi Rating System and the development of an efficient online application process for accommodation licenses.

Experience Turks and Caicos Islands

Experience Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is committed to enhancing the tourism experience through strategic initiatives aimed at showcasing the destination’s unique attractions and cultural heritage. Collaborative efforts with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the National Trust have resulted in the enhancement of key sites such as Bambara, while new experiences such as fish fry events in Provo and Grand Turk promise to enrich visitor experiences and promote local culture.

Furthermore, the marketing team’s endeavours to develop a new website for Experience TCI and enhance destination signage underscore the Ministry’s commitment to promoting tourism growth and sustainability.

Cultural Preservation and Heritage

The Ministry’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands is evident through its multifaceted initiatives aimed at showcasing local talent and traditions. The launch of a comprehensive cultural and heritage registry serves as a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to amplifying the voices of artisans, musicians, and cultural ambassadors across the archipelago.

Additionally, ongoing workshops and programs aimed at nurturing traditional skills and fostering community engagement underscore the Ministry’s dedication to preserving the cultural legacy of the TCI for future generations.

Conclusion

As the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, and Religious Affairs continues to forge ahead with its strategic objectives, the quarterly performance report serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all residents and visitors alike.

For media inquiries, please contact: Head of Secretariate, Melissa Rolle, MROLLE@gov.tc

Bahamas News

Prime Minister Davis: Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 ‘a long time coming’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said on July 15, 2024, that he spoke in support of the compendium of Bills to legalise the use of cannabis for medical and religious purposes, to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and to “regulate the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis and related products within our borders and to promote the health and safety of our people.”

“This has been a long time coming,” Prime Minister Davis said, during his Contribution to the Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 Debate in the House of Assembly.

“For years, Bahamians have called for an administration to have the courage to step up and take this issue on in a decisive and responsible manner,” he added.  “While many other countries, including nations within our region like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados, have taken steps toward decriminalisation and legalisation for medical use, Bahamians were left wondering when it would be our turn to modernise our local approach to cannabis.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that the national dialogue had been ongoing for the better part of a decade.

“Many people thought change was imminent when the Marijuana Commission began its work in October 2018, under the previous administration,” he said.  “These efforts culminated in a preliminary report delivered in January 2020 and a final report delivered in August 2021.”

He added:  “The Commission cited a wide range of in-person discussions and public opinion research, noting that there appeared to be widespread public support for the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes.  There was also healthy support for decriminalisation and an appetite for a strong regulatory and enforcement framework to ensure high standards for this new industry.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the recommendations of the Commission called for legalisation for medical use, decriminalisation for small amounts, legalisation for use as a religious sacrament for members of the Rastafarian community, as well as strict regulations to ensure the quality and safety of the local cannabis product.

“In the PLP’s Blueprint for Change, we committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for growing, harvesting, and exporting cannabis to create opportunities for Bahamians,” he said.

“The approach we developed to legislating and regulating Cannabis was informed by widespread research and consultation,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “It was partially based on the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana’s research and findings, as well as the approaches of other jurisdictions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Canada, where Cannabis has been legalised and regulated.”

He said that his Government’s goal was to ensure that it developed the most fair, balanced, and effective legislative and regulatory mechanisms, which would allow The Bahamas to reap economic and health benefits while promoting law and order and keeping its people safe through the introduction of stringent standards.

Prime Minister Davis added:  “Once we felt that we had an adequate draft, we released the draft bills publicly, and we held a number of stakeholder consultation sessions, led by the Attorney General’s Office, in which we sat down with major stakeholder groups like healthcare providers, leaders of our church community, advocates for legalisation, leaders of the Rastafarian community – some of whom I see here today, as well as those who had concerns about the impact of legalisation and decriminalisation on the proliferation of usage. These varied opinions were taken into account and adjustments were made to achieve the most practical and effective approach that would work best for the Bahamian people.”

He pointed out that his Government also paid close attention to ongoing research on the issue – the most recent of which, he noted, was a survey conducted nationally by Public Domain in 2023, which indicated that 61% of the population supported the legalisation of cannabis for medical usage.

“It was clear that the times had changed, and it was time for our laws to change as well,” Prime Minister Davis stated.

He continued:  “We’ve been hard at work since 2021. We knew this was not a process we could rush. There was a recognised need for carefulness and due diligence, but there was also a need to ensure that this new legislative and regulatory regime could be introduced and implemented within this term.  We could not simply kick the can down the road for our next term the way other administrations did.  No, we could not delay these changes – not when so many people had waited for years for real action to be taken.

“Today, the wait is over.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government was taking action on behalf of all of the people who simply wanted the ability to legally consume medical cannabis to help them with their medical conditions.

“There are people with children suffering from epilepsy who have been praying for this moment,” he said.  “There are people with glaucoma who want the opportunity to potentially alleviate their condition with a cost-effective and natural treatment.”

Prime Minister Davis added that there were people living with auto-immune conditions, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other ailments who were “waiting not-so-patiently for this day.”

“We are taking action for the many men and women living with criminal records for carrying small amounts of cannabis, and the many others who will be spared criminal records as a result of decriminalization,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis stated that, as a society, his Government realised that the old approach taken against Cannabis in the War on Drugs in the 1980s and 90s did not necessarily reflect the current reality.

“Too many livelihoods have been lost because of a joint,” he said.  “Too many lives have been handicapped and potentials lost.”

He added that when he was saying that, it was not his intent to excuse those who choose to break the law.

“After all, the law is the law; it must be respected and upheld,” Prime Minister Davis stated.  “But we also recognise that the law is not static, it is dynamic. And the interpretation of the law and how it serves the greater good of society can change over time.  I am confident that many lives will be changed for the better as a result of the criminal records that will be expunged.”

“Through these reforms, we are upholding the rule of law, making it clear that if you are seeking to supply others with cannabis illegally or engage in other unlicenced and illegal activities, you will be held accountable,” he added.  “Everyone is welcome to participate within the legal and regulatory framework and only within that framework.

“Of course, as a part of this reform process, we are also taking action to recognise the rights and freedoms of Rastafarians to use Cannabis as a sacrament because it should not be against the law for our brothers and sisters of the Rastafarian faith to practice their religion.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks, on July 15, 2024, during his Contribution to the Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 Debate in the House of Assembly.    (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)

 

Release: BIS

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Proposed Amendments for Business Licensing in TCI heard at June 4 Cabinet Meeting  

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#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – Her Excellency the Acting Governor Anya Williams chaired the 17th meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday June 4th, 2024, at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Governor H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Attorney General Hon. Rhondalee Knowles and the Ministers of Home Affairs and Public Safety and Utilities.  Ms. Yaa McCartney attended in the capacity of Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  1. Received a presentation from the Ministry of Finance on the proposed amendments to Business Licensing which was being put forward as a result of the consultations that had taken place and agreed next steps.

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Government

TCI Cabinet hears NHIP Change Management Plan in Meeting held April 24, 2024  

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#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 12th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday April 24, 2024, at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

All members were present with the exception of the Ministers of Education, Tourism, Border Control and Public Safety who were away from the islands on official duties.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  1. Received a presentation from the National Health Insurance Plan Consultants on the organizations Change Management Program.
  2. Noted an information paper on the work of the Economic Substance Consultancy which was undertaken to provide services to the Financial Transactions Information Exchange Unit (FTIE) in regard to the previous blacklisting of the Turks and Caicos Islands which has since the engagement of this consultancy been reversed.
  3. Approved the reinstatement of the Grand Lucayan MOU for an additional six months from the execution date of the previously approved MOU.
  4. Approved the settlement of a Claim Against Government in line with a ruling of the Court.
  5. Approved the grant of a license for the beach nourishment and installation of four groins lying seaward of parcels 60703/253-263, 330, 331-342 situated at Cheshire Hall for the protection of the shoreline of the said parcels.

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

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