#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Days after Sean Astwood PDM all-island political candidate spoke about the issue of missing Cabinet minutes which had not been published in months, they have surfaced.

Shared by the Governor on April 10, were the minutes from at least 10 meetings between January and March 2024.

Cabinet in the TCI is private and head of the body is the Governor of the islands.  The minutes are the public’s only insight to the proposals and decisions being made within that forum whenever it gathers.

In responding to why the minutes were late, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, says this was due to staff shortages and now, it is being promised the briefings from Cabinet which includes the Turks and Caicos Premier, deputy premier and all ministers of government and the attorney general will come more regularly.

This statement was issued last week and enclosed with all of the missing Cabinet statements dating back to January 10, 2024.

“The Turks and Caicos Government apologizes for the delay in the publication of the Post Cabinet Statements, which was due to staff shortages in the Cabinet Office. The statements issued include all meetings of the Cabinet held thus far during the calendar year 2024. Statements going forward will revert to being issued on a weekly basis following the meetings of the Cabinet.”

Post Cabinet Statement – January 10, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam chaired the 1st meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday January 10, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

All members were in attendance. At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the grant of an easement over Crown Parcel 10101/26 to a named individual.
• Approved the implementation of a Digital Card Embarkation System by the Ministry of Tourism to capture tourism intelligence data.
• Noted an information the paper from the Ministry of Tourism on the participation of the Minister of Tourism at the COP 28 Conference and on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Noted an information paper from the Ministry of Tourism on Experience Turks and Caicos, including recruitment, key performance indicators achieved to date and plans for the first year of operation.
• Approved an additional allocation of funds for the MSME Programme to provide cash grants and technical assistance to qualified MSMEs through to the end of the financial year.
• Noted the award of the contract PN 005682, TR 23/54 Highway and Road Improvements Grand Turk in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance.
• Noted an information paper submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the progress made to date on the Local Government initiative.
• Reaffirmed its position on Public Registers of Beneficial Ownership.
• Received a courtesy call from representatives of the Caribbean Development Bank who were visiting the islands.
• Received updates on the following areas:

o Fire at the Providenciales Dumpsite
o Waste management collection
o Relocation of the HOA back to the NJS Francis Building, and o Prisoner Transfer.

Post Cabinet Statement – January 17, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 2nd meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday, 17th January 2024 at Waterloo, Grand Turk.

All Members of Cabinet were present. At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the Migrant Health Needs Assessment. A team from UKHSA (the UK Health Security Agency) will be providing technical support with a Migrant Health Needs Assessment to understand the heath profile and needs of the migrant communities across the islands.
• Approved the recommendations to improve waste management practices within the TCI.
• Approved the implementation of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) 2024-2027.
• Considered a proposal for the waiver of penalty and interests for all HRTT registrants with outstanding liability up to October 21st, 2023.
• Approved a license over a portion of parcel 20309/9 for the purpose of developing a roundabout and implementing general landscaping activities for the enhancement of the entrance to the East Bay Resort.
• Approved the review of the recommendations of the Supervisor of Elections following consultation on the recommendations arising following the 2021 general elections and will decide which of those recommendations should be approved ahead of the next general elections.
• Approved the proposed amendments to the Crown Land Ordinance (CLO) to introduction additional mechanism for the allocation of Crown land for commercial development.
• Approved the extension of the provisions that are unavailable under the existing Amnesty Ordinance to applicants who may have either,

o Received an offer letter for a lease or freehold title over a parcel of Crown land but have not subsequently taken the necessary steps to obtain formal title to the land, and have commenced development on the land.

o Held a residential conditional purchase lease and commenced development on the land but the lease has been cancelled.

Post Cabinet Statement – January 24, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 3rd meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday 24th January 2024 at the Governor’s Office on Providenciales.

All Members were present except the Deputy Governor. At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the Post Office (Amendment) Bill 2023 amending the Post Office Ordinance to recognize the Turks and Caicos Islands Post Services as the designated postal operator in the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure compliance with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) convention.
• Conditionally approved the Planning Application PR 17359 for the construction of a Mausoleum for Healing Water Ministry in Blue Hills, Providenciales. Approval is granted subject to the requirements under the Cemeteries Ordinance being met.
• Reviewed and approved the Legislative Agenda 2024 by Ministry and Office.
• Approved a bill to be drafted for round robin consideration to extend the transition period for all current Notaries Public to reapply from 31 January 2024 to 30 April 2024.

Post Cabinet Statement – February 5th, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 4th meeting of Cabinet on Monday, 5th February 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

The Minister for Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs was absent on official duties.

All other Members of Cabinet were present. At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the extension of the Moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for construction companies in the contractor’s category with non-Turks and Caicos Islanders involvement commencing February 1, 2024 through to July 31, 2024.

o Companies where a non-Turks and Caicos Islander or non-Turks and Caicos Islander associate company holds shares of any percent in the company;

o Partnerships where one (1) of the partners is a non-Turks and Caicos Islander; or

o In the case of a sole trader, where that individual is a non- Turks and Caicos Islander.

• Approved the Dogs (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2024 and gave approval to transit the Dogs Control (Amendment) Bill 2024 to the House of Assembly for debate and enactment once the implementation plan has been presented.
• Approved an amendment to Section 7 of the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Ordinance to enable the Agency, with the approval of the Governor, to borrow money by way of loan, advance or overdraft and obtain goods on credit in order to discharge its functions.
• Approved the 3rd Supplementary Appropriation for Financial year 2023/2024 and granted approval to table the estimates in the House of Assembly.
• Approved the Supplementary Appropriation No. 3 for 2023/2024 – Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and endorsed the changes to the projects in the Development Fund
• Approved the publication of the 2023-2024 3rd Quarter financial report.
• Approved that the lease over parcel 60503/77/1 be assigned to Detra Danielle Morris subject to all conditions and obligations contained in the original lease which was granted to Maxwell McDonald Clare.
• Approved that the lease over parcel 60503/306/1 be assigned to Kamardia Roxann S. Simmons subject to all conditions and obligations contained in the original lease which was granted to Karen Anthea Simmons.

Post Cabinet Statement – February 7th, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 5th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday February 7th, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

The Minister for Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs was absent.

All other Ministers and Members of Cabinet were present. At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved a long-term (49 years) lease over parcel 10503/04 consisting of 0.60 acres to Olympic Fuel Services Ltd for the continuing operation of a fuel depot, at an annual rent to be determined by the Chief Valuation Officer.
• Approved the counter offer made by the Attorneys in the matter of CL 74/23 Anthony Rigby (as the representative of Hilton Arnold Rigby) v The Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Approved amendments to the Health Professions Ordinance and Regulations.
• Approved the appointment of Mr. Lex de Jong as CEO to the Health Insurance Plan for a period of two years.
• Approved the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition’s nominee as member to the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) in accordance with the Ordinance for a period of three (3) years effective February 1, 2024 and ending no later than January 31st 2027.
• It noted the update provided by the Minister of Health on the completion and planned launch of the new Migrant Health Evaluation System.
• Received a presentation by the Energy and Utilities Commissioner Mr. Delano Arthur on the Key components of the Renewable Energy Legislation which aims to not only mitigate the impact of volatile fuel prices but also secures a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future.

Post Cabinet Statement – February 21, 2024:

Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 6th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday February 21, 2024 on the island of Providenciales.

All members were present. At this meeting, Cabinet:

• Approved that Monday June 17th, 2024 be declared a public holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands to mark the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III and that a publication of an updated list of official public holidays for 2024 be issued to this effect
• Approved the funding of the mandatory training requirements for all current Non- Attorneys; and funding for a further 10 a further 10 Notary Public for new applications of Non-Attorney Notary Publics and the guided distribution of same for the first year of operation of the new Notary Public regime
• Approved the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Taxation (Exemption) Regulations 2023 which grants an exemption of the HRTT for a special class of business for an agreed period.
• Approved the Draft Multi Sector Regulator Policy and authorized the Energy and Utilities Department to conduct consultations on the policy with major stakeholders.
• Approved a proposal to expand the visiting consultant service to the TCI Hospital to include a visiting Pediatric Cardiologist.
• Approved the vesting of a number of approved properties in the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for the redevelopment and expansion of the North Caicos and Providenciales Airports
• Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance:
• PN 005735, TR 23/38, Replacement Vehicle – Governor
• PN 005807, TR 23/12, Technical Support Services for Crown Land Unit
• Instructed the Attorney Generals Chambers to amend the fee schedule for bespoke treatment of Principals of specialty schools.
• Approved the tender of Parcel 10405/230 in keeping with Section 34 of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012
• Approved revised remuneration packages for the President and Vice President of the Labour Tribunal in line with the present Public Service Pay and Grading Review
• Approved the conduct of an online pilot nutrition survey, which if approved by the Cabinet will support the MOH in developing programmes and policies to improve the diets of TCI residents to improve their health
• Approved the Draft Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024 for advancement to the House of Assembly for debate and passage
• Approved options for the implementation of Domestic Fiber Cable in the Turks and Caicos Islands to improve the quality of telecommunication services.
• Reviewed and approved proposals for an amendment of the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP)
• Discussed an application from Fortis TCI for a 6% increase in electricity rates by Fortis TCI and agreed next steps to assess the proposed rate increase put forward by Fortis TCI.
• Noted on ongoing litigation by Fortis TCI on the Renewable Energy Bill.
• Granted approval for an application to extend the timeline for the completion of a hotel refurbishment project due to logistical challenges.
• Approved the reappointment of the Director General of Telecommunications Mr. Kenva Williams for a period of 3 years effective April 1, 2024.

Post Cabinet Statement – March 6th, 2024

Her Excellency the Acting Governor Anya Williams chaired the 7th Meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday March 6th, 2024 at the Office of the Premier and Public Policy on the island of Providenciales.

All members were present with the exception of Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selveratnam.

• Approved the appointment of Mr. Leonardo Patrick as a member of the TCI National Wealth Fund Board as per Section 19 (1)(e) for a period of 3 years commencing March 2024
• Approved the use of Electronic Voting Machines in the upcoming elections and for the Elections Office to source an appropriate voting solution for use
• Approved for a Provisional Warrant Resolution to be advanced to the next sitting of the House of Assembly to withdraw from the Consolidated Fund.
• Approved an application from the Election Office for funding from the Contingency Fund to fund the cost of electronic voting machines in preparation for the next TCI general elections
• Approved amendments to the Companies and Limited Partnerships (Economic Substance) Ordinance for progression to the House of Assembly for debate and passage and approved for a scale of fines to be implemented for non-compliance
• Approved the execution of the draft Development Order between the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG) and Desarrollo’s Hotelco WA Ltd. For the construction of the St. Regis Hotel.
• Received a presentation from the Energy and Utilities Department on ongoing work in the energy sector.
• Approved a lease agreement for the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions in the Salt Mills Plaza on the island of Providenciales for a period of 5 years.
• Approved a renewal of the lease agreement for the Department of fisheries and Marine Resources in the SDR Commercial Centre on the island of Providenciales.
• Approved a renewal of the lease for the Social Development and Gender Affairs Departments at the Clarabelle Garland Building on the island of Grand Turk for a period of 5 years.
• Approved a lease agreement for the relocation of the Communications Directorate including Radio Turks and Caicos to the Stubbs Diamond Plaza on the island of Providenciales for a period of 5 years.
• Approved the retention of TCI Ports Authority excess revenue to allow the TCI Ports Authority to fund critical infrastructure projects.
• Approved the following appointments on the Fisheries Advisory Committee effective March 12th, 2024 for a period of 2 years:

• • • Director of Fisheries and Marine Affairs – Chairman
    • Tomlinson Skippings
    • Tamell Seymour
    • Allenray Smith
    • Franklyn Bain (new appointee)
    • PS or Designate

• Approved the appointment of Ms. Dawn Higgs as the Leader of the Oppositions’ nominee to the National Health Insurance Board for a period of 3 years.
• Approved a strategy for the expansion of the Providenciales Port.
• Approved amendments to the Turks and Caicos Islands Scholarship Bond Requirements.
• Discussed escalating violent and unrest in Haiti and the TCI’s planned response.

Post Cabinet Statement – March 13th, 14th, 15th, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam chaired the 8th meeting of the Cabinet at the Office of the Premier and Public Policy on the island of Providenciales on Wednesday March 13, 2024, Thursday March 14, 2024 and Friday March 15, 2024

All members were present with the exception of the Minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2024-25 for progression to the House of Assembly for debate and passage.
• Approved a 20% increase in retiring allowance for former legislators effective April 1, 2024.
• Approved a negotiated Development Agreement between the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Molo Hotels (Turks and Caicos) Ltd and Molo Operations (Turks and Caicos) Ltd.
• Approved the Draft Asylum Bill 2024 for progression to the House of Assembly for debate and passage.
• Approved a Claim Against Government for the restoration of damaged rooms at the Turks and Caicos Airport Inn
• Approved a reduction of the rate of additional charge on the importation of fuel by 25% for a period of 12 months effective March 15, 2024.
• Approved the appointment of the following members to the Health Regulation Authority Board for a period of 3 years effective March 18th, 2024:

1. Mervyn “Matt” Mills
2. Helen Seymour-Bhagwandin
3. Bishop Vernal G Clarke J.P.

Approved the reclassification of the Operations Manager post in the Health Regulation Authority

Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance:

1. PN 005766, TR 23/59 Vehicle for Housing
2. FSC 006/2023-2024, TR 23/53 Furniture and Equipment for TCIFSC
3. TCIPA 04/22, TR 23/41 Bellefield Landing Master Plan Phase 2 – Construction of Gazebo
4. TCIPA 04/22, TR 23/63 Bellefield Landing Master Plan Phase 2 – Construction of Water Sports Building

Approved an exemption of stamp duty on the initial sale of share and the redemption of ordinary or preferred shares from shareholders of Hamilton Education Foundation Ltd. in line with the Investment Policy

Approved a proposal to establish direct international airline services from Miami to South Caicos via American Airlines and also discussed international airlift options for the island of Grand Turk.

Approved a waiver of all assessed penalty and interest related to Hotel and Tourism and Related Tax (HRTT) as of December 31, 2024.

Post Cabinet Statement – March 20th, 2024

Her Excellency the Acting Governor Anya Williams chaired the 9th meeting of the Cabinet at Waterloo on the island of Grand Turk on Wednesday March 20, 2024.

All Cabinet Members were present with the exception of the Governor, Honourable Minister for Immigration and Border Services and Honourable Minister responsible for Tourism and the Environment.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved the Revised Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure Volume 1 and Volume 2 2024-2025 for progression to the House of Assembly for debate and passage
• Approved a Supplementary Appropriation No. 4 – Public Sector Investment Programme/Capital Programme for FY 2023/2024 for progression to the House of Assemy debate and passage
• Approved the establishment of a Mortgage Corporation and associated seed funding
• Approved amendments to the National Wealth Fund Ordinance to permit the holding of the funds in escrow until the Mortgage Corporation is established.

Post Cabinet Statement – March 27th, 2024

Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam chaired the 10th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenciales.

All members were in attendance with the exception of the Honourable Attorney General who was represented by the Deputy Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved a negotiated development agreement between the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Ellipse Development Ltd., Ellipse Holdings Ltd. for a Multipurpose Commercial and Residential Development on Providenciales per ITCIA Ordinance Section 5 (a)
• Discussed the rate variation application submitted by Fortis TCI on February 14, 2024
• Approved an amendment to the Customs Tariff to reduce the rate of duty on modular elements from 30% to 8% effective March 28, 2024
• Approved a waiver of the payment of warehouse rent in respect of goods deposited at the Customs Controlled Areas between the period April 1, 2023 through March 15, 2024.
• Noted the award the following contracts, which are in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance:

o I. PN 005688, TR 23/10, Replacement Vehicles for Departments – Minister of Tourism (resubmission)

o II. TCIAA 11/21, TR 23/100, Perimeter Fencing
o III. TCICAA 01/2023, TR 23/83, Vehicle for TCICAA
o IV. TCISA 01/2023, TR 22/94, Vehicle for Statistics Authority
o V. PN 005838, SSP, Equipment for Electoral
o VI. TCIAA 09/2023, TR 23/103, Completion of Airside Walk Way Canopy

• Approved an exemption of Accommodation Tax payable in specified circumstances under the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance for the 3rd Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers Conference: 2nd-6th April 2024, Providenciales
• Approved an extension of the deadline to cash cheques that have been committed to the estate of the original beneficiary. Final deadline to be September 30, 2024

Round Robin Approvals:

POST CABINET STATEMENT

Cabinet on March 28th, 2024 via round robin consideration:

• Granted approval to the TCI Telecommunication Commission to enter into a single source contractual arrangement on behalf of the Government for the surveying and installation of a Branching Unit (BU) into the subsea fiber-optic cable system near Providenciales to support international connectivity.
• Granted approval to the TCI Telecommunication Commission to secure/retain USD 5 million from the Government Budget 2023/2024 for the implementation/installation of a second international link into the Turks and Caicos Islands on completion of the procurement and necessary due diligence.
• Granted approval for the purchase and retrofit of a building located on 51000/11 Whitby, North Caicos for operation as an age care facility by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, North Caicos, subject to satisfactory findings following a structural assessment.
• Noted the request for a New MSME Concession Order for Rolle’s Estates dba Ms. Hannah Villas, a recipient of the MSME Programme.
• It granted approval, under Section 71 (1) of the Customs Ordinance, CAP. 19.04, an exemption of duty for Rolle’s Estates dba Ms. Hannah Villas $60,871.22 for a period of 12 months.
• Approved a payment that is owing to Interhealth Canada following the Tribunal’s Third Partial Award in the arbitration with IHC dated 26 February 2024 (the “Award”) which sets out the Tribunal’s rulings in relation to the Phase 1(b) Hearing.
• Noted the request for a New MSME Concession Order for Rolle’s Estates dba Ms. Hannah Villas, a recipient of the MSME Programme
• Granted approval, under Section 71 (1) of the Customs Ordinance, CAP. 19.04, an exemption of duty for Rolle’s Estates dba Ms. Hannah Villas $60,871.22 for a period of 12 months.
• Approved the purchase of 60000/766, located at North West and Central Providenciales to be made available for the Housing Programme.

Cabinet on March 30th, 2024 via round robin consideration:

• Noted and approved the additional funding for various capital projects from the 3rd Supplementary Appropriation (2023/2024) and the 4th Supplementary Appropriation (2023/2024) which were approved by the House of Assembly and subsequently assented to by the Governor on 22 February 2024 and 26 March 2024 respectively.

1. 60-043-005590 Consultancy Framework Agreement $200,000.00 4th Supplementary Appropriation. Funding to close off previous Contract for Framework Agreements [TR 20/18, TR 20/80, PWD 20/13 C]
2. 60-043-005683 Remediation Works to Ponds and Bridges $252,093.00 4th Supplementary Appropriation. Funding for a proposed variation to the Contract for Remediation Works to Bridges in Grand Turk [TR 23/01, PWD 23/01 C]
3. 54-111-005805 Climate Resilience Coastal Management $500,000.00 3rd Supplementary Appropriation. Funding to provide additional services for the Climate Resilient Coastal Protection and Management project.

• Noted the award the following contracts, which are in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance:

1. PN 005590, TR 23/71, Consultancy Framework Agreement for Public Works
2. PN 005664, TR 23/34, Furniture and Equipment for North Caicos Court Building
3. PN 005677, TR 23/89, SWRO Plant – Construction of Warehouse Building in Grand Turk
4. PN 005688, Replacement Vehicles for Departments

1. TR 23/10, Replacement Vehicles for Departments – Minister of Tourism (resubmission)
2. TR 23/62, Vehicles for Departments

• TR 23/93, Vehicles for Departments – Customs K9

18. PN 005698, TR 23/95, Vehicle for NSS
19. PN 005729, TR 23/37, Vehicles for Immigration
20. PN 005734, TR 23/66, Framework Agreement for Housing Project Initiative – Program 2
21. PN 005742, TR 23/68, Consultancy for Geodetic Global Navigation Satellite Systems
22. PN 005745, TR 23/84, Furniture and Equipment for Statistics Authority
23. PN 005750, TR 23/81, Community Parks Development – Five Cays and Kew Town
24. PN 005754, TR 23/18, Repairs to RGHS Art Block
25. PN 005762, TR 23/08, Back-up Generators including Housing
26. PN 005767, TR 23/85, Furniture and Equipment for Housing
27. PN 005770, TR 23/51, Biosecurity Unit
28. PN 005781, TR 23/86, Purchase of Incinerator
29. PN 005784, TR 23/96, Furniture and Equipment for the Eliza Basden Aged Care and Special Needs Center
30. PN 005788, TR 23/98, Ambulances for Islands
31. PN 005803, TR 23/76, Community Roads All Islands – Providenciales
32. PN 005806, TR 23/102, Leeward Highway Rehabilitation Works