News
What you can Expect of the Judiciary in 2025
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 10, 2025 – The buzz words and core values for the 2025 Legal Year in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been announced by the country’s Chief Justice, Hon Mabel Agyemang in her address at the opening held at St Monica’s Anglican Church and the Supreme Court Annex on Monday January 6.
“My Lords, as we begin the 2025 Legal Year, we must keep our minds on our core values which are: excellence, accountability, service, independence, integrity, impartiality, and fairness. We must also train our eyes on our vision of working towards the attainment of ‘a Turks and Caicos where Justice is Available, Accessible 20 21 and Attainable’.
The latter point comes as CARICOM leaders are actively and overtly seeking international support amidst the expanding problems associated with high crime rates. At a meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, the Community agreed to a profound declaration; labelling crime as a crisis and a Public Health issue.
“Caribbean leaders are keenly aware of these challenges and, in April 2023, heads of governments joined a broad range of stakeholders
including police commissioners, academics, religious and non-governmental organizations and crime experts to examine the crime problem in the region and approach it as a public health issue that requires a comprehensive crime prevention and reduction approach that is not solely focused on the traditional criminal justice approach of retribution, imprisonment, rehabilitation and restoration.”
The Chief Justice said the Turks and Caicos is making reforms.
“We must keep our heads down and focus on our mission of “providing access to quality justice with quality judgments, efficient and effective dispute resolution and excellent court services’. I am confident that as we do our part, the Executive and Legislative arms of our Government will hear and grant our request for improved infrastructure, adequate funding and staffing.
My Lords, the Judiciary’s reform agenda is to achieve modernisation incrementally. In that agenda, funding is key.”
Her Ladyship rolled out a five-pronged plan, specifically listing:
- Enhanced access to justice, which will include the ability to pay filing fees on the Curia E-Folio platform, as well as the introduction of electronic transcription services which will make the production of transcripts speedy. This will aid judgment writing and the time within which judgment is delivered, as well as the preparation of parties for appeals.
- We continue to explore the possible integration of Artificial Intelligence into our services. We hope to advance our consultations with service providers.
- The judiciary is also focused on the establishment of specialised courts for family and domestic violence, juvenile justice, and immigration.
- We further intend to revamp our adjunct services of Court-connected Mediation and especially Restorative Justice which lags behind.
- Lastly, as our Strategic Framework (2020-2025) ends this year, we will commence the development of a new five-year Strategic Plan to guide the judiciary’s work from 2026-2030.
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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