House of Assembly

Delivered by H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

Governor – Turks and Caicos Islands

Friday, 21 February 2025

“INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Shaping the Future Together”

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. – Psalm 31:3

SALUTATIONS

• His Honour Mr. Speaker
• Her Ladyship the Chief Justice
• Honourable Premier
• Honourable Leader of the Opposition
• Her Excellency the Deputy Governor
• Honourable Deputy Premier
• Honourable Members of Cabinet
• Honourable Attorney General
• Honourable Elected Members
• Visiting Dignitaries
• Acting Commissioner of Police
• LT. Colonel of the TCI Regiment
• Members of the Clergy
• Distinguished ladies and gentlemen

Good morning! We thank our Father in Heaven for this beautiful day and for his mercy and grace as we embark on a new Parliamentary term.

This is a time of renewed hope and high expectations.

Honourable members, the people have elected you to represent their interest in this Parliament for the next five years. That is an awesome responsibility.

For the first time since the advent of political parties in 1976, every member of this house is elected.

Only the people will decide who makes their laws and the decisions that will determine the fate and future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Of the nineteen members, the maority of you are coming back and understand the rules, responsibilities and procedures of Parliament.

We welcome the four new members and hope that your tenure will be productive and meaningful.   Mr. Speaker, once the pomp and pageantry are over, it is time for the hard work to begin.

The goal of my government is to transform the TCI into a prosperous and developed country by 2040.

 SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH

Mr. Speaker, without a strong economy, the TCI will not be able to make the transformation necessary.

In this financial year and beyond, the 4 billion dollars of investment projects will begin to bear fruits, and fuel robust growth in the economy.

The tourism and construction sectors will create new jobs and push the country’s revenue to historic highs.

We expect tourism revenues to surpass 300 million dollars.

To sustain this robust growth and buttress the performance of Experience TCI, an experienced CEO will be appointed.

My government will also appoint a director of cruise tourism to better monitor and regulate the sector to enhance the guest/host experience.

Special focus will be placed on product and service linkages between local small businesses and the industry, and the Government will invest heavily in the training and support of our people who wish to participate in tourism.

Honourable members, the GDP is projected to double to about 3.5 billion dollars over the next five years.

But! The country cannot rely on tourism alone.

A sustained effort to diversify the economic base of the TCI, by building up the Financial Services, Fishing and Agriculture sectors is underway.

The AGRO Parks will integrate all aspects of agriculture to boost domestic food production.

And! The Fishing and Agricultural industries will be transformed with technical and financial support.  My government will:

• Improve the ease of doing business with a framework that encourages domestic and foreign investments and entrepreneurship.
• Create an effective and efficient revenue collection system.
• Develop a strong legislative and operational framework for critical laws, including Procurement and Public Finance Management.
• Improve efficiency, productivity, accountability and transparency.
• Create a new Employment Framework that protects Heritage Islanders and equips them for high quality jobs.

Honourable members, my government remains concerned about the effects of inflation on our people. We will continue to monitor and provide relief as the situation dictates.

INFRASTRUCTURE

To accommodate, the rapid expansion in tourism, give our people better infrastructure and in line with our Development Plan, 20 major projects have been identified.

In this term:

• The Howard Hamilton International Airport construction will be completed.
• The South Caicos, North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Salt Cay Airports will be upgraded to better serve the needs of our people and support the development agenda.
• The Providenciales South Dock Port will be completed.
• A public Marina to support local water sports, vendors and mariners will be constructed.
• The Bellfield Landing Port and Marina and the South Caicos Cedar Park & Conch Ground Marina will be upgraded.
• The Grand Turk Commercial Port will be redeveloped to handle cargo and cruise ships.

My government will:

• Redevelop the Millennium Highway to a four-lane dual carriageway.
• Redevelop Leeward Highway.
• Develop a series of parallel roads to Leeward Highway to ease traffic congestion and facilitate traffic flow in emergencies.
• Develop the “Caicos Turnpike” from Providenciales to South Caicos.
• Install a Traffic light system in Providenciales to regulate the flow of traffic, ease congestion and improve safety.

Mr. Speaker, the to do list is long, so we have to prepare ourselves to deliver the projects within budget and on time.

This will require the government to:

• Review the procurement and planning procedures. And!
• Streamline the approvals process for major infrastructure projects, and large-scale private development. This will cut project delays and give assurances to investors who are putting millions in our economy and the public.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Honourable members, all of us are concerned about the increase in criminal activities, particularly serious and violent crime. We grieve with those who have been affected and pray for their comfort.

My government has sought and received help from the UK and other Caribbean nations to fortify our response and strengthen our defence posture, including intensifying our law enforcement presence, deploying additional armed officers, undertaking joint operations with regional partners and developing our maritime domain awareness.

In this Financial Year, the government will invest 49 million dollars in the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force. 75 new positions will be added, with additional support also for the TCI Regiment.

Investing in building capability across our law enforcement agencies is essential for ensuring public safety, enhancing operational effectiveness and fostering community trust. This includes funding for tactical training programmes, modern technology, data-driven policing and improved infrastructure to equip our officers with the skills and tools needed to confront and address the challenges we face.

We will construct a high security remand centre and a dedicated marina for the Police and Regiment in Grand Turk. We are increasing marine and drone support, CCTV and wider surveillance measures.

The work of the police is supported by the TCI Regiment and the Border Force. We are working to develop long-term resilience by creating a unified command structure of law enforcement agencies and joint intelligence to analyse criminality. This approach will consider the drivers and enablers of crime, enhancing our intelligence capability and underpinning unified action to tackle the root causes of crime.

These measures are aimed not just at bringing the perpetrators to justice, but at restoring the safety and security of our communities.

DIGITAL GOVERNMENT

Mr Speaker, the vision we have is for a technology-driven, high-performance, 24/7 government.

In this term, all government services will be online, including payments, renewals and applications. By next year, the roll-out of the National ID Card system and the Digital Identification Platform allowing citizens to safely conduct transactions online will be in operation.

Crime detection and prevention will be supported using AI and Smart City Technologies.

HEALTHCARE

Mr. Speaker, successive governments have spent hundreds of millions on healthcare, but too many problems remain.

We have been in discussions with Inter Health Canada and major changes are coming.

Our goal is to build a resilient healthcare system that guarantees access and strong management, prioritises prevention, and embraces innovation.

My government will establish a National Health Services Authority (NHSA) to provide leadership, strategic financing, and management for all public health services.

Primary healthcare delivery will be strengthened with new centres, a polyclinic and a home healthcare programme for the elderly.

The National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) will be structured to minimise out-of-pocket expenses and increase funding for preventive care.

Honourable members, hospital services will be improved with additional beds and ICU capacity.

Government will enhance mental health care and introduce a national hospice system for the terminally ill to give our people comfort to the end.

HOUSING AND SHELTER

The good book of Isaiah tells us that “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places”.

A home is the most significant material acquisition that we make during our lifetime. Owning property allows islanders to build generational wealth.

Access to affordable housing, improving housing quality, and increasing housing supply are top objectives of the government.

My government will increase the housing stock and related infrastructure by utilising the Crown Land Policy, the Crown Land Ordinance, TCI

Mortgage Corporation, and Development Agreements and transforming the planning system.

Mr. Speaker, an independent New Towns Taskforce will be set up to oversee the creation of economically viable communities with up to 1,000 new homes each.

Honourable members, our traditional communities will not be left behind.

They will be designated special development zones and given specific concessions to encourage renewal and redevelopment. Funding for home repairs will also be increased.

EDUCATION

Mr. Speaker, to power our economy, we are aligning the curricula with industry needs.

The TVET programme is being expanded to offer certification in high-demand fields.

My government will establish a trade training programme for construction and other workers.

Honourable members, sports and cultural expressions are major outlets for our young people. The development of world-class sporting facilities, creative industries, and a Cultural Ambassador Programme are on the agenda for this term.

FUELLING OUR YOUTH

Mr. Speaker, in order to secure the future of our nation, youth development is critical.

It is our responsibility to ensure that our young people have the opportunities and support to become productive individuals who will shape the future of the TCI, safeguard our values and way of life.

My government will:

• Continue to increase access to tertiary education, skills and vocational training.
• Develop a batch of starter homes for TC islanders 40 years and younger.
• Expand the National Youth Service to offer – apprenticeship, mentorship and subsidised training with the private sector.

IMMIGRATION

Mr. Speaker, the protection of our border and our people is the sacred duty of my government.

Illegal immigration has cost us dearly.

The border force is getting stronger and more effective with additional manpower and resources.

The use of maritime surveillance systems such as drones and radar is helping us detect suspicious activities.

My government is collaborating with regional partners and the United States and introducing stricter immigration policies and enforcement.

The coming Immigration Court System will make it easier to deport those who come here illegally, and our Ports of entry are being fortified with technology to detect drugs and forged documents while making it easier for legitimate travellers to visit our islands.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Mr. Speaker, we have a robust Legislative Agenda which includes:

The Immigration (Amendment) Bill to make comprehensive amendments to the Immigration Ordinance.

The Renewable Energy Bill provides for the development and use of renewable energy and interconnection.

The Multi Sector Utility Regulatory Agency Bill provides a framework for the regulation of public utilities.

The Construction Contractors Bill creates a level playing field, secures and protects the full participation of local contractors in our booming construction industry.

The TCI Traditional Communities Redevelopment Bill encourages investment, redevelopment and rebirth of historic communities.

The National ID Legislation, The Mortgage Corporation Bill to establish the Mortgage Corporation, The Transportation Bill to establish a public transportation system and The National Youth Service Bill to combine the Apprenticeship, Internship, and Scholarship Programmes under one clear Act are also on this year’s Legislative schedule.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker, in the last four years, the government did what many thought was impossible.

We built a booming economy, almost doubled the GDP and set the Turks and Caicos on a path of growth, development and prosperity for our people.

In this new term, my government will continue to create an economy that benefits everyone.

With the help of the Almighty and your support, the government promises to:

• Grow the economy.
• Improve healthcare delivery across all islands.
• Reduce crime and create safe communities.
• Empower the youth and produce future leaders.
• Create opportunities for all our people.
• Take care of the most vulnerable.
• Build lasting infrastructure.
• Improve public service access and efficiency with physical locations across all islands and digitalising services, and;
• Improve communication and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, Islanders and Residents.

We have so many reasons to be optimistic about the future of these islands.

Let us seize the hope and promise of this day.

Let us unite in the noble goal to do the best for our country and people.

May the work of this Parliament honour the sacrifices of those who came before us and dreamt of a better, more prosperous TCI.

May the work of this Parliament leave a great legacy for the generations to come whose names we will never know.

May we forever cherish the people who gave us this privilege to serve in the Parliament of our land.

May the Almighty fill us with wisdom and strengthen our hearts and hands for the work ahead.

May God bless all our people and our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.