News
$100 MILLION Dollars More; Deputy Premier holds largest increase
Dana Malcolm
Staff writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 7, 2024 – Set at $485,054,646 million, the new National Budget for the 2024/25 financial year will supersede the actual spending for 2023/24 by $100 million according to Budget Drafts prepared by Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Finance Minister obtained by Magnetic Media.
Last fiscal year a total of $436 million was allocated, which reflected a twelve million dollar increase over the originally laid estimates.
But data in the proposed 2024/25 budget shows that the Misick administration didn’t manage to spend the $436 million; instead using an actual $385.3 million.
That is $50.9 million less than the government had budgeted and $100 million less than what they are planning to spend this 2024/25 financial year.
As is to be expected with such a large jump in the budget, almost every Ministry is getting an increase.
The largest increase went to the Office of the Deputy Premier and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development with a total allocation of $33.7 million; an increase of $10.9 million over the previous $22.8 million.
Leading that increase is the Maintenance Division, Estate Management Department, Physical Planning and Development Department and Policy Planning and Technical Support.
The Ministry of Health is not far behind with a $93.1 million allocation up from $84 million the year before, an increase of around $9 million after slightly over-spending an actual $85.5 million.
The Ministry of Education is getting $59.8 million.
It’s an increase of around $8 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $51.1 million, during the 2023/24 year. The MOE had spent $46 million of the allotment.
The Ministry of Immigration has allocations of $27.7 million, a notable increase of $5 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $22.7 million. During the 2023/24 year the ministry used $21.7 million. The new larger allocation is attributed to the creation of the TCI Border Force.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also receiving a sizable boost. They’ve been allocated $17.7 million, an increase of $4.7 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $12.9 million, during the 2023/24 year they spent $13.6 million. Social Development and Welfare are driving the need for more money in Home Affairs.
The Police Force will see $39 million, a jump of $2.9 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $36.08 million, during the 2023/24 year they depleted nearly all of their budget using $35.01 million spent.
The Judiciary is getting $10.1 million, that’s a jump of $1.1 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $9.8 million, during the 2023/24 year the judiciary used. $8.3 million.
Statutory Charges which include pensions and the Contingency Fund will see $89.1 million, a hike of $1.74 million over the 2023/24 estimates of $87.4 million. In the 2023/24 year spending amounted to $51.2 million.
The Office of the Deputy Governor is getting $4.4 million, and will see an increase over the previous estimates of $3 million after spending actuals of $4.4 million in 2023/24.
The House of Assembly was granted $4.4 million a $430,000 increase over the $3.9 million granted to them before. The HoA spent $4 million in the previous financial year.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is getting $2.6 million, a slight increase of $433,000 over the 2023/24 estimates of $2.1 million, during the 2023/24 year they actually spent $1.6 million.
The National Security Secretariat got a significant uptick of $4.1 million with a 2024/25 allocation of $9.6 million over the estimates of $5.5 million. In 2023/24 the Secretariat actually spent $5.6 million of that disbursement.
The newly created Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, will have $15.7 million to work with; an increase of $2.4 million over the $13.3 million that was allocated to them the previous year. This department spent its budget in full, using up $13.981 million.
The National Land Secretariat, a new entity, has been granted $4.4 million and the National Audit Office, another new entity, is getting $2.2 million. 
There were only a few decreases and a few departments that stayed relatively the same including: the Ministry of Finance is getting $26.1 million, which is practically equal to the 2023/24 estimates of $26 million, during the 2023/24 year they actually overspent at $31.1 million.
Allocations to the Attorney General’s Chambers were listed as $7.56 million, a major drop of $5.4 million under last year’s estimates which were $12.4 million. This is due to the Crown Land Department being moved from the Attorney General to a minister.
During the 2023/24 year the AG’s Chambers actually spent $9.8 million.
Allocations to The Office of The Governor were listed as $7.4 million which reflects a decrease of $182,000 under last year’s estimates which were $7.62 million. During the 2023/24 year. The office actually spent $6.9 million.
Finally, the Office of the Premier and Public Policy will see a roughly equal allocation of $8.2 million compared to the $8 million allocated to them in the 2023/24 financial year; the actual spending was $7.1 million.
Following the scrutiny of the Appropriations Committee set for this coming week, Budget Debate begins on April 15.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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