Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Premier says Governor’s Comments on Reconstruction Opened Door for Mischief

Published

8 years ago

on

#TurksandCaicos, April 17, 2018 – Providenciales – I note the statements attributed to the Governor and made during his Breakfast Press Briefing with Media Houses.  I also note the firestorm that has resulted following a captioned release stating that “Perception corrected; UK not micro-managing TCI money and spending says Governor.”  I further note the eagerness for supporters opposite to accuse my Government of lying and their willingness to not test these statements for completeness but to accept them hook line and sinker.  There is now as a result of these comments made by the Governor, a new false perception adversely impacting my Government in favour of the UK.  The Governor’s comments have opened the door for mischief that I am duty bound to address.

The new false perception is that we as a Government is able to spend our reserves and run a deficit Budget without UK scrutiny/approvals.  Though not stated by the Governor, I have seen these statements made and am obligated to correct these erroneous perceptions that has now been created out of an effort to correct the British image within our Islands.

The Governor has not lied to the people of this country and neither has the Government led by me.  But what has happened as we know it to always be is that he has told the side of those whom he represents: He is the Queen’s Representative within our Islands.  It is for my Government to remind us of our side of the story; to remind us as a people of several truths that have been stated by me but conveniently dismissed by those who know the truth and unfortunately misconstrued it or manipulated it for those who do not know or understand the process:

We already knew this to be the UK’s Position.  This is nothing new.  It is important that I make this clear that the Governor has communicated what has already been evidenced and what we ought to know as a people would be the UK’s stance as it relates to our country’s “healthy” savings when other OTs such as Anguilla and British Virgin Islands will require more British support.  It is in the British’s best interest to not have to worry about the TCI or to gift grants.  The facts are the facts and can not change despite people’s accounts: The Supplementary sent to the UK for approval in December (and rumored by an elected member opposite to be rejected) was approved and it is evidence of the UK’s position now being clearly stated by the Governor – It was a deficit Budget drawing down on our “healthy” reserves.

My Government has through Town Halls and Interviews before this Supplementary told the people of this country that we were seeking to run a deficit Budget and to use savings to meet immediate needs and explained the process under the Law.  The Supplementary approved by the UK in February took over a month to secure.  This was necessary because the Constitution does not allow TCIG to run a deficit budget without its approval.  The Supplementary which was debated by the House was a reduction Supplementary as we could not spend as usual due to our fallen revenues.  The House of Assembly had to approve this.

Following the Storms, the Projects agreed in March 2017 had shifted in priority and headlining for this revised priority was school repairs and NHIB support.  The UK’s approval was sought and received and no shifting in spending could take place without the House of Assembly’s approval. Therefore the reprioritized Capital Program was a part of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill and was approved early February.  My Government had to receive two levels of approval under Law which we sought and received.

The Supplementary was fiercely debated and saw conflicting comments from the Party opposite where the Leader of the Opposition himself said that the timing was too late in the financial year and whilst we agreed that it was late, we saw the need to get started early on School Projects in particular recognising that we would have to be in a position to note them, take them to contract stage before the end of the year (Financial year – March 31st), so that the works can begin ahead of our already announced late Budget passage.

The Leader of the Opposition despite saying this as it relates to time, he together with other members of his side kept asking for more Projects to be included. As explained and as known by them, the Bill could only be brought when approval was received from the UK and that as it was the end of the year, much more could not be achieved under the Procurement Process which required 6 weeks for Invitation to Tenders (ITT) and following approvals for Business cases.   And even after Bids were received there was an evaluation stage that had to be undertaken.  The Supplementary provided for $8m in School repairs which were covered by the CRIF but also $12m for National Health Insurance and other critical projects that we could not afford to defer for another year.

These priorities were set out even ahead of the Debate in response to the Opposition elected member celebrating as it were the UK’s supposed rejection of the Supplementary request and included “… critical resources for the Police, funding for NHIP, repairs to Schools which can double as Shelters, funding to support the introduction of online payment to better secure payment of government revenues and enhance public service, funding to submit the critical work of the National Physical Development Plan, additional resources to support border control and planning enforcement activities among other critical projects and matters…” [Excerpt from Release issued in January 2018] Ahead of the submission to the UK, the process to its preparation was challenged at many points most notably the Governor’s clear position to have accounting officers determine whether the conclusions of a Capital Board Meeting called by me as Minister of Finance was acceptable to them.

The Ministry of Finance Team did its best to move as quickly as it could and of course with the information available to them at the time.  As anyone listening to the Debate would have heard me say that the financial outlook was different and that there was no need at the time to draw down on reserves to fund reprioritized projects and to fund NHIB by a further $12m.

Therefore we are fully aware that the UK has and would support our running a deficit budget and spending our reserves.  Additionally the UK has stated over and over its support of our borrowing and have made several inquiries in this regard.

What I must say as a firm truth is that we are convinced that we would have to rely on our savings and loans to at the very least speed up reconstruction and possibly fund our own reconstruction. We have already retained CARICAID to prepare our Recovery Plan and hope to receive the document by next month.  This Plan will identify the areas for funding in the medium to long term.  I state clearly however that Schools and critical Government buildings at $10m and $16m respectively, remain priority for Government.

We understand and are not ignoring the continued call for TCIG to assist the over 4000 homeowners that need repairs or the approximate 400 who lost their homes altogether and who had no insurance coverage.  What we find disingenuous of the call to use monies earmarked to repair Schools to provide less than what is necessary to those found in this category.  We must also remember that the assistance received following Hurricane Ike came 7 years later through EU Funding.  We also recall the help received from the UK then whilst CRIF monies had to be used to help meet TCIG’s monthly obligations.  Whilst we are in a much better position, we are taking the careful approach to borrow against our reserves as we are not certain of the UK’s assistance in any other way than in the provision of the guarantee, the just over $1m dollars for Prison works and Radar repairs, upgrading and training: its constitutional areas of responsibility relating to national security.  This may be made clearer following the submission of our Recovery Plan but not yet stated.

Now I address further truths that the Governor has not included in his comments but state clearly that it is not for him to, but for my Government who is duty bound to set out the full picture in my Government’s defense.  I am duty bound to set out certain facts already shared but others now necessary to share given the firestorm of untruths and false perceptions created following his comments.

  • I have already addressed that the fact that running a deficit budget and spending savings requires the UK’s approval first and then the House of Assembly’s and as such the new perception is incorrect.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that the UK has not engaged in micromanaging at its highest level but the Governor is involved in every process here and controls ( a meaning of micromanaging) through Cabinet all decisions, with the need for consensus (complete agreement of 7 elected members and the 3 unelected members) for anything to move forward. I must inform our people though that the Cabinet Minutes for the first time Noted the FSPS (submitted to and requiring UK’s approval ahead of the Budget) when historically Cabinet Minutes would show approval. This demonstrated for us a willingness to move the process forward on the part of elected and unelected members of Cabinet. I must however state though that for the first time I am advised, the UK had made or stated certain specific calls on the recurrent Budget for areas of its particular obligation and interests. I am pleased to report however that the FSPS has received conditional approval pending the submission of the Capital Program and the Recovery Plan.

 

  • While the Governor has said that reserves took a long time to build and that they are necessary to borrow, he neglected to say why my Government wishes to retain the level of reserves at at least 90 days cash levels. Last year the Budget for the first time since the new stringent financial regulations did not have to be approved by the UK as in previous years. Any reserves/savings below the agreed cash level would see the UK having to approve the FSPS and the detailed Budget.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that there has been a call by his Office as to areas he wish to have funded and have already stated that the Budget can be difficult to agree even if our cash levels remain as is and there remains no need to submit the detailed Budget to the UK for scrutiny and approvals. He is still very much in the process and can as with any decision of Cabinet hinder or halt any process until he himself in full agreement.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that on three separate occasions: twice to London and more recently directly to him, I have had the need to raise the high and continuing annual costs of $9.1m to cover SIPT costs with $5m for legal aid and $4m for SIPT’s Team. TCIG would be able to do much more if we had access to this near $10m annually and I have suggested to the UK that should the UK assume these responsibilities and if done, the TCIG would be able to address areas of its interests, the Governors interests and critical areas also identified by the locally elected government.

Whilst the UK is prepared to have us spend more than we make and to spend our “healthy” savings, we must look at our financial position against this background:

Reserves are important for rating; important for loans; 90 days cash levels allows us to not have to get our detailed Budget approved or scrutinized by UK and from history we will perhaps have to fund the majority if not all of the recovery plan so we must be prudent until we have our Plan and know what the UK and others are prepared to do.  The proposed Budget for 2018/19 is addressing the short term recovery efforts – repairs to Schools and Government Buildings while addressing the social issues, primary health care and national security issues. I welcome the UK’s Position but fiscal prudence does not allow such a simple approach to be taken.

Whilst there will always be a mistrust between the UK and TCI, the half report relayed and no attempt to further clarify only seeks to erode trust in such a critical partnership.  But what I find more amusing than the flippant perception given by not painting the entire picture of the need for approvals at all levels is the fact that too many of our people of the TCI continue to believe reports only when it suits them.  I encourage us again to learn about the workings of our country and  not just scrutinize the words and actions of elected governments but all in authority especially those who are empowered by the Constitution.

The UK is involved every stage locally by the Governor’s role and so to say there is no micromanaging or local control is certainly incorrect.  The current Governor, as many know nationally is involved at all levels even where neither of his predecessors has been under elected Government. Hence the perception out there that he is running the country.  This is a perception he must feel compelled to correct by actions.

 

Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson

Premier & Minister of Finance

The Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

Invest Turks and Caicos Officially Opened Caya Hico Collective, Grand Turk MSME Storefront

Published

5 days ago

on

October 2, 2026

By

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 2nd October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos officially opened Caya Hico Collective, the Grand Turk MSME Storefront, on Friday, September 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Agency’s ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs, expand access to market opportunities, and strengthen the small business ecosystem.

Caya Hico Collective has been established as a dedicated retail space to showcase and sell locally made products, initially featuring entrepreneurs participating in the MSME Programme. As the initiative develops, there are plans to expand participation to include other small businesses producing locally made goods, including those not directly supported under the Programme. The storefront will provide local businesses with greater exposure and direct access to both residents and the thousands of visitors who arrive in Grand Turk each year creating stronger linkages between local entrepreneurs and the tourism economy. The store currently features fourteen (14) inaugural vendors, representing a diverse selection of local businesses and products from across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“This storefront represents a practical and meaningful step in supporting our MSMEs by providing access to market, one of the most critical components of business growth. It is a space where local talent, creativity and entrepreneurship can be showcased, supported and connected with new customers.”

A Name Chosen by Grand Turk’s Youth

The name Caya Hico Collective was selected through the Grand Turk MSME Storefront Naming Competition, an initiative conducted in partnership with H.J. Robinson High School. Students were invited to propose an original name that reflected Grand Turk’s identity, culture and heritage while also being suitable for a storefront showcasing locally made products.

Following an independent judging process, Mauvarii Selver was selected as the competition winner for the submission Caya Hico Collective.

The name was recognised for its cultural and historical significance, distinctiveness and strong storytelling potential. “Caya Hico” is derived from the Lucayan term meaning “string of islands,” reflecting the archipelagic identity and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The use of “Collective” further reflects the purpose of the storefront: bringing together products from multiple local entrepreneurs under one shared retail platform. Together, the name Caya Hico Collective connects the Islands’ heritage with the initiative’s vision of bringing local businesses, products and creativity together in one space.

The naming competition provided students with an opportunity to participate directly in a real-world branding exercise and contribute to an initiative that will form part of Grand Turk’s commercial and tourism landscape.

Mauvarii was formally recognised during the opening ceremony, alongside the other students who participated in the naming competition, the inaugural MSME vendors, and key stakeholders whose contributions supported the successful development and opening of the storefront.

Angela Musgrove, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos, added:

 “Caya Hico Collective is more than a retail space. It reflects our continued focus on strengthening linkages between local businesses and the tourism sector, creating more opportunities for MSMEs to reach visitors, increasing sales and participate more fully in the tourism economy. At the same time, it gives visitors greater access to authentic products that reflect the creativity and culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Supporting Local Enterprise and Tourism Linkages

Caya Hico Collective is expected to serve as an important platform for local entrepreneurs by increasing the visibility of locally produced goods, creating additional sales opportunities and providing visitors with greater access to authentic products from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Through the storefront, Invest Turks and Caicos aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to discover, purchase and support locally made products, while creating a stronger connection between entrepreneurship, culture and the visitor experience in Grand Turk. The initiative is intended to increase opportunities for local businesses to benefit from tourism activity by connecting visitors directly with locally made products that showcase the creativity and talent of entrepreneurs across the Turks and Caicos Islands. This forms part of Invest Turks and Caicos’ broader commitment to promoting economic diversification, sustainable business development and stronger linkages between local enterprises and the tourism sector.

Continue Reading

Health

TCI Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with “Know. Check. Act. Support.” Campaign

Published

6 days ago

on

October 1, 2026

By

Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile reinforces the importance of breast awareness, appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and continuing cancer care

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 1st October 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCI Hospital) is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with a month-long public awareness campaign under the theme “Know. Check. Act. Support. – Early Detection Saves Lives.”

This year’s campaign is being informed by TCI Hospital’s Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025, which demonstrates that breast cancer remains an important and continuing healthcare issue for patients, families and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands community.

Throughout the ten-year period, TCI Hospital continued to record new cases of malignant neoplasms of the breast each year. Annual new registrations fluctuated, reinforcing an important message: breast cancer is not an occasional concern confined to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it requires sustained awareness, appropriate screening, timely investigation and diagnosis, access to treatment, follow-up and support throughout the year.

What Our Cancer Register Tells Us

The TCI Hospital Cancer Register recorded 21 new breast cancer cases in 2016, the highest annual figure reported during the ten-year profile. In subsequent years, the overall annual new-case count ranged from 8 to 18 cases, with 18 new cases recorded in 2024 and 10 in 2025.

The register also demonstrates the continuing accumulation of breast cancer cases within the hospital’s cancer records. The total registered breast cancer caseload increased from 79 in 2016 to 192 by 2025. More recently, the register increased from 160 cases in 2023 to 181 in 2024 and 192 in 2025. These figures represent the hospital’s registered caseload and should not be interpreted as population incidence, prevalence or the number of people currently living with breast cancer.

Behind every registration is more than a statistic. Each represents a person whose diagnosis has implications for their family and for the healthcare professionals and services involved in cancer investigation, treatment, coordination, follow-up and support.

The ten-year profile therefore reinforces the importance not only of identifying breast cancer, but of ensuring that people affected by the disease are supported throughout their cancer journey.

Know the Signs and Act on Changes

Breast cancer can present in different ways. Changes that should prompt assessment by a healthcare professional may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; dimpling, puckering or other unusual changes to the breast skin; nipple changes or unusual discharge; or another new or persistent breast change.

Finding a change does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. However, an unexplained or persistent change should not be ignored.

TCI Hospital encourages members of the community to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts and to seek medical advice if they notice something different.

Know Your Risk. Know Your Family History.

Breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors. Understanding personal and family medical history can help individuals have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers about their individual risk.

Having no known family history of breast cancer does not mean that breast health can be ignored. Equally, people with a significant family history or other factors that may increase their risk should discuss this with an appropriate healthcare professional.

The TCI Hospital Cancer Register also records male breast cancer, reminding the community that although breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.

Screening and Early Diagnosis Matter

Breast awareness and screening have different but complementary purposes. Screening is intended to identify possible breast abnormalities in people who may not have symptoms, while a new or concerning breast change requires appropriate clinical assessment.

There is no single screening approach that is appropriate for every individual. TCI Hospital therefore encourages people to discuss their age, personal risk factors, family history and appropriate breast screening with their healthcare provider.

Similarly, people experiencing a concerning breast change should not wait for their next routine screening appointment before seeking medical advice.

The campaign’s message “Early Detection Saves Lives” emphasizes the importance of timely action. It does not mean that every breast change is cancer. Rather, seeking medical attention allows appropriate investigation to take place and, where cancer is diagnosed, enables the healthcare team to determine the most appropriate next steps.

From Cancer Registration to Better Cancer Care

TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said the Cancer Register has an important role beyond recording the number of cancer cases seen by the hospital.

“Our Cancer Register is not simply about counting cases. It helps us understand the cancer burden presenting to our hospital, identify patterns over time and inform how we plan and strengthen cancer services. Behind every number is a patient, a family and a cancer journey. The continued recording of new breast cancer cases reminds us why awareness must lead to action and why our health system must continue to strengthen the pathway from appropriate screening and timely diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship support.”

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to understand that fear should not become a reason to delay seeking care. Know what is normal for you, understand your risk, participate in screening that is appropriate for you and seek medical advice when something changes. Just as importantly, we must continue to support those undergoing cancer treatment and those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

Know. Check. Act. Support.

Throughout October, TCI Hospital will deliver a programme of activities designed to turn breast cancer awareness into practical action.

Activities will include an educational breast cancer awareness video addressing signs and symptoms, screening, early detection and support; publication of findings from the TCI Hospital Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025; breast cancer facts and educational messages; a special House Call – Pink Round Table addressing breast cancer risk, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship; and Pink Fridays, during which TCI Hospital team members will wear pink to promote awareness, early detection, survivorship and support.

The campaign will also highlight the important role of families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community. Support can take many forms; from listening and accompanying someone to an appointment to assisting with transportation, meals, childcare or other practical needs during treatment.

TCI Hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month message to the Turks and Caicos Islands community is:

KNOW – Know your body, your family history and your individual risk.

CHECK – Participate in appropriate screening and pay attention to changes.

ACT – Do not ignore a new or concerning breast change. Seek medical advice.

SUPPORT – Stand with patients, survivors, families and others affected by breast cancer.

Know. Check. Act. Support.

Early Detection Saves Lives.

Continue Reading

News

Record-breaking eye care mission transforms vision for thousands in Providenciales

Published

1 week ago

on

September 29, 2026

By

Turks and Caicos Islands, September 29, 2026 – Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Sandals Foundation, and Great Shape Inc.’s iCare programme have completed a record-breaking one-week humanitarian eye care mission in Providenciales, delivering free optical services to more than 4,800 individuals. The 2026 venture brought together 52 volunteer eye care professionals from the United and Canada who provided comprehensive screenings, advanced laser treatments, and thousands of pairs of glasses to residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The mission’s services covered multiple areas of eye health as medical volunteers conducted over 1,000 health screenings paired with educational sessions on eye care and the risks associated with prolonged screen use. Among the most significant clinical achievements were 122 Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedures, a treatment for open-angle glaucoma, and 13 panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) procedures, an outpatient laser therapy used to halt the growth of abnormal, fragile blood vessels on the retina that can cause bleeding and vision loss.

In addition to clinical interventions, the team distributed over 150 pre-made prescription glasses, more than 2,500 sunglasses, and over 1,400 reading glasses during the mission week. A further 700 custom prescription glasses are being completed and will be delivered to patients in the coming weeks. In addition to adults, students from 16 government and non-government schools throughout Providenciales also received vision testing and care.

Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, praised the collaboration as “timely” and highlighted the unmatched visual support provided to the community. “We are grateful for this continued collaboration with the TCI government and the Sandals Foundation,” Knowles said. “We have seen where these eye care professionals come here and share their expertise with our schools and our communities, free of charge. This is what teamwork looks like here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Deryk Meany, General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, noted the historic scale of the mission. “We have witnessed a record number of optical services being offered this year which augurs well for the people and children of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said. “The support that the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape Inc.! has received from the government of the TCI is phenomenal. As an organization, we are conscious of the support that is needed and the opportunities that we have to share in this mission.”

Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture emphasized the value of early screening for students in an era of increasing digital device use. “To be able to provide early screening for our students is priceless,” Taylor said. “With the consistent use of gadgets by our children, the health screening and education is timely for us within the education ministry. We are grateful for this support from the Sandals Foundation and the Great Shape team. If there are challenges identified by the team, parents will be able to provide the necessary care for the children.”

For Nadienne Crossman, vice principal of the BEST Institute, the competence and warmth of the volunteer team was a highlight. “The services provided by these professionals was unmatched,” Crossman noted. “The team who visited our school allowed every student to feel comfortable while they were being tested. As teachers, when we got to the community site, we were treated with respect by everyone. To be able to see multiple specialists free of charge was outstanding. Sandals Foundation and the Great Shape team provided a safe space for us to care for our eyes.”

Steven Stern, Founder of iCare, credited the enthusiasm of volunteers and the seamless support from local partners. “The team for this project was enthusiastic with every client that we saw,” Stern said. “They were creative in using technology to assist with translation while they also learned so much about the TCI culture. The support from the Sandals Foundation and the government of the TCI was simply magical. We are looking forward to returning already.”

The Sandals Foundation coordinates logistics and covers costs for transportation, food, and beverages for the iCare clinic and its teams, while Beaches Resorts provides accommodation free of charge. The close of the 2026 mission stands as a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration — uniting government, hospitality, and nonprofit expertise to safeguard vision and opportunity for an entire community.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK


Click Here and Subscribe To Our Podcast







TRENDING