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TCI braces for scrap metal trade but must also brace potentially for scavengers

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#Providenciales, August 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The PDM Administration announced in the House of Assembly last week that it is creating an environment to encourage the export of scrap metal; Premier Sharlene Robinson rolled out the plan in her ministerial statement.

“Mr. Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islanders will not only have an opportunity to strive but thrive in the exportation of scrap medals.”

Three significant incentives, for the removal of scrap metal have been announced by the Premier as: “…approved through cabinet a policy to incentivize the removal of Scrap Metal from the TCI for a period of twelve (12) months; My Government has set the rates of cargo dues payable during the period of the policy to zero percent for a period of twelve (12) months and my Government has set the rate of security dues payable during the policy period to zero percent for the first six (6) month of the twelve (12) month period.”

Zero rates to export the eyesore of derelict vehicles, for example, is likely to be welcomed news; and admittedly for the Premier, cleaning the country up is a major driver for the decisions.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands currently does not have in place an effective and enforceable regime for the disposal of imported vehicles that are at the end of their useful lives. As a result, vehicles are abandoned and left at mechanical workshops or remain on the owner’s premises. Mr. Speaker, it is not uncommon to see abandoned vehicles in vegetated areas along streets and unpaved roads throughout the Islands. These vehicles would soon become derelict/ scrap metal. Mr. Speaker, these conditions constitute a defacement of the environment becoming an ‘eyesore,’ bringing down community aesthetics and a breeding ground for mosquitos, rodents and pests. Consequently, our health is threatened.”

But there is a caveat worth the mention here; regional neighbours have found that this lucrative industry has created a new kind of crime. 

Jamaica found the increased rate of theft for metals like copper soared and in 2011, scrap metal trade was banned there.  A recent announcement hinted at a return of the scrap metal industry to Jamaica, but with stringencies.

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Anthony Hylton is quoted in media saying, “Any proof of theft of scrap metal that is exported by the company will result in stiff penalties and cancellation of the licence to export,” he said. “The penalty will be J$5 million and the company will have to post a bond of $5 million.”

It is not just Jamaica, but Antigua, Grenada, Montserrat and The Bahamas which were all sent reeling as the scavenging was so serious that historic sites were robbed of copper artifacts and utility companies, like BahamasTelecommunications, were hit in the hunt for copper wire.  BTC was robbed of a reported $1 million in copper.

Payouts for scrap metal continue to soar; it is a good industry and sensible, profitable business.

Imagine being paid for computer motherboards, car alternators, aluminum sheets and cans, steel or cars, which iScrapp lists as attracting $110.00 for a complete car.

Scrap metal is big business and Premier Robinson, said her campaign promise was to ensure more islanders got a bite at big business.

“Mr. Speaker, my Government was approached by several persons in the community seeking ways to partner with the Government to assist in the removal of scrap metal and derelict vehicles. My Government immediately explored possibilities and created a policy which would assist in meeting the environmental challenges whilst creating opportunity for the local businesses.”

The TCI must obviously ensure its laws discourage illegal activity in this new scrap metal industry, but for now, the Premier is calling it a ‘win-win’ for business and environment.

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Bahamas News

RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos 

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RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.

King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.

King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “

Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.

“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.

 

 

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Government

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DELEGATION VISITS WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM, UK

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Providenciales, Tuesday 30 April, 2024 – A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, recently undertook a pivotal visit to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The visit, which took place from April 21st to April 23rd, 2024, was held under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of Health of the British Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming.

Led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE, the delegation included Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services. This strategic meeting was an integral part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the visit, representatives from the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided comprehensive insights into their operations, sharing valuable expertise and offering collaborative initiatives for the development of the TCIs emergency services. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including training and mentoring programs tailored to empower emergency personnel within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The visit marked a significant step forward in our strategy for the advancement of emergency services,” stated Mrs. Desiree Lewis OBE. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support extended by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and we look forward to implementing the insights gained to further enhance emergency care within our country. Permanent Secretary Lewis also expressed the Ministry of Health’s gratitude to Professor Ian Cumming for his assistance by way of arranging the visit.”

Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored the importance of the discussions, emphasizing the poignant exchange of ideas and the potential for meaningful collaborations which signifies a commitment to improving emergency services and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services expresses its sincere appreciation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their warm hospitality and invaluable contributions during the visit.

For additional information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

 

 

 

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TCI Court

Eight Months facing Police Accusations and Court, now Pedro Grant Exonerated

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

With no evidence to support their claim, the prosecution has dropped their case against Pedro Jose Alfredo Grant Gallon, the Dominican Republic citizen who was accused of impersonating an officer in September 2023.

The Police, who publicized the arrest and charge, have not yet commented on the matter despite Magnetic Media queries.

Grant, for his part, has always vehemently denied the accusations that he was impersonating an officer and described the circumstances surrounding his arrest as unfair.

He contends that on the evening of July 13, 2023, he was being followed by a strange driver, concerned, he waited until the man pulled off at a bar, then took his license plate number and called the police, but police never came to help Grant. He alleges that the next time he saw them, they came with handcuffs to arrest him. In a search, police found his IDs which included his documentation for humanitarian work with the International Diplomatic Alliance (IDA) and police lights attached to his vehicle. In explaining the possession of those lights, Grant said he told officers that they had been in his car from his time in the Dominican Republic where he was involved in law enforcement.

Since that time, Grant has maintained several facts:

  • The Police did not have a warrant to search his home and car;
  • The Police took his documents including passports and IDs, one of which was issued by the IDA, and to date have not returned them despite being court-ordered to do so;
  • The Police intimidated his wife with threats of deportation;
  • He never showed any ID, flashing lights at the man following him, or claimed to be an officer.

Police have steadfastly refused to comment on the case despite numerous queries into the bizarre circumstances, even with serious allegations like intimidation against them. Grant was officially charged with Impersonating an Officer in September but IDA Head Jerrod Crockett told Magnetic Media despite seizing documents from Grant to support their case, no one even called the organization to see if they were real or fake.

Now, when called to provide evidence to the court as to why they arrested and charged the resident, the police and DPPs office drew a complete blank as Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, confirmed it was a lack of evidence that got the case dropped.

Despite this win serious damage has been done Grant claims, describing his life as a ‘living hell’ and ‘miserable’ since the accusations were publicized.

The IDA says it has been affected as well.

“That really put a hurt on us for the last six to eight months now because of accusations of fraudulent documents that everybody else has seen. We’re trying to prove our legitimacy now because you guys can’t verify any documents— before you put everything out there as public information,” Crockett said of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF)

The president also told our news team they had lost thousands of dollars in funding.

Following the closure of the case we reached out again to police to find out on what grounds Grant had been arrested and charged but no response was issued.

 

 

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