News
DP and Min of Finance Speech – Laying of the Estimates – 25 April 2022
HON. E. JAY SAUNDERS
MINISTER OF FINANCE, INVESTMENT & TRADE
Appropriation 2022/2023 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and The Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2022/2023
25th APRIL 2022
Hon. Speaker,
Hon. Premier,
Hon. Members of this House of Assembly,
Strangers in the Gallery,
Persons tuning in via radio and streaming media, and
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Good Day,
Mr Speaker, I rise today to table the draft Estimates in this honourable House for subsequent scrutiny by the Appropriations Committee. Our Government’s policies support the theme of:
” An Economy that Works for all: People-Opportunity-Prosperity”
Existing revenue streams will support the expenditure. Our intended Expenditure Envelope – i.e. what our Government intends to spend on Expenses – is $388.9 Million, which is a whopping 20.2% increase over the (unaudited) performance of the last financial year – i.e. FY2021/22.
Mr. Speaker, the unprecedented fiscal performance in the Real Estate sector, and higher than expected performance in the Tourism sectors, during the last financial year, have given our Government the leeway to invest heavily in our flagship priority of Human Capital Development.
The FY2022/23 Budget, which we are bringing to this honorable House today, and will debate next week, includes:
- A retirement plan for public servants,
- Increased salaries for Public Servants,
- Increased investments in Education and infrastructure,
- Continued investments in our first-class Health Care systems,
- Continued investments in our “premium brand” tourism product,
- Continued investments in Good Governance systems and processes,
- Investments in Climate Change resilience, and
- an Operating Surplus of $6.8M.
Expenditure estimates
Mr Speaker, budgeted Expenditure includes:
- Recurrent cost of $326.9M,
- Non-recurrent spending of $12.0M, and
- Proposed Capital Development spending of $50.0 million.
The top ten areas of allocations, in the form of the Classification Of Functions Of Governments (COFOG) are:
Economic Affairs
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to announce that our Government’s is proposing to spend $103.7M on Economic Affairs this financial year.
This spending will primarily focus on the following 8 areas:
- Infrastructure development,
- Land acquisition,
- Enhancing our tourism product,
- Agriculture and food security development,
- Catastrophic risk insurance,
- Environmental and coastal resources protection,
- Energy and utilities, and
- Media and communication.
Health
Mr. Speaker, the nation’s health continues to be a significant priority of our Government.
For this reason, we have allocated 20% of the expenditure for FY2022/23 on Health Care Delivery. Our focus will be on: policy planning (including include Public Health and Hospital Services), Mental Health support services, Research, Health Emergencies, Dental services, Laboratory services, and Health Promotion and Advocacies.
Public Order and Safety
Mr. Speaker, our Government has earmarked just over $67.3M (17% of the expenditure for this FY) for spending on improving Public Order and the Safety of our residents and visitors.
Mr. Speaker, while we are urging everyone to take an interest in public order and safety, our Government has allocated the 3rd highest portion of the budgeted spending on combating and solving crime, and preventing disturbances.
The Public Order and Safety allocation will provide financial support for the strategic execution of: Policing Services, Legal Services, Disaster Management, Customs and Border protection, Public Prosecution, Fire and Rescue, and Corrective and Rehabilitative services.
General Public Services
Mr. Speaker, an allocation of $62.0M has been made to support the General Public Service operations, including the continuous funding of: the Executive, Legislative, and Financial and Fiscal affairs.
Education
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to announce that in this financial year, our Government will be making a massive investment, to the tune of $37.5M, in Education. Mr. Speaker, the significant growth in the economy, which I briefly spoke about earlier, has enabled this investment in Human Capital Development, which will support inclusive growth, sustainability, and security, for our people – especially our young people.
Included in the funding for Education are allocations for:
- Early Childhood Education;
- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education; and
- Scholarships and Grants – particularly for courses at the TCI Community College.
Social Protection
Mr. Speaker, I am equally proud to speak to our Government’s proposed spending for Social Protection this financial year.
Over $21M (5%) is being allocated towards Social Protection. Included in this, $14.6M will be spent on Pensions and Gratuities, which will allow Civil Servants to “live their best lives” post retirement. $5.8M million will be spent on protecting our “disadvantaged” population, and just over $500K will be spent on Gender Equality Programs.
Mr. Speaker, with this budget, our Government will build economic resilience through Human Capital Development, thereby supporting inclusive growth, sustainability, and security.
Environmental Protection
Mr. Speaker, the world just celebrated Earth Day – with aim to preserve and conserve planet Earth and its biodiversity – on the 22nd April 2022, and I am proud to say that our Government is doing its part, and we will continue to do so this financial year through the $7.7M (2% of our allocated spending) that we are allocating towards Environmental Protection. The spending priorities in this area will be on: Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, Public and Environmental Protection, and Waste Management.
Housing and Community Amenities
Our Government is allocating $3.8M to be spent on:
- Water Undertaking,
- Housing,
- Community Renewal, and
- District Administrations.
Defence
Mr. Speaker, our Government is committed to bolstering our security and defenses, and we will do so this financial year with over $2.7M being spent on the National Security Secretariat and the Contingent Forces. In addition, we are allocsting $1.5M for vessels and motor vehicles for our defense personnel.
Recreation, Culture and Religion
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we have allocated $4.3M towards spending Recreation, Culture and Religion.
PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
Mr. Speaker, the Public Sector Investment Programme for FY2022/23 is approximately $50M, which includes approximately $16M ongoing projects and $32M new projects.
The new projects being funded in the PSIP for fiscal year 2022-2025 are aligned to the priority areas set out in the FSPS for 2022-2026. Noteworthy are the allocations for the following:
- Law Enforcement, Border Control and Security = $8M,
- Continued spending on Digitization and E-Governance = $2M,
- Education = $6.4M,
- Water Undertaking, Prison and Fire Services = $6M,
- Infrastructure development throughout the Islands = $21M,
- Tourism = $1.7M, and
- Health = $1.2M.
Financing the expenditure
Mr. Speaker, our total Expenditure package is $388.9M and Recurrent Revenues account for 99 percent of total Revenues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to now speak to our plan to finance the expenditure envelope.
Our Government plan to fund all the investments geared towards building Economic Resilience, Human Capital Development to support inclusive growth, Sustainability, and Security through existing revenue streams. We will also tighten our enforcement and compliance mechanisms to ensure that we hit our targets.
Mr. Speaker, our total revenue package is $395.7M, which is a 1.0% increase over the (unaudited) performance of the last financial year.
Like the rest of the world Mr. Speaker, our country is experiencing an increase in inflation caused by global supply chain issues and the fallout from the war between Russia and Ukraine.
To mitigate the impact of these economic shocks on our people, our Government has provided US$15M in direct assistance through reductions in the “Fuel Tax” and Customs Processing Fee (CPF). It is hoped that this relief will ease the burden on citizens and residents alike.
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to announce that (the unaudited) Revenues for FY2021/22 have surpassed the pre-covid-19 pandemic fiscal year output. The unprecedented performance indicates that the Revenue Agency’s commitment to the revenue compliance programme, and our vigilant and coherent revenue strategy is working.
The major revenue Economic classifications – i.e. Revenue Earners – are:
- Accommodation Tax = $90,518,829
- Import Duties = $89,309,012
- Stamp Duty on Land Transactions = $80,000,000
- Work Permit and Other Immigration Fees = $32,178,209
- Other Customs Duties = $30,252,168
- Fuel Tax = $7,821,524
Mr. Speaker, FY2021/22 has illustrated that whilst our economy is volatile, it is uniquely positioned to bounce back from perils to achieve financial buoyancy.
Mr. Speaker, the strong revenue performance in FY2021/22 was due to strong performance in the tourism and real estate sectors, and the robust compliance program employed by the Revenue and Customs Departments.
Mr. Speaker, a robust and sustainable revenue system requires restructuring the current revenue system, which will lead to the creation of a modern revenue management system with the right balance between revenue initiatives and cost containment.
Mr. Speaker, our Government is committed to ensuring that our tax system is a modernized, stable, and reliable source, where revenue collection will be optimal. Mr. Speaker, a well-functioning revenue system is a condition for sustainability, and it should be neutral, efficient, effective, simple, and fair.
Mr. Speaker, our Government is working in collaboration with CARTAC to introduce a Revenue Authority, which we expect to be operationalized in the next 12 to 18 months.
Mr. Speaker, during the Budget debates, my colleagues and I will discuss further the allocations by Ministry.
Mr. Speaker our Government Top Priority Initiatives are:
1.0 Investment in Digitization and E-Governance
The Government will continue to strategically focus on the sustainable modernization of the public sector service delivery. The Government will spend approximately $2.3M over the next three years.
2.0 Investment in Tourism Development
$8.0M has been allocated towards enhancing the tourist product, including developing a Destination Management Office (DMO).
3.0 Investment in Law Enforcement, Border Control and Security
The Government has prioritized funding for the TCI Regiment to increase its reserve complement by 20 officers, and funding for 12 marine officers in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) and 10 Immigration Officers. In addition, the Government has agreed to bolster the operating expenses of the RT&CIPF to enhance intelligence gathering and investigations by $1.4M.
4.0 Civil and Public Service
Following consultation between the Civil Service Association (CSA) and the Deputy Governor’s Office to identify a suitable retirement benefits package, the Government has allocated approximately $9.0M to facilitate a contributory pension scheme and increase the basic salary for Civil Servants.
Staff costs include a 4.0 percent direct salary increase for Civil Servants. A further 6 percent allocation is made for employees and employees’ contribution to the newly formed contributory pension scheme. The Government has made provision for introducing the new schemes with no impact on the salary of public servants.
The estimates continue to support the payment of biennial performance-based increments.
5.0 Human Capital Development
The Government’s flagship priority is Human Capital Development. Our Government is increasing allocation for tertiary education for the Scholarship Fund and the Community College. Over $10.2M is allocated, an additional $1.5M (15%) in this FY to increase the number of international and local scholarships awarded annually. Effective September, access to the Community College for Belongers and BOTC citizens will become free.
6.0 Increased Access to Secondary Education
Our Government will upgrade the Clement Howell and Louise Garland-Thomas high schools to senior high schools offering 1st to 5th form education. We have allocated the necessary resources to facilitate the upgrade.
7.0 Social Welfare
An additional $1.65M is being made available to enhance social welfare. The allocation will accommodate an increase in monthly payments to indigents.
8.0 Statistical Surveys
Approximately $800K is allocated to facilitate the institutional improvements in the national statistical system as outlined in our Government’s manifesto, particularly the transformation of the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) into a National Statistics Institute. The aim is to improve the regulatory framework for the coordination and governance of the National Statistics Institute. A national census will be conducted in the financial year.
9.0 Environmental Health and Emergency Medical Services
Our Government has allocated resources to facilitate 12 port health officers to enact the International Health Regulations of 2005. It is a national approach to standardise the functions and activities in delivering port health services.
In addition, a second ambulance base with appropriate staffing is funded for Providenciales.
10.0 Investment in Government Communication and Protocol
Funding is available to formulate a Communication Directorate to manage the overarching government communications and support citizenship engagement.
11.0 Illegal Settlement
$2.0M has been allocated to address unlawful settlements and a further $2.0M to offset existing arbitration legal costs.
Subvention Support
Mr. Speaker, in this budget our Government will continue to support subvention to the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) with $34.6M. It will cover the treatment abroad programme, utility charges for the two major hospitals, and health care costs for the juvenile and the indigent population. This is in addition to approximately $39M projected to be received in Contribution Income.
Allocation for the repayment costs for the two major hospitals are $22.8M.
Other subvention allocation for Statutory and Constitutional Bodies is $27.5M (7.0%) of recurrent expenditure. Increases in FY2022/23 over FY2021/22 are:
- Destination Management Organization – $1.M,
- Gaming – 700K,
- Integrity Commission – 500K,
- Invest TCI – 500K,
- Community College – 1.2M,
- National Trust – 100K,
- Sports Commission – 300K.
Mr. Speaker our Government will also continue to support:
- Tertiary education scholarships for civil servants to reduce the number of imported skills into the Country with $250K allocated.
- Curriculum development at all levels, including Adult education courses designed to address the findings of the skills audit, increase skills, and address skills shortage:
- Government grants to MSME businesses to encourage and support innovation = $700K,
- Property acquisition – $ 10.0M,
- Contingency Funding – $5.0M,
- Maintenance of government infrastructure – $2.5M,
- Environmental remedial work programmes -$1.0M,
- CDB Conference – $1.0M,
- Trade shows – $250K,
- Legal fees for airport expansions – $250K,
- Faith-based organisations – $250K,
- Beach Access – $600K,
- Maintenance for DECR Parks – $650K.
- Fiscal prudence and Good Governance.
Mr. Speaker, thank you.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders
Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade
September 12, 2025
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a wealth of creativity, from artisans and craft vendors to musicians and performers. Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive family resort, has pledged its continued support for these individuals by providing meaningful platforms for them to share their skills and stories with guests from around the world.
The resort’s commitment is most evident in its weekly Cultural Night showcase, where visitors are immersed in the vibrant traditions of the islands. Guests enjoy live performances which feature local music genres such as ripsaw, while artisans display and sell handmade creations. This event not only enriches the guest experience but also strengthens economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Entertainment Division Manager Garett Bailey emphasized the significance of Cultural Night, “we want to showcase everything the Turks and Caicos Islands culture has to offer. Our goal is for guests to leave with a deeper appreciation of the island’s art, music and traditions, while giving local talent the opportunity to share their creativity with visitors from across the globe.”
Beyond Cultural Night, Beaches Turks and Caicos also welcomes local craft vendors onto the resort every Wednesday and Friday
where they are offered a direct space to market their goods. Guests have easy access to the Turks and Caicos Cultural Marketplace, where they can purchase authentic local arts and crafts.
Managing Director, James McAnally, highlighted how these initiatives reflect the resort’s broader mission, “we are committed to celebrating and sharing the vibrant culture of these islands with our guests. By showcasing local artistry and music, we not only provide entertainment but also help sustain and grow the creative industries of the Turks and Caicos Islands. From our cultural showcases to nightly live music, we are proud to create authentic connections between our guests and the people of these islands.”
Local musician Keon Hall, who frequently performs at the resort, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership, “being able to share my music with Beaches’ guests has created lasting relationships. Some visitors return year after year and request songs from previous performances. This partnership continues to celebrate what we do and strengthens the bond between local artists and the resort.”
The resort’s support of local artisans and entertainers extends beyond business opportunity; it is about preserving heritage and sharing stories. Guests take home more than souvenirs; they leave with experiences that deepen their understanding of Turks and Caicos’ culture and history.
Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan, noted the importance of this commitment, “for many visitors, these interactions represent their first genuine connection to the Turks and Caicos Islands. From artisans and musicians to farmers and transport operators, our local talent helps shape every guest experience. At Beaches, we are proud to give them the stage to share their stories and their heritage.”
Beaches Turks & Caicos remains dedicated to developing cultural connections and supporting the artisans, musicians and entrepreneurs whose creativity makes the Turks and Caicos Islands unique. Each guest experience is an opportunity to celebrate and sustain the spirit of the islands.
Caribbean News
“Barbecue” is Cooked! US Turns Over 11 Million Haitians into Potential Informants with $5 Million Bounty
August 12, 2025
The United States just set fire to the underworld in Haiti — and this time, the smoke might finally flush out the man many call the most feared in the Caribbean.
On Tuesday, the U.S. government slapped a $5 million bounty on the head of Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the ex-police officer
turned gang boss accused of orchestrating massacres, torching neighborhoods, and strangling Haiti’s capital into chaos. This isn’t just a headline — it’s a full-blown game-changer.
That kind of cash — offered under the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program — is enough to turn the country’s entire population, more than 11 million people, into potential informants overnight. Add the millions in the Haitian diaspora, and Chérizier isn’t just wanted. He’s surrounded.
The Number That Changes Everything
Five million U.S. dollars today equals about 655 million Haitian Gourdes. In a country where many scrape by on less than $5 a day, that’s not just life-changing — it’s life-defining. It’s enough to rebuild homes, put generations through school, or buy a one-way ticket far from the gunfire.
In a place where trust is scarce and survival is everything, that figure is more than tempting — it’s irresistible. For Chérizier, it means every friend could be a future informant, and every loyalist might be calculating the cost of staying loyal.
‘We Will Find Them’ — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney
Jeanine “Judge Jeanine” Pirro, the U.S. Attorney, set the tone with fire in her voice. “This indictment is the first of its kind,” she announced. “Jimmy Chérizier, also known as ‘Barbecue,’ is a notorious gang leader from Haiti who has orchestrated and committed various acts of violence against Haitians, including the 2018 La Saline attack in which approximately 71 people were killed. He both planned and participated in that massacre.
“Anyone who is giving money to ‘Barbecue’ cannot say, ‘I didn’t know.’ They will be prosecuted, and we will find them. They are supporting an individual who is committing human rights abuses, and we will not look the other way.”
Pirro wasn’t just going after Chérizier. She was sending a warning to the Haitian diaspora accused of feeding his war chest from abroad: the days of claiming ignorance are over.
‘No Safe Haven’ — Darren Cox, FBI
Then came Darren Cox, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, delivering the muscle of America’s most powerful investigative force. “There is no safe haven for Chérizier and his network,” Cox declared. “We are closing every link, every cell.” Since January, he said, the FBI has arrested three Top Ten fugitives, taken more than 19,000 criminals off the streets, and seized thousands of tons of narcotics — enough to save millions of lives across the U.S.
The FBI’s Miami and Houston offices have already bagged one of Chérizier’s Viv Ansanm associates inside the United States without firing a shot. “These efforts are a deliberate and coordinated plan,” Cox said, “to protect our communities and confront escalating threats from terrorist organizations like Viv Ansanm.”
‘Three-Year Investigation’ — Ivan Arvelo, HSI
Ivan Arvelo, Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations, brought the receipts. “This is the result of a three-year investigation into Chérizier’s procurement networks, cash pipelines, and operational financing that violates sanctions,” he explained. Arvelo described 400 structures destroyed, entire communities erased, and a gang exploiting U.S. dollars, technology, and immigration loopholes to keep its killing machine running. “We tracked how Americans unwittingly bankrolled brutality,” he said — proof that the net is tightening both inside Haiti and abroad.
‘The Worst of the Worst’ — Chris Lambert, State Department
Chris Lambert, representing the State Department’s International Affairs division, gave the political bottom line.
“Mass violence in Haiti must end,” Lambert said. “The instability resulting from Chérizier’s actions fuels illegal migration, regional
instability, and transnational crime. We will continue to apply every tool available — including our rewards programs — to stop the spread of unchecked violence, especially to target the worst of the worst criminal leaders threatening the people of our hemisphere.”
Lambert confirmed what many have long known: Chérizier is not just a gang leader. He commands Viv Ansanm, officially designated in May as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. In the eyes of the U.S., that makes him not just Haiti’s problem — but everyone’s.
Why Haitians May Not Resist
In Haiti, money talks — loudly. And when you put 655 million Gourdes on the table, it shouts.
That’s the kind of figure that turns casual acquaintances into informants and makes even the most hardened loyalist wonder if the payout is worth more than the risk. It’s not a matter of “if” word gets out, it’s a matter of “who will be first to collect.”
For grieving families, it’s a chance at justice. For the desperate, it’s a chance at survival. For Haiti as a whole, it’s hope — wrapped in the most dangerous of temptations.
An Answer to Prayers
For years, Haiti’s headlines have been a scroll of horrors — kidnappings, executions, burned neighborhoods, bodies in the streets. Chérizier’s name has been attached to too many of them.
This move by the U.S. isn’t just strategy. It’s personal. It’s a signal to every Haitian — at home or abroad — that the days of impunity could be ending.
I’ll admit it: when I heard the news, I danced, I sang, and I nearly cried. Not because $5 million is a lot of money, but because of what it means — the possibility, at last, of stopping the man accused of helping turn Haiti into hell on earth.
Four officials, four angles, one mission: Pirro’s fire, Cox’s grit, Arvelo’s precision, Lambert’s conviction. Together, they’ve put the heat on “Barbecue” like never before.
BBQ is cooked. The only question now is: which one of over 11 million potential informants will serve him up?
By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
What would happen if the Caribbean started spending more with Africa?
That question is no longer hypothetical. It’s the vision behind a growing movement that sees the Caribbean not just as a neighbor of the Americas, but as a key partner in the rise of a “Global Africa.” With shared history, deep cultural ties, and emerging trade frameworks, experts say the potential is enormous—if the will to act finally matches the passion of the speeches.
Billions on the Table
Today, trade between Africa and the Caribbean sits at just over US $729 million annually. But the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Afreximbank project that number could balloon to US $1.8 billion per year by 2028—more than doubling in just a few years.
This boost is expected to come not just from commodities, but increasingly from services, particularly in transport, travel, food exports, and creative industries. Two-thirds of that growth, according to analysts, could come from services alone—sectors where the Caribbean is eager to expand. (afreximbank.com).
Meanwhile, Africa’s consumer and business spending is forecasted to skyrocket to US $6.66 trillion by 2030, driven by a population boom and rising middle class.
The Case for a New Trade Axis
The Caribbean imports 80% of its food, but many of those goods can be sourced from African markets. What we offer in return? World-class logistics, tourism know-how, financial services, and proximity to the U.S. market. It’s a natural fit—one that is currently underdeveloped.
The recent call by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell for a “Global Africa Commission” underscores this urgency. He
urged stakeholders at the Afreximbank Trade Expo to stop the cycle of empty talk and get to work: building shipping routes, finalizing trade agreements, and boosting knowledge of what each region actually has to offer.
“We will not leave here with another communiqué,” Mitchell continued. “We will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.” The statement underscored a central theme of the summit — that both Africa and the Caribbean can no longer afford to admire the idea of unity; they must operationalize it.Pilot platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are already simplifying how cross-border payments work between African countries—and could extend to Caribbean partners. The system removes the need for U.S. dollars in trade between African nations, creating space for sovereign empowerment.
What’s the Hold-Up?
Let’s be blunt: political will, slow bureaucracies, and lack of coordination are stalling real action. Despite a decade of “Africa–Caribbean unity” talk, less than 3% of CARICOM trade currently involves the African continent. That fact continues to undermine these brave speeches and ambitious notions.
Where Caribbean Consumers Fit In
Caribbean consumers—especially the younger, tech-savvy generation—are already looking for affordable, ethical, and culturally relevant goods. African markets offer exactly that. Redirecting even a fraction of spending toward African-made clothing, beauty products, tech tools, or agro-processed foods could start a real trade revolution.
Bottom Line
If the political leaders won’t build the bridge fast enough, maybe Caribbean consumers will. The money is there. The interest is rising. Now it’s time to turn the “Global Africa” vision into a real economic shift—one shopping cart at a time.
