Overview
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade is primarily charged with the responsibility of effectively and efficiently managing the Government’s financial resources, by providing proactive and sound policy analysis, and advice on all fiscal, economic and development initiatives.
The Ministry is charged with the responsibility of administering the statutes regarding public finances in an efficient and equitable manner that seeks to protect the country’s financial resources by ensuring revenue compliance and adherence to financial instructions regarding expenditure commitments. Thus, the development and management of the Government’ budget forms a major aspect of the Ministry’s function as well.
The Ministry also oversees all matters related to the promotion of Trade and Investment; facilitating the sustainable development of the Turks and Caicos Islands, by working to promote the development of a trade industry that is economically, culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable by international standards.
Mission
To oversee and implement the country’s economic and fiscal policies by providing strong financial leadership and sound professional advice on all aspects of the Government’s financial management. In partnership with Investment and Trade, we promote sustainable development in the TCI and enhance the welfare of residents by building and promoting key industries to the highest standards.
Vision
To create a stable macroeconomic and fiscal environment that fosters growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands and improves the welfare and economic opportunities of its people.
Values and Objectives
Government finances are managed consistent with the principles of openness and transparency: Whereby the budget is presented and debated in an open forum and the public is kept informed of the finances of the country through the publication of the annual budget and the publication of financial management reports on the government website and in the Gazette on a quarterly basis. The Ministry’s values and objectives include:
Accountability
To ensure that the rules of Public Financial Management are adhered to and that value for money is achieved in transacting business on behalf of the Government.
Fairness
To ensure that Government contracts are awarded in a manner that gives all interested and qualified parties equal access to the opportunity to provide Government services through the use of the Procurement Board.
Sustainability
To build sound fiscal, strategic and development policies that would facilitate the growth and development of the TCI and ensure the well-being of its people.
Stellar Service
To provide stellar service that caters to the demands of the public through management of the country’s budget, revenue collection systems, expenditure management, and payment systems.
Priorities
The Ministry is focused on supporting sustainable economic growth and fiscal stability by continuing financial system reforms, promoting a more equitable and effective revenue system, fostering a business environment that encourages development and investment, both domestic and international, and strengthening transparency, accountability, as well as the efficient management of resources.
We will know we have achieved our priorities when:
- There is a steady positive outturn in GDP growth, lower unemployment and a robust financial system that leads to an increase in the living standards and economic well-being of residents.
- There is a high level of public acceptance of the tax system, the revenue system is sufficient to meet expenditure needs, and taxpayers meet their obligations in full and on time.
- There is a steady increase in the number of sustainable new start-up businesses and growth of existing businesses with subsequent improved business and employment opportunities for belongers.
- There is a culture of regular reporting of program performance to achieve value for money and the country has unqualified audit reports.
Programmes & Responsibilities
To facilitate government’s economic, fiscal, social and development goals by providing strategic leadership, policy planning, research and advice in managing policies relating to finance, investment and trade by:
- Undertaking research and policy development;
- Monitoring and evaluating public expenditure for value and impact;
- Building capacity within the technical and financial structures of government; and
Enhancing enablement and compliance through the application of the relevant acts, regulations, governance circulars and internal policies.
To provide timely and high quality economic and fiscal policy analysis and advice to support Government to responsibly manage public finances consistent with its medium term economic and social development goals
- To co-ordinate and facilitate the timely implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme to ensure that resources improve the welfare of residents throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.
To develop new and review existing policies that addresses economic growth, social welfare and security for the people of the Islands.
To ensure efficient and effective collection of taxes in accordance with the relevant tax legislations and improve voluntary compliance.
To effectively exchange tax related information between the Turks and Caicos Islands and its Treaty Partners through a cadre of technical officers in accordance with agreed standards, to combat tax evasion and improve TCI image with our international tax partners and regulatory organizations.
To facilitate broad based economic growth and sustainable development through the establishment of a robust and efficient trading environment
To provide the Governor and Accounting Officers an independent and objective evaluation of, and opinion on, the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control across the TCIG Organisation.
To provide timely and accurate financial information for decision making, ensure adequate financial controls, transparency and accountability in the management and use of public finances
To develop economic policies and a business environment that will prioritize business retention activities, attract FDI into virtually all the sectors of the economy and enhance SME participation within the TCI.