Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, the book of Isaiah tells us that: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles”.
We meet to launch the activities for a new parliamentary year at a time of turmoil and economic uncertainly in the world.
As a tourist dependent economy, we will continue to be affected by the global economic conditions.
Honourable Speaker, added to that, we are dealing with the damage from Hurricane Fiona and an unprecedented wave of gang violence and murders.
The psychopathic monsters struck again last evening causing harm to many including the shooting of a police officer. Three persons died in this incident including a visitor and assassin.
My government is resolute in its determination to provide relief to those in need and tackle gun and other serious crimes head on.
Today, we will focus on the economic outlook, our development agenda, Fiona relief and outline measures to deal with the upsurge in violence and bring those who murder with impunity to justice.
ECONOMY
Honourable Speaker, the Russia/Ukraine war, the disruptions in the supply chain and economic challenges have created an unstable global economy.
The challenges have caused excessive spikes in the prices of fuel and food across the world.
The high rates of inflation, especially in the United States will continue to negatively impact the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr Speaker, inflation, hurricane damage and crime abatement have forced us to revise the financial targets for 2022/2023.
With the additional demands, my government is forecasting a budget deficit of about 16 -million dollars for this financial year.
However, despite the temporary challenges, the economy continues to perform well, and the outlook is very positive.
Importantly, we remain in compliance with the framework agreement between the government and the UK.
The Minister of Finance will speak to the Supplementary Estimates that will be tabled shortly.
Mr. Speaker, my government will continue to be nimble and make changes as global economic headwinds continue to affect us.
We are laying the foundation to simplify taxation and make it more equitable, promote entrepreneurship and wider participation in the economy.
Mr. Speaker, my government will continue to cushion the impact of inflation on our people through various relief programmes.
We have given qualified persons $2,500 in combined assistance over the last eighteen months.
For those who did not receive a stimulus cheque from the latest allocation, provision is made in the current supplementary.
Details will be shared during the Minister’s presentation.
Mr Speaker, my government is completing work on a living wage for the lowest earners among us. This is expected to take effect on April 1, 2023.
To help deal with the increase in the cost of energy, the fuel charges on residential electricity bills have been capped at 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
This will save consumers about 10 cents per kWh. This relief came into effect in September and will continue to December 2022.
Mr. Speaker, my government is focused on the sustainable prosperity of each island.
Our goal is to provide opportunities, improve quality of life, and keep our people safe and secure.
The events of the last two years have forced us to be nimble and build resilience.
HURRICANE FIONA
Mr. Speaker, through the mercies of God, these Islands dodged the worst possible effects of Hurricane Fiona; however, some public and private properties have suffered damage.
My government has established a National Recovery and Resilience Committee (NRRC) to focus on our recovery and restoration efforts.
Two million dollars will be allocated for general clean-up and repair of government properties.
An additional two million dollars will be allocated to help homeowners affected by Fiona.
A framework for the management of the relief effort will be established to ensure that only those most in need benefit.
SECURITY
Mr Speaker, of all the challenges, my government has faced in recent times, none has threatened more our sense of well-being, than the explosion of gun violence.
Based on intelligence, we know that the increase in execution style murders and violence has connections outside of the TCI.
We have had 23 murders this year with 15 in last six weeks alone.
Mr. Speaker, most of these murders are connected to drugs and other criminal activities among rival gangs. Some of these gangs are now infiltrated by trans-national drug traffickers.
Mr. Speaker, my government regrets the loss of any life and mourn with the families who have lost loved ones.
This unprecedented streak of violence has shaken communities. It has turned all who have had to curtail activities and restrict their movement out of fear into victims.
Mr Speaker, as a country, we have every reason to be angry.
We must turn our anger into action and defeat those who make violence their business and continue to disrupt the peace and safety of our communities. This will require full cooperation between citizens and the Police Force.
My government is aware that some persons have reservations about cooperating with the police.
Let me assure you, measures are in place to weed out unscrupulous police officers as we try to increase the trust between the police and the public.
Based on intelligence, we believe that our Islands now face a trans-regional threat fuelled by drugs and driven by armed gangsters.
With the growth of unregulated settlements, many have embedded in our communities and are increasingly difficult to monitor.
Mr. Speaker, for years the government has been able to intercept almost every overloaded sloop bringing people to our shores; however, our extended maritime borders make us vulnerable to fast boats bringing guns, drugs and criminals.
While significant investments have been made in maritime defences and our Regiment, we must do more.
We are deepening alliances with our neighbours and sharing intelligence. We are in talks with the relevant UK ministers, and the prime ministers of our Caribbean neighbours.
We expect support in personnel, more investigative capacity and greater intelligence capability.
The Bahamas will give us direct support.
Our commissioners have worked out a substantive package that will provide us with boots on the ground. Their impact should be seen by the public and felt by the gangs shortly.
Jamaica has significant experience in dealing with violent gangs and some of the criminals we now face have their roots in that country. A request was made to Jamaica’s Prime Minister for support, and we expect a positive response.
Some of the requested UK Police support are now here. An initial team to reinforce our Tactical Unit with planning and skills training is working.
A combined contingent of military and police personnel has been requested from the UK to bolster overall security of the islands. Initial response to this has been encouraging and my government hopes for an early and positive response.
The UK has also agreed to establish and pay for a large anti-gang investigative unit. Members of that Task Force are being recruited. Once established that Task Force will improve our capacity to police and dismantle violent gangs.
My government is allocating an additional $4 million for the RTCPF:
- $1.5 million will be used for equipment and additional manpower
- $1.5 million to build a hangar for the new surveillance aircraft being donated by the UK government
- We will give the police a 10-percent across the board increase on basic salary
An armoured vehicle was purchased and will arrive in the TCI by the end of this month.
My government is also allocating 2 million dollars to purchase and install the latest versions of CCTVs especially in the hot bed areas.
Our significant investment in technology, the investigative capacity and operations of the police, communication and cyber forensic systems will help us suppress and disrupt criminal gangs.
CRIME BILLS
Mr Speaker, my government is buttressing our crime fighting action with legislative support.
Later this month, critical crime fighting bills will be presented to this Honourable House. We urge you honourable members to pass them quickly.
The Bills aim to:
- Stiffen penalties for gun crimes
- Strengthen police powers to investigate, stop and search, detain, and break up gang activities; and
- Protect law enforcement who fight hardened criminals on the front lines.
The Firearms (Amendment) Bill introduces higher penalties for possession of an unlicensed firearm, a prohibited weapon or ammunition.
The Police Force (Amendment) Bill allows the police to stop and search a person or vehicle believed to be linked to criminal activity. It also allows the police to set up roadblocks in high crime areas.
The Firearms Related Offences Bill extends the period of detention for persons accused of murder and firearms offences.
The Anti-Gang Bill makes it an offence for a person to become a member of a gang. A first conviction will carry a penalty of ten years in prison and twenty years for any subsequent conviction with enhanced penalties for gang leaders.
Importantly, if you wound or shoot law enforcement or intelligence personnel, you could face up to thirty years in prison.
It is a serious offence to coerce or aid another person to become a gang member.
It is an offence to retaliate against a person who refuses to obey an order from a gang leader or gang member.
It is an offence to knowingly counsel, finance, support or tip off a gang leader, gang member or gang.
The Anti-Gang law will allow the police to:
- Arrest, without a warrant, a person believed to be a gang leader
- Enter any premises, without a warrant, if there is cause to believe that a gang member may be found there
- Empower the Court to order the forfeiture of property of a person convicted of certain offenses
The Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill, Magistrates Court (Amendment) Bill, Defence (Amendment) Bill, the Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill introduce higher penalties for obstructing, assaulting, or threatening an investigative officer. These include Immigration, Customs and Police Officers, the TCI Regiment and a Court or Judicial officer in exercise of his or her duty.
The Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill makes it mandatory that every sim card must be sold to and registered to a person with a valid identification.
The Interception of Communications Bill provides a single legal framework to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to obtain communications. This includes the interception, retention, and acquisition of communications data.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to promote respect for life, stronger families, and values.
My government will be unrelenting in its efforts to reduce crime and build safer communities.
Mr. Speaker, over the last year and a half my government laid out many initiatives that were important planks of the People’s Contract.
My government is happy to report that it is faithful to the promises and are delivering.
CONSTITUTION
A consultant hired to advise on amendments proposed by both political parties to the constitution will submit recommendations soon. A resolution should be tabled before the end of this financial year.
CROWN LAND
Consultants have made recommendations to reform the management and provide more access to residential Crown Lands. Final negotiations with the UK Government will take place in early November.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL POLICY
Our Housing and Community Renewal Policy will dovetail with the Crown Land Policy and will be presented to Cabinet on the 12th of October.
It will reflect our promise to develop safe communities – by delivering completed residential shelters rather than undeveloped plots of land.
POPULATION POLICY
My government has established an Immigration and Population Policy Council (IPPC) which will review the recently completed population policy report. It will review the relevant pieces of legislation, polices and projections and develop a plan to resolve legacy issues.
The plan will address the eligibility of residents especially those residing in the TCI for many years. It will establish a fair and simplified pathway to naturalisation which is sustainable and will contribute to the economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The plan will also address labour market trends and how these align with labour force demand.
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
To reduce unplanned communities, my government has established “An Informal Settlement Unit”.
The unit will operate under the remit of the National Security Council and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Its dedicated team of twenty persons, including experts will work full-time to address informal settlements.
A project leader has been identified and will be appointed this month.
The Informal Settlement Unit will have five teams:
- Communication and Public Awareness
- Monitoring, Containment and Eviction
- Regularization and Settlement Upgrade
- Housing and Social Support
- Administration, Procurement and Process Monitoring.
TRANSPORTATION STUDY
My government believes that investment in infrastructure development will set the TCI on a path of increased economic growth.
A Transport Infrastructure Master Plan has been commissioned and will address:
- Climate change impact and adaptation
- Opportunities for private sector participation
- Employment in the transport and service sub-sectors
- A holistic development of all transport modes; and
- Connectivity throughout the islands
PORT TRANSFORMATION
A modern and efficient port infrastructure is a major plank of my government’s sustainable development plan.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority (TCIPA) is currently engaged in several development projects including:
- Providenciales Port turning basin dredging
- Grand Turk Port pavement improvements
- Grand Turk Port Ro-Ro Ramp rehabilitation
- Providenciales Port Master Plan update
- Over the longer term, there are plans for rehabilitation and expansion of the Providenciales Port and the development of a transhipment terminal.
- South Caicos Port rehabilitation; and
- We are pleased to report that the Bellfield Landing Terminal facilities will be opened tomorrow
ROAD NETWORK
The Turks and Caicos has a network of approximately 340 miles of roads. Some are unpaved and prone to flooding, and traffic accidents.
My government will embark on a major programme to develop and rehabilitate our road network.
The first project is a feasibility study for the proposed Caicos Causeway and roads infrastructure. A modern and efficient road network will be a game changer for the economy and a catalyst for the social development of our people.
THE TCI AIRPORTS AUTHORITY (TCIAA)
The TCIAA has commenced a long-term redevelopment programme to increase the capacity, safety, and security of airports in all island groupings.
Major developments will occur at Providenciales and South Caicos.
Negotiations for a public private partnership to develop the North Caicos Airport is advancing.
Funding is provided in the TCIAA budget to upgrade the JAGS McCartney International Airport. This is in anticipation of subsidised airlifts into Grand Turk this winter.
YOUTH AND SPECIAL NEEDS
My government has made a special effort to empower our young people through education, sports, and other programmes.
Millions of dollars have been allocated for scholarships and community college is now free for Belongers.
We are opening the Felix Morley Community Centre in Five Cays as a multipurpose facility. It will serve as a police post and a centre for youth development and sport activities.
We hope that the close interactions between the police and young people will deepen the trust and improve relations with the community.
Our Special Needs community demand our love and care.
Refurbishing will begin soon on the recently acquired Whole Gospel Christian Academy property. On completion, it will provide a safe, modern, and well-equipped space for persons with special needs.
PROJECT DELIVERY
My government is delivering on our commitment to implement impactful programmes, and complete projects in a timely manner.
The Premier’s Delivery Unit (PDU) has been established within the Office of the Premier & Public Policy to monitor, track, and facilitate the completion of ten specific priority projects:
The PDU will be an active partner to ministries, departments, and other government bodies.
The ten specific priority projects are:
- South Dock Port Redevelopment
- Fibre Optic Cable Link
- Solid Waste Management
- Comprehensive Housing Development - framework to guide the different pathways to home ownership
- Agriculture and Food Security
- National ID
- Digitisation of the Land Registry
- Management & Containment of Informal Settlements
- Digitization of Border Services
- New Providenciales Court Complex
A detailed plan with clear start and completion dates and the persons responsible for execution at various stages has been developed for each project.
These plans are paired with key performance indicators for progress tracking.
Results will be constantly monitored for the Cabinet’s attention and intervention where required.
The Delivery Unit will publish the first Dashboard and Scorecard this Friday, 7 October 2022 to show the progress of these ten priority projects.
Special thanks to all civil servants who were involved in achieving this critical milestone.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker, my government is delivering for our people and will never stop until we improve their lives and give them hope that our best days are ahead.
Hope will sustain us in the midst of the storm.
Hope and faith will fuel our passion to achieve the impossible.
As Emily Dickinson said: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all”.
Let us together fire up and fuel that hope.
Let us together put our shoulders to the wheel.
Let us build stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands.
Thank you and may God bless each of you and bless our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.