TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT - Wednesday 29 September 2021
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 26th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 29 September 2021 at the Ministry of Finance on Providenciales.
All members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Was given three separate presentations from unsolicited proponents seeking to redevelop the airport facility on Providenciales. These presentations were by:
a) PSA Management-KT-Development Company Ltd.
b) Aecon Group Inc.
c) Vinci Group
Noted a paper setting out plans by the Ministry of Health for a booster plan for the Covid-19 vaccine and agreed commencement of vaccinations on 4 October 2021.
Approved the extension of Public and Environmental Health (Covid-19 Pandemic) (Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations 2021 to 30 November 2021.
Noted a paper setting out updated guidelines for the education sector (public and private schools, colleges etc.) in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Approved amendments to the Arriving Passenger Health Clearance (Amendment) Regulations (aka Vaccinated Visitor Policy) coving temporary workers deemed essential to government needs and the inclusion of Sinopharm and Sinovac/Coronavac to the approved list of vaccines for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (infected Countries)(Covid-19) List removing the restrictions that barred citizens of selected countries from entry to the Turks and Caicos Islands due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Approved recommendations by the Ministry of Health for the use of cremation to dispose of unclaimed human corpses in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Members also agreed that the process should be carried out in a manner whereby the dead is respected at all times.
Approved the following bills for onward transfer to the public service:
a) Banking (Amendment) Bill 2021
b) Mutual Funds (Amendment) Bill 2021
c) Company Management (Licensing)(Amendment) Bill 2021
d) Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill 2021
e) Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2021
f) Prevention of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2021
g) Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill 2021
h) Money Transmitters (Amendment) Bill 2021
Approved the following regulations to be made:
i) Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing (Amendment)Regulations 2021
j) Non-Profit Organization (Amendment) Regulations 2021
k) Banking (Amendment) Regulations 2021
l) Insurance (Amendment) Regulations
Noted the terms of the following Codes to be made:
m) Anti-Money Laundering and Prevention of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Code 2021
n) Trust Companies (Amendment) Code 2021
Discussed the establishment of a Communications Directorate for the promotion of government communication and citizen engagement work.
Discussed the establishment of a Government Protocol Unit to oversee all matters relating to protocol, official visits, courtesy calls, ceremonial events, high level meetings including Cabinet.
Agreed the establishment of an Immigration and Population Policy Commission to address legacy immigration, residency and status issues in addition to reviewing associated legislation. Members also discussed next steps required in advance of this.
Approved a shift of policy on the promotion of TCI as a tourist destination from the TCI Tourism Board to the establishment of a Destination Management Office. Members also discussed immediate actions required to start this transition.
Approved Planning Application SC. 837 for the construction of a temporary terminal building at the South Caicos Airport on parcel 20313/47, South Caicos.
Approved the grant of approval for waiving licence and survey fees on an exceptional basis and in the public interest, payable to the TCI Airports Authority over a part of Parcel 60603/57 for the purpose of establishing a control tower and fire station for the airport on Providenciales.
Approved Planning Application PR. 15527 for the subdivision of 60003/231 & 232, Providenciales to create eight (8) lots and one (1) road for the development of a private cemetery and churches.
Approved a long-term lease (99 years) over a part of Parcel 60000/661, North West & North Central, Providenciales to Caicos Resorts Villas Ltd for the construction of villas.
In line with the process under the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance, approved the Procurement Board’s recommendations on the award of the following contracts:
a) TR 20/37, Comprehensive Impact Assessment for Contentious Areas
b) TCICAA 02/22, SSP – Establishment of a domain and email system, Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority, and
c) TR 19/88, Consultancy Agreement for Financial Services
Noted the cancellation of Capital Project PN 005579, Back-up Generators for all Government Essential Facilities – LOT 12: H.J. Robinson High School, Grand Turk.
Approve the settlement of a claim made against The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force representing compensation for actions taken in a specific case.
- Approved the start of negotiations for the purchase by the Government of land for the purpose of creating a green space and parking facility along Front Street, Grand Turk.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
1. Immigration,
2. Finance, and
3. The Office of the Premier.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.