TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT - Wednesday 5 May 2021
His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 11th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 5 May 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.
All members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Was given an update by the Ministry of Health on the measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country, including:
- Progress on the instillation of oxygen generator at the Cockburn Town Medical Center on Providenciales,
- Progress on arrival arrangements at Provo International Airport and use of fraudulent Covid-19 test certificates,
- Progress with the vaccination programme and
- The issuing of a new vaccination card with photo ID.
Noted the final report on the Population Policy dated December 2019 and agreed options moving forwards in response to findings of the report.
Discussed the work of InvestTC in the context of a specific development agreement proposal and agreed on steps to further the work of the statutory body on such issues.
Approved the renewal of an insurance policy with the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility, Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) for the 2021/22 hurricane season providing cover for tropical cyclone damage and excess rainfall.
Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Government participation in the Special Development Fund Program by the Caribbean Development Bank for the period 2021-2024, associated fee and for the Hon. Premier to sign the instrument of contribution on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
Approved a business license application from Casktre Ltd. Providenciales to operate in a reserved business activity under the Business Licensing Regulations.
Approved amendments to the National Insurance (Contributions) Regulations.
Approved amendments to the National Insurance (Unemployment Assistance Benefit) Regulations.
Approved a proposed settlement with British Caribbean Bank in regards to Juniper Hole Development Ltd. and agreed a preferred funding option.
Approved amendments to the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2021 as a series of steps, and for these to be submitted to the House of Assembly.
Approved the appointment of Alboin Williams, Stanley Williams, Lt Col. Alexander Ficke (Commanding Officer, Riffles Regiment) and ACP Darron Williams as Members and Tito Lightbourne, Lt. Col Ennis Grant, Lt. Col Simon Westlake (UK Defence Attaché) as ex-Officio Members of the Defence Board for a period of two years until 31 March 2023.
Approved the appointment of Vernon Alco Williams, Samuel Williams, Clarice Been, Soreka Brown, Richard Stubbs, Edward Hall Snr, Dorn Fulford, Kenya Forbes-Jagger, Arnelle Taylor, Carlis Williams and Bryant Cox Jr. as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of two years with effect from 1 August 2021 and running until 31 March 2023.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
- Infrastructure,
- Immigration,
- Home,
- Education,
- Finance, and
- Office of the Deputy Governor.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.