His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 25th meeting of Cabinet on Friday 3 September 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Providenciales.
All members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Tourism and Hon Minister for Home Affairs.
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:
- Positive cases, in particular hospitalization of unvaccinated persons, and
- Progress with the vaccination programme, and delivery of the next batch of vaccines.
Reviewed and agreed to maintain the decision implemented on 1 September 2021 requiring all adult visitors entering the TCI to be fully vaccinated and agreed on the next steps to be taken in conjunction with the TCI Tourist Board and Tourism Sector.
Approved final terms of a revised Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (GCOB) and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG) in Maritime Enforcement (“the Shiprider Agreement”); a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation on Border Control between the GCOB and TCIG; noted action required to a Letter of Entrustment regarding Maritime Law Enforcement from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon dated 31 March 2021, and agreed to invite the GCOB to the TCI to sign the documents in person; and for the Hon Minister for Immigration and HE the Governor to sign and witness these on behalf of TCIG. Members agreed next steps.
Discussed the appointment of an interim President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and the payment of any gratuities to departing staff members.
Approved the appointment of Dr. Marcella Malcolm as Chairman of the TCICC Board. She will replace Mr. Selvyn Hawkins who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Airport Authority Board. Mr. Hawkins will remain as a regular member of the board. Dr. Malcolm’s appointment will be effective for the period September 1st 2021 to March 31st 2023.
Approved the formation of an Information Technology (IT) Steering Committee for the TCIG to provide executive oversight, guidance, and direction for all IT activities/projects across the TCIG and its Statutory and Constitutional Bodies. Members also agreed associated funding to cover stipends and miscellaneous costs.
Approved TCI Government burial assistance for the late Kathleen “Katie” Williams of Grand Turk as set out in government policy.
Approved a partial duty exemption/reduction on the importation of vehicles less than ten (10) years old, by 25%, for vehicles delivered to a Port in the USA for shipment to the Turks and Caicos Island, (TCI) between 16 and 31 August 2021.
Approved the granting of scholarships awards for 2021-2022 to the tune of $4 million dollars in line with the recently amended policy.
Members discussed a Cabinet Away Day to agree the Government’s legislative plan and focus on government policy going forwards.
Discussed the return to normal working hours (08.30-16.30) by the Civil Service.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
- Education,
- Immigration,
- Health, and
- Finance.
Was also updated on issues relating to the:
- House of Assembly,
- Office of the Deputy Premier,
- Office of the Premier, and
- Governor’s Office.
Were updated on a joint crisis exercise taking place between 13-16 September on a number of islands by the TCI Regiment, DDME, Royal Navy, UK MOD and US Coast Guard.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.