His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 9th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 21 April 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:

1. Progress on surveillance testing through the use of lateral flow devices and PCR, and agreed next steps on the publication of test results and new rules for employees not complying with mandatory testing,
2. Progress on the instillation of oxygen generators at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center on Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Center on Providenciales,
3. Progress on arrival arrangements at Provo International Airport,
4. Compliance by individuals and businesses with existing regulations,
5. the progression on new arrangements for vaccinated residents returning to TCI and exemption of pre-arrival PCR testing,
6. The introduction of a new partnership with the TCI Medical Association to offer free COVID-19 testing at their clinics for general screening purposes, and
7. staffing at both the Cheshire Hall Medical Center on Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Center on Grand Turk.

Approved amendments to Amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 Pandemic) Regulations - Power to Quarantine, allowing fully vaccinated individuals that require precautionary quarantining to be quarantined for seven (7) days.  Non-fully vaccinated individuals will continue to be quarantined for fourteen (14) days.

Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance mandating scheduled routine testing of unvaccinated residents working in areas that significantly interface with members of the general public. This is in addition to recently agreed policy relevant to public servants working on the front line and includes workers in the health, education and hospitality sector of the private sector. Members also agreed on sanctions for non-conformity by public servants and sanctions for the private sector will be further considered.

Approved the development of an official Turks and Caicos COVID-19 Exit Strategy through a structured vaccination program, which includes amendments to the Immigration Ordinance making vaccination mandatory for all work permit holders by July 2021 and initiatives to increase vaccinations more broadly through a phased reduction to restrictions to open up the economy tied to vaccination rates.

Approved the waiving of warehouse rents for goods deposited in the Queen’s Warehouse up to the period 31st March 2021 and approved the issuing of a notice allowing the public to obtain a waiver for one month commencing on the 26 April to 31 May 2021.

Approved a donation of $100,000 to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to assist those affected by the recent volcanic eruption of La Soufriere.

Approved the issuance of a tender notice to advertise the lease of parcel 60804/148. 

Noted the status of the reinstatement of the NJS Francis Building Project, proposed variations, implications of other options and agreed next steps with the project.

Approved the publication of a policy statement on Passport validity to relax the six (6) months validity period on passports down to 3 months for travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands, including returning residents, until 30 April 2022.

Approved the appointment of Vernon Alco Williams (Chair), Bryant Renwick Cox Jnr., Arnelle Taylor, Soreka Brown and Edward Hall as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1 August 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of Sharon Simons (Chair), Donovan Francis, Madeline Mills and William Cole Fulford as Members, and Director of Immigration or his representative, Commissioner of Labour or his representative and Permanent Secretary of Finance or her representative as Ex-officio Members of the Work Permit Board - Zone 1 and Sharlene Smith as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of Nikimo Williams (Chair), Alpheus Pinder, Jennifer Glinton and Terrica Walkin as Members, and Director of Immigration or his representative, Commissioner of Labour or his representative and Permanent Secretary of Finance or her representative as Ex-officio Members of the Work Permit Board - Zone 2 and Desireka Glinton as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of Rayan Williams (Chair), Lofton Morley Jr., Deondra Delancy and Lorniqua Gardiner as Members of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal and Lillian Gibbs as Secretary of the Tribunal for a period of two years with effect from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023 ,

Approved the appointment of Sanfra Foster (Chair), Patricia Adams, Bennett Stubbs and Addison Stoddard as Members of the Audit Committee for an period of three years with effect from 26 April 2021 until 31 March 2024.

Approved the appointment of Rev. Edwin Lightbourne (Chair), Michelle Fulford Gardiner, Aposlte Ruth Ariza, Elva Williams, Anya Malcolm-Gibbs and Darron Hilaire Jnr. as Members and the Prison Superintendent as Ex-Officio Member of the Parole Board and Teresa Andrews as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of Clayton Been (Chair), Delleriece Hall, Lacal Palmer, Chalsyana Misick and Lerone Ingham as Members and Permanent Secretary, Communications or designate as Ex-Officio Member of the Telecommunications Commission and Director General, Telecommunications Board as Secretary of the Commission for a period of two years with effect from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of John Ariza (Chair), Permanent Secretary Home, Danier Lightbourne, Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Desmond Handfield, Deniro Handfield and Menelik Astwood as Members of the Electricity Board for a period of two years from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Approved the appointment of Permanent Secretary Home (Chair), Aubrey Capron, and Akeem Missick as Members and Chief Environmental, Health Officer, Government Chief Economist, Director Planning, Director PWD and Director DECR as Ex-Officio Members of the Water and Sewerage Board and Electricity Commissioner as Secretary of the Board for a period of two years from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2023.

Was updated on propose plans to transform the education sector with the implementation of a Technical Vocational Education Policy and Life Long Learning for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Was updated on the successful interception of a sloop from Haiti on the morning of 21 April, and recently implemented processing and repatriation of migrants.

Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:

1. Infrastructure,
2. Immigration,
3. Home,
4. Education,
5. Finance, and
6. Office of the Deputy Governor.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.