His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 38th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 15 December 2021 at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales.
All Members were present with the exception of the Hon. Ministers for Infrastructure and Immigration, and the Hon Deputy Governor.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Approved an updated Criminal Justice Stakeholders Group Strategic and Action Plan aimed at delivering a well-resourced and digitalized system that is effective and efficient in the dispensation of criminal justice in the TCI. Members agree on areas of additional cooperation to help deliver this plan.
Approved the termination of an agreed Development Agreement between a named developer and the TCI Government for the development of a resort hotel on Grand Turk due to the developer not being able to fulfil the terms of the Agreement.
Approved an Immigration Protocol Document related to an existing Development Agreement between TCI Toscana GP Ltd., Vista Development Ltd and the TCI Government.
Approved the next steps for the Permanent Secretary, Finance to enter into settlement negotiations over the acquisition of land with Mr. Samuel Delancy’s estate.
Approved compensation for the proprietor of parcel 10301/118 on Grand Turk, following encroachment by the Crown on their land.
Noted the current status of the Grand Turk Cruise Tourism Program aimed at supporting businesses involved in the cruise tourism sector impacted by the economic fallout emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic. Members also discussed amendments to the criteria for qualifying to apply for support and next steps.
Approved the appointment of Jena Janse and Dominique Rolle as Members of the National Health Insurance Appeals Tribunal Board with effect from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2024.
Approved a revised administration of the Covid-19 booster vaccine rollout for fully vaccinated persons over the age of 18 and over 16 years of age for high risk persons to receive booster shots 3 months after being fully vaccinated in light of the outbreak of the Omicron variant affecting the global pandemic
Was updated on progress made in implementing the Moratorium on first time Work Permits, in particular in facilitating Turks and Caicos Islanders to be gainfully employed. Members also granted approval for a waiver against the first time work permit moratorium in accordance with the policy and discussed areas for improving the policy.
Approved a Protocol Management Framework and discussed, for further review, staffing levels for the establishment of a Government Protocol Office Work Document aimed at overseeing all matters relating to protocol, official visits, courtesy calls, ceremonial events and high level meetings.
Approved a framework for the establishment of a Government Communications Policy and Information Service and associated staffing levels aimed at promoting government communication and citizen engagement work.
Noted the impact of the moratorium on the issuance of new visas to Hattian nationals originating out of Haiti and agreed next steps.
Noted a paper on a project, “Transitioning towards Green Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands”, under the European Development Fund’s Resilience, Sustainable Energy and marine Biodiversity Program.
Discussed Casual Worker Employment Policy and agreed next steps, in particular long term solutions.
Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:
1. Education,
2. Immigration,
3. Tourism,
4. Finance, and the
5. Attorney General’s Chambers.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.