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Turks & Caicos post-cabinet meeting statement 20 and 21 August 2020

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 32nd meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday 20 August and Friday 21 August by videoconference.

From:
Governor's Office Waterloo Grand Turk
Published
10 September 2020

Cabinet

All members were present with the exception of the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs (on the first day).

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • were updated on the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, Public Health’s response and ongoing work to mitigate further risk incl. testing, staffing, hospital capacity, international engagement and public communications

  • approved reallocation of existing funds to the sub-projects listed under PN 005579-Backup Generators for all Government Essential Facilities and PN 005567 – Furniture and Equipment for Schools Phase 2

  • approved the waiving of all import duties on a food trailer with equipment and a tow truck for Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant and Catering Services

  • approved use of the Contingency Fund to cover the cost of the State Funeral for the late Hon. Austin A. Robinson, Former Speaker of the House of Assembly

  • approved a further extension of three business days of the Business Licence Renewal deadline of 31 July 2020 to 6 August 2020 following the tropical storm Isaias

  • approved a budget for the extension of leased accommodation for Cuban health staff; government Quarantine facilities on both Providenciales and Grand Turk; and associated costs

  • approved Planning Application GT 4923 for the construction of a Youth Center / Hurricane Shelter on Block and Parcel (10404/198) North Back Salina, Grand Turk

  • approved a policy to amend the existing Limited Partnerships Ordinance and Partnerships Ordinance and related Ordinances to ensure the collection and retention of beneficial ownership information

  • were updated on the processing and implementation of the Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus Policy for people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

  • approved the appointment of Ruth Ariza (Chair), Wesley Clerveaux, Sriya Smalling, Selvon Whatley, Dixie Smith and Darron Hillaire as appointed members and the Prison Superintendent as ex-officio member of the Parole Board for a period of two years with effect from 1 September 2020

  • noted the financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the period April to June 2020 and approved the publication of the quarter report

  • approved amendments to current regulations prohibiting gatherings of 10 and 25 (depending on the island) to facilitate, at the discretion of shelter managers, higher shelter occupancy levels where necessary during a natural disaster whilst adhering to strict Covid-19 protocols

  • approved the implementation of a phased approach for the reopening of Schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands in order to mitigate health risks and facilitate efficient learning:

    1. phase 1 - Orientation and Assessment period- from 31st August to 11th September, schools will operate online, finalize plans for online learning, build capacity of their teachers and parents to using online portals and assess the students on their stage of learning in preparation for the next phase.

    2. phase 2 - Online Learning - (14th September - 2nd October 2020) - All Schools continue with online learning.

    3. phase 3 - Online with Blended Classroom Learning for Forms 4 & 5 (5th - 30th October 2020) - All schools continue with online learning, with exception of 4th, 5th Forms as well as students attending Higher Education such as TCICC to attend physical classes and online.

    4. phase 4 - Online with Blended Classroom Learning for all Schools / Classes (Except Providenciales Schools) (2nd November - 16th December 2020)

    5. phase 5 - January 4th onwards we will bring all students back to classroom with Online and Blended Learning

  • were updated on the recent extradition of a detainee to the USA and the status of Sri Lankan nationals who remain in TCI

  • were updated on recent events at HM Prison and steps being taken to address areas of concern

  • were updated on preparations being made for adverse weather conditions expected over the weekend

  • were updated on potential implications of recent travel advice issued by the UK Government and discussed next steps

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

Published 10 September 2020