What a blessing it is to have made it this far in 2015. It is only by God’s grace and mercy we are alive and at our station in life. I am indeed grateful for the gift of life and for the privilege to address you from this platform another year and so it is with a heart of gratitude and one filled with hope that I greet you our residents and visitors alike.

As this year draw near its end, it is more innate than customary that we begin a period of reflection. This year has seen many challenges and while many are struggling to find cause to celebrate or to be cheerful, I wish to call us to reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas.

If we were to allow ourselves to be stuck in what was a difficult year for many and if we were to dwell on the lack of material things or the past hurts, losses and disappointments in 2015, then we would be robbing God of the gratitude and thanksgiving that He deserves. I offer you the following thoughts: whatever you have been through and are going through, you have made it this far and not without God’s grace and mercy and whatever you anticipate for the new year, God is already there ahead of you. This is enough to be thankful for and enough to encourage us to trust Him with our past and more importantly our future.

And as we reflect on this time of year, let us not miss the true reason we pause to celebrate. It is all about Jesus and what His birth signified. His birth, the greatest gift and expression of love, signaled an opportunity for man to be reconciled back to God. His very birth offered eternal hope, peace and joy. In these times, we ought to want to pause from all of the hustle and bustle to delight ourselves in this reality. As we celebrate, while we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let us also seek to emulate the life that He led: one of peace, love and giving. Throughout His time on earth, He delighted in being around and meeting the needs of people especially the disadvantaged. Let us do what we can to minister to those in need: not just in an encouraging word but in real deeds. Let us give lovingly, cheerfully, and for no praise from men, but for the glory of God.

In our time of reflection, with thankful and grateful hearts, let us give God the praise that is due Him for keeping us to this time, for the tests and challenges that did not kill us but can and will serve to make us better, for the gift of life, family and friends and for the gift of His Son, the Promise that brings us hope in this time.

During this season, give your family some quality time, give praise and celebrate in a place of Worship, give to those less fortunate and in all be sure to give God all the glory.

On behalf of the PDM Party: our officers, members and families, and with grateful and thankful hearts, I extend to you a very Merry Christmas and a Christ filled New Year. In this New Year, it is our prayer that you will embrace the new possibilities and beginnings that it will bring and remember that whatever our struggles and challenges in life and wherever we might find ourselves, there is still the opportunity to start anew, to change our attitude and outlook.

This is a time of reflection, sharing, hope and new possibilities.

In the words of an unknown author, “May you have the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the gladness of Christmas which is hope and the heart of Christmas which is love.”

And from my heart to yours, may the Christ of Christmas fill your hearts and homes.

Again I wish for you a very Merry Christmas and a Christ filled 2016.

During a recent meeting of the House of Assembly, Hon Goldray Ewing led a Private Member’s Motion recommending the establishment of a Select Committee to investigate the sale and agreement between TCIG and TOLCO (The purchasers of TC Invest Loans). This Motion was seconded by the Hon Clarence Selver.

In presenting this Motion, Hon Ewing spoke to the dismantling of TC Invest and the sale of loans declared non - performing to TOLCO (The Outstanding Loan Company). He stressed the need for this to done in an effort to see if any relief can be brought to the home owners who are suffering at the hands of a heavy handed debt collector. He called on all members to feel for their fellowmen and to support the Motion. Unfortunately all members did not support this Motion and the Premier together with three other members of his Cabinet (Hon R D Gardiner, Hon George Lightbourne and Hon Amanda Missick) absent themselves from the Chamber before the vote.

Governor’s Appointed Member Hon John Phillips stated in his contribution that he could not support the Motion because he wished to see recommendations as to what should be done. In a rebut, his fellow Governor’s Appointed Member, the Hon Lillian Misick in strong support and a former member of the TC Invest Staff also supported this Motion and stated that there must be an investigation first before recommendations can be made.

The debate saw limited contributions from members from the Government with the MOF being the sole speaker. He sought to blame the PAC for not recommending this investigation when the Audit Report laid on the Table by himself included this recommendation from the Auditor General. Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Chair of the PAC corrected him and stated that “following Hearings of the PAC, the PAC Report was laid on the Table and that further to this she and the entire PAC endorsed and supported that a full investigation should be carried out in its Report as they endorsed and supported the recommendations of the Auditor General.

During her contribution, the Chair of the PAC quoted from the Audit Report the following information and noted that this information ought to have prompted the Government to act.

The Auditor General’s Report stated as follows:

“No proper due diligence or tendering procedures followed in relation to non-performing loans – HR.” As it relates to the timeline, “In 2012/13 loans identified as non-performing were sold to TOLCO. A timeline of circumstances surrounding this sale were as follows:

30 July, 2012 – TOLCO was registered/formed

August, 2012 - A Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between TCIG, Turks & Caicos Islands Investment Agency (TC Invest) and TOLCO was entered into for the sale and purchase of identified non-performing loans due to TC Invest.

September, 2012 - TC Invest was dissolved and TCIG agreed to accept the rights and obligations of TC Invest under the SPA

October, 2012 – Ordinance 33 of Public Procurement Ordinance was made on this day. The non-performing loan portfolio sold by TC Invest to TOLCO was listed as $7.7M. The purchase price payable by TOLCO (buyer) to TC Invest (seller) was 40% of all loan capital and interest received/collected. There was no up-front payment. TC Invest retained beneficial ownership in 40% “of the land shares created by the Security Documentation in relation to the Portfolio”.

The Auditor General stated, “…It is not clear how the valuation was determined. Only 40% of the total receivable balance was recorded in TCIG’s accounts i.e. $2.8M. However, this amount is approximately $250K less than 40% of $7.7M. .As at 31st March, 2014 a total of approximately $92K was received from TOLCO. The funds collected by TOLCO and shared with TCIG so far appear to be in the ordinary course of collections and not by way of foreclosure sales.

As it relates to the directorship of the company, the Auditor General stated that he had “expressed serious concern with this arrangement” particularly since 2 of the 3 directors of a company owning 42.5% of TOLCO either have been or are the subject of a series of alleged questionable dealings in relation to fraud, accounting improprieties among other matters. Reputational risk is therefore considered high and should be considered in relation to the SPA. It was his finding that “A proper process was not conducted to ensure that the owners were experienced and specialized in debt recovery. No proper due diligence was done to ensure that there was no conflict of interest or at a minimum have any conflicts declared. No proper due diligence was done to ensure that the companies with whom TCIG representatives engage in have a good reputation especially in large commercial contracts”.

The Auditor General, “A review was initiated by the NAO during 2014 and a further full special audit is anticipated to be done but lacks the resources needed to do so”.

Unfortunately, no resources have still been made available and though this Motion has successfully passed, the Select Committee has not yet been appointed by the Speaker, Hon Robert Hall. The PDM has since reminded the Speaker in the House of Assembly and has reduced our concerns in writing.

A new District Commissioner (DC) has been appointed for the island of North Caicos by the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government, it was announced today, Thursday, 23 July 2015.

Cynclair Musgrove will take up her new role in leading the effective delivery of Government services on North Caicos on Tuesday, 4 August 2015.

She will join a team of DCs with responsibility for islands across the TCI archipelago, including South Caicos, Salt Cay and Middle Caicos. The recruitment process for the latter two islands continues.

“Cynclair has a tremendous track record of community involvement and action on her home island of North Caicos,” said Deputy Governor Anya Williams, head of the TCI civil service.

“A former teacher, she has worked closely with schools events such as career days, talent shows and hosting the National Spelling Bee. Cynclair has also supported civic organisations and community groups, including hosting and producing island festivals, pageants and other cultural affairs such as the national AIDS debate and Miss TCI pageant.”

The duties of a DC, all of whom report to the Director of the Premier’s Office, include:

1. Overseeing the various Government Departments on each island, including the ‘One Stop Shops’, working as an ex-officio member of their local District Board to receive ideas and suggestions, and help to resolve matters of local importance
2. Performing duties as the local Justice of the Peace
3. Coordinating each islands' Disaster Management Programme, including hurricane preparedness and response, as well as tsunamis, earthquakes and other emergencies
4. Managing the maintenance and minor repairs programme for government buildings and properties as identified in collaboration with the District Board
5. Working closely with the Police to ensure that effective protection is afforded against lawlessness and disorder
6. Analyzing labour and immigration trends on their island, and collaborating with the appropriate Ministries and Departments to find solutions to any issues identified.

Permanent Secretary:

• Wesley Clerveaux - Office of the Premier, Ministry of Health
• Athenee Harvey - Office of the Ministry of Finance
• Ian Astwood - Ministry of Home Affairs & Communications
• Cherylann Jones - Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports
• Clara Gardiner - Ministry of Immigration, Labor & Border Control
• Desiree Lewis - Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture & Heritage
• Susan Malcolm - Ministry Government Support Services

Deputy Secretaries are:

• Arthur Been - Trade
• Amin McCartney - Ministry of Tourism
• Russel Cox - Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library
• Sharon Taylor - Ministry of Immigration
• Tamara Howell - Ministry of Health
• Portia Clarke - Ministry of Home Affairs & Communications
• Desmond Wilson - Government Support Services

House of Assembly:

• Director of Governors Office - Tito Lightbourne
• Clerk to the House of Assembly - Tracey Parker
• Deputy Clerk to the House of Assembly - Lydia Ewing

Head of Secretariat:

• Ronlee James - Office of Premier
• Cynara John - Border Control
• Mary Lightbourne - Ministry of Youth, Sports & Library
• Renessa Williams - Ministry of Health
• Kathy Hawkins-Walkin - GSS
• Bridgette Newman - Ministry of Home Affairs, Transport & Communications

Finance:

• Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Turnbull
• Chief Economist - Ubaldus Raymond

TCIG Directors:

• Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh - Agriculture
• Xavier Malcolm - PWD
• Edgar Howell - Education
• Dr.Nadia Astwood - Health
• Ralph Higgs - Tourism
• Judith Robinson - Sports (acting)
• (pending appointment) - Culture
• John Masters - Public Prosecutions
• Aldora Robinson - Aids
• Kermitt Williams - CPU
• Thomas Swann - Civil Aviation
• John Smith - Airports Authority
• Dudley Lewis - Elections Office
• Kenrick Neely - Environmental Health
• Dr. John Claydon - Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA)
• Eugene Otuonye - Integrity Commission
• Larry Mills - Immigration
• Michelle Gardiner - Labour
• Art Forbes - Labour Tribunal
• Mark Butler - Animal
• Dexter Gordon - Plants
• Jasmine Parker - Youth
• Tiffany Thomas-Brown - Social Development
• Malike Cummings - Electricity Commissioner
• Andre Mills - Computer Unit
• Paul Madgwick - Land Registry
• Juanita Williams - Library
• Omawalley Harvey - Water
• Danier Lightbourne - Planning
• Colin Farquhar - Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police
• Valerie Forbes - Postal Services
• Anika Talbot - Printing & Publishing Department
• Sigrid Lightbourne - Registrar General
• Cynthia Castillo - Wineglass-Revenue Control Unit
• Alanzo Malcolm - Road Safety
• Leroy Charles - Survey & Mapping
• Arnold Ainsley - Accountant General
• Joanne Williams - Treasury
• Elena Williams - Telecoms
• Virginia Clerveaux - Disaster Management
• Chris Jarrett - Radio Turks & Caicos
• Althea Malcolm-Been - Office of the Premier
• Betty Ann Been - Special Needs
• Walter Gardiner - National Insurance

Commissioner of Police:

• James Smith

Hon Amanda Misick is the Minister with responsibility for Environment, Home Affairs and Agriculture.

• Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs
• District Administration
• Road Safety Department
• Planning Department
• Prisons
• Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue
• Agriculture Department
• DECR & Maritime
• Social Development and Gender Affairs

Born in North Caicos Mr. Gardiner attended the Adelaide Oemler Primary and the Raymond Gardiner High Schools in North Caicos. In 1986, graduated from the H. J. Robinson High School, Grand Turk and in 1994, graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Laws Degree and later served as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. In 1996 he was called to the bar in the Turks and Caicos. He has served as Secretary General, National Chairman and Public Relations Director of the Progressive National Party (PNP) and represented the party on the Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2006. He was also a member of the House of Assembly from February 2007 to August 2009. Mr. Gardiner assisted in negotiating the 2006 Constitution and was Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigration Reform in 2003. He has also served and continue to serve in several areas including as a Notary Public, Marriage Officer and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Gardiner is a life member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, served as a vice president of the Turks and Caicos Bar Association and the inaugural president of the Providenciales Branch of the Turks and Caicos Chapter of the British Red Cross Society. He is an active member of the St. Monica’s Anglican Church, Providenciales and is the father of two children: son, Jordan and daughter, Madison.

Hon. Charles Washington Misick , OBE, is the Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade in the Turks and Caicos Islands Charles Washington Misick is a former Chief Minister of the TCI serving from April 1991 to January 1995. He has dedicated years of service to the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people. Throughout his extensive political career Hon. Charles Washington Misickhe has displayed a natural ability to energize and inspire individuals to work towards nation building, and community improvement. As a challenge-driven savvy businessman Mr. Misick has demonstrated creativity,enthusiasm and vision in areas such as real estate development, and finance. Mr. Misick is a graduate in Business Administration and Accounting, and has attended leadership courses in development, and conflict resolution at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His employment history includes senior audit position with PriceWaterhouse-Coopers, Chairman and CEO of the Prestigious Group - Real Estate Sales and Development. In the past held the portfolio of Tourism and Finance. Minister Misick’s work in government has earned him the title of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). Mr. Misick has attended and presented at many conferences in the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and Asia on topics ranging from Financial Services, to Investment Opportunities, and Tourism.

A resident of Kingston the Bight Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, she was born to the parents of Christie and Vanis Stubbs, on an island in the Bahamas called Little Whale Cay; and given the name Porsha Monique Stubbs. Porsha attended the Palmdale Primary School in Nassau Bahamas, furthering her secondary studies at St. Augustine’s College and R.M. Bailey Senior High School (Class of 85) Trained as an Air Condition and Refrigeration Technologist she worked at the Provo Power Company for more than five years collectively and was the first female meter reader in the TCI. Later Ms. Stubbs learnt electrical installation at the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute earning a BGCSE certificate and a single-phase electrician license. Mrs. Stubbs was instrumental in the formation of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Aids; served as a member of the National Youth Day Committee and was involved in the startup of the Clement High School Music/Band Program along with Retired Superintendent Alco Williams and others. Porsha also attended the Houston Community College in Houston, Texas where she earned an Associates Degree in Biomedical Engineering and two other Associate Degrees in Science and Arts. With a scholarship from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in 2001 she obtained a Bachelor and Master’s Degree from the University of Houston, Victoria Texas in 2005 and 2008 in Management and Interdisciplinary Studies respectively. She also fulfilled her promise to her grandmother by become a certified Teacher. Returning to the TCI in 2006 Ms. Stubbs was employed by Misick Stanbrook as a legal secretary and later by Scotiabank (TCI) Ltd as an Accounts Manager – Small Business, later promoted to Manager Small Business and Branch Manager. Mrs. Stubbs believed she was called by God into becoming a member of the Progressive National Party and a candidate General Elections held November 9, 2012. She was elected by the Bight Constituency – Electoral District 6 and appointed Minister of Environment and Home Affairs. On April 1 following a bi-election, she was appointed Minister of Health. She is a mother of 4 children: Rudolph, Jefre, Courtnee and Kevin, Grandmother to Cobrianna and Reagan; Wife of Kevin D. Smith. More importantly Mrs. Stubbs – Smith would like to be known as a child of the Most High God! One of her favorite scriptures: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 Mrs. Stubbs continues on a daily basis to mentor and empower young women and men to enter professions they are passionate about or to become entrepreneurs providing a business that is sustainable to the growth and development of this our beloved country Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon Akierra D.M. Missick is the Minister with responsibility for Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.

• Ministry of Education Youth and Sports
• Education Department Zone 1
  • Education Administration Zone 1
• Education Department Zone 2
  • Education Administration Zone 2
• High Schools
  • H J Robinson High School
  • Clement Howell High School
  • Raymond Gardiner High School
  • Marjorie Basden High School
• Youth Department
• Sports Department
• Culture Department
• Tertiary and Further Education