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OT 358: Submission from Mr Galmo Williams, Leader of the Progressive National Party, Turks and Caicos Islands
The Cockburn Town Declaration United to stop the Suspension of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands
We, the Elected Members of the Cabinet believe that the intended Suspension or Partial Suspension of the 2006 Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution is redundant;
Fully convinced that the Suspension or Partial Suspension of the 2006 Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution will undermine our democracy;
Conscious of this we hereby Declare that we have undertaken and will undertake the following measures for the peace, order and good governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands, as recommended by Mr. Justice Sir Robin Auld;
1. Reform Government Finances
- To implement the Fiscal Stability program
- We have implemented End of Year rationalization of government expenditures
- Supporting the independence of the Auditor General's Office
2. Reform Service Criteria for Members of Parliament
- To establish a physical office for the Registrar of Interest
- Executed the Ministerial Code of Conduct (Cabinet has assented to and signed on, which has been awaiting the signature of the British Appointed Governor since April 1st 2009)
- Passed the Integrity in Public Office Bill
- Initiated Campaign Finance reform
3. Immigration Reform
- Currently completing Legislation to convert immigration from a Department to a force, reducing the political influence therein.
- Implementing a new Permanent Resident Certificate criteria
- Implementing a new Belongership (Citizen) criteria
4. Government Land Reform
- Establishing a Crown Land Commission
- Implementing the Crown Land Manual
- Imposed an indefinite moratorium on the dissipation of the Land Assets
5. Electronic Government
- Establishing a comprehensive E Government for the efficiency, proficiency and transparency of governance in TCI, including but not limited to establishing an electronic interface (internet) between the Government, Departments and Agencies, the Government and the electorate, the Government and CARICOM, the Government and the world; the impact of which will be better, transparent monitoring and record-keeping of government decisions, implementation and impacts.
The Williams Administration Medium Term Financial Reform Agenda
Pillar 1: Fiscal consolidation and change
(Crosscutting themes: (i) manage and contain costs with limits of realistic revenue projections; (ii) reduce budget rigidity by reducing fixed costs and better managing variable costs; (iii) increase transparency and accountability; and (iv) quantify and reduce fiscal risks)
1.1 Stabilize financial position:
1. Determine short-term liabilities and develop a plan to meet these (overdraft and medium term loan)
Discussions has been held with major vendors and arrangements for several deferred payment arrangements being put in place for approval by Cabinet
2. Improve cash management and control
Expenditure stop measures have been agreed and are being enforced by the Ministry of Finance including restriction on travel costs, fuel cost reduction
3. Improve ability to control activities of statutory bodies: new expenditure control measures for statutory bodies in place whereby they have to bid for monthly expenditure which is approved on availability of funds.
4. Improve revenue collection: improve forecasting, strengthen tax compliance effort, arrears reporting, build capacity of core (Revenue Control and Customs Departments) and line departments Terms of reference for assistance in both areas being prepared.
5. Implement National Health Insurance Plan: bill passed House of Assembly, working on implementation phase of NHIP.
6. Implement planned reforms to scholarship and medical referral programs: Scholarship cost under budgeted amount for 2008/09; cost will be further reduced in 2009/10; medical cost has declined so far due to stringent controls now in place.
7. Rationalize employment costs (discussion paper prepared): implement measures already announced as first step; control vacation costs. Steps already taken to control staff cost which should be fully implemented by July 1, 2009.
8. Reestablish Internal Audit function within Ministry of Finance.
9. Strengthen statistical capacity {fill staff vacancies}.
Medium Term Financial Reform Agenda
1.2. Financial reforms:
1. Debt rescheduling and consolidation
2. Reserve Management: revise existing policy, forecast reserve requirements based on new debt load and revised growth projections.
3. Formulate new Finance [and Audit] Ordinance and regulations and procedures.
4. Budget reform: use Ten Year Development Plan (as revised) as basis of future budget, better integrate development and recurrent budget; introduce national consultation on budget and regular contacts with communities through town hall meetings, etc.
5. Undertake manpower audit public sector and implement agreed recommendations.
6. Undertake pension reforms.
7. Undertake revenue reform (revenue study terms of reference prepared).
8. Develop Ministry of Finance website as a tool to enhance transparency and accountability: ensure all laws, procedures, audit reports are placed on the website in a timely manner .
9. Enhance statistics capacity [past statistics bill {draft already prepared}].
1.3 Other related reforms:
1. Enhance oversight capacity of House of Assembly: build capacity and adequately resource of House Committees
2. Strengthen Cabinet Office and Registrar of Interests
Pillar 2: Sustainable growth
1. Diversify and expand tourism
2. Strengthen and expand financial sector (comply with international best practices and requirements)
3. Explore other areas for economic diversification: agriculture, fish farming, handicraft, [develop linkages with tourism sector]
4. Provide supportive infrastructure: Provo Airport Redevelopment; reconstruct Middle/North Caicos Causeway, construct new schools on Providenciales and build a new campus for TCI Community College
Pillar 3: Poverty Reduction
1. Update Poverty Assessment (current assessment prepared 1999)
2. Poverty Reduction Strategy and Action Plan
3. Reduce risk to natural disasters and hazards at individual and comm unity levels (implement Disaster Recovery Plan)
Major challenge
Need for short term loan for about $40 million to buttress TCIG efforts to reply past liabilities under deferred payment arrangements.
Opportunities
1. DFID/FCO technical assistance in place. 2. Prospects for technical assistance from Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center is favourable.
3. Prospects for CDB technical assistance and policy based loan favourable.
15 May 2009
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