First (1st) Sitting of the Third (3rd) Meeting of the Second Session of the 13th Legislature of Parliament · 24 Sep 2026
Rearrangement of Business
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Turks and Caicos. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can have precedence …
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Standing Orders of Parliament Amendment 2026
That's your first bill, Speaker.
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Question on commercial Crown land administrative and record deficiencies
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Member for his question. Mr. Speaker, The record of all Crown land parcels and related transactions is maintained within the Electronic Land Registry Operating System, ELROS, which i…
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Question on Providenciales commercial Crown land applications under the moratorium
Mr. Speaker, looking at the answers that have been provided to me, I don't have an answer for this question at the moment. I will have to revert to the Parliament and to the member for this question number 2. I don't have the answer to that…
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Question on the Crown land inventory in Providenciales
Again, Mr. Speaker, these questions require significant investment in time to generate the reply, and the information will be provided to the member As it is available.
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Question on the Crown land inventory in Providenciales
Thank you.
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Question on the 2026 cost of living relief programme in Providenciales
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank the Member for his question. Mr. Speaker, a total of 15,557 persons applied for the Cost of Living Relief Program. Of these applicants, 12,125 indicated that they reside on Providenciales, representing 77.6% of …
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Question on the 2026 cost of living relief programme in Providenciales
I am willing and able to lay all of the information that I have on the table of the House, if so desired.
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Question on consultancy contracts awarded by Government since April 2021
Mr. Speaker, I don't know if someone could help me with this question because this, I think, will have to be answered within the context of the Standing Order because a lot of this information would be available through the— would have been…
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Question on Providenciales commercial Crown land applications under the moratorium
I would like to because my pages aren't numbered, I was unable to answer the question 2 and 3. I am now finding some information, so if the member wishes to ask the question again, I can speak to it.
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Question on Providenciales commercial Crown land applications under the moratorium
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in response to the Member's question, a total of 74 commercial applications representing approximately 677.617 acres 74 commercial applications representing approximately 677.61 acres were received prior…
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Question on Providenciales commercial Crown land applications under the moratorium
So I think it would probably be more beneficial to the member if I provide these.
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Question on Government investment pipeline and infrastructure in Providenciales
So, question 6.
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Question on Government investment pipeline and infrastructure in Providenciales
Question 6, the Minister--Member is asking me to say the value of proposed approved financial actively constructed projects in Provo, within the Government's investment pipeline and to lay on the table of this Honourable Parliament the corr…
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Question on commercial Crown land applications submitted before the moratorium
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, the Honourable Member, for his question. I think some of this might have been answered earlier in a previous question asked by the Member from The Bight. The response, Mr. Speaker, is that the records indi…
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First (1st) Sitting of the Second (2nd) Meeting of the Second Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 23 Sep 2026
Suspension of Standing Orders and Rearrangement of Business
Good morning. Morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to our technical support people in the gallery and other strangers. Good morning. To those listening to this Parliament by radio and other means, good morning Turks …
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Suspension of Standing Orders and Rearrangement of Business
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Pursuant to Standing Order 130, I move that Standing Order 44 be suspended to allow Government business to have precedence. Do I have a seconder? I don't need a seconder for that, no. Okay, an…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, the bill— I move that the bill entitled the Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 be now read for a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 was recently passed, but it is necessary to make some amendments so that it is fully aligned with the practice as it relates to statutory bodies. And so I rise today to…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, Mr. Speaker, I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the bill entitled the Mortgage Corporation Amendment, Bill 2026, Mr. Speaker, I move that the bill entitled the Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 be…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 1 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, you have a copy of the notice? Have it? Okay. So the markups— okay, we're not there yet.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Yeah, great.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 3 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Thanks for the question, Honourable Member. They are there to provide expert advice to the board. It is not— this is not a— we're not cutting new ground here. This is a situation that exists on most or many of the statutory body boards. Som…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
So the Board does not— if you look at the composition of the Board, 7 members are the members that are non ex officio. So the Board could operate in the absence of the non-officio members. As it stands at the moment, the law provides for a …
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
So, Honourable Member, the persons, the ex officio members, are providing advice based— and not opinion— and that advice has to be based on the law. It can't be based on their opinion, and therefore there's no— they can't advise anything th…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Thank you, Madam.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that Clause 14— sorry, Clause 4 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 5 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
I'm going to have to defer that to the AG.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
I'm going to have to defer that to the AG. I don't know that we have whistleblowing legislation, for one, and I believe it does put an onus on directors and functionaries within the board to ensure that confidential information is not disse…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
So let's make sure I understand.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
So before we go after 5, we're going to start a new 6?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Are these 6 and 7?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Yeah. Will this come below here then? After 6?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Just read it out. Okay, so just read it out. And so which one is close by? It's 5 there. So this becomes— this becomes 8 then, and this becomes 9? Is that what you're saying? So, Madam Chair, we turn to the motion to amend. It is suggesting…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
After clause 5, we're going to insert a new 6, and that new 6— a new 6 and 7, and the current 6 and 7 becomes 8 and 9, and the new 6 and 7 will read section 59. 59 amended. So it says Section 59 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting t…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
And B, by deleting the word regulations And substituting the word rules. Okay, yeah, you got it. You got it.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that Clause 9 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Chair, I have an amendment to make. If you look at the motion to amend sheet, there is C under— 2.
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Wait, inserting where? Yeah, so after— By inserting after the renumbered clause 9 the following clause: Section 115 amended. Clause 10. Section 115 of the principal Act is repealed and the following instituted: substituted rules. 115— sorry…
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
A further amendment under Section 10, this D, by renumbering Clause 8 as Clause 11. So this So we're going to number Clause 8 as Clause 11. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading and Passage
Mr. Speaker, I move That pursuant to Standing Order 99, that the Bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 be read a 3rd time. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading and Passage
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 99, that the bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Amendment Bill 2026 Do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Appointment to the Standing Orders Committee
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's a motion.
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Appointment to the Standing Orders Committee
Standing Orders Committee. Mr. Speaker, I move that the membership of the Standing Orders Committee As provided for under Standing Order 112, the increase for this session of the Parliament to include the Honourable Attorney-General as a 5t…
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Two minute speeches by members
But that is under government business?
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Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Speaker, I move that this House stands adjourned sine die.
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Second (2nd) Sitting of the Twenty-Sixth (26th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 31 Jul 2026
Ministerial Statement by the Premier
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe yesterday I circulated a statement that I had intended to give. That statement may be in the possession of some Members. I have withdrawn that statement because I did not think, after reading i…
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Hospitals and InterHealth Canada Contract
With that said, Mr. Speaker, we are all human. It is human nature to be more emotional than rational, and at times tempers flare. It is easy to take things on when we have our buttons pushed at inopportune times, and sometimes to defend our…
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Hospital Concession Arbitration and Constitutional Amendments
The ICC framework contains no mechanism to consider a small state's ability to pay when making cost awards. The tribunal applied commercial standards of procedural rigour to a Government—standards designed for corporations operating in soph…
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Constitutional Amendments and Expansion of the Executive
It has been suggested that an expansion of the Executive is connected to an expansion of term limits. Let me be unambiguous: I have never at any time advocated for an extension of the current term limit provisions. I have never done so priv…
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Ministerial Statement on Constitutional Reform and Executive Capacity
The time is overdue. The Territory's need for adequate executive capacity does not diminish because the political weather has changed. Once that amendment is in place, this Government is ready and eager to convene a Constitutional Committee…
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Suspension of Sitting
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could you give me a minute? I know it is 1 o'clock and we do not want to come back here, because people may want to leave, but I need the right language to speak to you and the public in relation to the prorogation, …
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Prorogation of Parliament
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I sit, I would like to associate myself with all of the condolences and congratulations that were offered to the various families this morning on the passing of some very important people, some of whom I know …
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Adjournment Sine Die
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do I call for adjournment after the prorogation?
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Adjournment Sine Die
Mr. Speaker, I adjourn this Parliament sine die.
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First (1st) Sitting of the Twenty - Sixth (26th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 30 Jul 2026
Motion to Suspend Standing Order 12
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Good morning to our support staff, those in the gallery, and others in the gallery. Good morning, Turks and Caicos Islands, and all thos…
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Rearrangement of Business and Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill Procedure
Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I wish to arrange the order of the paper. Pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can have precedence over all other business. F…
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Rearrangement of Business and Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill Procedure
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I beg leave to rearrange the order so that the Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027, Bill No. 26, be taken first, from second reading through to passage, and other bills follow.
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Message from Her Excellency the Governor on the Select Committee Report on the CRESS Review of the Effectiveness of the Integrity Commission
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I think it is appropriate to acknowledge the communication from the Governor, and to say that there is a matter on the Order Paper for you to receive messages from the Governor, so it is appropriate tha…
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Integrity Commission Review Select Committee Report
Mr. Speaker, I hear what the Leader of the Opposition said, but I do not think there is anything to be gained by looking in the rear-view mirror and having a banter about who is right and who is wrong, and who said this and who said that. I…
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Revised First Supplementary Appropriation Estimate 2026/2027
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Revised First Supplementary Appropriation Estimate 2026/2027
Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable Parliament, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and sections 115 and 116 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Island…
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Revised First Supplementary Appropriation Estimate 2026/2027
Mr. Speaker, I move that the revised supplementary estimate, and I want you to take note of the word revised because we did lay this on the table at the last sitting, be referred to the Appropriations Committee. There has been a revision to…
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Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill 2026 - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 92.2, I move that the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill 2026 be read a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2026/2027 Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise to present this Supplementary Appropriations Bill 2026-2027, and I am going to do something unusual. I am going to ask those persons listening to share whatever link they may be on, because I want…
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Supplementary Appropriation No. 1 Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, that is not inclusive development. It is growth without ownership. It is prosperity without empowerment. The Government rejected that model entirely. We resolved to build an economy in which Turks and Caicos Islanders would own…
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Supplementary Appropriation Bill
But it also speaks to taking away concessions, or not providing any further concessions, to development in Providenciales and placing them where they can benefit other islands, while also ensuring that polluters pay. That policy went out ye…
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Supplementary Appropriation No. 1 Bill 2026
And who have to get on a learning curve before they can even understand the overseas territories and their relationship, and who have their own ideas about how these islands should be managed. At some stage, we have to ask the question: who…
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Revised Supplementary Appropriation Bill
No. I just want to make a correction. The budget envelope is $12.5 million. The $1.5 million you spoke about took place through compensating adjustments within the $12.5 million, so it is not $14 million. Thank you very much.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026/2027, Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleagues on this side have dealt ably with the comments by the Leader of the Opposition, and I do not intend to make any further comment. In wrapping up, it is safe now to say that I would like to move that the …
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Head of Expenditure 03, Police
Basically, the police have just received about 15 new vehicles, so this is like a back order. This money is not permanently being removed. This is basically, again, a timing issue in the procurement process. The intention is to proceed with…
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Head of Expenditure 14, Statutory Charges
Thank you. Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $87,888,166.01 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 54 - Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $39,560,995.71 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $6,025,752.85 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $563,301,413.40 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
I move that $56,519,143 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 1 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 3 now stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder? The motion has been moved by the Honourable Premier, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, that Clause 3 stand part of the bill. All in favour?…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 4 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 be read a third time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriations 2026-2027 Bill 2026 do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Adjournment of the Parliament
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that this Parliament stand adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 am.
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First (1st) Sitting of the Twenty-Fifth (25th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 23 Jul 2026
Opening of the Sitting
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the former Honourable Speaker of the Parliament, former Member of Parliament and current Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement, Honourable Douglas Parnell, who is in …
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Rearrangement of Business
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I failed to acknowledge the person sitting next to the Honourable Parnell. Welcome to Parliament in whatever capacity you are here. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this…
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Suspension of the Sitting
Mr. Speaker, I move for a five-minute suspension.
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Motion for bills to go through all three readings at this meeting
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to speak to these three very small bills. I did have a conversation with the Leader of the Opposition yesterday, and I think we agreed to accommodate each other in re…
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 - First Reading
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition. With that said, Mr. Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, the bill entitled the National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a se…
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 - First Reading
Madam Clerk.
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Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026 - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, the bill entitled Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Minerals Exploration and Exploitation Amendment Bill 2026 - First Reading
Second.
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a very short amendment to the bill, and it is for one particular purpose. We did not have an event last year, and the purpose is to seek parliamentary approval for the expansion of the number of …
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 92(2), I move that the Bill entitled National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 be read for a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, I have already spoken to the Bill.
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Yes. I invite my colleagues to make their contributions. Thank you.
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I spoke to the persons responsible for administering the National Honours and Awards activity, and I have confirmation that the purpose is to open the process for two weeks in order to allow new applications. I apolo…
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Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 92(2), I move that the bill entitled Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026 be read a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a very short bill, the purpose of which is to provide for the ability to deduct administrative expenses on the collection of the destination management fee. The bill seeks to amend the Destination Management …
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Turks and Caicos Islands Destination Management Fee Amendment No. 2 Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think some of the questions from the Leader of the Opposition may be dealt with during Question Time, including those relating to the fees collected, and he would be able to gather answers from Question Time, but a…
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
I move that Clause 1 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Sorry, Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 3 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
The number of recipients: I stated when I stood up that we did not have awards last year, and so, in order to compensate for that, we would like, on a one-off basis just for 2026, to be able to recognize that fact and to increase the number…
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 4 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026
I think that is addressed in the current legislation. There are cutoff times, and we have not gotten to that cutoff time. There is a space by which the announcement of the appointments or the nominees will have to be submitted, and we are n…
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Destination Management Fee Amendment Number 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 1 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Destination Management Fee Amendment Number 2 Bill 2026
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Destination Management Fee Amendment Number 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 3 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Destination Management Fee Amendment Number 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 4 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Destination Management Fee Amendment Number 2 Bill 2026
I am happy to provide that information if a parliamentary question is provided through the Clerk, but I do not have that information at the moment.
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Minerals Exploration and Exploitation Amendment Bill 2026
We did that already.
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National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, pursuant to Standing Order 99(1), that the bill entitled National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill 2026 be read a third time. Do I have a seconder?
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Minerals Exploration and Exploitation Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Second.
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Minerals Exploration and Exploitation Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading
The ayes have it.
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First (1st) Sitting of the Twenty-Fourth (24th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 25 Jun 2026
Prayer and reflection
Thank you, leader. Micah chapter 6 and verse 8. He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. As we approach the half-year point, Micah cha…
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Suspension of Standing Order 12 to sit beyond 6 PM
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Turks and Caicos Islands, at home and abroad. And to all others in radioland. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 130, I move that Standing Order 12 be suspended to allo…
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Suspension of Standing Order 44 and precedence of Government business; permission for Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 to go through all readings
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 130, I further move that Standing Order 44 be suspended to allow Government business to have precedence over all other business, and so that Item 6, Papers, be taken as Item 4,…
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Permission for Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 to go through all readings
Mr. Speaker, I move that under Standing Order 90.5, the bill entitled Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 be allowed to go through all three readings within this meeting. Do I have a seconder?
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, that the Bill entitled Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, the bill entitled Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Deferral of Airports Authority Amendment Bill 2025 - Second Reading
Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be deferred to the next sitting of the House. Thank you.
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 92.2, I move that the Bill entitled Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 be read a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first direct members' attention to the very short explanatory memorandum before I make my comments. This bill seeks to validate the actions and policies made under the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Am…
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Act 2026 - Referral to Committee of the Whole
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank those who contributed to the bill, particularly the Attorney General for clarifying the main point, which is to facilitate the immigration process in relation to PRCs and other procedural due diligence issues…
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Third reading of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the bill entitled Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 be read for a 3rd time. Do I have a seconder?
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Motion to adjourn and condolences
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just before I call for an adjournment, I'd like to add my voice to the chorus of sympathies that have been expressed in the House today to the various families, some of which may not have been mentioned, and some of …
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Suspension of Standing Orders and Bill Reading Arrangements
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Turks and Caicos Islands, at home and abroad, and to all others in radioland. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 130, I move that Standing Order 12 be suspended to allo…
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first direct members' attention to the very short explanatory memorandum before I make my comments. This bill seeks to validate the actions and policies made under the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Am…
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Act 2026 - Referral to Committee of the Whole
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the persons who contributed to the bill, and particularly the Attorney General who clarified the main point, which was to facilitate the immigration process in relation to PRCs and other procedural due dilige…
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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 - Passage
Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 99.5, that the bill entitled Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency Validation Bill 2026 do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Second Sitting of the 23rd Meeting of the First Session of the 13th Legislature · 2 Jun 2026
Announcements and greetings
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues.
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Motion to rearrange order of business
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can have precedence over all of the other business. In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I move that item number …
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Motion to rearrange order of business
Oh, yes. Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. My bad. I move that item number 15, Orders of the Day, be taken as item number 2. Thank you.
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading motion
Honourable Premier. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 92, I move that the bill entitled Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 be read for a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading debate
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026, in the absence of the Minister for Tourism, who is away attending the Caribbean Tourism Ministerial event. This…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Mr. Speaker, Tourism continues to contribute more than three quarters of our economic activity and remains the principal driver of employment, entrepreneurship, investment and Government revenue. Our prosperity is inextricably linked to the…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading
And this is not the era or the age of the Persians, the Medes and the Persians, who say, what I have written I have written. In the modern age where agility is required and where direction depends on the reality on the ground, it is importa…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading
And you will hear all sorts of arguments that have absolutely nothing to do with this bill. This will be a time for grandstanding by those persons who don't understand and may not even be interested in trying to understand what is the ultim…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading
As I said several times during the last few minutes, leadership is not about comfort. It is about controversy. It is about standing, taking a stand, acting on the conviction of one's character, conviction of one's evidentially based positio…
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Debate on Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Order!
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Debate on Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
I think we need to have the exact numbers that were spent on the consultancy and the establishment, because to put out there to the public that $7 million was spent is irresponsible, because I can promise you it is not that.
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Debate on Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Wow.
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Debate on Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
They are not.
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Debate on Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Point of elucidation. The member is suggesting that we shouldn't be spending any money on the promotion and management of tourism because that's the budget for tourism. He was intimating for the implementation of the establishment of the DM…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Yes.
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Debate on Destination Management and Marketing Organization Bill - Premier's wrap-up and response to Opposition
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I've made some notes here to rebut. I think I may have to use this. No, don't worry about it. So, Mr. Speaker, I'm going to be very brief because our members have had two busy days and there's an extremely bu…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - General Debate
In the years that she was responsible for managing the tourism portfolio for Turks and Caicos, anything I may have said in my introduction or my opening this morning is not meant to be a reflection on any individual in this room. I think it…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Referral to Committee of the Whole
Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I do not want to belabour the point, but the truth is the DMMO was not a failure. The issue was not conceptual failure; it was institutional limitation. The DMMO strengthened marketing, improved stakeholder collabor…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - referral to Committee of the Whole
Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I do not want to belabour the point, but the truth of the matter is the DMMO was not a failure. The issue was not conceptual failure; it was institutional limitation. The DMMO strengthened marketing, improved stakeh…
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Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - referral to Committee of the Whole
Aye.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that in accordance with Standing Order 97, the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 be called in parts. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1
Madam Chair, I move that Part 1 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1
Yes, Madam Chair.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
In Clause 2, I move that in Clause 2, by inserting the following definition in its appropriate alphabetical position: Airports Authority means the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority established under Section 3 of the Airports Autho…
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
No, that's it.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
Okay, thank you. So what's this then?
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
Oh, B.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
Okay, let me say it again. Okay, second.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 1 - Clause 2 amendment
Aye.
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 2
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Part 2 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 2 - Clause 6 amendment
Madam Chair, I'd like to move an amendment. Under Clause 6, I would like to amend for the renumbering of the existing paragraph K to paragraph L and inserting the following new paragraph to support K: to support and advocate for airlift and…
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Committee of the Whole - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 - Part 2 - Board composition
As a practical matter, these persons will be nominated by the stakeholder groups, because we would not necessarily know who they are. The stakeholder group will probably identify who they wish to represent them, and once they provide the cr…
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Tourism Authority Board composition and representation
It's not suggesting that we have to. It's one of the qualifications that they be in the industry, including short-term rentals. As a practical matter, I don't know that would be exercised given the limited number of appointments, and those …
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
I have an amendment in Clause 9, Part 2. In Clause 9.3, we make an amendment by inserting the words 'the Airports Authority' after the word 'Statistics Act.' The amendment is to insert the words 'the Airports Authority' after 'Statistics Ac…
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
In Clause 9.3, we insert the words—I'm told by the AG that there should be a comma first. Then after that comma, the Airports Authority will follow after the words 'Statistics Act.' Is that it, AG?
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
Okay. Exception to Statistics Act. So I'll say it again. There's an amendment to insert a comma after the Airports Authority, and after the words 'Statistics Act.' Do I have a seconder? Is it clear, Madam Speaker?
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
Right, except that it's a comma instead of a semicolon before the Airports Authority. So by inserting the words or the sign comma—
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
Yes.
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
Okay, no need for the semicolon.
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Amendment to Clause 9.3 - Airports Authority inclusion
Aye.
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Amendment to Clause 11 - Board composition
There is a contribution, an amendment under Clause 11. Under Clause 11 in paragraph C, I move for the deletion of the word '5' and substituting for it the word '4.' At the end of paragraph D, by deleting the word 'and' after the semicolon. …
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Amendment to Clause 17 - Committee composition
In Clause 17, by deleting paragraphs A and C and substituting: A, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, on which the Chief Financial Officer shall serve as an ex officio member without voting rights, and the Permanent Secretary responsible…
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Amendment to Clause 17 - Committee composition
No, this is part 4. Do I have a seconder?
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Grand Turk Enhancement Fund representation
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Honourable Leader of the Opposition. I suggest that we add that position under subclause 4 of 11, the board of directors. With the indulgence of the chair, I move that under Section 11-4, the director of t…
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Grand Turk Enhancement Fund representation
He can move it. It's okay.
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Correction to amendment - Grand Turk Enhancement Fund representation
There has to be a correction to the amendment. Legal advice is that in 11.4, on page 10, if you go to L, at the end of L, we delete the word 'and.' Then you add N at the end of M, and insert 'chairperson or nominee of the board of the Grand…
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Correction to amendment - Grand Turk Enhancement Fund representation
Of the board, without 'board of directors.' Can you state it for me please? 'Chairperson or nominee of the board of the Grand Turk Enhancement.' Thank you.
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Correction to amendment - Grand Turk Enhancement Fund representation
Aye.
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Tourism Authority Bill - Part 3
I move that part 3 stands part of the bill. Do I have a second?
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 23 Disclosure of Interests
Disclosure. I think conflict has to be interpreted in a narrow sense, and that if it relates to a particular property that I may have an interest in, rather than just the general industry. Otherwise, there would be nobody, because everybody…
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 4 Employees of the Authority
Madam Chair, I move that Part 4 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 4 Employees of the Authority
Aye.
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 4 Employees of the Authority
Honourable Leader of the Opposition, currently, all of these are already in the budget or provided for in the manpower budget except the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Compliance and Contracting. Given the importance of this in…
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 5 Financial Provisions
Madam Chair, I move that Part 5 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 5 Financial Provisions
I don't know exactly how the financial aspects would be handled. I'm assuming it wouldn't change from what it is now. The monies for the destination enhancement fees are paid into the Treasury. It's currently collected through the Airports …
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 6 Miscellaneous Provisions
Madam Chair, I move that Part 6 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 6 Amendments and New Clause on Airlift and Route Development
Madam Chair, under Section 46, airlift and Route Development Collaboration. In Part 6, I move for renumbering of Clauses 46, 47, 48, and 49 to clauses 47, 48, 49, and 50 and inserting the following new clause.
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 6 New Clause on Airlift and Route Development
Airlift and route development collaboration. The authority and the airports authority shall collaborate and coordinate on matters of airlift, air access, and air route development in a manner that promotes the growth of the tourism sector a…
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Tourism Authority Bill - Committee Stage - Part 6 Consequential Amendments
As a consequence of the previous amendments, Clause 13(4) is amended by deleting the number 47 and substituting 48. By renumbering clauses 50, 51, accordingly.
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Committee stage - amendments to Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Under Part 7, I move for the renumbering of clauses 50 through 55 to clauses 51 through 56, and consequently in renumbering clause 51 by deleting the words Section 51, subsection 4, and entering Section 52, subsection 4. Do I have a seconde…
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Committee stage - amendments to Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Madam Chair, through the Attorney General Acting, is this in relationship to the winding down of the existing entity, not the current one? In other words, what we're saying is that there will be no liability on the part of this organization…
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Third Reading - Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the bill entitled Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 be read for a 3rd time. Do I have a seconder?
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Passage of Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 99, the bill entitled Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority Bill 2026 do now pass. Do I have a seconder? Second.
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Adjournment motion
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleagues for the hard work we have done over the last couple of days. Thank you very much. Thank the Chair and the Clerk and everyone else. And I move that this House now stands adjourned. So mov…
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First Sitting of the 23rd Meeting of the First Session of the 13th Legislature · 1 Jun 2026
Suspension of Standing Order 12
Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to those in the gallery, including members of the Attorney General's Chambers who are here to assist us today with dealing with the bills in front of us. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 130, I …
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Rearrangement of Business
Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 91, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can have precedence over all other business. In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I…
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Airports Authority Amendment Bill 2025 - Second Reading
Aye.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 92, I move that the bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 be read a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I present to this Honourable House a bill that speaks directly to one of the most pressing concerns facing our people, and that is the rising difficulty of owning a home in the Turks and Caicos Isl…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
This is an important step, but it is part of a larger journey towards a more inclusive housing system, a stronger middle class, and a more equitable economy. This Bill reflects the same principle that guides our national budget: growth must…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues for their contributions. I think my colleagues on the front bench and others who are not on the front bench have ably answered the issues that were raised by the Leader of the Opposition. Le…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
This is because institutions outlive people. Because some of us are comfortable in our own place, it does not mean that we should ignore the fact that other people may be vulnerable or in need. We cannot close our eyes to the needs of other…
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Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence and the indulgence of the House, I would ask that the second reading of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill come first. This is a small bill. The Tourism Authority Bill is more lengthy, and I would prefer to de…
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Road Safety Amendment Bill 2026
They will have to collect money.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that, in accordance with Standing Order 97, the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 be called in parts. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Part 1 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I would like to move. If members have the motion to amend, I would like to draw your attention to the amendments relating to clauses 8, 9 and 10. Madam Chair, I move that Part 2 stand part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Under clause 8, letter M, after the semicolon, add the word and.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Madam Chair, under clause 9, subsection (1), delete the word one; and in paragraph O, insert after the semicolon the word and, so that it reads, exercise or perform any other powers conferred on or required to be performed by the Corporatio…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
On page 9, clause 10, subsection (3), the motion is to delete the words and the.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
And substitute the word the, so that it reads, the Minister shall consult with the Board before giving the direction.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Part 3 now stand part of the bill.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
This is a standalone, specialized statutory body.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
It is the Ministry of Finance, and for the time being that happens to be the same as the Premier. It does not mean that will always be the case.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
The Governor's Office will have no role in this. The FSC, the Financial Services Commission, will have a role, and it has been instrumental in establishing the prudential principles. It will have prudential supervision over the Mortgage Cor…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
This is the first step that we are going through at the moment. We will get the Bill passed, and the focus will then be on operationalizing the institution. We have had a tentative date set for the establishment of the Mortgage Corporation …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
The job descriptions will be made public, and they are being developed as we speak.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
No, I cannot. I do not have that information now, but what I can tell you is that the operational cost of the institution is to be met from a different source, perhaps from a new source other than the initial $20 million earmarked for the l…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
I think initially there will be a subvention for those operating costs. Eventually, the Mortgage Corporation should stand on its own, particularly if we are going to provide additional capital, which is the intention.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
Madam Chair, I move that Part 3 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
I have an amendment in clause 14. The amendment is to insert after subsection 2 the following: 3, appointments made under this section shall be subject to the Commission's fit and proper assessment. The Commission means the Financial Servic…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
I have another amendment under clause 19. In clause 19, in paragraph c, by inserting after the semicolon the word or and a semicolon; and in paragraph d, by renumbering subparagraph 6 as subparagraph 7, and by inserting after subparagraph 5…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
6, demonstrates lack of competence, integrity or prudential fitness, as determined by the Commission, or.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
I have another amendment in clause 20. In clause 20, I would like to insert after subsection 2 the following subsection 3: Alternate members shall be subject to the same fit and proper requirements as members appointed under section 13.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
Honourable Leader of the Opposition, thank you for your question. If you look at clause 14 on page 10 of the document, it deals with the criteria for appointment of members.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
Under subsection 2, it says that a person appointed as a member of the board shall have seven or more years of experience, expertise and knowledge in at least one of the following areas: mortgage lending, banking, finance, law, risk managem…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
Page 10, section 14, specifically subsection 2.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
If we go to clause 14, it says that in making appointments to the board, the Minister shall use his best endeavours to ensure that the individuals appointed are fit and proper and have knowledge, experience or expertise that is relevant to …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
We just inserted a new section to make it clear. If you remember, there was an amendment to say that appointments made under this section shall be subject to the Commission's fit and proper assessment. It is not just Cabinet; the Financial …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
Thank you, Honourable Leader. That would normally come into regulations. Typically, as you would know, in situations like this, the CEO is normally appointed by the Minister in Cabinet, and the rest of the appointments are done exclusively …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
I think that could be flexible. It could mean that, depending on the effectiveness of the person, that person may not be reappointed. But if the person is effective and is required, one would expect that the term could be negotiated so that…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill
For example, and I will not call names, I remember on the National Insurance Board there was one particular person who was very efficient and effective, and that person was appointed multiple times under both political parties. If you find …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that Part 4 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, there is an amendment to put forward in clause 26. In paragraph F, by inserting after the semicolon the word and, and in paragraph G, by inserting after the word legislation the words including legislation on countering the fin…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Yes. On clause 28, by inserting after subsection 4 the following subsection 5: where A, the matter involves the board or a senior officer, and B, the board has failed to take appropriate action or is conflicted. The Prudential Standards Com…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Normally, that is the discretion of the board in terms of the size of those committees and where they may co-opt persons from, in relation to their skills base and the prudential standards established by the FSC. This may be a bad example, …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
I am not a legal drafter, but I have been advised that the new approach to drafting is not to overburden the principal legislation with minutiae, and these types of issues normally reside in the regulations. My assumption is that detailed m…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that Part 5 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that in clause 39, by deleting the words Chief Executive Officer and substituting the words Managing Director. May I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
I think that would be the understanding. Yes, Honourable Leader of the Opposition.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
I think that is what it says. If it is done in good faith, and good faith is broadly interpreted. I am going to go out on a limb here: good faith is acting within your authority. Obviously, if you go outside of your authority and capacity a…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Well, then the whole board would be compromised. I do not think that could potentially be in good faith, because the board would obviously have lending guidelines. At the end of the day, the Mortgage Corporation is meant to assist in the de…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
In my experience, depending on the level of authority granted, there are accountability frameworks. Once a person acts within that accountability framework, for example, if they went through all the criteria and made a loan based on the inf…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Part 6 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I have a motion to amend Clause 54. In Clause 54, in subclause (1), the amendment calls for the insertion after the words exceeding one of the word year, so that it will read exceeding one year. In subclause (2), by inserting a…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I would just like to point the member attention to Clause 39, where that was previously changed in an amendment from CEO to managing director. Those definitions are more or less the same, but in our jurisdiction, our jurisprudence, the term…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
As I indicated in a previous conversation, the board normally identifies and appoints, and then Cabinet confirms. That is normally the procedure.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I think you had it right the first time. Just as the minister would not approve an appointment on his own, I would imagine that in a corporate setting the managing director would have a human resource manager and even a human resources comm…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Sorry, I would like it to be a she here.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Leader of the Opposition, Clause 51 says that the managing director shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, regulations or policy guidelines which may be made from time to time by the board, appoint the officers and employees of the c…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Part 7 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, under Clause 73(1A), I move to insert after the word losses the words in accordance with recognized accounting standards. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
No, Honourable Leader of the Opposition. This is all the responsibility of the board of directors. Until the institution is established and a board appointed, none of that work can be done. To do that would be acting ultra vires.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I cannot think of a specific example, but I am sure it has happened in the past. Parliament has a right to do whatever it wishes within the confines of the Constitution, and so Parliament does have that right.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
The appropriate minister, such as the Minister of Finance, may take a paper to Cabinet and then to Parliament, because Parliament is the only body that appropriates. The minister would not be able to dole out money without Parliament approv…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Basically, the Government has contingent liability for the debt of all statutory bodies, including those that are operating successfully, such as the Airports Authority. That contingency may be weighted based on the operation. This may be n…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I do not think that is the case. This is a specialized organization. Think of it in terms of a bank. It is not a bank, but think of it in terms of a bank. Any money that is surplus to its operation goes, in my view, into the lending portfol…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Honourable Leader of the Opposition, I think that would be against prudential principles. If the Government is going to have a need to develop social housing, it needs to find that money somewhere else.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Here is what I think will happen. As it relates to housing support, there will be a ceiling or a range above which the Mortgage Corporation will not be funding, because above that range persons accessing funding for housing would have the a…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I believe TCIG will have to provide a new source of assistance for people who are vulnerable and do not have the wherewithal to afford a home, but who deserve to live in a decent place. The United Nations calls that adequate shelter, and th…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Let me try to explain what I believe will happen. We now have a housing department. The housing department is likely to be transitioned into a housing authority. Do not take this as exactly the way it will happen, because we will have to co…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
By managing, I mean they would be responsible for having them built. I imagine there will be a situation where funding could be allocated from the TCIG budget to build a number of homes or from the loan programme, and then Government is rei…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Part 8 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I have an amendment in clause 83, by deleting the words but not later than five years after the acquisition and substituting the words within timelines approved by the Commission. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Basically, I think the rates will be set by the marketplace and by prudential principles. Of course, as you know, the market is always moving, and if you were to go to a regular bank to borrow money, it would be a number of points above pri…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
At 4% interest, you cannot then give somebody a loan at 3%. You are looking at maybe 5% or 5.5% because you have to have a margin in order to pay your operational costs. But you are already ahead because you are buying the house for below m…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
I would imagine it would be, but remember that these are restricted for locals. The bank, using its own prudential principles, will want to be able to sell in the open market to anybody if I do not pay my mortgage. The bank has to look at h…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
That creates blight and unfinished-looking communities. You may still benefit from your discount, and you will benefit from the fact that you can now build on a serviced lot. The whole system is quite comprehensive, and that is why the Mort…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
As I said earlier, everyone is entitled to adequate housing. There will be some people who will never make enough money or have enough income to own a home, but that does not mean they should not be entitled to live in a decent place. Ultim…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
The EU housing that was built after Hurricane Ike was meant to house indigent people or people who could not afford housing, but it is then meant to be reallocated to someone else after that person dies. The same thing happens in places lik…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Yes, across the Islands. As I said in my speech this morning, we have an obligation to provide adequate housing for everyone.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Either build them or subsidize the rent, or something of that nature. That is what a social democratic society does.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Part 9 stand part of the Bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I have an amendment to clause 87(1): in paragraph (a), by deleting the full stop and substituting the words and; and in paragraph (b), by inserting after the word report the words in the format determined by the Commission. Can…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill - Committee Stage
Could you give us a minute, please, to have a chat with the Attorney General? Madam Chair, we may wish to revisit clause 39.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Clause 30, once we finish getting to the end, to deal with a question, a matter that the Leader of the Opposition raised and the Attorney General has been giving some thought to. We will go back to that once we have gone through the rest of…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Okay. Before then, you were asking whether there are any contributions to Part 9.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that Part 10 forms part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I have an amendment in relation to clauses 92, 98 and 99. Madam Chair, I move that in clause 92, we delete the words once per quarter and substitute the words twice per year. Clause 92 be amended by deleting the words once per …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that clause 98 be amended by deleting the word committee and substituting the word commission, semicolon. In clause 98, I move that the word committee be deleted and be substituted by the word commission and a semicolon …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Just for clarity, I think you called both 98 and 99, right?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Exactly. They are subject to those prudential limits.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Sorry, Madam Chair, I have an amendment in clause 103, by inserting after the semicolon the word and. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
So, just to be correct, it is actually 103L.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Well, I do not know, man. This interim administration should not be looked at as a feature of our culture, so I hope we never have another one of those.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
But if we do, if it does happen that we have one of those and the Constitution is suspended, then they can do whatever they like. Unless that happens, because this is set up by Parliament, it can only be wound up by Parliament's direction. …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Yes, on the penultimate line, if you are looking for it on page 39, clause 104, on the penultimate line, you will see there is a small a at the beginning of the penultimate line.
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I move that Part 12 forms part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, it has just been pointed out to me that on page 39 where it says Part 12, it is showing Part 13, even though we have referenced it in the content as 12. I move that where it says Part 13 on page 39 in the identification of the …
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Committee Stage of the Bill
I have another amendment to make in clause 105, in paragraph C, by inserting after the semicolon the word and, and then the semicolon; and then in paragraph D, by deleting the word and and substituting the word any, semicolon. Do I have a s…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
I have another correction, an amendment to make in clause 106, by inserting after the semicolon the word and. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, in clause 109, in subclause 2, by deleting the words section 107 and substituting the words section 108, semicolon. I move that in clause 109—
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Okay, I could. In clause 109, I move that subclause 2 be amended by deleting the words section 107 and substituting the words section 108, semicolon; in subclause 3(a)(6), by inserting after the semicolon the word and; and in subclause 5, b…
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Committee Stage of the Bill
Madam Chair, I also would like to make a motion in clause 112, by deleting the word actor and substituting the word act, semicolon. I move that in clause 112, we delete the word actor and substitute the word act, semicolon. Do I have a seco…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that, in Clause 114(g), after the word subject, the word and be inserted.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
I think by substituting the words and—
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Semicolon, yes. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Yes, Madam Chair. I move that, in Clause 117, in the proposed subsection 9, after the word exercise, the words his or be inserted. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
That is it, right?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
In relation to the Ombudsman or the Complaints Commissioner, the public always has the right to complain if they have evidence of maladministration. As it relates to the FSC, I also think they have the right to complain to the FSC if they t…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Particularly in relation to things such as money laundering or if they think there is a risk. However, I believe these kinds of complaints have to do with service more than anything else. I do not know whether Chambers agrees with me, but t…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
These boards are supposed to be professional boards, I believe, comprising people who understand the subject. They should be taken from wherever they can be found. It is not like the Immigration Board or something like that. You take the ta…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair—
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
The Public Finance Management and Public Procurement Ordinances, along with the Integrity Commission Ordinance, are pieces of legislation that should be under constant review. I do believe that in some cases they are wound too tight and cou…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
You have it? Thank you. Madam Chair, in Clause 30, I move to insert after subsection 3 the following subsection, in direct response to the issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition: A committee established under sections 25 to 30 may inc…
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Sorry, who are not members of the board. And subsection 5, the board shall determine the quorum, procedures and terms of reference to be followed by any committee established under this part. Madam Chair, should I read it again?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
The motion is that, in Clause 30, after subsection 3, the following subsections be inserted: 4, a committee established under sections 25 to 30 may include not more than five persons who are not members of the board; and 5, the board shall …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage
Just for clarity, those words are lifted verbatim from the Sovereign Wealth Fund or the National Wealth Fund, so they are not original. If that helps the Leader of the Opposition, those words exist in other parts and other places.
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Suspension of Committee of the Whole
We need a five-minute comfort break.
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 99, I move that the Bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 be read a third time. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 - Third Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 99, I move that the Bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Adjournment
Mr. Speaker, I move that this House stand adjourned until 10 am tomorrow morning.
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First (1st) Sitting of the Twentieth (20th ) Meeting of the First (1st ) Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 2 Apr 2026
Rearrangement of Business
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues, and to all in the gallery and listening via radio. Good morning, Turks and Caicos. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable House so…
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
Read the notes.
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable House, in accordance with section 32 of the Standing Orders and the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, sections 105 and 115, the Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimat…
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
Thank you.
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Order Paper this morning is very short, as indicated by the prayer earlier and the comments by Bishop, our Chaplain. Today is in the middle of Holy Week, and I would first apologise to the sensibilities of those …
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Appropriations 2026-2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2026-2027
I think we are doing some good here, given that we have just gone over, a couple of days ago, the end of the fiscal year 2025-2026, and we need to get the business of the people done as we begin a new fiscal year, 2026-2027. I want to leave…
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Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Estimates
Revenue growth must come from a growing economy and fair enforcement, not from burdening working families. On the expenditure side, we distinguish clearly between recurrent operations and capital investment. We are tightening controls, redu…
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Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands Approved Virement Log for the period 23 to 31 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable House, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and section 51(6) of the Public Finance Management Regulations 2012, the Government of the Turks and Caicos …
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Two minute speeches by members
Thank you very much, Honourable Member, for your contribution. The Chair recognizes the Honourable Attorney General for her contribution.
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Easter greetings and condolences
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I feel like bringing a sermon today. I do not know if two minutes is enough, but I am just joking. I was inspired by the contribution of some of my colleagues. Let me again start by aligning myself with the condolence…
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Adjournment sine die
Mr. Speaker, I rise to move that this House adjourn sine die. Thank you.
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FIRST (1ST) SITTING OF THE NINETEENTH (19TH) MEETING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH (13TH) LEGISLATURE · 23 Mar 2026
Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026 - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 90(4), I move that the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026, be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 92, I move that the Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026, be read a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can we adjourn for five minutes, please?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, No. 2 Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for indulging the break. For the benefit of members, this is the second bill for 2026, even though it is the Third Supplementary Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the fiscal year 2025/2026. I ris…
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Supplementary Appropriation Bill
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank my colleagues and the Leader of the Opposition for his critique. This is really a wrapping-up exercise at the end of the financial year, and I think we ought to focus our attention on the positive outcome. The…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Mr. Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the bill entitled— sorry, sir, I have to commit the bill. Mr. Speaker, I am told by my able Attorney General that the bill stands committed to the Committee of Supply. With that, pur…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Call the second reading for the Attorney General.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Chair, I move that the sum of $123,401,059.64 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Before the Leader of the Opposition proceeds, I have an amendment to make to the Development Fund contribution. Where is this?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
But what is this figure here?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Right. I do not see this. Where does 46 come in, though?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Thank you, Madam Chair. The Leader of the Opposition has gone out of the room. Just so that our members understand, if we go to 3.6 in the Budget Booklet, you will see that the Development Fund is made up of a number of items totalling $46,…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Leader of the Opposition, look on page 3.6 of the Budget Booklet, at the bottom of the page, with a total under the Development Fund of $46,889,961. That is the figure for 2025-2026.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
I am proposing a change. If you go to the long sheet on the statutory charges—
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Thank you. The change has already been made in the bill, so if you go to the page that I gave you—
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
If you go to the page that I gave you, you will see— where is the change here? We do not show it.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
Right.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 (No. 2) Bill 2026 - Committee of Supply
The change is in the sum of $375,000 that I referred to during my speech. That number of $46,889,961 decreases by the fund withdrawal of $375,000, resulting in a final figure of $46,514,961. If you have the long sheet where it says Revised …
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
If you go to the other line, Claims Against Government, where there is a figure of 19—where is the 19?
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
Commissioner and colleagues, if you go back to that sheet, I apologize, but where it says—first of all, I want you to correct the code number. The code number there should be 14-06-19-37501. You will see it on page 3.7, at the top of the pa…
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
I was just noting it. Are you following us?
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
No, it is just a—
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
The $375,000 is an increase, which is really a counter-entry to the previous entry. It is an increase of $375,000, making the total under the revised 2025-2026 to $19,225,000. So where it has $19,600,000, that should be $19,225,000.
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
Okay, that is why it is for noting, right?
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
I will do my best to give you as much detail as I can without telegraphing any information to the public that may be in conflict with what we are trying to achieve.
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
For the compound?
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Appropriation Bill 2025-2026 - Committee Stage
Thank you. Honourable Leader of the Opposition, thank you for your question. I can give you some indicative numbers. We have acquired Family Healthcare, so we are bringing forward from that purchase about $6 million for the balance on that …
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Head of Expenditure 54, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Trade
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $31,919,201.23 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 54, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Trade
What is he looking for? If you go with me to 3.12, items 3.04 and 3.05, you will see that the consultancy in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade will be fully spent. The revised estimate is $4.5 million, and …
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Head of Expenditure 61, Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage and the Environment
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $24,366,952.23 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 64, Office of the Premier and Public Policy
I move that the amount of $4,077,627.45 stand part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 64, Office of the Premier and Public Policy
Thank you for the question. The combination of expenditure being reduced includes public service employment costs of $129,506, a reduction in professional consultancy of $600,000, and a $2.6 million deduction for programme management. If yo…
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Head of Expenditure 64, Office of the Premier and Public Policy
It is basically being renamed. The purpose is essentially the same. It is an enterprise project management department, if you like, and the aim is to manage the programme and scheduling work for Government projects. This is pretty much a st…
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Head of Expenditure 64, Office of the Premier and Public Policy
A number of projects have been packaged and delivered by the unit, including one of the most prominent and biggest, the delivery of the port in Providenciales. I do not remember all of them, but that was certainly one of the marquee project…
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Head of Expenditure 64, Office of the Premier and Public Policy
I want to be clear with Members that, while colleagues on the front bench are answering these questions, I remind colleagues that there is a slot on the Cabinet agenda for question time. Some of these are policy issues that are best asked a…
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Head of Expenditure - $4,077,627.45
For special advisers, what I can say to the Honourable Leader of the Opposition is that provision will be made in the new budget for special advisers to the Ministry. They will, of course, be limited in number, and they will have to meet th…
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Head of Expenditure 65, National Security Secretariat
The motion has been moved by the Honourable Premier and seconded by the Honourable Deputy Premier, that the amount of $12,324,874.16 stands part of the schedule. All in favour, aye. Those to the contrary, no.
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Head of Expenditure 66, Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $16,885,182.55 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 67, National Lands Secretariat
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $5,290,937.50 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Head of Expenditure 68, National Audit Office
Attorney General, may I assist a little here? I believe what has happened is that the funds available for this audit of statutory bodies have not been expended, potentially because the scope of the work has not been carried out owing to sta…
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Total Expenditure
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $580,887,154.31 now stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $45,653,711.24 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 3 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 4 stands part of the Act. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Madam Chair, I believe there is an error on the Development Fund schedule. I would like to ask the Budget Director, Mrs Forbes, or somebody from the budget team to assist. If we look at the schedule, it is reflecting a variation of $3,276,2…
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Page 13. I think it was just about here. If you remember, earlier we made a correction to the long sheet. We made a correction to the Development Fund by decreasing it from $375,000 to $46,514,961. That was the revised allocation. During ou…
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
The other amendment I would like to make, Madam Chair, relates to the amended balance. The revised amount authorised at April 2025 to March 2026 now becomes $46,514,961, where it now reads $45,653,711.24.
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Page 13.
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Where it now reads $45,653,711.24, it should be amended to read $46,514,961.24. In other words, if you take the $3,276,200 from the original figure, $49,791,161, it should give you $46,514,961. I so move. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 109(2), the Bill entitled the Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026 be read for a third time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026
Mr Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 99, the Bill entitled the Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 No. 2 Bill 2026 do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I move that, in accordance with Standing Order 92, the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 be deferred to the next sitting of Parliament. Do I have a seconder?
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Government Motion No. 1 of 2026 - Provisional Warrant 2026/2027
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Whereas the Appropriations Act in respect of the 2026-2027 financial year may not come into operation by the beginning of the financial year; and whereas section 113 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution gives …
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Motion for the Amendment of the Companies Act 2017 to Provide Relief in Respect of Companies Dissolved Over 20 Years
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the motion. It is a substantial ask, and it will have an impact on a number of pieces of legislation. As it stands, under the Companies Ordinance, after a company has been str…
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SIPT Civil Recovery Proceedings Questions
Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Ninth Elected Member at Large put forward a number of questions in relation to SIPT civil recovery matters and costs. I promised to provide the answers to him through the Clerk. I now have the information, and I …
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SIPT Civil Recovery Proceedings Questions
I do not have them printed.
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SIPT Civil Recovery Proceedings Questions
Sorry, Mr. Speaker.
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SIPT Civil Recovery Proceedings Questions
I can email them to the Clerk. Thank you.
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Adjournment sine die
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned sine die.
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FIRST (1ST) SITTING OF THE EIGHTEENTH (18TH) MEETING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH (13TH) LEGISLATURE · 13 Mar 2026
Motion to Suspend Standing Order 12
Good morning, Mr Speaker, colleagues and Mrs Misick. Thank you for being here today to celebrate my birthday in Parliament. Mr Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 1, I move that Standing Order 12 be suspended to allow this Honourable House …
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Rearrangement of Business
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can proceed over all other business. In that regard, item number 6, papers, is to be taken as i…
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Draft Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement 2026-2027 to 2029-2030
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable Parliament, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and section 109 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, a Draft Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statemen…
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Draft Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement 2026-2027 to 2029-2030
Mr Speaker, I would like to make a short statement in relation to the laying of the paper on the FSPS. Do I do that first, or should I do that after?
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Draft Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement 2026-2027 to 2029-2030
I have laid that already.
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Draft Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement 2026-2027 to 2029-2030
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise today to lay before this Honourable Parliament a Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement for the period 2026-2027 to 2029-2030. The Statement represents the Governments medium-term fiscal framework in accordance …
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Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2025-2026 Draft Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, No. 3
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The statement that I just gave is public. It is on the radio and available to the public, and I am happy to provide the House with a copy to circulate among Members. It is basically a high-level outline. As I said in…
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House of Assembly Speaker and Other Members' Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill 2026
The Honourable Member for Kew Town and St. John's. Mr. Speaker, it probably should have been said at the beginning that I would want this Bill to go through all three readings today. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House of Assembly Speaker an…
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House of Assembly Speaker and Other Members' Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I apologize. I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 90(5), the Bill entitled House of Assembly Speaker and Other Members' Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill 2026 be allowed to go through all three r…
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House of Assembly Speaker and Other Members' Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Attorney General said everything that needed to be said. What I think is important, and I have said this over and over again, is that the Leader of the Opposition occupies a very important constitutional …
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Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In relation to the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026, I move that this be deferred until the next sitting of the Honourable Parliament. Second.
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South Caicos Constituency Issues
Mr. Speaker, given the fact that we are at the 1 o'clock hour, there are two points I would like to make quickly in response to the intervention made by the Honourable Member for South Caicos. When we come back it is question time, so we wo…
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Thank you for the question, Honourable Ninth All-Island Member. The answer to question 1 is yes. Of course, this matter is ongoing, and to the extent that we can speak directly to it, one has to be careful, but that is the intention.
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
The answer to that is yes. I will undertake to lay that answer on the Table, and work has already begun on compiling that schedule of expenditure or expenses. Currently, we have identified $124 million spent, but we are working on obtaining…
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Again, Mr. Speaker, the answer to that is yes. The compilation of the information is being undertaken at the moment because it is quite extensive and we want to make sure that we report accurately. That information will be forthcoming, pote…
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
I undertake to lay the information requested on the Table of the House as soon as it is available, Mr. Speaker. Is that the third or fourth question?
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Fourth. One was labelled twice.
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Instead of being 1, 2, 3.
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the Honourable Member for his question. I undertake to have that information laid on the Table of this House today.
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Mr. Speaker, I so undertake to do in due course, once the information is available. Thank you.
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SIPT and Civil Recovery Expenditure and Recoveries
Again, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to the Honourable Member for his question, and I will ensure that information is provided to the Parliament as soon as it is available.
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Question 8 - SIPT and civil recovery expenditure
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the question by the Honourable Member, and I undertake to provide that information to Parliament as soon as it is available. Parliament has an absolute right to know a breakdown of those costs, and I undertake…
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First (1st) Sitting of the Seventeenth (17th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 19 Feb 2026
Suspension of Standing Order 12 to sit beyond 6 PM
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 130, I move that Standing Order 12 be suspended to allow this Honourable House to sit beyond the 6 PM hour. Do I have a seconder?
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Rearrangement of Order Paper to give precedence to Government business
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that Government business can have precedence over all of the other business. In that regard, Mr. Speak…
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Laying of Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands approved virement log
Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable House, in accordance with Standing Order No. 32 and Section 51 of the Public Finance Management Regulations 2012, Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands approved Viamont's …
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First Reading of Destination Management Fee Amendment Bill 2026
I will, I will, I will read it, Mr. Speaker.
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First Reading of Destination Management Fee Amendment Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 94, that the bill entitled Destination Management Fee Amendment Bill 2026 be read for a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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First Reading of Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026
Mr. Speaker, I move that, pursuant to Standing Order 90.4, that the Bill entitled Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 be now read for a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Appointment of Select Committee to review Employment Act
No? I guess not.
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Appointment of Select Committee to review Employment Act
No?
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Condolences and request for moment of silence for Commissioner Stanley Williams
Speaker, it will be less than 2 minutes. I just want to add my voice to my colleagues who spoke, especially regarding condolences to families undergoing grief because of the loss of loved ones. I believe it is appropriate for us in this Hou…
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Condolences to Williams and Robinson families
Thank you. I would also like to extend my condolences to his wife and children. Like Hon. Willin Belliard, I served as a police constable under Commissioner Stanley, long before he retired, when he was still a relatively young senior office…
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Condolences and announcement of State of the State address
There are others I haven't written down, so I want to associate my condolences and thoughts with all those mentioned by everyone else today. Mr. Speaker, I will be delivering the State of the State on the 26th of this month, so I'll keep my…
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Apology and Mortgage Corporation Bill first reading delay
Mr. Speaker, again, I apologize for the late start of the House this morning. We did have some technical issues, as you outlined, and in fairness to yourself and the Clerk, I take full responsibility for that because it was in relation to t…
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Motion to adjourn the House sine die
Thank you very much. And with that said, Mr. Speaker, I move that this House now stands adjourned. Sine die.
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First (1st) Sitting of the Sixteenth (16th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 14 Jan 2026
Suspension of Standing Order 12 - Sitting beyond 6 PM
Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to my colleagues in the House and both sides of the aisle. Good morning to those persons in the gallery who are here to assist with the proceedings of the day. Good…
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Rearrangement of Order of Business
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this Honourable Parliament so that government business can have precedence over all the other business. In that regard, I move that item…
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Laying of National Health Insurance Board and Sports Commission Estimates 2025-2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable Parliament, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and Sections 115 and 116, of the Turk and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, the Government of the…
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Referral of Estimates to Appropriations Committee
Now, Mr. Speaker, I move that the above-mentioned Estimates 2025/2026 be referred to the Appropriations Committee to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 115.
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Laying of Environment Log
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable House, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and Standing Order 51.6 of the Public Finance Management Regulations 2012, Government of the Turk and Caicos…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 Bill - Motion for Three Readings
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that pursuant to Standing Order 90.5, the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026, Bill No. 26, sorry, Bill 2026B, be allowed to go through all three readings within this meeting on the basis of o…
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 Bill - Motion for Three Readings
Just doing this bit of housekeeping before I move on to the reading. I will have to ask for a seconder.
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 Bill - First Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that pursuant to Standing Order 94, the Bill entitled Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, Bill 2026 be read a first time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 Bill - Second Reading
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Supplementary Appropriation 2025-2026, Bill 2026, be read for a second time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriations 2025-2026 Bill - Second Reading Debate
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2025/2026 is before us to consider, and it is about how a responsible government governs in real time when circumstances evolve, pressures eme…
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Referral of Bill to Committee of Supply
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the bill be referred to the Committee of Supply.
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Referral of Bill to Committee of Supply
Pursuant to Standing Order 107, Mr. Speaker, that the bill, along with its estimates of revenue and expenditure, be referred to the Committee of Supply.
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Committee of Supply - Head 64 Office of the Premier and Public Policy
Thanks. Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $7,418,788.03 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Committee of Supply - Head 64 Office of the Premier and Public Policy - Special Advisors
The additional funding relates to the Code of Conduct in Public Office, which allows the government to hire special advisors. Currently, the cost of such advisors is to be absorbed by the political party in office, not by the public purse. …
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Committee of Supply - Head 64 Office of the Premier and Public Policy - Special Advisors
These are political strategy, policy-type advisors, so you are not hired as a public servant. From a good government point of view, you still have to follow the code of conduct and meet certain criteria, but apart from that, once you have t…
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Committee of Supply - Head 67 National Land Secretariat
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $5,910,785.88 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Motion to include $580,887,154.31 in the schedule
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $580,887,154.31 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Motion to include $49,791,161.24 in the schedule
Madam Chair, I move that the sum of $49,791,161.24 stands part of the schedule. Do I have a seconder?
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Clause 4 - supporting schedules form part of Act
I move that Clause 4 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Third reading motion - Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026 Bill 2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Bill entitled the Supplementary Appropriation 2025-2026, Bill 2026, be read a 3rd time. Do I have a seconder?
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Supplementary Appropriation 2025-2026 Bill - Passage Motion
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that pursuant to Standing Order 99, the bill entitled the Supplementary Appropriation 2025/2026, Bill 2026, do now pass. Do I have a seconder?
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Condolences and Adjournment
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we've come to the end of the business for the day. The Honourable Member for Kingston and the Islands. I would just like to thank the members for their cooperation in us getting this very important bill …
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First (1st) Sitting of the Fifteenth (15th) Meeting of the First Session of the Thirteenth (13th) Legislature · 8 Jan 2026
Suspension of Standing Order 12 to sit beyond 6 PM
Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to our support staff from the Attorney General's Chambers in the gallery and other support staff from ministries. Good morning, everybody. Gallery, Turks and Caicos, peo…
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Motion to rearrange order of business for government precedence
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 49, I wish to rearrange the business of this honourable Parliament so that government business can have precedence over all the other business. In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I m…
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Laying of Second Supplementary Appropriation Estimates 2025/2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to lay on the table of this Honourable Parliament, in accordance with Standing Order 32 and Sections 115 and 116 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011, the Government of the…
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Referral of Supplementary Estimate 2025-2026 to Appropriations Committee and request for suspension
Two things, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Second Supplementary Estimate 2025-2026 be referred to the Appropriations Committee to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 115. On the heel of that, I would like to beg your …
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Confirmation of request for suspension
Yes, I would like the suspension now.
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Presentation on Second Supplementary Appropriation Estimates 2025/2026
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks again, our colleague, and thanks to the Ministry of Finance and particularly the Budget Office for the preparation of the Estimates, Supplementary Estimates No. 2. The Supplementary Estimates No. 2 for 2025/20…
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Presentation on Second Supplementary Appropriation Estimates 2025/2026
This underscores the increase in cruise passenger numbers during this fiscal year. The reinstatement of the Director of Business Transformation, reinforcing public sector reforms; $350,000 for the enhancement of sports infrastructure; and $…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Preparation
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I realize we're moving into the committee, but before we move into the committee, I would want to ask, just as a sort of a background or the context for the contributions, to make a short statement given…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Preparation
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in your absence, I did make a statement the last time, so I wouldn't go over, rehash what I've already said, but I think it's important to just highlight the factual salient points of what we're dealing …
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Preparation
Mr. Speaker, the assessment has guided this work. The legislation before this House gives it legal effect. Together, they move us toward the future this House has consistently articulated— one of shared prosperity, resilience, and genuine i…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Preparation
Mr. Speaker, since we're moving into committee, what I would suggest is to move for committee, and we can take the break before we actually start the work in committee.
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 1 now stands as part of the bill.
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 2
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 3
I move that Clause 3 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 3 Amendments
There are amendments being proposed under the Business License Amendment Bill 2025. In Clause 3, in the chapeau, by deleting the word three. In paragraph, by deleting the word definition and substituting the word definitions. In Section 1, …
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 3 Amendments
Okay, all right, thank you.
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 3 Amendments
The motion is that the bill be amended to take account of the changes I have just read. If there are any questions, I'm happy to answer them. Otherwise, I would want someone to second the motion.
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 4
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 4 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 5
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 5 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 5
You'll have to read this in connection with Clause 3, as this sets up the context for the bill.
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Business License Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, Clause 5
Section 4 of the Act reads: where the business to be licensed consists of separate and distinct undertakings which are not reasonably incidental in nature or degree to the main activity of the relevant business, whether on the same premises…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 5 Amendment
This amendment provides that no licensee shall carry on the business of a separate or distinct undertaking without obtaining a license in accordance with Section 4. The existing license of a separate business in the Act becomes one. Under t…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 5 Amendment
So what is 4 now will become Section 1, and then 2 will come in, will be new. And so 2 sort of validates 1, and then 3 sets the penalty.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 6
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 6 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 6 Amendment
Yes, Madam Chair. In Clause 6, I would like to propose an amendment by deleting the word 'amended' and by repealing Section 5 and substituting the following. In subsection 1, by deleting the word 'if'. This is the original bill. The Act say…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 6 Amendment
Oh, I was reading the wrong thing. All right. I'm done.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 6 Amendment
Currently there is no board. A long time ago there used to be a board to deal with these things. When this was considered, the idea was whether business licenses or some of them should come to Cabinet, but we felt that was not the best use …
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 7 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
Madam Chair, the bill seeks to insert Section 6A and Section 6B, which deal with the duration, renewal, and restricted category approval. Clause 7 inserts a new Section 6A consolidating provisions relating to the duration and renewal of lic…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
There was a particular need to produce a particular medical product—oxygen. In the past we used to import oxygen, now we make it. This is an example, and that is made at the hospital. It is highly specialized and could be risky. Before Cabi…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
Now that I have explained the rationale, the motion is that in the marginal note, we delete the word 'Section 6A' and substitute 'Sections 6A and 6B'. Secondly, by deleting the word 'section' and substituting 'sections'.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
In the marginal note where we have 6A inserted, that becomes 6A and 6B. On the line immediately below, it says the principal act amended by inserting the following sections after Section 6. By inserting after the proposed Section 6A the fol…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
2, the Minister in Cabinet may, in exceptional circumstances, waive the requirement under Section 3 in relation to the ownership of a business in the restricted category. Ordinarily, it requires 50% ownership by a Turks and Caicos Islander,…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
If necessary, I can read. Sorry.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 7 Amendment
Honourable Leader of the Opposition, it only applies to the restricted category.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 8
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 8 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 8 Amendment
Thanks very much, Madam Chair.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 8 Amendment
I am proposing an amendment to this clause. In Clause 8, we are proposing in the marginal note, by deleting the marginal note and substituting the words 'Sections 7A, 7B, and 7C'.
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 8 Amendment
You will find the proposed changes on page 3 of the motion to amend, paragraph D. The proposal is by deleting the marginal note and substituting the words 'Sections 7A, 7B, and 7C', and consequently renumbering the proposed sections 7 as Se…
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Bill Committee Stage - Clause 8 Amendment
In the renumbering, Section 7 by deleting the words '7A' and substituting the words '7B' where it occurs, and by inserting the following new proposed section as 7A. The new Section 7A will be: a business license shall be granted for one of …
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 8 and Section 7A categories
In the renumbering of Section 7, we are deleting the words 7A and substituting 7B where it occurs. Additionally, we are inserting a new proposed section as 7A. The new Section 7A will replace the existing one. Section A1 will read: a busine…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clarification on business categories
Thanks, Honourable Member, for raising that. The amendment already made to Clause 3, Sub-Clause 4, states: where the business activity is in the exclusive category, the business shall be 100% owned by Turks and Caicos Islanders. The reserve…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 8 change of ownership provisions
What is the question?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 9 adoption
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 9 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 10 adoption
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 10 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 10 adoption
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 10 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 10 amendments
Madam Chair, I'd like to move in Clause 10, in the proposed Section 17, that in paragraph C, by deleting the word section 7 and substituting Section 7. And by renumbering clauses 11, 12, and 13. In paragraph E, by deleting subsection 4 and …
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Clause 10 amendments
Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Renumbering clauses
Madam Chair, I would like to make a further motion to renumber clauses 11, 12, 13, and 14 as 12, 13, 14, and 15 respectively. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Enforcement provisions
It's a very good question. I believe the bill overall imposes tougher sentencing, and that's why when I spoke I mentioned it is not just in form, including information as to whether there's been any change of ownership. You will see when we…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Enforcement provisions
There are issues, administrative penalties, and criminal penalties. There are also provisions for licenses to be suspended. The regulations are meant to be smart. Part of our problem in the past with regulations is that we have to find peop…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - Enforcement provisions
So essentially what this package of regulation does is to penalize people at the source. If you don't have a business license because you've falsified information or are criminally fronting, then you will be stopped and unable to operate. T…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - New Clause 11 (Sections 19A-19H)
Madam Chair, I'd like to make a further amendment by inserting a new Clause 11 as Sections 19A to 19H. The Principal Act is amended by inserting the following sections after Section 19: test of effective control, substance over form, which …
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Committee Stage - Business Licensing Act Amendments (Sections 19A-19H)
As Section 19A to 19H inserted. The Principal Act is amended by inserting the following sections after Section 19 as a test of effective control, substance over form, which partially speaks to what the Leader of the Opposition was referring…
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Committee Stage - Business Licensing Act Amendments (Sections 19A-19H)
Oh, sorry. Right, I still move.
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Committee Stage - Business Licensing Act Amendments (Sections 19A-19H)
All right. Sorry.
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Committee Stage - Business Licensing Act Amendments (Sections 19A-19H)
Let me see if I can help out here because we have to be careful not to use a sledgehammer to kill a fly. Remember we're talking about all businesses, including MSMEs. Somebody who is running a small business with a couple of hundred thousan…
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Committee Stage - Business Licensing Act Amendments (Sections 19A-19H)
But the little guy selling some fish on the side of the road or in a small place, if he's found foul of the law, you have to leave some space there because a lot of small businesses find themselves on the wrong side of the law because they …
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Business Licensing Ordinance - definition and regulation of fronting
That's fronting.
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Business Licensing Ordinance - penalties for repeat fronting offences
I believe that is automatically possible, but she can then choose any one of the other options to the suspension that would be harsher. My view is if a business license is suspended and the person continues to trade, then they are committin…
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Business Licensing Ordinance - penalties for repeat fronting offences
Right, so the PS now has the ability to revoke the licence. So I don't know that you need to tier it to add a first or second offence. I think that is automatically built in.
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Business Licensing Bill - Clause 12 motion
Madam Chair, I move that Clause 12 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Bill - Clause 13 motion
Thanks, Madam Chair. I move that Clause 13 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Bill - Clause 14 motion
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Clause 14 stands part of the bill. May I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Bill - Clause 15 motion
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Clause 15 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Clause 15 - savings and transitional provisions
There are four different categories of business. Some are currently 100% owned by persons other than Turks and Caicos Islanders. It would be bad law to require them to sell to a Turks and Caicos Islander, so they have a choice. If they adju…
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Clause 15 - savings and transitional provisions
I don't know if it's expressed correctly, and maybe we should look at that. At 16, it says a license— are we there yet?
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Clause 15 - savings and transitional provisions
You have a choice to adjust to 60/40, in which case the license cost remains, or if you stay at 50/50, you pay an extra 50%. Also, if you decide to sell the business, you must give the right of first refusal to your Belonger partner or anot…
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
Could I go ahead? Madam Chair, I move that Clause 16 now stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
As I explained earlier, Honourable Member, it's not a penalty but an additional revenue measure. There is no sunset clause. As long as you operate under those conditions, you pay the different licence fee. That is the proposal.
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
I move that there be a transitional provision. Section 16 will be inserted to read: A licensee of an existing licensed business shall be granted up to 12 months to comply with the Act or pay an annual surcharge equal to 100% of the license …
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
Based on the question raised by the Honourable Member for Leeward—
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
I don't have any amendments to make to the proposed amendment.
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Clause 16 - transitional provisions
Yes, the schedule of fees relating to business licenses is under review. Whatever the fees end up being, any business in that category will have their fee doubled.
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Business Licence Bill - Transitional Provisions and Surcharge
If it is voluntary transition, it may not be necessary. I'm not sure. If I can get some advice on that, I'd appreciate it.
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Business Licence Bill - Transitional Provisions and Surcharge
They would have to apply to the new rules to prove that there hasn't been any change in the ownership. There will be some documentation to return to the IRD. You will have to prove that you still own the same portion, because once this goes…
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Business Licence Bill - Transitional Provisions and Surcharge
The only way the IRD will know that is if a provision is made on the annual application to provide proof that the proportion of ownership remains the same, or if there's any change, it doesn't go below the 60/40. Premier, I'm prepared to—
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Business Licence Bill - Transitional Provisions and Surcharge
That remains for the purpose of paying the fee, but if you dilute the interest, then the law already says you can't do that.
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Business Licence Bill - Transitional Provisions and Surcharge
Nothing changes, but you still pay a surcharge. In terms of providing proof that nothing has changed, you still have to make a certain declaration. That's the only thing that changes.
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Honourable Member for Leeward, thanks for your question. We've had another look at this 16. I move an amendment to the new transitional provision to delete the words 'provisions of' in 1, which now says 'a licensee of an existing licensed b…
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
So, because of everything else I've said before, there's no obligation, right?
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
What that does is limit it to the ownership provision and nothing else.
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
In the bill itself where ages 40 and older, but they wanted to add 2, 3, and 4. She did mention that there.
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Yes. And 4, where's 4? No, you just write in 2, 3, and 4. What does 4 relate to?
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Under the new 16, there's an amendment called I. This is a new—
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Yeah, it is. Was that a schedule?
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Okay, so she has to— you want to—
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
You have to put the question, Vena. I think you have to put the question, Schedule 2.
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Business Licence Bill - Clause 16 Amendments
Oh, I thought we finished.
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Business Licence Bill - Schedule 1
Yes, Madam Chair, I move that Schedule 1 stands part of the bill. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licence Bill - Schedule 1
The schedules should be 'schedule' and refer to both schedules. So we'll delete the S in the motion so that the motion that I put earlier remains but without the S.
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Business Licence Bill - Schedule 1
The schedules should be schedule and refer to both schedules. We'll delete the S in the motion so that the motion remains but without the S.
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Business Licence Bill - Schedule 2
I think Schedule 2 has to be amended.
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Business Licence Bill - Schedule 2
I move that Schedule 2 stands part of the bill.
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Amendments
I move that Schedule 2 stands part of the bill. There's a motion that in Schedule 2, by inserting after the words 200 the following: fails to disclose or provide false or misleading information, and that is in relationship to 19E, and the a…
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Amendments
And 4. No, the conjunction, and 4 in brackets.
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 - Third Reading
Thank you, Honourable Speaker. I move pursuant to Standing Order 99 that the bill entitled Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 be read for a third time. Do I have a seconder?
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Business Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 - Third Reading and Passage
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary Mr. Fareek Bruce, Ms. Foster, the Premier's and Ministry of Finance team, the members of the IRD, and particularly the Attorney General and the Attor…
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No matching contributions.