PUBLIC SERVICE TIMES NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ANNUAL REPORT

Foreward: Journey with us as we embark on “Mission Transformation”.

Rising Stars: Celebrating Success and ExcellenceRecent Promotions Shine Light on Talent and Dedication.

Comprehensive review of Public Service Pay and Allowances.

Charting the Path to Success: Key Priorities for 2024/2025.

Welcome to the Public Service Times Newsletter, where we aim to inform, engage, and empower our dedicated civil servants Our objectives include sharing important updates, recognizing outstanding contributions, fostering collaboration, and promoting excellence in the public service.

Innovative, Serve, Excel: Civil Service Recruitment Highlights

Amidst the period spanning from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the Human Resource Management Directorate embarked on a dynamic recruitment journey, successfully advertising seven recruitment batches that culminated in the recruitment of 142 talented individuals within the public service.

A comprehensive review of public service pay and allowances was conducted from June to November 2023.

From June to November 2023, a comprehensive and meticulous review of public service pay and allowances was undertaken within the civil service This review process was guided by principles of fairness,

transparency, and alignment with industry standards to ensure that remuneration packages reflect the value and contributions of employees

FOREWARD

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service

I am pleased to officially launch the new ‘Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Times Newsletter’, which will be published quarterly to provide updates to the public and, more importantly, members of the Public Service on key objectives, milestones, and achievements accomplished in the Public Service, as well as other informative information

The Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service, the largest employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a total staff complement of over 2,000 employees, continues to play a key role in the delivery of services to residents and visitors throughout our islands on behalf of the Government.

In this first edition of the ‘TCI Public Service Times’ , we are pleased to share our accomplishments during the 2023/2024 Financial Year and provide a forward look for the 2024/2025 Financial Year ahead

The Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service is undergoing major transformative change as we seek to improve our delivery and performance

The Financial Year 2023/2024 was a remarkable year across the Public Service which benefitted from a significant number of new appointments and promotions, as well as the implementation of a new pay and grading structure

In 2024/2025, we will continue our sharp focus on improvements in service delivery and will launch a new vision and strategic plan for the Public Service which will heavily focus on business transformation

I wish to express my profound thanks to public servants across the Turks and Caicos Islands for the invaluable contributions they are making I ask for their continued hard work, dedication and support, as well as that of the public, as we launch our new objectives and strategic goals for the years ahead.

Journey with us as we embark on “Mission Transformation”!

RISING STARS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND EXCELLENCE - RECENT PROMOTIONS SHINE LIGHT ON TALENT AND DEDICATION

In a testament to talent, dedication, and commitment to service excellence, the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service announced the successful promotion of 74 public servants during the financial year 2023/24 These promotions signify a significant milestone in the professional growth and advancement of individuals within the public service; highlighting the importance of recognizing and rewarding merit, competence, and leadership potential

Embracing a culture of internal talent development and opportunities for career progression, the public service takes pride in fostering a supportive environment where employees can flourish, showcase their skills, and contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals.

The promotion of 74 deserving individuals reflects the public service's commitment to nurturing a skilled, dedicated workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving demands of public administration and service delivery

Head of the Public Service, H E Anya Williams, expressed her enthusiasm and pride in the promotion of these individuals, emphasizing the significance of internal advancements within the public service

H E Williams remarked, "We are always pleased to welcome new starters to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service, but we are overjoyed when new appointments are made through promotions from within. This not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of our employees but also underscores our commitment to investing in our talented civil servants.

The promotions serve as a testament to the merit-based approach and professional growth opportunities available within the public service, encouraging employees to strive for excellence, seize career development prospects, and contribute to the public good through their elevated roles and responsibilities. Each promoted individual represents a success story of perseverance, skill enhancement, and commitment to upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and service excellence”

MS CHAWA WILLIAMS - DEPUTY SECRETARY PHYSICAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

DR VIRGINIA CLERVEAUX - PERMANENT SECRETARY, GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

MRS LORMEKA WILLIAMS – DEPUTY SECRETARY OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND PUBLIC POLICY

MRS KEZZIA HAMILTON-FORBES, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

MR EMILIO SEYMOUR, DIRECTOR GENERAL BORDER FORCE

MR DOMINIQUE DURHAM – DEPUTY SECRETARY PHYSICAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

MR KIMO TYNES, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

MR ADDERLEY SELVER, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

MIQUEL SWANN- PERMANENT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

MRS BR DGETTE NEWMAN – PERMANENT SECRETARY, MIN STRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY

RISING STARS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND EXCELLENCE - RECENT PROMOTIONS SHINE LIGHT ON TALENT AND DEDICATION

RISING STARS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND EXCELLENCE - RECENT PROMOTIONS SHINE LIGHT ON TALENT AND DEDICATION

MRS VANDA HARVEY – VICE PRINCIPAL

MR THROY FORBES – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION

MS TERSHANA WILLIAMS – CROWN COUNSEL

MRS LAVANDA GREENWAY – HUMAN RESOURCE M

MS SHARDAE FRANCIS – EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) SUPERVISOR

MR. LEONARDO GLASGOW – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING (ENFORCEMENT)

MRS LASHAUNDA DICKENSON-SKIPPINGS –SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATOR

MRS SHENIKA BOYCE-FULFORD – FINANCE MANAGER

MS LATANYA LEWIS – MIGRANT HEALTH MANAGER

MS SHANETTA THOMPSON – HEAD OF SECRETARIAT

MS TALESTRA DIXON – REGISTRAR

MS DERNELLE WILLIAMS – FINANCE MANAGER

MRS KRISTEN BROWN-GLINTON – SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

MS AKERRA WILLIAMS – SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

MR. LERANO MISSICK – SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER

MS. YELENA ROBERTS – SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

RISING STARS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND EXCELLENCE - RECENT PROMOTIONS SHINE LIGHT ON TALENT AND DEDICATION

RISING STARS: CELEBRATING SUCCE ERECENT PROMOTIONS SHINE LIGHT DEDICATION

Ms. Teren Smith – Senior Immigration Officer

Mr. Stanley Taylor - Rehabilitation Manager

Mr. Bjorn Griffiths – Senior Immigration Officer

Mr. Clayton Jennings – Senior Immigration Officer

Ms. Brendalee Been – Senior Labour Inspector

Mr. Dexter Moore – Senior Labour Inspector

Ms. Raegeane Smith – Tax Officer

Ms. Angelina Malcolm – Training Officer

Ms. Jasmine Harvey – Customs Officer

Ms. Florica Lightbourne – Liaison Officer

Ms. Adrianna Handfield – Liaison Officer

Mr. Snider Pierre – Senior Tax Officer

Ms. Genarra Jones – Senior Finance Officer

Mr. Trevor Williams Jnr. – Senior Maritime Officer

Mr. Davene Saintilien – Senior Prison Officer

MS LAREESA ROBINSON – HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

MS WIDWINA ARIZA – HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

MS ASHLEY SMITH-JOSEPH – SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER

MS DANIELLE STEWART – SOCIAL WORKER

MS MARTIKA BOYCE – SUPERVISOR – WELLNESS CENTER

MS KISSYAH GARDINER – PROBATION OFFICER

MR ANDY MISSICK – PROBATION OFFICER

MS PAULA VIRGIL-STUBBS – PROTOCOL ASSISTANT

MS SHARDAYE RICHARDSON – HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

MR JORDEL SWANN - SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITOR

WelcomeBack,DrivenStudents

Pursuing educational endeavours is a pivotal milestone in an individual's professional journey, representing a commitment to continuous growth and development

In reflection of this dedication to personal and professional advancement, we are delighted to announce the inclusion of our returning students within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service in the preceding year The return of local talent serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment these individuals hold towards honing their knowledge and skills, equipping themselves with the tools necessary to navigate their chosen career pathways with expertise and finesse

It is with utmost admiration that we commend these returning students for their unwavering dedication and commendable decision to not only return to their native land but also to pledge their service to the Public Service, thus offering invaluable contributions to the prosperity and growth of our nation

As we celebrate the achievements of these returning students, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all students embarking on their educational journeys to consider the impact of their future decisions We encourage you to contemplate returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands, embracing the opportunity to be catalysts for positive change and active participants in the ongoing development and progress of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Miss Zaria Ingham –Communications Coordinator

Miss Drexanna Seymour –Probation Officer

Mr. Alique Harvey –Communications Officer

Miss Aniquia Musgrove – Medical Records Manager

Mr. Edwin Myers – Finance Officer

Mrs. Donessia Gardiner-Skippings - Quality Assurance Officer

RETIREMENT

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF SERVICE: HONORING DISTINGUISHED RETIREES IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PUBLIC SERVICE

Retirement is a significant milestone that marks the culmination of one's dedicated service to the public sector. Throughout the years, members of the public service bid farewell to several distinguished employees, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Their years of unwavering commitment, expertise, and dedication have been invaluable in shaping the landscape of governance and public service in our nation As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, we express our heartfelt gratitude for their tireless contributions and unwavering service

We extend our best wishes to these retirees as they enter this well-deserved period of rest and relaxation, knowing that their legacy of excellence will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come

We bid farewell to the following civil servants:

MinistryofFinance, InvestmentandTrade

Mrs. Verneice Selver

Mr. Conrad Simmons

Mrs. Sherolee Forbes

Ms. Edith Morris

Mrs Pearl Malcolm

Ms. Margaret Forbes

MinistryofTourism, Environment,Fisheries andMarineAffairs

Mr. Henry Wilson

MinistryofHealthandHumanServices

Ms Marcia Hall

Mrs Claudia Seymour

Ms Darlene Lightbourne

Ms Barbara Taylor

Ms Emily Pierre

Mrs Mary Deane

Ms Gesner Sine

Ms Joanne Handfield

Mrs Alberta Adams

(Deceased)

Mr Leroy James

Mrs Aldora Robinson

Ms Carol Frith

Mrs Marilyn Williams

Mr. Wendell Seymour

Ms. Constant Santilien

Verneice Selver – Speaking at Retirement Event

Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Public Utilities

Mr. Joseph Williams

Ms. Brandalee Ingham

Mrs. Almaida Wilson

Ms. Cynclair Musgrove

Ministry of Immigration and Border Services

Ms. Manvalla Missick

Ms. Karen Higgs

Ministry of Physical Planning and Development

Mr. Frank Smith

Mr. Dennis Simmons

Ms. Barbara Simmons

Ms. Laudess Moore

Human Resource Management Directorate/DGO

Mr. Mark Greenway

Deputy Governor, Anya Williams Speaking at Retirement Event for Mrs Almaida Wilson

Mrs. Aldora Robinson – Speaking at Retirement Event

ent Event

Ms Marcia Hall - Speaking at Retirement Event

Mr Joseph Williams - Retiree

PUBLIC SERVICE PAY AND GRADING REVIEW

lead in delivering the Government’s mandate

The government should also be able to offer competitive remuneration packages on par with regional public services with economies similar to the Turks and Caicos Islands

In line with the above, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government undertook, as a part of its priority objectives, a comprehensive review of all public service pay and allowances during the period from June to November 2023.

The objectives of the pay and grading review were:

To create a pay and grading system that supports the delivery of high-quality public services, which includes support for

the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel needed to manage and deliver those services

To create a system that ensures that pay is equitable, taking account of job responsibilities and demands

To create a system that motivates, recognizes and rewards high levels of performance

Following the successful completion of the review, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government on December 1, 2023 implemented a new pay and grading structure which resulted in increases from a minimum ten percent up to fifty-seven percent across the board.

The 2023 Pay and Grading Review represents the single largest investment ever made into the public service of these islands at a total cost of over $18m.

This work will continue in 2024 with a comprehensive review of all statutory bodies pay and allowances

Enhanced Pension and Gratuity Benefits for Public Servants in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Pension and Gratuity program for post-1992 employees on April 1, 2022. The program stipulates that post-1992 employees serving on April 1, 2022, are entitled to a 3% employer contribution of their annual basic salary for each year of service before April 1, 2022, and a 6% contribution (3% employer and 3% employee) for service after April 1, 2022.

As of March 31, 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands Pension Fund recorded a closing balance of $21 17 million, including $7 million in contributions from employers and employees of the TCI Public Service and Statutory Bodies during the year.

n in 000

was disbursed to 21 employees in 2022/23, and $692,000 was paid to 57 retiring or resigning employees in the financial year 2023/24.

For the Pre-1992 program reinstated on April 1, 2022, allowing public servants to opt for a 25% upfront gratuity payment, a total of $764,075.79 in gratuities was distributed to six pre-1992 employees upon their retirement.

These adjustments reflect the government's commitment to rewarding and recognizing the valuable contributions of its employees while ensuring fair compensation and benefits across different roles within the public service

Congratulations is extended to Ms. Abbigail Clarke, Senior Internal Auditor in the Office Of the Chief Internal Auditor (OCIA), who successfully obtained the esteemed professional certification of Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) in November 2023

Recognized as the premier designation by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for over 40 years, the CIA® upholds the highest standards of excellence in the field This globally acclaimed certification signifies unparalleled knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for proficiently executing professional responsibilities in internal auditing worldwide

Abbigail's achievement of the CIA® certification marks a significant milestone for the OCIA and the TCI Government It reflects years of unwavering effort, dedication, and personal commitment Abbigail now stands as the solitary local CIA® within the OCIA and one of just two individuals in the entire TCI Government holding this prestigious certification She joins an exclusive cohort of Certified Internal Auditors in the Caribbean Region and is among the 185,000 professionals worldwide with this esteemed global recognition

In reflecting on her achievement, Abbigail Clarke expressed, “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” – Isaiah 60:22.

Attains Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) Designation

I believe this verse perfectly sums up the way I feel now that I have reached this destination along my journey. It was indeed challenging, with its ups and downs and lessons learned along the way but it was also very much rewarding. It showed me that with determination and perseverance, I can achieve any goal I set my mind to. There were setbacks but only to help me to refine my strategies and there were failures but only to make this success even sweeter.

This certification demonstrates credibility, competency and commitment. It also demonstrates that I am prepared to help the Turks and Caicos Islands Government meet and overcome current and future challenges.”

In congratulating Ms Clarke, Her Excellency Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams said, “Congratulations to Ms. Abigail Clarke on obtaining her professional qualification as a Certified Internal Auditor. We are extremely proud of her accomplishment and are pleased that we were able to support her studies through the Public Service Professional Development Fund which was created for the specific purpose of providing financial assistance to public servants to pursue opportunities for training and personal development.

We hope that your achievement will serve as a shining example to other public servants to pursue similar training opportunities.”

Celebrating Over A Decade of Excellence: The Dynamic Executive Leadership Team of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government

comprising dedicated Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries.

Each day, these individuals devote themselves wholeheartedly to steer and realize the objectives of their respective ministries, showcasing unwavering commitment and expertise.

Reflecting on the journey of the past fills us with a profound sense of pride as we witness the remarkable growth and achievements of the Executive Management Group within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service

The collaborative efforts of these adept teams have not only sustained but also propelled forward the standards of leadership and operational excellence within our government framework, setting a sterling example of effective governance and visionary leadership.

Office of the Deputy Governor Priority Objectives 2024/2025:

Recr

Training and Development Public Year g Plan – Vision 2025-2030 –“Mission Transformation”

Launch of the 2024/25 Recruitment Plan

Launch of E-Jobs Online Recruitment Platform

Significantly reduce all new and existing vacancies by the third quarter

All ministries and departments across the government are required to draft and submit plans to transform service delivery within their areas of responsibility over the next five years

The official launch of the new Training Directorate

Revised TCIG Training Policy

Launch of the 2024/25 Training Plan

Hosting of the 2024 Public Service Leadership Forum aimed at building the skills of our public service leaders

Revised Public Service Professional Development Policy

Revised Study Leave Policy

Launch of Public Service Skills Audit

Procurement Review

Implementation of the recommendations of the 2023 Procurement Ordinance Review

Drafting of the new Procurement Manual

Launch of E-Procurement

Office of the Deputy Governor Priority Objectives 2024/2025:

E-Government

TCI Statutory Body Pay and Grading Review –

April –July 2024

Revised Public Service

Communication Strategy

Rollout of Public Service Commission

Online Meeting Platform

Implementation of E-Cabinet

Implementation of new HR System

A comprehensive review of all statutory bodies' pay and grading structures

Official launch of the “Public Service Times” quarterly newsletter

Mid-year in-person all-island public service meetings

Implementation of an internal intranet to disseminate public service circulars and other forms of internal communication

Performance Management

Terminal Benefits

Legislative Review

The establishment of a new Compliance Unit with the Office of the Deputy Governor

Setting of new public service standards

Launch of new performance appraisal system

Official Handover of the TCI Pension Fund

Administration and Investment

Review and amendment of the Public Service Ordinance and Handbook

Review and Amendment of the 2022 TCIG Public Service Pension Ordinance

Review and Amendment of the TCIG Private Employment Policy

HIGHLIGHTS: 2023 Career Symposium

2024 Career Symposium

2023 Human Resource Professional Day HIGHLIGHTS:

Quarterly Newsletter

Events:

Civil Service Week 2024 – June 16-22, 2024

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Contribute to our quarterly newsletter! Share your insights and success stories with the Public Service community.

Submit your articles to the Office of the Deputy Governor at publicservicetimes@gov.tc

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The Government of The Turks and Caicos Islands regularly seeks qualified individuals to fill positions throughout the Public Service.

In addition to competitive salaries, government employees receive generous benefits packages, opportunities for training and development, and a stable, rewarding career.

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