News

BUSINESS OWNER SAVES BIG FROM SOLAR SYSTEM

Published

10 years ago

October 7, 2014

KINGSTON, Oct. 3 (Jamaica Information Service): A New Kingston business owner is reaping the benefits of reduced energy costs, following the installation of a US$30,000 photovoltaic solar system at her premises.

Operator of the Oasis on the Oxford, Lorraine Clunie, is encouraging other small business owners to take the step towards renewable energy, following a dramatic reduction in her electricity bills after just three months.
“My light bill was coming to about $150,000 per month, sometimes even as high as $210,000. I installed the 15-kilowatt system in June and the following month I received a bill for $40,000 and after that my light bill went down even further to $20,000,” she said.

Mrs. Clunie, who was speaking to JIS News at her company on Oxford Road, following a tour of the premises by Energy Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, on October 3, said there were times when she considered closing her business, as the energy cost had become quite unbearable.

“There were times when just to pay the light bill, I was not able to pay my staff or to pay my lease,” she noted.
“I got to a point where I didn’t know what to do and then I heard a statement from the Minister encouraging persons to go solar and so I became aware of the possibilities and the benefits that could be derived,” she added.
Mrs. Clunie said after doing some research on solar energy, she decided to acquire the system using her credit card, importing a part at a time.

“I didn’t have all the money at once, so I decided to buy it piece by piece. It took me nine to ten months to acquire the entire system and to get everything here. And the major thing was that I didn’t have to pay any duty on the system, because of the Government’s duty free policy on renewable energy systems,” she told JIS News.

She informed that her system, which includes 81 solar panels, now provides all the energy she needs to run her New Kingston business complex, which houses the Red Snapper Restaurant, the Thirsty Man pub, and Elegant Weddings.
Mrs. Clunie is now in the process of applying for a licence from the Office of the Utilities Regulation (OUR) for Net Billing to sell excess energy to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

“I would encourage small business owners to just get with the programme. The fact is I am now much better off and this system will pay for itself in about 18 to 20 months,” she says.

In the meantime, Minister Paulwell told JIS News that the installation of the system demonstrates the importance of using those incentives that the government has provided to small businesses to lower their cost of electricity.

“This is a good model for small businesses and it has slashed their electricity usage and costs significantly, making the business so much more viable and productive,” he noted.

“So, when we say that each person has a responsibility to reduce the cost of electricity, this is one of the models that we want to promote,” the Minister said.

He pointed out that once the system is installed, it is maintenance free for almost 20 years. “You make back your money in four years and you’re able to generate a significant profit from it, so it is definitely a win, win,” the Minister said.

Related Topics:jamaica Lorraine Clunie Oasis on the Oxford solar system

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

4 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

4 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.