News

House Passes Bill To Regulate Nuclear Technology

Published

9 years ago

July 10, 2015

Providenciales, 10 Jul 2015 – KINGSTON, July 8 (JIS): A Bill seeking to create a legal framework for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionising radiation and nuclear technology was passed in the House of Representatives on July 8.

The Bill entitled, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Act, was piloted by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton.

The Minister noted that all activities relating to radioactive material, nuclear material and ionising radiation apparatus should be made subject to standards of safety and security, as exposure to high levels of ionising radiation can have deleterious effects on people, property and the environment.

Accordingly, Mr. Hylton said the objectives of the Bill are to protect people and the environment from exposure to ionising radiation to the maximum extent that is reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors, and recognising the need for the use of ionising radiation for beneficial purposes.

Other objectives of the Bill include: to protect radioactive sources from misuse that may result in harm to people or the environment; to promote radiation protection principles and an effective nuclear safety culture; to provide compensation for damage, loss and injuries caused by ionising radiation; to allow for the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear technology; and to facilitate Jamaica’s compliance with international obligations arising under the Conventions.

In addition, Mr. Hylton stated that the Bill makes provision for the establishment of a national regulatory body referred to as the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority.

“(This is) a body corporate which, will, among other things, grant authorisations, establish operational standards, regulate and monitor activities, practices and facilities utilising ionising radiation and nuclear technology,” he explained.

He further noted that the Bill makes provision for the establishment of a Board of Directors for the Authority, which will be responsible for the recommendation of policy and general administration of the affairs of the Authority.

The legislation also prohibits the building, importing, exporting, and operating of a research reactor; the acquisition or development of nuclear explosives; the developing, producing, otherwise acquiring, stockpiling or retaining of radioactive material or nuclear material for the purpose of producing a weapon, and the disposal of the said materials except in accordance with the authorization granted.

In his contribution, Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, highlighted that the passage of the Bill will be of great importance to the health sector.

He explained that the Government is investing US$14.5 million in the setting up of two cancer treatment centres, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver the most advanced cancer care to Jamaicans.
They will be outfitted with linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, which are the most modern technology in radiotherapy treatment.

“We will not be able to bring in the equipment without this piece of legislation,” Dr. Ferguson said.
For his part, Opposition Spokesman on Science, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, said that the Bill is a “vital measure, which brings Jamaica into compliance with international standards and best practices adopted in the safe handling of hazardous material.”

The Bill is to be sent to the Senate for debate and approval.

Up Next

Coastal Radar misses illegal boat; resident calls it in

Don't Miss

Bahamas Marks 42 Years Independent, Turks and Caicos gets mention

Deandrea S Hamilton

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 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

5 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

5 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.