News

17.5 Per Cent Drop In Energy Costs At JIS

Published

9 years ago

October 26, 2015

KINGSTON, Oct. 22 (JIS): Three years after the implementation of energy efficient solutions at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), the agency is reporting savings of 17.5 per cent per annum on its energy bill.
The solutions, which include solar control film on windows, cool roof solutions, and overhaul of the air conditioning (a/c) system, were provided under the Energy Efficiency Conservation Programme (EECP), aimed at reducing energy costs across the public sector.

Public sector entities are responsible for almost 12 per cent of the country’s overall energy consumption and the Government spends some $14 billion annually to pay for electricity.

JIS was among the first entities to benefit from the EECP, implemented in 2011, through funding by the Government in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Technical Officer for the EECP in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Lincoln Dean, said the figures indicate a steady decline in energy consumption at JIS, which translates to an increase in cost savings for the agency.

Mr. Dean, who was speaking in an interview with JIS News, informed that in year one of the project, the agency saw reduction in consumption of just over three per cent from the application of the solar film (tint) energy conservation technique on windows to reduce light and heat.

In year two, the cool roofing coat was added, also to cut down on the heat, and this, along with the tinting of windows, resulted in a nine per cent reduction in energy consumption.
With replacement of the old a/c unit with a more energy-efficient model in year three, consumption dropped by 17.5 per cent.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JIS, Donna-Marie Rowe, said cost containment continues to be a key objective of the JIS and the EECP has contributed significantly in reducing the agency’s energy bill, especially with the installation of the new air conditioning unit.

The CEO, in applauding the energy efficiency and conservation initiative, said the Ministry worked well with the agency to execute the various elements of the project with minimal disruption to operations.

Director of Corporate Services at the JIS, Errol Gardner, said that in addition to the energy savings, the EECP’s intervention has created an atmosphere that is more conducive for work.
He noted that productivity has improved as staff are more comfortable and are working longer hours.

Overall, the Government has realised savings of approximately $80 million to date under the EECP, which has been implemented in 40 public sector agencies.

Entities such as the Office of the Prime Minister, the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals, Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre, and the Ministry of Finance and Planning are also benefitting from the retrofitting of their buildings.

“Those institutions are also showing at least two to 17 per cent savings,” Mr. Dean informed.

The EECP was scheduled to end this year but it is being extended for two more years, which will enable other entities to benefit.

Mr. Dean said the objective of the Government is to retrofit the entire public sector with energy savings systems, so that the Government will serve as a model for energy efficiency and conservation in Jamaica.

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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.