Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.

Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.

Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.

Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”

Providenciales, October 3, 2024 – The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce a program of further public engagement on the country’s proposed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 (RE Bill).

“The EUD has embarked on a comprehensive consultation program with key stakeholders to the RE Bill, including all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” explained EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “The program begins today with our request for your initial written feedback on the draft RE Bill, and continues throughout October with public meetings in communities across the country, a 5-part educational series that breaks down the key aspects of the proposed Bill, a brief survey to gauge your perspectives on both the RE Bill and solar development here in TCI, and more. We want to ensure residents have every opportunity to understand this important proposed legislation.”

The RE Bill puts legislated structure in place that enables a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all TCI residents, today and in the future:

• It establishes a competitive government-managed procurement process for future large-scale renewable energy supplies
• It enables homes and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators such as solar PV to meet their needs, and sell surpluses back to the grid
• It makes it necessary for anyone who wants to produce renewable energy to get a license.
• It outlines the rules for connecting renewable energy systems to the electricity grid, ensuring grid stability, safety and fairness.
• It establishes an Energy Levy Fund which will collect a small fee from large-scale renewable energy producers to support new community renewable energy projects and research.

“With this Bill, our overarching goals are to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” added Commissioner Arthur. “It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s an important piece of legislation that will impact us all.”

The schedule of public consultation sessions, hosted by the EUD Commissioner and his team, will be shared via the EUD’s social media channels and in print media in the coming days and throughout October.

“The resources we are making available to you will help you better understand the RE Bill and how it impacts you,” continued Mr. Arthur. “We encourage you to engage fully – to review the materials and share your written feedback over the coming weeks, and join us in your local church basements and community halls when we come out to see you in October. These smaller, face-to-face sessions provide the best opportunities for meaningful conversation on our country’s energy future.”

TCI residents have until Friday, October 25, 2024 to provide initial written feedback on the draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. The Bill and associated materials may be found at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Further, residents are encouraged to follow the EUD’s social media pages for the RE Bill survey launch in mid-October, and for details on public meetings in communities across the country.

Feedback on the Renewable Energy Bill can be sent to the following email address eudconsultation@gov.tc.

Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Arielle Neely as the Career Advancement and Program Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture.

Ms. Neely holds a BA (Hons) in Education Studies from the University of Hull, where she focused on policy analysis, psychological perspectives, and pedagogical practices. Her first-class thesis, “Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Online and Face-to-Face Learning at University During the Covid-19 Pandemic,” was inspired by the shared educational challenges faced by students during that period. She is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science, a program she selected for its comprehensive approach, emphasizing stakeholder analysis, value understanding, messaging, policy construction, and campaign formulation. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Ms. Neely began her Public Service career as an intern with the Employment Services Department in the summer of 2021. She then served as the temporary Head of Secretariat from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, Neely transitioned to a full-time Research and Planning Officer role at the Employment Services Department. Following that, she was seconded to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, where she served as the Program Coordinator for the National Internship and Apprenticeship Program (NIAP).

In 2023, Ms. Neely served as the Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands. During her tenure, she demonstrated leadership and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels. She participated in international forums such as the Debate Mate International Program in Nepal (2024), the HACSA Sankofa Young Fellowship in Ghana (2023), the Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit in Trinidad and Tobago (2023), the International AIDS Conference in Canada (2022), and the National Policy Working Group in TCI (2022). Her experience reflects a deep commitment to youth development and emphasizes her effectiveness on the global stage.

On her appointment, Ms. Neely said, “I’m honoured to be appointed as Career Advancement and Program Coordinator. This role allows me to continue my passion for youth development and communication. As Psalms 46:5 (NIV) reminds us, ‘God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.’ I give all thanks to God for blessing me with this opportunity and to my support system that has stood by me throughout my journey. A special thanks to my mother for her unwavering support and constant encouragement, constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am delighted to continue serving within the public service, and I am forever inspired by the potential of our youth to create a brighter Turks and Caicos Islands”.

In congratulating Ms. Neely, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams stated, “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Arielle Neely on her promotion to Career Advancement and Program Coordinator. It’s a pleasure to welcome her back to the Public Service after her educational pursuits. Her dedication to youth development and strategic vision will undoubtedly benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands. We look forward to her contributions and the positive impact she will have on our community.

Congratulations Ms. Neely on your well-deserved promotion”.