Connect with us

News

Premier Sharlene C. Robinson returns from the Pre-Joint Ministerial Council and JMC OT European Negotiations (EN)

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, July 20, 2017 – Providenciales – Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, the Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) after successful meetings in London and Brussels in relation to a number of issues pertinent to the Islands.

Appearance Before the House of Lords EU Select Committee

On Monday 10 July Premier Cartwright Robinson appeared before the House of Lords European Union (EU) Select Committee to give evidence on the potential impacts of the UK’s departure from the EU (Brexit) on the TCI.  The session was chaired by Baroness Verna and the Leaders from the other UK Overseas Territories were also in attendance. Eight OTs appeared and the financial and social impacts of Brexit on the Overseas Territories were discussed along with the opportunities that may arise for the Territories as the UK seeks to establish itself outside of the EU. Premier Robinson set out that the greatest potential loss for the TCI is access to EU funding Though not as great a concern, she raised the potential impact on travel.

Meeting of UKOTA

The Leaders of the UK Overseas Territories met on Tuesday 11 July to discuss issues of common interests including EU funding and relations post Brexit, the relationship between the UK Government and the Overseas Territories, security, child safe guarding and the protection of the environment. During this Meeting, Premier Robinson moved a critical Motion that was unanimously supported by all UKOTs on a united way forward in addressing the Post Brexit negotiations.

In the evening the Premier attended an Overseas Territories Cultural reception where Turks and Caicos spoken word artists Mary Fulford and Renate Hinds performed an original cultural piece.   The Islands culinary delights were also served.

Joint Ministerial Council

The Joint Ministerial Council of the Oversees Territories on the European Negotiations (JMC OT EN) was held on 12 July and chaired jointly by Lord Ahmad Minister for the Overseas Territories and Minister for Exiting the EU Robin Walkin MP. During these meetings, the United Kingdom Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Overseas Territories have ‘an effective and clear voice’ in the Brexit process and to continue engaging with the Overseas Territories as the negotiations between the EU and the UK progress. The OTs areas of interest in the negotiations include international trade, agriculture and fisheries, EU funding, borders and immigration and sanctions.

 Premier Met With Minister for Overseas Territories

Premier Robinson also met with Lord Ahmad bilaterally to discuss issues pertinent to the TCI including: National Security, Crown Land Review, Constitutional Review, Beneficial Ownership and Brexit.

Role As OCTA Chair

The Premier travelled to Brussels on 13 July where she met with Mr Klaus Rudischhauser, Deputy Director General in the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG Devco) and Mr Delgado Rosa, Director for Natural Capital in her capacity as Chair of the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the EU (OCTA).  During these meetings the relationship of the Overseas Territories of the EU and the EU Post 2020 was discussed as well and funding streams for biodiversity and climate change in the EU OTs.  The Premier also took the opportunity to meet with the President of OCTA, Mrs. Carol Voges of Sint Maatern, and the EU Representative of Greenland Mr. Mininngauq Kleist.

Promotion of TCI in Brussels

The Premier’s visit to Brussels concluded with a BRUZZ event organized by OCTA Innovation. The Premier gave a presentation on ‘Innovation, Tourism and Investment in the Turks and Caicos Islands’. Remarks were also made by Mr. Denis Salord, Head of Unit, Relations with the OCTs, DG Devco, on behalf of the European Commission and Carol Voges on behalf of OCTA and Milan Jezic von Gesseneck Team Leader of OCTA Innovation. Premier Robinson responded to questions posed by members of the media and potential investors.

Premier Robinson, I am pleased that I was able to represent our people in the House of Lords Committee and during the JMC. The opportunity to meet with the new Minister Lord Ahmad was an important achievement and in the coming weeks we expect to hear from him on the issues raised. He has also committed to quarterly communications and gave an open door to raise critical issues at any time.  I am also confident that the Presentation in Brussels will yield positive results. I am scheduled to return to the UK in November to continue Post Brexit talks.

The delegation included Mr. Ronlee James, Executive Director in the Office of the Premier, Ms. Tisa Joy Lightbourne, Executive Assistance in the Office of the Premier, Mrs. Tracy Knight, Head of the (TCI-UK Office) and Mr. Kimo Tynes, Consular Officer (TCI-UK Office).

Press Release: TCIG

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

Published

on

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING