TCI News
Cost of Service study on FortisTCI is mandatory for PDM Administration as rate increase is considered
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 22, 2018 – The results of an historic study will guide the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in its decision on a rate increase request by the nation’s electricity provider, FortisTCI.
Premier Sharlene Robinson addressed the media and general public on the contentious issue which has seen polarizing statements delivered by all sides – including the general public – in the matter which could result in higher power bills.
“The study has never been done before in the Turks and Caicos and my Government is committed to making sure that this critical work is done before we can agree a cost of rate increase.”
FortisTCI has clearly expressed sinking disappointed that there has been no face to face discussion with TCIG on the rate increase application. Early this month, Fortis launched its own online survey to find out what customers think.
It was revealed that in late September, the Governor acquiesced to the idea of allowing an independent inquiry to determine if the increase of an average 6.8 percent is fair to the consumer and FortisTCI.
“This survey will form a part of the evidence for the commission of inquiry and will look into the true cost of the production of electricity. It is important that I say that it does not look back to apply, it looks back only to look forward and its findings will not be retroactive.”
FortisTCI has reported that the company’s financial health is at stake; exposing to the public that the company has suffered a downgrade in its financial rating and outlook by Standard & Poor’s after a reconstruction and restoration bill of $42 million in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017.
The Government this past summer, recommended at the Cabinet level that the request be declined until the Cost of Service study is completed.
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Border Force will be up and running by next month according to Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services who gave a national update on the progress of the squad during a recent parliamentary meeting.
“We now have a date of October 30th, 2023 for the launch of the first phase,” he explained. The force has been described as ‘revolutionary by Anya Williams, Deputy Governor.
Musgrove was speaking in the House of Assembly on September 20th and revealed that this initial phase will
incorporate the Customs and Border Protection agencies as well as the Intelligence and Corporate Units.
Musgrove explained that the Corporate Unit would serve as a sort of auditor for the Border Force and the Ministry.
“Our Corporate Unit will include our assurance functions that will audit our processes and our actions to ensure that we are upholding the mission, vision, and principles of our Border Force,” he said.
The minister is promising updated operating structures, agents with new skills and a new look with updated uniforms, all in an effort to tighten the country’s security at its very porous borders.
The Force is aiming to secure the TCI against human and drug trafficking (which in recent weeks have shown an alarming correlation), arms trafficking, poaching and more.
“Not only will we look different, but we will also work differently – and that is what is key,” the minister promised.
The Force will be under the control of Emilio Seymour who was appointed Director General back in April.
More security features, including the long-awaited container scanners for the country’s ports, are also on the Minister’s agenda.
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 30, 2023 – The first Supplementary Appropriations Bill for the 2023/24 financial year will add $13.4 million to the National Budget, sweeping the record $424 million allotment to $437.6 million.
The bill was tabled in the House of Assembly by E Jay Sanders, Finance Minister on Tuesday September 26th and the bulk of the cash will go to recurrent expenditure which commands $12.8 million. Capital expenditure came in at just over $700,000. 
That extra cash will help with several initiatives stated below:
- $4.2 million dollars will go to community development, including road improvement and more.
- $1.4 million dollars will be spent on a Community Centre in Bottle Creek and 450 thousand on the long-awaited refurbishment of the sports field in South Caicos.
- $1.4million dollars for consultancies,
- $1 million dollars will be sent to bolster the repatriation budget as the country experiences record migration.
- $1 million goes to Social Programs.
- InterHealth Canada will get another $1.8 million.
- The country’s Climate Resilience Coastal Protection Study will get a $500,000 injection.
- The software being built and consultancy being carried out to get the Turks and Caicos off the EU blacklist will cost $851,000.
- $2 million dollars is earmarked for the cleaning of government agencies.
Laid under the theme, Strengthening Resilience Enhancing Community Welfare through Strategic Investments and Sustainable Development, Saunders said this bill was created with the community in mind.
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 30, 2023 – Eighteen extraordinary young people across 19 categories were recognized in the Inaugural Turks and Caicos National Youth Awards held at the Ballroom of Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos on September 27th. The awards come as the country embarks on new initiatives to keep young people educated, employed and empowered.
The Ministry of Education and Youth hosted the awards ceremony as the premier event of their Youth Week celebrations highlighting top scholars, sportsmen, entrepreneurs and artists. 
The awards are as follows:
YOUTH IN EDUCATION – A Young Person who performed exemplary on national examinations and/or received international recognition for education.
Awardee: CHELSEA STUBBS
YOUTH IN SPORTS – A young person who has excelled in any sporting discipline in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Awardee: TANESIA GARDINER
YOUTH IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP – A young person who has generated or created a business idea and established a business that generates income and/or creativity in the field of business.
Awardee: HUNTLEY FORBES JR
YOUTH PROFESSIONAL AWARD – A young person who through excellent professional practice, upholds the standards of his or her profession.
Awardee: EMILIO SEYMOUR
YOUTH IN ARTS 8 CULTURE – A young person who has dedicated their time to the advancement of art and culture in TCI.
Awardee: BENSON WILLIAMS JR.
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE – Young people that are either young farmers or are involved in agro-processing.
Awardees: STENLEY VALMIR AND ESTEVEN LUBIN HYDROFRESH
PERSONAL TRIUMPH AWARD – A young person who, in the face of exceptional challenges, continues to make an important contribution to society or is an inspirational role model to others.
Awardee: DIXIE SMITH
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD – A young person who has demonstrated environmental stewardship for the advancement of sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Awardee: JATAVIA HOWELL
YOUTH IN RELIGION – A young person who has dedicated their time to youth development through involvement in religious programs.
Awardee: KIATANA ROBINSON
YOUTH IN HEALTH & WELLNESS – A young person who has devoted their time to promoting health and wellbeing in TC or has excelled in the health and wellbeing profession.
Awardee: ANYA MALCOLM-GIBBS
YOUTH IN MEDIA – A young person that contributes to the positive of youth culture and the portrayal of youth in the media.
Awardee: ANDY MISSICK
YOUTH IN TOURISM – A young person who works in the tourism field and who has shown exceptional service to the tourism industry.
Awardee: BRIANNA WALCOTT
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – A young person that has contributed to the development of their community, showing outstanding skills in active citizenship and teaching others about civil society and youth involvement.
Awardee: AREAN LOUIS
YOUTH INDUSTRIAL AWARD – A young person that has demonstrated their ability in architecture, building, and design that has significantly changed the landscape of TCI.
Awardee: DOMINIQUE DURHAM
YOUNG ARTISAN AWARD – A young person who has produced excellent work and who has dedicated time to develop his/ her craft. Here we celebrate the craftsmanship of young plumbers, masons and carpenters.
Awardee: ORIEL SELVER
PERFORMING ARTS AWARD – A young person who has excelled in the performing arts.
Awardee: RYESHA HIGGS
LITERARY ART AWARD – A young person in the literary arts.
Awardee: LEONARDO LIGHTBOURNE
PREMIER’S AWARD – A young person that contributes to the positive aspects of youth culture and the portrayal of youth in media.
Awardee: ANDY MISSICK
The event was attended by the country’s top officials including Dileeni Daniel-Severatnam, TCI Governor, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, and Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education and Youth.
Magnetic Media congratulates all awardees.
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