Turks and Caicos, September 13, 2024 – From July to September, FortisTCI conducted nearly a dozen Community Conversations sessions across the islands, engaging customers and stakeholders on the Company’s operations, recent investments to meet TCI’s rising energy demand, and significant developments in the energy sector. These sessions also provided an open forum for participants to ask questions about the electricity service and other energy matters.

The series began with a media breakfast and a plant tour at FortisTCI headquarters in July, followed by several customer-focused events held throughout the islands. The series culminated on September 3, 2024, with an Energy Hour Business Breakfast at The Shore Club Resort, aimed at members of the business community.

Presentations were led by FortisTCI President and CEO, Ruth Forbes, alongside Senior Vice President of Operations Devon Cox, and Vice President of Finance, Corporate Services and CFO, Aisha Laporte. The sessions also featured insights from other executive team members and management. Attendees responded positively, expressing appreciation for the valuable information shared.

In addition to the informative conversations, the sessions featured giveaways, with over twenty participants winning hurricane food starter baskets. All attendees of the Community Conversations sessions received complimentary LED lanterns and were automatically entered into a raffle for energy-efficient home appliances. Seven customers from across the islands emerged as winners in a random drawing.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes reflected on the series: “As we navigate the energy transition, open and meaningful dialogue with our customers and stakeholders is essential. The rapid changes in the energy landscape, rising energy demand, regulatory developments, and transformation of the traditional utility model are all pertinent areas that require ongoing engagement. Our Community Conversations series was a crucial opportunity to connect with our customers and stakeholders, and we look forward to more interactions as electricity impacts every facet of society.”

Turks and Caicos, September 13, 2024 – With the summer heat intensifying, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, which can pose serious health risks. Heat-related illnesses include conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash. Vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions, are at increased risk.

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses:

1. Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature rises above 103°F. Symptoms include confusion, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.
2. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. It can lead to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.
3. Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms usually occurring in the legs or abdomen, often due to heavy sweating and loss of salt and water.
4. Heat Rash: Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating, presenting as red clusters of small blisters.

 Prevention Tips

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
2. Stay Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned environments.
3. Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing. Use hats and sunscreen when outdoors.
4. Limit Outdoor Activities: Limit strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor events for the cooler morning or evening hours. Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors if you must be outside.
5. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that family members, friends, and neighbours, especially those who are elderly or have health conditions, are staying cool and hydrated.

If someone shows signs of heat-related illness:

1. Move them to a cooler environment
2. Apply cool, wet cloths to their body or have them take a cool bath.
3. Offer sips of water if they are conscious.
4. Call 911 immediately if you suspect heat stroke.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, commented, “We want to ensure that everyone stays safe during these extreme heat conditions. By taking simple preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Our goal is to inform and protect the community, especially our most vulnerable members.”

United Kingdom, September 13, 2024 – A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands will visit the UK Parliament for the Good Governance and Public Finance Forum.

This week, delegates from the Turks and Caicos Islands are among 39 Overseas Territories representatives attending the Sixth UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finance, hosted in the UK Parliament and UK National Audit Office.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ delegation includes members of the House of Assembly and National Audit Office. Held between 10 – 12 September 2024, the UK Overseas Territories Forum on Good Governance and Oversight of Public Finances is an important event for many parliamentarians, parliamentary officials, and government auditors across Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the flagship annual conference, focused on enhancing good governance and oversight of public finance, the Forum stands as an important opportunity for parliamentarians, officials, and auditors alike to meet and share best practices.

Sarah Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of CPA UK, said: “Over the past eight years, the UK Overseas Territories Project has brought together people from across the Overseas Territories, the UK, and the Crown Dependencies to share good practice and exchange ideas. The Forum in London will be a great opportunity to strengthen the existing networks and partnerships across the Overseas Territories and build new ones.”

Hon. Gordon J. Burton, MHA, Speaker of the House of Assembly, said: “The CPA UK has been an invaluable partner to the House of Assembly for many years by providing training opportunities to members and by conducting post-election seminars through the UKOTP. This seminar is a continuation of that collaboration which strengthens our members ability to carry out their duties as members of the oversight committees of the House.”

The Forum is hosted by the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the UK Government Internal Audit Agency, and the UK National Audit Office.

Since 2016, the three organisations have worked with the authorities in the British Overseas Territories to deliver training, spaces to share knowledge learnt and insights gained, as well as opportunities for professionals to visit their counterparts overseas.