Connect with us

TCI News

Letter to the Editor: Freedom of Expressions, Reboot

Published

on

#TurkandCaicosIslands, February 20, 2020 — Submitted by Jamell Robinson Six months have now passed since ‘Expressions’, the people’s radio talk show – on the People’s Radio Station, Radio Turks and Caicos, was suspended indefinitely for a thorough review. Back then, it was said that the review was to “ensure that the objectives of the programme are being met and that the delivery and content are consistent with the tone and messages of a developing and civil society.” One can opine that the outcome of this fake thorough review, which has yet to be published, is that ‘Expressions’ will continue to be suspended until after General Elections are over and done with.

How am I confident in drawing this conclusion, you ask?  Well, ‘Expressions’ has been replaced by the PDM Government’s propaganda talk show ‘TCIG Speaks on RTC’in the Monday and Friday slots where Expressions’ used to be. The only reason they don’t also have the Wednesday slot is that’s when Cabinet is held. What’s most absurd about this show and makes it entirely problematic, is that not only are government ministers interviewed, but no call ins are allowed. This blatant display of propaganda needs to end now. We the people must boycott this show. In fact, this programme should not be aired.  There are many avenues in which the government can tout its so called successes. Unfortunately, the use of a government channel with a public servant as host, propagandizing to the public is not one!

Simply put, this government has abused its powers in relation to the editorial independence of Radio Turks and Caicos. Section 8 of the Radio Turks and Caicos Ordinance clearly states that “No Minister may give a direction to the Board, Radio Turks and Caicos, or any director, officer or staff of Radio Turks and Caicos, in respect to:

a)      A particular programme of a particular allegation or a particular complaint;

c)       Programme standards

It’s clear in the hierarchy of Governance that only the Governor at this point can intervene to right this blatant and illegal wrongdoing.

An excerpt from section 13(1) of the TCI Constitution states: “No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, and includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive and impart (to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his or her correspondence or other means of communication.”

I close with a quote from a famous soon to be infamous TCI Politician, “Stay awake TCI and hold your Government into account. Do not ever lose your voice. Any Government that wants its people to remain silent is bound to fail!!’’ Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Honorable Premier, we are woke and we will hold your government to account!

Stay Blessed TCI

Jamell Robinson, PNP At Large Candidate

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

News

Energy & Utilities Commissioner says new legislation will help to stabilize energy costs in Turks & Caicos Islands

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 30th November 2023: The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, today reminds the public that the comprehensive Renewable Energy Legislation is currently before the House of Assembly and that the Legislation not only addresses the existing challenges posed by fuel price volatility but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and resilient energy future for the TCI.

In a recent press release, FortisTCI cited global factors such as production cuts and increased demand for fuel, leading to a surge in market prices. The EUD acknowledging these challenges thanks our power supplier for its proactivity when it comes to informing consumers of any changes in the cost of electricity.  Further, the Government of Turks and Caicos wants residents and guests to know that it is committed to taking proactive measures that will transform the energy landscape through robust Renewable Energy Legislation. 

In that vein, Delano Arthur, the new Energy and Utilities Commissioner looks forward to working with FortisTCI in the upcoming days to find innovative and collaborative solutions to reduce the cost of Fuel and Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  This initiative aims to not only mitigate the impact of volatile fuel prices but also secures a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future for all of us.

 Key components of the Renewable Energy Legislation include:

  • Integrated Resource Plans: A formal planning process to prioritise renewable energy in addressing evolving energy needs.
  • Competitive Tendering Process: Government-run initiatives to promote healthy renewable energy competition, achieve low-cost energy, and meet Paris Agreement goals.
  • Administrative and Regulatory Measures: Establishing clear processes and responsibilities for all players who are in the renewable energy market.
  • Licensing and Safety Standards: Comprehensive licensing provisions to ensure accountability and safety standards for renewable energy systems.
  • Net Billing Program: Allowing building owners to self-generate and sell surplus electricity back to the grid.

The Renewable Energy Legislation serves as a mitigation against volatile fuel prices. By transitioning to cleaner energy sources and fostering a diverse renewable energy infrastructure, these Islands aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The competitive tendering process introduced in the legislation ensures the selection of the most cost-effective renewable energy solutions, contributing to energy affordability and stability.

As the Islands invest in renewable energy, the increased share of clean, locally produced electricity provides a stable alternative to fluctuating fuel prices. The Net Billing Programme further incentivises distributed energy generation, offering a predictable path for building owners to contribute to the grid and receive compensation, thus reducing reliance on traditional fuel sources.

 

For further information, please contact:

Delano R. Arthur

Commissioner

Energy and Utilities Department

Turks and Caicos Islands Government

eud@gov.tc

649-338-3514

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CARICOM Sec Gen speaks on Gender Based Violence

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

 

Staff Writer 

 

“Everyone must continue to invest in preventing violence against our women and girls (VAWG). It is an investment in our shared future,” were the words of Dr. Carla N. Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, as she reiterated the need for solutions against VAWG.

 

She called attention to VAWG as she gave a speech surrounding the annual campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” which runs from November 25 to December 10, 2023.

 

Barnett expresses the well-known fact that VAWG is one of the most prevalent issues affecting all corners of society.

 

“VAWG remains one of the most pervasive forms of human rights violations in the world and cuts across all races, cultures, genders, and educational backgrounds,” she maintained, as she continued to point out the sad reality that this is still a major issue despite regional and global policies.

 

“Despite the existence of regional and global policies and legislation to combat VAWG, weak enforcement and discriminatory practices remain significant barriers to ending VAWG.”

 

The Secretary-General highlighted statistics for VAWG, bringing attention to how serious and embedded this issue is in society.

 

She said that globally, 736 million women—nearly one in three—have experienced violence—physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or even both.

 

For the Caribbean region, she said surveys conducted between 2016 and 2019 inform us that one in two women experience intimate partner violence, which is higher than the global average. 

 

In continuation, Barnett expressed that the campaign calls everyone to action against VAWG, including “development partners, civil society organizations, women’s organizations, youth, the private sector, and the media.”  Also, world governments are being asked to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention.

 

Ending her address, the Secretary-General urged everyone to wear the color orange for the duration of the campaign, as well as on the 25th of each month, “as a symbol of hope for a brighter future where women and girls live free from violence.”

Continue Reading

News

Sea Patrol Vessels Approved by Cabinet, October 11 Meeting

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, November 25, 2023 – Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 26th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at the Governor’s Office, Providenciales.

All Members were present except the Hon. Josephine Connolly.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Approved the Consultation Report on the Proposed Amendments to the Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Ordinance with amendments and agreed for the amended document to be brought back to Cabinet for final approval for onward submission to the House of Assembly.
  • Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Geta Crew Holding Ltd. for a mixed use development project on the island of Grand Turk, with the view of entering into a Development Agreement as per the Encouragement of Development Ordinance and the National Investment Policy.
  • Approved the renewal of rental lease agreement, for various Government offices, between TCIG and Waterloo Property Management, Grand Turk.
  • Approved the awarding of the following contracts:
  • PN 005694, TR 23/13, Furniture and Equipment for NJS Francis Building; and
  • PN 005696, TR 22/10, Purchase of Patrol Vessels.
  • It noted the update from Her Excellency the Governor regarding the upcoming visit of UK Ministers to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING