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Survey asks TCI Government to negotiate and support ‘survival’ loans for Tourism industry

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#TurksandCaicosIslands, May 13, 2020 – Hassle-free loans with soft terms are a viable option to bring buoyancy to some of the tourism and hotel sector businesses in Turks and Caicos struggling to survive in the midst of a global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, revealed a new survey.

More than half of those who participated in an April survey, conducted by KPMG and commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, TCHTA replied that ‘yes’, they would take out a loan.

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“Fifty-four per cent of employers said that they would choose to apply for additional debt if it can be made available on “soft terms” i.e. with no “red tape”, no additional security and where it is to be used for specific purposes. This does not take into account other sources of finance such as private equity, mezzanine finance etc.” said that survey which was, this week, issued to members of the TCHTA and media.

It is not a far-fetched prospect for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to support the opportunity for companies to stay afloat amidst the public health crisis which has grounded travel indefinitely.  With so much at stake, the survey recommends that TCIG would do well to support a Staff Retention Program and government-backed loans.

“This is another suggestion that has been put forward to TCIG and HMG on behalf of TCHTA which is modelled on an initiative already introduced in the UK called a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme. In the UK 80% of such loans are backed by the government.  

Any initiative in TCI along these lines need not necessarily be exactly the same as the initiatives introduced in the UK but it appears from anecdotal evidence that something similar with a credit enhancement component e.g. a sovereign guarantee of some description will be needed to make more debt available in the prevailing circumstances and to entice employers to take on more debt to finance commitments to the program.”

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The suggestion, explained the report, is both practicable and internationally touted.

“This initiative put forward by TCHTA is also consistent with the actions that WTTC are advocating to global governments with substantial tourism industries.”

A government guaranteed loan scheme is however, not hugely popular for the membership of the TCHTA.  Some 46 per cent of those taking the survey expressed that they would not apply for a loan.

The survey was administered between April 12-20. Employers participating in the questionnaire represent 5,606 employees.

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Voter Registration for the 2025/2026 Electors Register Underway

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GRAND TURK, TCI: The Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Dudley Lewis has announced that the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Register of Electors is currently undergoing updates, with a new Register set to be released on March 31, 2025.

While registration for the Elector’s Register is continuous, as per the Elections Ordinance, an updated Register is mandated annually by March 31. The Supervisor encourages new applicants, particularly those aged seventeen (17) and older, as well as individuals aged eighteen (18) and above who were not included in the new Register of Electors have until November 30, 2025, to visit the Election Office with the necessary documentation for registration.

In a statement Mr. Lewis emphasized that “Eligible voters on the current Register of Electors are not required to reapply for inclusion in the 2025/2026 Register; they will be automatically enrolled unless they inform the Elections Office of any name or address changes, or if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, including residency in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) for at least 12 out of 24 months (about 2 years).”

Individuals wishing to register must have a TCI Status Card or apply for one through the Ministry of Border Control. Those without a card and who have not yet applied are strongly encouraged to do so.

Voter Registration Application Forms for inclusion in the TCI Register of Electors for 2025/2026 are available at the Elections Office on Pond Street, Grand Turk Pond Street, Providenciales #17 Caribbean Place on the Leeward Highway, and the District Commissioner’s Office in Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos (Conch Bar), and North Caicos (Bottle Creek).

For further information on the voter registration process, individuals are advised to contact the Elections Office in Grand Turk on telephone numbers 649-338-2304 or 649-338-2301 and email: electionsdept@gov.tc or Providenciales Elections Office at telephone number 649-338 4681.

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Crime

Unidentified Homicide Victim Found in Five Cays

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Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

 

Turks and Caicos Islands (Wednesday, 6th November 2024) – Authorities are still trying to identify the man shot dead three nights ago behind a house in the Five Cays/South Dock area. Despite images of the victim’s bloodied body circulating on social media, no one has come forward with information about his identity.

Eyewitnesses in the neighborhood reported hearing multiple gunshots—some say five, others six, and one resident described hearing “plenty, plenty” shots. The sound sent residents scrambling to hide, and it was only after a pause in the gunfire that they dared to look outside. They discovered the body of a man lying on the ground, positioned between a green fence and a small house.

Fearful that the shooter(s) might still be nearby, residents hesitated to approach the scene. Eventually, someone called the police, and officers soon arrived, bringing a measure of security. As the investigation began, residents cautiously emerged from hiding, though they kept their distance from the crime scene.

Details about the man remain sparse. Up until Tuesday, November 5th, authorities had yet to receive any identification for him.

The victim marks the 41st murder in Turks and Caicos Islands this year. Disturbingly, a 42nd homicide followed the next evening, claiming the life of Aiesha Williams.

According to Eagle Legal News, this brings the year’s toll to 40 male and two female victims in TCI.

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FORTISTCI LAUNCHES INAUGURAL YOUTH ENERGY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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Turks and Caicos, November 6, 2024 – FortisTCI is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Youth Energy Ambassador program, offering young professionals a unique opportunity to gain insights, innovate, and take on leadership roles in the sustainable energy sector.

This one-year, part-time immersive program is designed for young professionals between the ages of 20 and 35. Two ambassadors will be selected yearly, dedicating 10 hours per month with compensation during their year-long tenure.

Participants in the program will be able to explore key business units across various critical areas of the Company, blending theoretical learning with hands-on experiences to develop a comprehensive understanding of the energy industry. Ambassadors will participate in various activities, including workshops, seminars, conferences, practical projects, and community initiatives, and receive mentorship from industry leaders. They will also serve as advocates and spokespeople for energy and sustainability, representing FortisTCI at local and international energy forums.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes announced the program during the Company’s fourth annual Youth Energy Roundtable event in August. The first program cycle will begin on January 2, 2025. Interested applicants can visit www.FortisTCI.com/energyambassador for detailed information on the application process and required documents. The application deadline is November 22, 2024.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “The Youth Energy Ambassador Program is the latest addition to our youth development programs, which empower youth with the skills and experiences to be at the forefront of sustainability and the energy transition. This is a one-year program with full-time excitement for passionate young professionals who wish to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in an industry that is dynamic, fulfilling, challenging, and undergoing major transformation for a greater purpose. Our ambassadors will gain a deeper dive into the intricacies of energy operations for a well-rounded and career-altering experience.”

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