TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL POST MEETING STATEMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 08 May 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC) on 07 May 2024, at the Governor’s Office on Providenciales.

In attendance, were HE the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Deputy Premier, the Hon. Minister for Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), the Permanent Secretary National Security Secretariat (NSS), the Permanent Secretary Governor’s Office and the NSS Threat Lead.

Invited attendees included the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Minister of Education, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Director of the Education Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Executive Charmain and Managing Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority.

Members were briefed by:

• The RTCIPF, on the operational response and ongoing investigations into the recent threats made against the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports and Schools. As of 26 April, ten (10) threats have been made with the most recent three (3) targeting various schools in Grand Turk and South Caicos. In addition, it was confirmed that similar threats have been made against airports in other British Overseas Territories in the region.
• The Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), stood-up by the NSC, is managing TCI’s response, and is collaborating with UK and international partners in its law enforcement efforts to track the source of the threats and manage risks.
• The Ministry of Education, on their efforts with assistance from the RTCIPF, to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff. All response management plans were followed and the Ministry will work with school principals from all schools across TCI to ensure policies and processes are coherent. The Ministry is also working closely with other agencies to provide students and staff with support where needed.
• The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA), on the seven (7) threats made against the TCI Airports and the protocols activated to address them. The TCIAA continues to work closely with the US Transportation Security.

Administration (TSA), TCI Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s Air Safety Support International (ASSI) and airport authority counterparts within the region to ensure the safety of the travelling public and staff at the airports.

• The Ministry of Tourism, which will be scheduling a meeting with relevant stakeholders to keep them appropriately apprised.
• The Attorney-General, in respect of the law applicable to the cases against US Nationals on charges relating to the possession of ammunition, confirmed that an Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal certified that where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion under the law, to impose a custodial sentence and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case rather than impose the mandatory minimum. The Chief Justice is advancing sentencing guidelines in this respect. (Reference was also made to public education or sensitization to the various examples of exceptional circumstances.) Wider work is ongoing with criminal justice partners to review the efficiency and effectiveness of case progression in driving justice outcomes.

The NSC advises the public that any threats received should be immediately reported to 911. The public is also being advised to be extra vigilant towards phishing and malicious emails, and to refrain from sharing and reposting threat messages.

Follow up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY & UTILITIES

May 8th, 2024 – The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2024 concluded last week in Miami, marking another milestone in advancing the region’s energy agenda. This year’s forum, held from April 24-27, at the JW Marquis Hotel in downtown Miami, attracted some of the most distinguished names and advocates in the field of renewable energy.

The delegation from The Turks and Caicos Islands led by Hon. Kyle Knowles of the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities included Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Energy and Utilities Commissioner Mr.  Delano R. Arthur, Energy Analyst Dr. Eric F. Salamanca, Senior Legal Drafter Ms.  Priscilla Paquette, and Executive Administrator Ms.  Jasmine Malcolm.

Hon. Knowles was among the high-caliber panelists in the session called “Caribbean Leadership: Delivering on the Vision” where he highlighted the policy directions of TCI government towards transitioning to renewable energy. Hon. Knowles served as a panelist, discussing the transformative strategies required to integrate renewable technologies across the Inland territory, Turks and Caicos Islands (a UK Overseas Territory Caribbean). His insights on policy enhancements and infrastructural development were met with high interest and acclaim, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape.

Commissioner Delano R. Arthur, a key transformative leader in the energy sector, presented a compelling paper titled “Renewable Energy and Resource Bill for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” His presentation highlighted the legal framework for transition to renewable energy, interconnection agreement, licensing among others. He also emphasizes the use of mature commercial technology, rather than emerging technologies that have not been proven in commercial scale.  He also presented an approach to overcoming logistical and financial challenges in TCI. Com. Arthur’s pragmatic and innovative solutions offered a visionary perspective that resonated with the attendees.

Dr. Salamanca, and Atty. Paquette, also contributed to a roundtable discussion on Regulatory Framework led by the Caribbean Development Banks’ Mr. Joseph Williams and Mr. William Hinds, each bringing unique viewpoints and solutions to the challenges facing the TCI energy sector.

The attendance at year’s CREF also provided opportunity to establish networks. Among the most notable side event meeting was with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) where the TCI delegates discussed various projects in support of transition to green/renewable energy in the Turks and Caicos Island.

Commenting on his first CREF, the Hon Minister noted, “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) held in Miami, Florida. The Forum provided a valuable platform for discussions on the advancement of renewable energy solutions in the Caribbean region.

During the event, I engaged with key stakeholders, industry experts and government officials to exchange ideas on strategies to promote sustainable energy development. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in enhancing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth in our region.

He concluded, “I am committed to working collaboratively with partners both regionally and globally to further renewable energy initiatives and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Our participation in events such as CREF our underscores our dedication to advancing clean energy solutions and building a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the benefit of our citizens.”  

PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8^th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions

The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.

Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.

“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”

Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”

The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.