TCI News
Silence, as Turks & Caicos residents wait on stimulus cash and food assistance
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 10, 2020 – Residents are clinging to the hope that announcements about cash and food assistance in the midst of the coronavirus crisis are still on their way.
It has been a month since the Premier and Finance Minister unveiled a stimulus suite which included payouts to workers who had lost earnings during the Covid-19 lockdown and public service licensees, like taxi drivers who protested that they were not included in a first round of stimulus monies.
The Premier’s Office revealed it would manage food distribution to all 11,000 households across the Turks and Caicos and would bring breakthrough policy change to enable payments from the National Insurance Board (NIB) to its contributors who were unemployed or underemployed.
While the NIB unemployment and underemployment benefits require legislative change, Cabinet has already accepted the broadening of benefits schedule and the House of Assembly must now deliberate and vote on the measure.
Still, the silence since September 10 by Hon Sharlene Robinson, the Premier is deafening and the stall is becoming increasingly painful for households which have seen their individuals earnings plummet.
A press conference, where an update was expected was first postponed and then never materialized.
On September 18, an update from the Office of the Premier reiterated the need for support to residents who are suffering dire financial straits due to the drastic down turn in travel and tourism.
“We have an obligation to our people and we must help our people to survive during this period of great challenge experienced worldwide. Though our revenues are down and our monthly obligations are growing due to rising healthcare and COVID-19 related costs, as a Government, we are obligated to do what we can,” explained the Premier.
Laptops and electronic devices are duty-free to families and the Customs Department has approved suitable applicants for the concession. It was one of the stimulus supports uncorked on September 10.
“With schools switching to online learning as a result of the pandemic, this measure is to assist students. TCIG has provided tablets for many identified by educators and this initiative is to provide further support to parents and students in addition to support given by many private sector donors,” said Premier Robinson.
Previously, food help was coming from the Department of Social Services. On September 10, Premier Robinson had a major announcement which shifted who would provide groceries to families.
“A National Food Assistance Programme for All: 11,000 households throughout the TCI will benefit from this programme, with the exclusion of tourism properties. Those households will have an ability to opt out should they wish to. This will be fully funded by TCI Government under the Ministry of Finance but managed by the Office of the Premier, Local Government and Community Affairs through the assistance of volunteers.”
The ‘National Food Assistance Programme for All’ initiative was praised. To date, however, islanders have learned nothing new and heard nothing more.
News
Energy & Utilities Commissioner says new legislation will help to stabilize energy costs in Turks & Caicos Islands
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
649-338-3514
#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.
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