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FortisTCI Honours Frontline Workers and Contractors with Green Ribbon Safety Awards

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 10, 2020 – FortisTCI’s frontline workers from across several departments, and seven local construction companies that are regularly contracted by the company, were honoured with the Green Ribbon Awards for outstanding safety performance in 2020.

The presentations were made at the company’s Green Ribbon Safety Awards Ceremony, held at FortisTCI’s Providenciales headquarters on Friday, December 4. The event also recognized four employees with ‘Good Catch’ awards for their vigilance in identifying, reporting and offering solutions for potential hazards that could have a moderate to major impact on people and systems.

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Receiving the Green Ribbon Safety Award were FortisTCI’s employees in the Transmission and Distribution (substation, planners, engineers), Production and Control Operations, Facilities Management, Materials Management and Security departments, as well as the Grand Turk and Sister Islands Operations teams.

Contractors who were awarded were J&A Welding, Rolle Construction, Kevin’s Quality Cleaning, EL Construction, Ferguson and Son, 4M Construction and Stanch Construction.

‘Good Catch’ awards were presented to Supervisor of Materials Management Ingrid Forbes, Senior T&D Planner Robert Smith and Linemen Kelorian Forbes and Atley Gray.

FortisTCI established the Green Ribbon Safety Awards Program in 2016. The initiative recognizes those working for the company who understand the importance of good safety practices and who are actively providing solutions to health and safety concerns in the workplace. Contractors were added to the roll of awardees for the first time in 2019.

FortisTCI Senior Vice President of Operations Devon Cox (center) presented the Green Ribbon Safety Award to representatives of seven local construction companies, in recognition of their commitment to safe work practices at FortisTCI’s premises during 2020

This year’s awards were particularly significant, with the company achieving 655 days (and counting) without a lost time accident, despite employees and contractors having to work under several new EHS protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As an essential service provider operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important for us to not only manage the usual risks associated with the utility industry, but also to safeguard the health and safety of our employees and contractors, while ensuring the company was always COVID-free. This approach was vital to keeping the lights on for our customers, and I am proud of the work that was done all across the company to achieve this goal. Many of our employees were sequestered at our various locations for extended periods, and many others were on the frontlines, as and when required. Everyone played their part in helping us to successfully manage the pandemic, effectively implement our Return to Office Plan, and welcome customers back to the office,” FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated.

In congratulating the awardees, she added, “Safety is a top priority at FortisTCI and it is due to the steadfast commitment of all employees and our contractors that we keep breaking new ground in our environmental, health and safety management systems. I commend all the winners on this special achievement.”

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes presented the Green Ribbon Safety Award to representatives of the company’s frontline staff and congratulated them on an exceptional year of safe work practices and adherence to the company’s environmental, health and safety management systems, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured, from left are: Laborer Ivan Hall, Shift Leader – Security Guard Ladonna Bassett, Supervisor of Lines Gregory Thomas, and Electrical Technician Maurice Francis.

Mrs. Forbes also congratulated the EHS team for its “incredible safety leadership inside this company, and outside – to our contractors, to the TCI community and across the region to the CARILEC family.”

Under the direction of Senior Vice President of Operations Devon Cox, the team comprises Director of EHS and Line Operations Dave Laing, EHS Manager Marcus Francis, Senior EHS Coordinator Eustace Musgrove, Works Methods Specialist Walter Wilson, Senior EHS Officer Rikardia Pardo and Temporary EHS Officer Ariel Clare.

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CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience  

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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.

Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.”                                                                                                                                                                                                              The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.

As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.

Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”

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Border Force Reports: Repeat Immigration Offender Sentenced for Unlawful Entry & Breach of Deportation Order

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force confirms that Haitian national Richardson Cherefaere has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates Court on 3 June 2025, following charges of Attempted Unlawful Entry and Returning to the Islands Contrary to a Deportation Order.

Cherefaere is a repeat immigration offender with a history of attempting to unlawfully re-enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. His first illegal entry occurred in 2019, and he was subsequently convicted and deported in January 2025 following his most recent attempt to re-enter the country. His continued disregard for immigration laws and deportation directives has resulted in a substantially longer custodial sentence.

In response, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “This significant sentence sends an unequivocal message: the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who deliberately defies our immigration laws and ignores deportation orders. We are unwavering in our commitment to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law with the full force it demands, ensuring justice is served every time.”

The public is strongly reminded that harbouring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance. Anyone found in breach of these laws will face firm and immediate legal action.

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Turks and Caicos Deputy Supervisor of Elections Completes Observation Attachment in Cayman Islands: Insights to Strengthen Local Electoral Processes

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Ms. Willette A. Pratt, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has successfully completed a professional attachment with the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands. The visit, held from April 18 to May 2, 2025, allowed Ms. Pratt to observe the Cayman Islands’ 2025 General Elections, gaining valuable insights into their electoral procedures, staffing models, and operational strategies.

Facilitated through a collaborative initiative by the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Office, and welcomed by Cayman Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Wesley Howell, this attachment underscores a shared commitment to electoral excellence and democratic integrity.

“The Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust and transparent electoral system. This experience has deepened my understanding of practical applications that can enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and accountability of our own electoral framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Ms. Pratt. The visit was collaborative as Ms. Pratt was able to share elements of TCI’s processes with her host agency.

Key Observations and Recommendations Include but not limited to :

  • Strategic Staffing and Secondments: Cayman’s use of seconded civil servants with diverse skill sets greatly enhances operational capacity during elections.
  • Continuous Voter Registration:
  • Dedicated District Registration Officers.
  • Advanced Voter Identification System.
  • Inclusive Voting Mechanisms such as mobile and postal voting.
  • Comprehensive Poll Worker Training and Retention:

Reflecting on the importance of such observational opportunities, the Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands stated:

“Attachments like these are crucial for the professional growth of our team. They not only allow us to benchmark against international best practices but also provide mentorship opportunities that build confidence and capability within our ranks. Ms. Pratt’s experience is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in electoral administration.”

Acknowledgements:
The Elections Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands extends sincere thanks to the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and all stakeholders involved in facilitating this valuable exchange. Their support made this developmental opportunity possible and meaningful.

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