#TurksandCaicos, June 14, 2021 – He called for the protection of the most precious and endangered species in the TCI; that species to the Hon Shaun Malcolm is none other than the Turks and Caicos Islander; when he made his contribution on the Islander Commission which was debated in the House of Assembly Tuesday.
“Mr. Speaker, perhaps the delay in processing those applications could be the divine intervention,; it could be the opportunity to ensure that we the people of this country having experienced and continue to experience the financial hardships in this wealthy country, that we have reached that level of maturity when we can review the actions of others and assess whether they are to our benefit or otherwise.”
The Islander Commission has the power to grant Turks and Caicos Islands Citizenship to qualified applicants. Malcolm said it is his hope that “those who have been entrusted with this awesome responsibility will use the power of discernment, the love of country and the legacy for future generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders to guide and direct them.”
Malcolm, in his presentation informed there are 180 applications waiting to be processed, stretching back to 2016 hence one of the key reasons for the amendments which were made to the law on Tuesday. It allows the backlog to be reviewed and cleared and it allows the newly established commission to take their time, be thorough in order to soberly consider individuals who would be applying to become full citizens of the Turks and Caicos.
“Maintaining balance is a critical factor to the future of this country. Without it, we run the risk of tripping and obliteration. Mr. Speaker, while the cause of the collapse of the Champlain Towers in Florida has not yet been determined, what is known is that something created an imbalance in the structure and it collapsed. This Mr. Speaker is about protecting us. This Mr. Speaker is about using the legislative wheels to crush the efforts to dilute the only thing we have left, our power and authority in this Honorable House. It is about using the last vestige of authority we have to stop the exploitation and the conquering of ‘The Last Frontier’,” said Hon Shaun Malcolm, At Large member of parliament.
An emotive issue is the granting of ‘Belonger’ status to foreigners and Malcolm, when he addressed the House reflected on the legacy of this often controversial subject. He promised that he suffers no phobias but pointed to the potential for an imbalance, which could bring the Turks and Caicos down.
“We have witnessed the exponential growth of this country, in terms of our population and our economy. We have through various studies found out who the real beneficiaries are of this country’s wealth. No doubt Mr. Speaker, this is perhaps the influencer for this Government’s pledge to move our people from poverty to prosperity.
Mr. Speaker, we battle what some see as inevitable. While I have no illusion about the importance of people to the economic survival of this country, I have a deep regard for the preservation of the last vestige of our heritage and our survival as indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders. Let me hasten to add Mr. Speaker, before my words are misconstrued. I have no PHOBIA…Xeno, homo, or otherwise.
Mr. Speaker we are an endangered species and you know what happens when this occurs. It creates imbalance.”
In early June, Governor Nigel Dakin advised of the composition of the Islander Commission; the chair of the body jointly selected by the two political party leaders. Benson Harvey got the nod and other members of the Committee are the Oswald Skippings, Derevaux Malcolm, Herbert Been and Carl Simmons. The Attorney General is an ex-officio member.
Turks and Caicos, October 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) wishes to announce the following temporary leadership changes as Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin has proceeded on six weeks of leave.
Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Rodney Adams will serve as Acting Commissioner from October 1 to October 6.
Following this, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Kendall Grant will take over as Acting Commissioner.
Furthermore, effective October 7, 2024, the Force welcomes the temporary appointment of a second DCP, Fitz Bailey. Mr. Bailey is a former DCP from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with over 40 years of policing experience. The appointment is for a period three months and will provide further resilience to the Force Executive at this time.
During his career, Mr. Bailey has led the following portfolios: the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, the Counter-Terrorism and the Organised Crime Investigation
Branch (C-TOC). He was instrumental in reviewing and reorganising the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and established a Cold Case Unit.
Mr. Bailey holds a Master of Science in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Science in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and an Associate Degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development.
Commissioner Martin stated: “Acting arrangements have been put in place to cover the period of my absence. The Force Executive has been fully briefed and will continue to maintain the strategic goals and objectives of the Force while at the same time ensuring the welfare of all staff”.
Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.
Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.
Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.
Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”
“The EUD has embarked on a comprehensive consultation program with key stakeholders to the RE Bill, including all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” explained EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “The program begins today with our request for your initial written feedback on the draft RE Bill, and continues throughout October with public meetings in communities across the country, a 5-part educational series that breaks down the key aspects of the proposed Bill, a brief survey to gauge your perspectives on both the RE Bill and solar development here in TCI, and more. We want to ensure residents have every opportunity to understand this important proposed legislation.”
The RE Bill puts legislated structure in place that enables a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all TCI residents, today and in the future:
It establishes a competitive government-managed procurement process for future large-scale renewable energy supplies
It enables homes and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators such as solar PV to meet their needs, and sell surpluses back to the grid
It makes it necessary for anyone who wants to produce renewable energy to get a license.
It outlines the rules for connecting renewable energy systems to the electricity grid, ensuring grid stability, safety and fairness.
It establishes an Energy Levy Fund which will collect a small fee from large-scale renewable energy producers to support new community renewable energy projects and research.
“With this Bill, our overarching goals are to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” added Commissioner Arthur. “It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s an important piece of legislation that will impact us all.”
The schedule of public consultation sessions, hosted by the EUD Commissioner and his team, will be shared via the EUD’s social media channels and in print media in the coming days and throughout October.
“The resources we are making available to you will help you better understand the RE Bill and how it impacts you,” continued Mr. Arthur. “We encourage you to engage fully – to review the materials and share your written feedback over the coming weeks, and join us in your local church basements and community halls when we come out to see you in October. These smaller, face-to-face sessions provide the best opportunities for meaningful conversation on our country’s energy future.”
TCI residents have until Friday, October 25, 2024 to provide initial written feedback on the draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. The Bill and associated materials may be found at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Further, residents are encouraged to follow the EUD’s social media pages for the RE Bill survey launch in mid-October, and for details on public meetings in communities across the country.
Feedback on the Renewable Energy Bill can be sent to the following email address eudconsultation@gov.tc.