Unlicensed Electricians Warned, but ECA says it is futile

#TurksandCaicos, October 26, 2021 – A firm reminder of the law which governs electricians in the Turks and Caicos was issued but the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) says there is no way the Turks and Caicos Islands Government can police the policy with just one person assigned to conduct inspections in Providenciales.

In a government announcement, electricians are informed that they must have a license from the Electricity Board; that license has to be renewed annually.

“…pursuant to relevant provisions of the Electricity Ordinance (2018), it is unlawful to carry out electrical work, of any nature, unless he/she (electrician) holds a license issued by the Electricity Board in one of the following categories: a) Electrical Engineer, b) Master Electrician, c) Journeyman electrician, d) Wireman, e) Lineman, f) Apprentice and g) Engineer-in-training.”

There is also a warning against forging the document.

“A person who forges, alters or deface any license issued by the Electricity Board under this Part, carries out any electrical works, electrical installations or electrical wiring without a license issued by the Board fails or omits to comply with, or contravenes any conditions attached to a license issued by the Board; or who submits a forged or altered certificate of qualification or misleads the Board in order to secure the grant of a license, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term of six months, or to both.”

But the Electrical Contractors Association informs our news organization that one inspector will be unable to enforce the law thoroughly.

“…and enforcement is key because it ensures there is quality electrical work  being delivered.  With limited manpower to police the sector, which includes a legislated two inspections per construction project, there is bound to be unlicensed electricians who slip through the cracks and it could result in subpar electrical work to unsuspecting consumers.  No roughing end inspection is done and this first inspection ensures that electricians have gotten it right in the foundation of any building,” said a spokesperson of the ECA.

The final inspection is however being conducted by TCIG but the ECA informs by then it may be too late and the damage has already been done.

There is reportedly one inspector for the entire island of Providenciales; meant to inspect all residential, industrial and commercial projects and it is said, the individuals has no dedicated vehicle as the inspector.