News
Successful Sustainable Energy Transition Requires Updated Regulatory Framework
#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2021 – A comprehensive review and update of the regulatory framework governing the electricity sector is needed to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy transition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes has stated. Speaking at the company’s first-ever Turks and Caicos Energy Forum held at the Shore Club on Thursday, October 21, Mrs. Forbes reassured all stakeholders that FortisTCI is committed to collaborating to create an energy future in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The forum brought together a wide cross-section of local stakeholders, including government, businesses and FortisTCI customers to discuss ‘The Future of Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands’. Citing the rapid changes taking place in the energy industry due to climate change and technological developments, Mrs. Forbes noted that if the Turks and Caicos Islands is not part of this energy transformation, “we risk being left behind.” Noting that regulatory discussions are ongoing with Turks and Caicos Islands Government, she emphasized that a modernized regulatory framework is necessary to meet changing customer demands, effectively integrate renewable energy and/or lower carbon fuel sources, and bring certainty, independence and transparency to the regulatory environment. She also announced that the company has earmarked over $40 million to be invested over the next five years in renewable energy, lower carbon fuel sources, and fleet transition to electric vehicles.
Calling for a national sustainability effort to tackle climate change and create a greener economy for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Forbes stated, “We can and must embrace an energy future built on sustainability for our
economy and planet. We have a unique opportunity to do so and to do it right. We recognize that there are no easy fixes, but I firmly believe that with collaboration and conviction, we can play our part in the global effort towards a more sustainable planet.”
Attending as the Forum’s keynote speaker, President of the Caribbean Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, delivered his address on ‘Advancing Economic Development in the Caribbean: The Role of Sustainable Energy.’ His message was that a sustainable energy transition is one of the most important trans-generational responsibilities for the Caribbean. “Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy,” said Dr. Leon. He noted that the Caribbean should focus on five critical priorities for a sustainable energy transition, namely improving energy efficiency, diversifying fuel sources, encouraging and incentivizing private sector investment, building strategic partnerships on a global scale to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and having in place flexible and affordable financing options to attract private capital.
Also bringing remarks was Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Honorable Charles Washington Misick. Both expressed the Government’s commitment to advancing the changes in the energy sector and noted that work is currently underway to create the legal framework necessary to make the types of changes needed in the TCI.
Other guest speakers and industry experts provided their perspectives on the sector’s transformation, touching on sustainability, clean energy initiatives, electrification of transportation, regulations, a plan for the TCI, and more. Representatives included Fortis Inc. President and CEO Dave Hutchens and LUCELEC Managing Director Trevor Louisy. There were also appearances by private and public sector officials from the United States, Bermuda, Cayman, Barbados, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
For those who could not join on Thursday, the full event is available for viewing on the FortisTCI YouTube page here. You can also visit www.tcienergyforum.com for more details on the conference and updates for 2022.
Release: FortisTCI
Photo Caption: L-r: FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Charles ‘Washington’ Misick, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, and President of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon share a moment together following the first-ever Turks and Caicos Energy Forum held at The Shore Club in Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, on Thursday, October 21.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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