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FortisTCI promotes nine employees across the company

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#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – FortisTCI is pleased to announce the promotion of nine employees to various positions across the Company, which occurred during the latter part of 2021. A total of thirteen employees were promoted by year-end as part of the Company’s robust people management strategy.

Devino Missick has been promoted from ICT Disaster Recovery and Project Assurance Analyst to Business Intelligence Program Manager. In his new capacity, Missick is expected to provide solutions for customer-facing technologies, support IT requirements for renewable energy projects, and develop enterprise and departmental business intelligence, data warehousing, and reporting solutions. Missick holds numerous certifications in CompTIA, Windows Software, and Microsoft. He also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration Project Management. Missick joined FortisTCI in 2014 and has been promoted across several roles.

Sharon Alli-Jose has been promoted from Manager of Business Services and ISO Management to Director of Business Security and Analytics. In her new capacity, she is expected to maintain, develop and enhance enterprise-wide processes, technologies and strategies to manage the Company’s security risk and project management. She will also further advance the Company’s business intelligence and analytics capabilities, among other responsibilities. Alli-Jose has been with FortisTCI for 14 years and has steadily progressed across numerous roles. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, a Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Risk Management and Organization Continuity. She is BSI certified for Business Continuity and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and is a Certified Internal Auditor.

Former Information Security Officer Bradley Jules has been promoted to Manager of Corporate Security, responsible for maintaining information and physical security programs that protect the Company’s assets. Jules joined the Company in 2008 as an Information Technology Specialist and was promoted to Information Security Officer in 2014. He was a leader in creating cyber security awareness and executing the Company’s information security strategic objectives. He has numerous certifications in Microsoft as a Certified Professional and System Administrator and a Master of Science degree in Computer Security.

Kayla Lightbourne has been promoted from Corporate Communications Officer and Outreach Coordinator to Senior Corporate Communications Officer – Community Outreach and Events. In her new role, Lightbourne will serve as chief liaison for the Company’s corporate social responsibility program, including planning and execution of community and stakeholder activities. She joined the Company in 2011 as a Temporary Receptionist. She transitioned across various roles, including Customer Service Ambassador, Junior Corporate Communications Officer, and most recently Communications Officer and Community Outreach Coordinator. Lightbourne holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication and a Career Diploma in Event Planning.

Stephanie Dean has been promoted from Customer Experience Specialist to Supervisor of Customer Experience. She joined the Company in 2012 as a Customer Service Representative and held several roles in customer service. In her new position, she is responsible for the dayto-day operations of the Customer Service Department, overseeing and supporting staff, and all duties of the Customer Experience Specialists to ensure that customer satisfaction is consistently achieved, among other responsibilities. Dean holds an Associate’s degree.

Lovell Ingham has been promoted from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Technical Support Specialist to Senior ERP Technical Analyst. In his new role, he is required to maintain the Company’s ERP system and assist in system interface/integration activities and end-user training while monitoring and maintaining FortisTCI’s SQL server and Metering Data environments. Ingham joined the Company in 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems with certifications in Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008. He also boasts technical experience in computer repair, web design, SQL database, and basic networking.

Corelle Kelly has been promoted from Facilities Management Technician I to Facilities Management Technician II. In his new role, he is responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs for all facilities and equipment under the responsibility of the Facilities Management Department. Kelly joined the Company in 2015 as a Laborer and was promoted to his most recent role in 2018.

Sanderlye Methelus was promoted from Administrative Assistant in the Transmission and Distribution Department to Executive Assistant for the Operations Division. In her new role, she provides administrative support services to the Operations Division and the Senior Management Team. Methelus joined the Company in 2012 as a Credit Control Officer. She was transferred to Administrative Assistant in the Transmission and Distribution Division in 2014.

TeAnn Thomas was promoted from Resource Planning and Utility Analytics Officer to Manager of Business Development. In her new role, she will drive innovation and support the management team in strategic and integrated resource planning, finding transformative solutions to business and operating challenges. This position is responsible for innovation and energy resource planning initiatives, the management of the renewable energy program and resources, and assists with the implementation of business analytics. Thomas joined FortisTCI in 2016 as a Junior Business Analyst with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Economics and Political Studies. In 2017, she was awarded a scholarship from FortisTCI and completed her Master’s degree in Developmental Economics in 2018.

FortisTCI is the only Company with Investors In People certification and is benchmarked against international best practices in people management. Commenting on the latest employee movements, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “FortisTCI is a performancebased company, and as such, we continue to recognize high performers and reward them for their work. We value our workforce and strategically create opportunities for professional growth and development so that they can continue to excel in a changing energy landscape.

 

Photo Caption: FortisTCI recently promoted employees (Top: L-R) Devino Missick, Sharon Alli-Jose and TeAnn Thomas (Middle L-R): Corelle Kelly, Lovell Ingham and Stephanie Dean (Bottom: L-R): Sanderlye Methelus, Bradley Jules and Kayla Lightbourne.

Bahamas News

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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Experience Turks and Caicos Hosts Two-Day Workshop on Product Development and Vendor Excellence in Grand Turk

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS  – Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a successful two-day workshop on October 18th and 19th, 2024, with tour operators and vendors, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to enhance their product offerings and guest experiences.

The workshops were held in collaboration with the Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence with facilitators Ms. Marie Berthe Hatt and Ms. Melanie Colpitts leading the discussions. Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila are Platinum Partners with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

The workshops took place at the Yellowman and Sons auditorium in Grand Turk and focused on two critical areas: Product Development and Vendor Excellence, with an emphasis on creating and delivering innovative experiences that respond to today’s travel trends.

As cruise destinations continuously evolve to stay competitive, the Product Development Workshop provided participants with a roadmap to ensure their destination remains fresh and appealing to both cruise lines with the theme: “What’s New in Your Destination?” Key topics included identifying market opportunities and emerging trends, crafting unique and memorable guest experiences, marketing strategies to get experiences noticed and ensuring product sustainability.

The Vendor Excellence workshop, held on the second day, highlighted the pivotal role vendors play in shaping the overall cruise guest experience. This half-day workshop was designed to empower vendors with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional service, improve sales, and enhance their contribution to the destination’s success. Key topics covered during the Vendor Excellence workshop included understanding the critical role of vendors in the success of cruise tourism, optimising products and services for maximum impact, sales mastery and improving revenue-generating capabilities and developing a guest-centric approach to service

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly, applauded the Product Development Team, led by Product Development Manager Mrs. Candesha Mills, for creating an opportunity for tour operators and vendors to enhance their offerings.

“Developing our products to increase visitation and spend on island is a very important aspect of the work of Experience Turks and Caicos. These workshops will go a long way to spark new ideas and new businesses, to improve the way business is conducted, enhance the product development on the island and to affirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from the tourism industry. I applaud the team for this initiative and I thank everyone who attended and participated in these workshops,” the Minister said.

Mrs Mills said: “The two-day workshop was incredibly informative and facilitated great discussions among the participants. Tour operators and vendors walked away with a wealth of knowledge on how to enhance their existing products and services and were inspired to create new ones based on current market trends. This training equipped them with the tools they need to stay competitive and continue delivering exceptional experiences to our cruise guests.”

Ms. Berthe Hatt, shared her enthusiasm following the two-day workshops: “Grand Turk is such a special community, and Melanie and I are so grateful to Experience Turks and Caicos for this opportunity to work with the tour operators and vendors here. Over the last two days, we’ve had such engaged participants and great discussions around new product ideas and raising the level of service. We’re excited and cheering you on.”

Each attendee received a certificate of completion, symbolising their readiness to contribute to the success of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier cruise destination.

Experience Turks and Caicos continues to lead efforts in enhancing the destination’s offerings and empowering local stakeholders, ensuring the islands remain a top choice for cruise lines and their guests.

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Bahamas News

Partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC) to allow greater BPL generation capacity and improved service

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From: Bahamas Information Services

 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  The Ministry of Energy and Transport, in collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Ltd. held a Commissioning Ceremony for Dual Fuel Turbine Engines, October 15, 2024 at Sun Oil Headquarters, Clifton Pier.

Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said: “Today, we are commissioning two dual-fuel turbine engines, because of a public-private partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC).

“The partnership is guided by a Power Purchase Agreement, commonly referred to as a PPA. PPA’s are standard practice in the energy field.

The PPA for this project includes clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for nonperformance. Provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will protect Bahamian households and businesses from large cost fluctuations.”

She noted, “In many countries, including the United States, PPAs have been successful in positively transforming the energy system, delivering consistent electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions, and providing cost-savings.

“The partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited will allow for BPL to increase its generation capacity, with direct benefits for households and businesses in New Providence such as improved reliability in electricity service.

“Currently, the available electricity capacity on New Providence is 256 megawatts.  At full capacity, these engines will add 62 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

“The engines allow for dual fuel technology which will enhance operational flexibility, however by June 2025, the engines will run on LNG.

“The LNG fuel will be provided by Shell North America.”

The Minister explained that for over 60 years, Shell has been a pioneer in LNG and today has a leading integrated gas and LNG business, from producing gas, liquefying gas, trading and shipping it, then turning the LNG back into gas and distributing it to customers.  Further, she said, Shell is one of the world’s leading LNG suppliers, trading 67 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, around 16 percent of the global LNG market.

Continuing: “The partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited is representative of a strategic solution that has proven to be effective and successful in transforming the energy market.

“As a small island developing nation, we must embrace partnerships to grow and deliver meaningful benefits for the Bahamian people. And if we are to be honest, several of our nation’s most successful projects have been birthed through partnerships – Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Lynden Pindling International Airport all stand as testaments to the value of positive partnerships.

“By partnering with reputable companies – those with international experience and proven track records of success, we firmly believe that a brighter energy future for our nation will be secured.

“And let there be no doubt, that as we partner with international companies, we are also resolute on creating opportunities for Bahamian businesses.

“We are proud that all the successful partners for the renewable projects in New Providence and the Family Islands are at least 51 percent Bahamian owned – and in some instances 100 percent Bahamian owned.”

Minister Coleby-Davis said more of the energy vision and plans will be shared in the near future, and pointed out some significant steps that have already been taken, including:  “the passage of the Electricity and Natural Gas Acts, the implementation of the Equity Rate Adjustment initiative at BPL which zero rated the base rate for the first 200 kilowatts of electricity for all residential consumers, the expansion of renewable energy projects in Schools, and the selection of independent power producers to build utility scale renewable energy power in the Family Islands.”

The energy transformation is a journey towards positive and meaningful lasting results, she said, and promise of a brighter energy future, eliciting for households, lower power bills; for large businesses inventory expansion and the hiring of additional staff, and for small and medium sized businesses, improved cash flows and profits.

 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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