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13,000 Travellers expected at PLS this Weekend says TCIAA

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2022 – This coming Saturday 8,000 travellers and on Sunday, 5,000 more will be either inbound or outbound at the Providenciales International Airport. So, undoubtedly, the destination is hot, but for those looking on, the right kind of hot is critical to true success as a leading tourism escape in the Caribbean.

“Approximately 8,000 passengers are expected to be handled at the Providenciales International Airport on Saturday, March 26th, 2022. Of those 8,000 passengers 7,000 will land and depart Providenciales within a continuous 5-hour window between 11am-4PM. All airlines, with especially American Airlines with as many as 11 flights, will arrive during the peak period.

On Sunday, March 27th, 2022 another 5,000 passengers are expected, which will present a much more manageable situation.”

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, TCHTA says it is optimistic that the TCIAA and Government will work with them to make it a better experience.

“We are concerned in a big way, but we know that there are limitations to the existing structure.  We are optimistic that in working with the new CEO some agreeable solutions may be found to resolve the congestion,” said Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the TCHTA.

The Airports Authority says a hands on approach to improving the travel experience at the country’s leading airport gateway, the Providenciales International Airport, is not only being activated in time for the weekend coming but was seen last weekend as well.

“Last weekend officials from the Ministry of Border Control and the Deputy Governor were on hand and took measures to address the issue related to the clearing of inbound passengers. Their efforts and intervention proved most effective and are welcomed,” said the Airports Authority in a Wednesday statement to media.

The real need is manifold in size; a mega expansion of the PLS which has been estimated to cost upward of $350 Million.  The plans are in heavy discussion informs Government, but will obviously not make it through the pipeline in time for the remainder of March and April 2022.

Travel will continue to be record breaking for the next six weekends at least.

The Airports Authority informed that despite some published reports of an $80 million dollar expansion a decade ago, the investment then was $10 million.

(Magnetic Media has made that correction)

It was also thought to be too little; lacking the vision and confidence that the Turks and Caicos was indeed a highly sought after, luxury escape which would outgrow the expanded space, officially dedicated in December 2014.

It took mere months to prove skeptics right.

“TCIAA is aware of the issues of passengers having to remain onboard aircrafts due to the lack of capacity in the arrival hall. We are working with relevant authorities such as Immigration, Customs, the airlines, and hoteliers to expedite this process. Conversations have occurred, are ongoing, and will continue until solutions that work and that we are satisfied with are achieved.”

Recommendations for there to be refreshments, entertainment, greeters or hosts even cooling fans to be stationed have all been made.  The TCIAA, in the Wednesday statement revealed the results of a needs assessment to create a smoother operation at the terminal building.

To manage the expected arrival of some 13,000 passengers this weekend the following measures will take place;

  1. Additional security will be deployed for faster check-in and passenger clearing.
  2. All security scanning positions will be deployed and manned to meet the projected passenger demand.
  3. Additional staff will be deployed for passenger and guest services as has been the case over the past weeks to mitigate congestion. Providenciales International Airport Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: 649.946.4420 Web: www.tciairports.com Email: nikeva@tciairports.com FB: www.facebook.com/tciairports Twitter: @tciaa
  4. We understand that an increased number of Immigration Officers will be utilized. As the Minister responsible, we will deploy additional support from other islands to Providenciales if necessary.
  5. We also understand that more Health Service Officers will be available and are currently being coordinated.
  6. Extra management, supervisory and customer service representatives are necessary to handle visitor questions and processing and will be deployed.
  7. The departure lounge capacity is not a quick fix. The immediate solution might be to work with Hotels and Villa operators to better coordinate the departure of our guests. This will be explored by the TCIAA. We are still working on these solutions with external stakeholders. This could have added cost and logistics to the stakeholders however we must see the greater good and we strongly encourage our accommodation stakeholders to work with the TCIAA on this effort.
  8. The Airports Authority is reviewing the use portable and modular space for passengers in both arrival and check-in space as a temporary solution.
  9. Transparent discussions with restaurants and supply chain operators are ongoing about innovative and operational ways to make passenger experience more acceptable.

Eyes will be on the airport this weekend to see if the collaboration is effective in dousing the ‘hot mess’ which has become an unsavory label and which has been pushed out on social media.

This one came to our newsroom following the horrendous lines over the St Patrick’s Day weekend.

“Hot, super crowded, messy.  It’s an embarrassment to the country that this is the first and last place we see.”

Caribbean News

Barbados Investment & Development Corporation (BIDC) signs MoU to collaborate on the development of sustainable ocean renewable energy with Global OTEC

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Consultant Manager Bloom Clean Technology & Climate Tech Center of Excellence - Mr. Damien Prescod / Chief Executive Officer of Global OTEC Mr. Dan Grech at UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 10th

10th June 2025, Nice, France — The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held this month in Nice, France, was the stage for an important advancement for marine renewable energy in Barbados. In the margins of the event, the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation (BIDC), through its Bloom Clean Technology and Climate Tech Center of Excellence, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global OTEC, a climate technology company specialised in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). This partnership supports the industrial development targets with regards to sustainable clean energy production for energy security at the Corporation’s Industrial Estates and “energy” as an export commodity.

The landmark collaboration reaffirms BIDC’s commitment to innovative around clean technology solutions from the Blue Economy of Barbados. Barbados has set ambitious goals to achieve diversification of its energy mix and a reduction on the reliance on heavy fuels imported into the island for energy production. Through collaborations such as this, it is without doubt that the island’s target of becoming a carbon neutral state by 2030 will become a reality and OTEC can play a vital role in this plan not only in Barbados but also neighbouring Caribbean territories.

Through the MoU, both parties will collaborate on technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the evaluation of suitable locations for the technology implementation. OTEC can change the island’s industrial development and clean technology landscape, bringing sustainable climate smart baseload power 24/7 to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), being a viable solution to the current diesel generators that provide electricity to over 282,000 Barbadians. Using the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water to provide continuous electricity, OTEC is well suited for the country given the shelf on its eastern coast.

“Small Island Developing States need to innovate in their industrial development thinking and their approach with regards to their energy security and sovereignty, manufacturing and processing, technical capacity development, scientific knowledge acquisition and technology transfer for future focused careers and sustainable economic growth. The volatility of global energy markets due to geo-political conflict and logistical challenges leave the economies of SIDS vulnerable, equally when we consider climate change, it’s clear that the business as usual will no longer be adequate for industrial and sustainable development in the global South, especially in the context of the blue economy. Greening our industrial estates through innovative technology will remain a key strategic objective at the Corporation, especially if the technology under consideration can positively impact of manufacturing and commodity export portfolio”, states BIDC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mark Hill.

The MoU follows a growing interest in ocean-based climate solutions among SIDS, which face increasing pressure to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. Global OTEC’s modular approach to the technology is designed to integrate with island grids, offering a sustainable alternative to diesel generation and can provide energy redundancy to the grid after severe weather impacts from tropical storms. BIDC’s green hydrogen targets can also be assisted by Global OTEC’s technological solution.

Global OTEC is also leading the EU-funded project PLOTEC, which built and will test a floating storm-resistant structure for OTEC in weather-prone regions, such as the Caribbean. The advancements in design and materials will make ocean energy more resilient to tropical storms and severe climate conditions, leaving countries like Barbados less vulnerable to electricity outages, particularly when needed the most.

Barbados has previously expressed interest in OTEC, as last year Global OTEC presented its projects in a roundtable at the Export Barbados (BIDC) headquarters. “Barbados continues to lead by example in the global blue economy. This MoU builds on our longstanding engagement with the country and signals our commitment to making Barbados the launchpad for a Caribbean cluster of ocean thermal projects. We can unlock clean, reliable power from the ocean, and Barbados is showing the region how it can be a lighthouse for the region”, emphasises Global OTEC Founder and CEO Dan Grech.

OTEC: a great fit for the Caribbean

The Caribbean is facing an energy crisis, commonly referred to as a “fuel trap”. To escape this trap, the region needs renewable energy technologies that take into account its unique characteristics, such as limited land space and vulnerability to tropical storms. In addition, there is an urgent need to reduce electricity prices, which are currently around USD 0.25 per kWh on average, more than double the average price in the United States. In some Caribbean countries, the prices can go up to over USD 0.40 per kWh.

As these countries rely heavily on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of their electricity supply coming from this source, the consequent high and fluctuating costs affect competitiveness, and productivity and perpetuate poverty. OTEC can help the Caribbean overcome its energy challenges, harnessing the power of the ocean, the islands’ main natural resource, to deliver clean and reliable power while reducing diesel costs by up to 50%.

About Global OTEC

Global OTEC is a UK-based company set up to accelerate the commercialization of a floating OTEC technology to develop zero-carbon, baseload, clean energy sources that achieve maximum impact in empowering SIDS, Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and Coastal Nations with energy security whilst helping the Earth reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eventually eliminate total dependence on fossil fuel.

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The Turks and Caicos Islands attends Green Overseas Climate Change Resilience Community Regional Workshop on Coastal Hazards

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Participants and GO Green Coordinators (Hôtel de la Collectivité, Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy)

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCIES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 18 June 2025: The Turks and Caicos Islands participated in The Green Overseas (GO) Climate Change Resilience Community workshop, which was delivered in both English and French, was held from 19th – 23rd May 2025 in St Barthélemy and Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.  This 5-day workshop brought together Environmental and Disaster Management Professionals from 15 Countries and Territories for Regional Collaboration on Climate Resilience and Risk Management Strategies.

As Climate Change accelerates and coastal threats intensify, Regional Experts are strategising to protect fragile ecosystems and communities.  This workshop featured presentations, discussions, and field visits aimed at strengthening local and regional capacity to better respond to climate-related coastal challenges.

Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) were Mr. Angelo Duncan, Hazard Mitigation and GIS Manager from the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), and Ms. Britney Simmons, Land Use Planner from The Planning Department.  Both representatives contributed to discussions on national adaptation strategies and shared insights from TCI.

A highlight of the discussions was the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in monitoring coral health, shoreline erosion, and habitat loss. By harnessing GIS technology, experts can make data-driven decisions to prioritise conservation efforts and enhance resilience-building strategies.

“At this workshop, it became evident that other Overseas Territories face unique, yet similarly pressing, environmental challenges,” said Angelo Duncan, Hazard Mitigation and GIS Manager. “The exchange of knowledge and strategic approaches among territories has strengthened our collective commitment to protecting and raising awareness for these vital environments. By continuing to share innovations and best practices, we move closer to a more resilient and sustainable future for all of our islands.”

Participants also visited key coastal sites in St. Martin and Saint Barthélemy, observing firsthand nature-based mitigation techniques and community-driven resilience efforts, that showcased innovative solutions that can be adapted in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The event significantly expanded the GO Climate Change Resilience network, promoting ongoing collaboration across the region.

Countries and Territories in Attendance:
Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, Curaçao, St. Martin, Falkland Islands, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, St. Pierre, British Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Tahiti, Tristan da Cunha, Aruba, and Saba.

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1st insert: Angelo Duncan (Center), Britney Simmons (Right) at Sint Maarten National Flag Pole overlooking the city.

2nd insert: Britney Simmons Hazard Mitigation Planning Simulation

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Bahamas News

Scotiabank Bahamas Hosts Exclusive Mortgage Seminar & Cocktail Event, Honours Top Referral Partners  

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Nassau, Bahamas – Scotiabank Bahamas recently brought together a distinguished network of real estate professionals, attorneys and industry partners for an exclusive Mortgage Seminar & Cocktail Event designed to share insights, deepen collaboration and celebrate the achievements of top performers in the Bank’s Mortgage Referral Programme.

The Mortgage event featured expert-led discussions that explored key elements of the homeownership journey, including Scotiabank’s industry-leading mortgage offerings, innovative financing solutions, and its commitment to service excellence. Note worthy were the contributions real estate professionals, attorneys and industry partners make to the bank’s referral program.

The program has not only helped thousands realize their homeownership goals, with up to 95% financing available, but has also proven to be a valuable tool for industry partners to earn. Some realtors and brokers have referred up to $50 million in mortgage loans through the program, a testament to its success and the strong relationships the Bank maintains with its professional network.

During the evening, awards were presented to top-performing agents and brokers who consistently referred clients to Scotiabank and demonstrated unwavering support of the Bank’s mission to deliver quality financial solutions.

“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the professionals who play such a vital role in helping people achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Na-amah Barker, Director of Retail Banking and Small Business, Scotiabank Bahamas. “Their trust in Scotiabank, paired with their commitment to their clients, is what makes our Mortgage Referral Programme so impactful.”

Scotiabank continues to be the preferred bank for mortgages in The Bahamas, thanks to its competitive rates, flexible financing options, and a deeply knowledgeable team of mortgage specialists who provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Working in tandem with a trusted community of real estate agents, brokers, and legal advisors, the Bank ensures that clients experience a smooth and informed mortgage journey from pre-approval to closing.

“Our network of referral partners is more than just a channel, it’s a community,” added Barker. “By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive real estate ecosystem that’s centered on helping Bahamians build generational wealth through property ownership.”

Monica Knowles, Broker at Realty One Group Bahamas, praised the initiative and emphasized its significance for the wider market. Scotiabank continues to be the institution of choice for funding when acquiring a home.

Scotiabank Bahamas Hosts Exclusive Mortgage Seminar

Scotiabank extended its heartfelt appreciation to all who attended the seminar, shared insights and contributed to a memorable evening of collaboration and connection. The Bank remains committed to supporting its partners and clients alike, as it continues to lead in the mortgage space with integrity, innovation and impact.

Captioned Photos

Header: Demetri Mackey – Scotiabank Carmichael Rd branch manager & Jarissa Russell, Scotiabank East st & Soldier rd branch manager and guest presenter Wence Martin Attorney were panelist at the evening’s event.

1st insert: ERA Dupuch Real Estate team were happy to be in attendance a the Scotibank Mortgage Seminar.

2nd insert: James Galantis – agent at The Agency Bahamas Real Estate in conversation with industry colleague.

3rd insert: Lindsey Cancino – Bahamas Reality awarded Top Referral Partner with Na-amah Barker – Director of Retail Banking and Small Businesses

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