Connect with us

News

Pennies in Savings; Food, Fuel & Import Prices set to Soar

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2022 – TCI Government will have to accelerate its reassessment plans when it comes to the $15 million Food and Fuel Tax Break because currently the drop in Customs Processing Fee (CPF) is only giving consumers pennies, if anything, in savings on grocery items. The reason, a rocketing inflation rate.

Prices on goods around the world are escalating rapidly and making matters worse, shipping costs are also marked up; not good for the Turks and Caicos which is heavily dependent upon imports.

GROCERIES 

Since the start of April, shippers have been passing along the higher costs of doing business.  Staple food items are more expensive and scarce.  Magnetic Media observed empty shelves in several popular grocery stores in the Turks and Caicos; it was extremely concerning.

“It is still very difficult getting products in; we are trying,” explained a produce manager.

The current 2.5 per cent break on the CPF, is working but only to soften the blow on constantly rising levels of inflation; it means the government will have to go back to the drawing board.

Covid-19, shipping delays, lockdowns, quarantine orders, anti-vaccine protests, even the US stimulus to citizens which is financing extreme shopping are all blamed for the inflation; a perfect storm of events which has brought this pressure upon households now having to take on unbearable financial burdens and the Turks and Caicos is no exception.

The Russian-led war on the Ukraine has exacerbated the predicament.

We visited Sunny Foods store, with four grocery outlets in Provo and Grand Turk, where the decision has been to put the regular price and the reduced price on the same sticker.  With the CPF applied, shoppers are saving only between one and four cents on popular grocery items.

Graceway Supermarkets decided to apply the CPF tax break on everything at the start of April; the company which owns three grocery stores in Providenciales and one food store in Grand Turk, informed that changes on price tags will come later, the savings will reflect at the cash register for now.

Sam’s Club in Providenciales is dropping prices by three per cent across the board at the register.  Gus, the owner, is prepared to take a loss in order to simplify the process and attract shoppers.

P&K Spendless Supermarkets said their new stock will reflect the CPF discount, but no new stock is in store as yet.

Our news organization has been informed there has been no engagement by the Government with most of these food stores.

We are also told that every day, notices are coming from suppliers about increases in costs on the popular goods.  Meanwhile, the rising cost of living signals that it is time for workers to get a raise.

Government has been able to tap into the public purse to augment salaries and other public service payouts by $30 million this fiscal year.  The private sector has no such luxury.

National Insurance Board payments have increased since the start of April; another cost factor which is neutralizing the impact of the Government’s $500 Inflation Stimulus and the Food & Fuel Tax Break.

The recommendation from the grocers, when Magnetic Media quizzed them about a possible solution: ‘for a few months, as was done during the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic, drop the duty completely on bread basket items.

ELECTRICITY 

There will be no reprieve in electricity bills either; FortisTCI has delivered a three pronged message namely: the company’s efforts to become less fuel dependent; consumer advice encouraging energy conservation and the inescapable reality of surging oil prices which have now topped $100 per barrel.

The TCI’s electricity provider explained despite negotiations for better fuel rates, its supplier, Sun Oil has communicated that the Ukraine crisis will continue to drive up, oil prices.

“We have certainly been in discussions with our supplier and they do have inventory that is currently on hand, that does have the full Customs Processing Fee, CPF included already that has to be exhausted before that reduced Customs Processing Fee is then passed on to FortisTCI, which will flow through the customer bills,” said Aisha Laporte, VP of Finance at FortisTCI during an April 8 episode of Expressions radio show which is hosted by Robert Hall.  “…but from the projections that we have we are expected to the see the reduction in the customs processing fee by May.

But I also want to say Mr. Hall, while that 2.5 per cent customs processing fee will be reflected, we’re also seeing an even larger marginal increase on just the cost of fuel. So that will outweigh the reduction from the savings on the Customs Processing Fee.”

FUEL 

The report is equally as grim from TCI fuel suppliers.

McAllister Hanchell is Managing Director at Caicos Oil and he communicated early on, that fuel prices are fluctuating so rapidly, it was likely any small reduction would impact prices at the gas pumps.

Hanchell said oil prices are fluctuating, two to three per day in some cases.

This means though the government has come up with a tax break on the customs processing fee and the government’s fuel tax on gas sold at the pumps, it will have no bearing on the cost of the commodity on the open market, or the shipping fees which are also impacted by the pandemic and the conflict in the Ukraine.

Hanchell believes the 85 cents per gallon TCI Government collects on fuel, should be temporarily suspended.

SHIPPING 

SEACOR has conveyed three significant rate increases since the start of April.  On April 4th the shipping charges were raised due the surge in oil costs per barrel from around $80 to now over $100.  Last week, an inland surcharge was passed onto the company; a new fee for shippers out of South Florida related to ground handling and that has resulted in higher charges on imports.

South Florida will apply a 20 per cent inland surcharge for all north and southbound shipments from Miami Dade County, Broward County and Ft Lauderdale.

On April 10, this notice came to SeaCor’s local link, AlServices Ltd:  “Please note, effective Sunday, May 1, 2022, the below General Rate Increase (GRI) on the Ocean Freight charge will be applicable on all shipments to/from the United States and Turks & Caicos…”

The month of May is also when Cargo Express and Tropical Shipping will begin to charge more for its transport services.  From Carl Simmons, Director there was this response to our queries on the kind of cost adjustments were pending:

“Tropical Shipping/Cargo Express Services can confirm that since the war began in Ukraine there has been an increase in Fuel costs that has impacted the costs of Shipping and Trucking to the Turks and Caicos Islands and other parts of the Caribbean. These increases would obviously be passed onto the customers and will ultimately impact consumers.

As of May 1st, 2022, Cargo Express Services will increase Trucking for Containerized cargo by $50.00 to all its Turks and Caicos customers; mainly due to the rise in fuel costs and replacement parts.”

Government’s around the world are powerless to control the cost of goods, supply chain issues, and despite harsh sanctions Russia continues its deadly, militant incursion of the Ukraine – the only solution is a reduction in government imposed taxes, which Consumers say are happening far too slow and offering cuts which are way too meager.

Meanwhile, since their March 15 national press conference, the TCI Government has issued no statement on the rolling issue.

News

TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

Continue Reading

News

Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

Published

on

Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

Continue Reading

News

SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

Published

on

12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING