News
Gov’t will not go to FortisTCI for you; Premier responds to our question on Representation
#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – Residents must take concerns about their consumption to FortisTCI themselves according to Premier Washington Misick who says the government cannot step in to seek clarification.
“First of all, if people are unhappy or feel as if they have been billed wrongly the first step would be to approach Fortis about why their bill is so high or why consumption has gone up,” Misick said.
He maintained that Fortis had a system where they would come in and assist with an audit of power consumption for residents. He said questions alluded to ‘potential sleight of hand’ and the government would not insert themselves.
“The government wouldn’t get involved in any fight until there is hard evidence to prove—- the court system also exists for people to take their issues to. Yes we do have a department of that deals with consumer protection and yes if that matter is reported and there is justifiable reason to suspect that something untoward is happening we will look into it and engage on behalf of consumers generally.”
He maintained though that this type of investigation would be terrible for FortisTCI.
“That would be a really bad reflection on Fortis, which is a publicly listed company from a reputational point of view.
It could be extremely damaging if it could be proven that they are stealing from people.”
At the same time Misick unapologetically cast doubt on other companies and whether they were truly passing on the proceeds from the Food and Fuel Tax Break sanctioned in March. This was despite acknowledging earlier in the press conference the massive increase in shipping costs and costs of goods.
“We reduced the CPF on fuel from seven percent to five percent and we expected that it would have had an impact on the power bills. At the same time prices continued to rise. Fortis has indicated that it has had no impact or very little impact on the bill. We could have gone several ways with the stimulus we could have reduced taxes by that amount or more through customs duty or CPS and leave it to the force of economics and have it trickle down to the population but we’ve learned that it doesn’t work that way because the merchants whether they be Fortis or the supermarkets or any other entity never seem to pass the savings on.”
The Premier maintained that it was a misunderstanding to say the government had not done anything about the electricity bills as the stipend would help and there would possibly be several stimulus payments in a single household to offset costs.
Additionally Missick maintained that they were in negotiations with Fortis about several issues including renewable energy and investments which could ‘potentially impact the cost of power.’
“For those people who are saying we haven’t touched the fuel factor or the decisions that we made we left Fortis out of the loop that is not the case.”
In March the government confirmed they had not met with any business owners including Fortis TCI to consult on the implementation and logistics of the Food and Fuel Tax break. FortisTCI had also explained in March that because of the rising fuel costs the 2.5 percent decrease was unlikely to make a dent in electricity prices.
Residents still have questions about the raised consumption on their June bills which combined with the raised fuel bills sent some bills up hundreds of dollars.
In three days, the current FortisTCI electricity billing cycle ends.
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
-
Crime4 days agoFrom TCI Police, a DOUBLE HOMICIDE:
-
Bahamas News4 days agoFreeport Health Campus development, progressing steadily
-
TCI News1 week agoNOMINATION DAY FOR TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS GENERAL ELECTIONS 2025
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCIBC Caribbean warns about ‘smishing’ scam
-
TCI News6 days agoTURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT (TCIG) – SPACEX INCIDENT PUBLIC ADVISORY
-
News5 days agoAnother Hard-hitting loss for Turks and Caicos; Gospel preacher Elva Talbot Murdered at home
-
Caribbean News4 days agoGovernment Committed to Making Housing More Affordable – PM
-
Crime3 days agoUpdated Double Homicide Statement – #2