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The Worse is Yet to come as FortisTCI gives disheartening outlook on electricity bills

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 5, 2022 – Residents’ reactions ranged from shock to outrage last week when their June electricity bills revealed massive jumps driven by an increase in the fuel factor for everyone. Even more shocking are the widespread instances of heightened consumption. Residents say this in particular needs immediate investigation.

But according to FortisTCI, the costs are going to get worse.

“Based on the latest information received from our fuel supplier, the cost of fuel will rise significantly over the next several months, which will cause a further increase in the fuel factor and ultimately an increase in electricity bills.” FortisTCI said.

The nation’s electricity supplier explained that the global increases across food, gas and other sectors was affecting them in the utility sector as well. Based on the outcry after the June bills residents simply cannot afford another increase, nor can they afford to live without electricity.

FortisTCI has also warned that consumption was likely to increase next month.  Hotter temperatures which may require the use of air conditioning and children now being home all day for summer break are certain to raise consumption a little.

The news is disheartening for residents who have been absorbing price increase after increase over the past several months. Also disheartening is the silence on the issue from the government. To date there has been no official response to the issue from any member of government.

Magnetic Media has sought to get some response from Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs which has oversight of the Energy and Utilities Commissioner and E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier & Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, which is the home ministry for the consumer protection department.

Meanwhile FortisTCI says its aim is to allow residents some legroom for payment.

Effective immediately there will be no penalties on late payments during the months of July and August 2022, no disconnections for balances less than 60 days overdue from July to August 2022 and finally some residents will benefit from payment plans which will be done on a case-by-case basis.

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Robinson, Malcolm and Saunders Assigned Expanded Roles in Premier’s Cabinet Re-Alignment

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – The Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick has moved to reconfigure Cabinet responsibilities following the removal of former minister Otis Morris, with key elements of that portfolio now redistributed among three sitting ministers in what the Office of the Premier describes as a strategic effort to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery.

In formal communication to Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Premier confirmed the reassignment of departments and statutory bodies across ministries, signalling a restructuring rather than the immediate appointment of a replacement. While the Premier had earlier indicated he would assume oversight of the vacated responsibilities, the latest arrangement instead spreads those duties across existing Cabinet members, reflecting what officials have described as confidence in the Government’s depth of leadership.

As part of the changes, the Ministry previously known as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation has been redesignated as the Ministry of Home Affairs, with temporary oversight assigned to Deputy Premier, the Honourable Jamell Robinson. That Ministry now includes Policy Planning and Administrative Support for Home Affairs, the Registrar General’s Office, Citizenship and Naturalization, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and District Administration for North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos and Salt Cay, consolidating core administrative and civil functions under a single portfolio.

The Honourable Shaun David Malcolm has been reassigned from his previous post and now serves as Minister of Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare, following the revocation of his earlier appointment under constitutional provisions. His expanded Ministry now incorporates a wide range of functions, including Policy Planning and Administrative Support, Postal Services, the Department of Correctional Services, Fire and Rescue, the Department of Community Support and Engagement, the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, Religious and Gender Affairs, the Department of Family and Children Services, as well as oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority, the Air Traffic Licensing Authority and the Telecommunications Commission, marking a significant broadening of responsibilities tied to national safety, social services and regulatory oversight.

Meanwhile, the Honourable E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, retains his portfolio with additional responsibility for the Water Undertaking Department. His Ministry now comprises Policy Planning and Administrative Support, the Water Undertaking Department, Customer and Government Information Services, the Energy and Utilities Department, Innovation, Communication and E-Government, and Radio Turks and Caicos, expanding the Ministry’s role in critical infrastructure, communications and utility management.

The Office of the Premier has framed the adjustments as both administrative and strategic, intended to better align ministerial portfolios with national priorities while improving coordination and oversight across Government. The redistribution of responsibilities across three ministers—rather than the immediate installation of a successor—points to a transitional approach, with the Premier opting to utilise existing Cabinet capacity while longer-term decisions are considered.

No timeline has been given for the appointment of a new minister to replace Morris, but the restructuring places operational control of key functions across multiple portfolios, effectively dividing the former minister’s responsibilities among Robinson, Malcolm and Saunders. The Premier has indicated that the realignment is designed to enhance efficiency and responsiveness, with ministries expected to implement the new structure immediately following the execution of the necessary instruments.

The changes come as the administration continues to emphasise institutional strengthening and improved public service delivery, with the Premier maintaining that the revised Cabinet structure will support more effective governance and better outcomes for residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Caribbean News

Team Trinidad & Tobago Makes Waves with Historic CARIFTA Aquatics Performance

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April 14, 2026 – Team Trinidad and Tobago delivered one of the most commanding performances at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, finishing third overall in swimming and second in athletics, signaling a powerful resurgence on the regional stage.

Competing in Martinique, the swim team amassed an impressive 747 points and 59 medals—20 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze—in what officials are calling a historic showing. The result marks a significant step forward from previous years, reinforcing the country’s growing strength across disciplines and age groups.

Standout performances came from a deep and talented squad. Zahara Anthony led the charge with 72 points, dominating the Girls 11–12 division across freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events. Liam Carrington followed closely with 69 points, delivering a near-flawless campaign in the Boys 15–17 category, while Marena Martinez, Xaiden Valentine and Serenity Pantin added critical points with consistent podium finishes.

The team’s strength was not limited to individual brilliance. Athletes like Micah Alexander, Ethan McMillan-Cole and Jaden Mills showcased versatility and depth, while relay contributions from swimmers including Julius Ennals and Anpherne Bernard helped secure the team’s overall standing.

The performance drew high praise from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, which welcomed the team home in celebration of what was described as a defining moment for the programme.

Minister Phillip Watts noted, “This success is not accidental. It is the result of hard work, structure, vision, and belief. Our young athletes are proving that Trinidad and Tobago is rising again.”

He added that every performance sent a clear message across the region that the country is “not standing still… we are moving forward.”

The showing in Martinique underscores the impact of sustained investment in youth development, coaching and systems, with Team TTO emerging as one of the most complete and competitive squads at CARIFTA 2026.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Trinidad and Tobago’s swimmers are not just competing—they are setting the pace for the future of Caribbean aquatics.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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Bahamas News

New Manifestos Released as Bahamas Heads to Historic May 12 Vote

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The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – With the 2026 Bahamian general election set for May 12, the country’s major political parties have now formally placed their plans before the electorate, offering competing visions for governance, growth and relief.

The governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Philip Davis, launched its “Blueprint for Progress 2026” on April 8, 2026, outlining a 46-page plan focused on long-term development and systems reform. The document places heavy emphasis on energy transition, digital government, workforce training and food security, positioning the party as one seeking continuity following its first term. The full plan is publicly available online through official PLP platforms for voters to review.

Just days later, on Sunday, April 12, the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), under Michael Pintard, unveiled its 2026 Manifesto at a major event in Nassau. Spanning 54 pages, the document centers on cost-of-living relief, tax reform, healthcare expansion and housing, offering what the party describes as a more immediate response to economic pressures facing Bahamian families. The FNM has also made its manifesto accessible online.

Beyond the two major parties, the Coalition of Independents (COI) had already entered the policy space earlier, formally unveiling its long-range Vision 2030 framework on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Fusion Superplex in Nassau during a packed national launch led by party leader Lincoln Bain. That framework has since been complemented by a 100-day action plan released in late March/early April 2026, adding a short-term policy layer to its long-range proposals.

These policy rollouts come as the country prepares for a pivotal vote, with the Parliamentary Registration Department confirming a voters’ register of approximately 203,000 eligible voters, one of the largest in the nation’s history. Key dates are now set, with Nomination Day on April 16, followed by advance polls on April 30, ahead of General Election Day on May 12.

With platforms now in the public domain and the timeline locked in, the focus shifts squarely to the electorate—who must now weigh the promises, examine the plans and decide the country’s direction at the polls.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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