Eric Salamanca is TCI’s new Energy Commissioner; TODAY he announces EU funding for Renewable Energy 

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, November 29, 2022 – As the globe looks to more sustainable energy, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ renewable energy bill is progressing with the help of a new Energy Commissioner.  Longtime resident, Eric Salamanca has taken up the post just when residents are bruised by the pinch of ever-increasing oil and gas prices globally.

The appointment was announced by Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development and Acting Minister of Home Affairs.  He revealed the information while responding to queries by residents about the pace of renewable energy implementation in the Turks and Caicos Islands at a town hall meeting in Providenciales on November 21st.

“The bill is being worked on, and hopefully we’ll have some resolution to bring something to Cabinet in the future to be able to take to the House of Assembly to pass. We’ve just appointed our energy commissioner, so once he’s in, he will have sight of the bill to give his input so that can be finalized,” Robinson stated.

An energy analyst by profession, Salamanca worked with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and other government agencies before the Energy and Utilities Department.  He has over 20 years of experience in his field.

On Tuesday November 29, Salamanca will make a major announcement related to funding accessed by the TCI Government through the European Union.

The programme is dubbed:  The Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID).  RESEMBID executive team members will join the press conference, to be held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, virtually.

Turks and Caicos Islands is one of 12 overseas territories qualifying for a slice of the 1.4 million euros and in attendance will be Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor and Otis Morris, TCI Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities & Transport.